“Do you have to access the streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime) thru Roku or can you access those services directly if you don't want to use Roku?”
Answer This Question
1-8 of 8 Answers
The entire TV uses Roku for the user interface. Roku is not separate. You either use Roku apps for your sources (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney Plus, etc.) or you can get content through a HDMI input source (TiVo, Blu-Ray, Fire TV Stick, AV receiver, or though OTA antenna or composite video (think VCR). You can use streaming apps through other hardware such as BluRay player or Fire TV stick, but I don't see any real advantage to that, and I certainly wouldn't call that "directly". Think of it this way. You use Android or iOS for your phone. Your computer uses Windows, MacOS, or possibly ChromeOS. This TV uses Roku. I find that it works very well. My TV is hooked up to TiVo, Blu-Ray, Comcast X1 streaming box (so I can get Peacock, which will be available directly on Roku July 15, 2020 so I can ditch to X1), my AV receiver, and finally my VCR. Roku has hundreds of additional apps that can be downloaded for additional content.
There is no way to bypass the Roku sign-on/sign-up screen (at least I did not find one) on initial setup. However there is no fee to sign up. Once the sign-up is completed, you have the Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Netflix and other apps that can stream video just like any other TV (I've used Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Vizio). Think of Roku as the interface or OS (just like the other manufacturers already mentioned). My first time using Roku and the simple remote. I was sure it was going to be horrible, but it works really well. I can compare it to the simple and intuitive WebOS on the LG line. Samsung being third in my book and Panasonic being a pain (I hate adds). As a last note, this is not my first $1K+ TV with QLED tech- cough Samsung-. It is the first $1K+ TV with QLED tech that I DIDN'T feel like I got ripped off. Kudos to TCL. As far as longevity, that remains to be seen.
Verified Purchase
You could, but not sure why you'd want to. You would need to have a different streaming device like a Chromecast, AppleTV, or Amazon Fire stick. All four HDMI ports can be easily accessed from the main screen.
This is a Roku tv. The platform is through Roku, so in order to get to Netflix, Amazon prime, etc... you download the app through Roku and register. The remote does have a quick access button for Netflix, Hulu, Roku channel, and ESPN+.
- Verified Purchase
All of our TCL Roku TVs have a Roku operating system built-in. Roku is a streaming platform that offers many features, including thousands of streaming channels (apps) and over 500,000 movies and TV episodes. Some content is free while other content is subscription-based or pay-per-view. You can go to www.Roku.com/whats-on to see what streaming channels and apps are offered through the Roku Channel Store. To search for a specific channel you would simply want to enter that information into the search section. Hope this helps! Thank you, TCL Customer Support
You can go direct to the channel no Roku needed the TV is really based on Roku though the TV is very cool and very consistent I really like this unit so far.
- Verified Purchase
You use all the apps directly the Roku platform is basically like the goggle play store or like apple store it just a App Store where you and find and download different streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ and so many others they have free apps also
- Verified Purchase
Yes. You can access them. Just download and subscribe to the Apps.
- Verified Purchase
