Roku TVs are known for their internet-connected features, but they also support the use of HDTV antennas, letting you pick up local broadcast channels over the airwaves — at least, that’s how it’s supposed to work. Roku recently upgraded its Live TV Guide feature into a more unified interface with improved search functionality. As part of this unification, over-the-air (OTA) channels are now located in the same place as internet-dependent channels. Accessing the Live TV Guide requires an internet connection, which effectively means that you’re blocked from watching local broadcasts if you have no internet.
Roku reached out to Cord Cutter News to confirm that the company did not intentionally prevent free OTA TV channels from working without an internet connection. Teams are working on a fix that will roll out within the coming days or weeks.
The main selling point of Roku TVs is the ability to watch content or even play games using essential Roku TV apps. However, the option to use an antenna to watch local channels is a massive quality-of-life feature. Local channels are often the most convenient places to watch major sports events. Access to OTA channels is also a significant safety consideration during emergency scenarios. During an internet outage, you can still catch important news and weather reports using an OTA antenna. If you live in an area where severe storms are common, the recent Roku TV change might be a risk factor for you until the company fixes the issue.
The new Roku TV change reflects poorly on the company
To put a finer point on the matter, the fact that Roku TVs are currently blocking local channels without an internet connection is a major bug that is unacceptable for users who don’t always have access to flawless internet. It adds to a list of uncomfortable truths about using Roku TV. For a company that has a history of privacy concerns and inconsistent optimization, it’s a bad look to roll out a problematic update that is currently taking multiple weeks to fix.
There are certainly several ways Roku is better than the Amazon Fire Stick. For one thing, you get a cleaner and more streamlined interface on the Roku TV. This is especially true after the recent change to the Live TV Guide feature. Of course, that’s the very same change that is currently making it impossible to watch local over-the-air channels without an internet connection.
On the other hand, an Amazon Fire TV has all the benefits of Amazon’s more robust smart home ecosystem. Like Roku TVs, Amazon Fire TVs also allow you to connect an HDTV antenna and watch local OTA channels for free. Until Roku resolves its ongoing issues, Fire TVs will have the distinct advantage of allowing you to do so without an internet connection, at least on models that have a built-in tuner.
