Among the most sought-after streaming gadgets now on the market are Roku devices. Those who want to escape the constraints of conventional cable will find the gadgets ideal because of their simplicity, almost endless channel count, and inexpensive pricing. But many first-time Roku customers wonder, "Can I watch Dish Network on my Roku?" Though there is no official Dish client for Roku, workarounds and third-party services allow one to see Dish TV on Roku. These are the methods Dish channels may be viewed on a Roku streaming device.
Use the Dish Anywhere App
Dish Anywhere is a mobile app available from Dish Network that lets Dish customers see on-demand and live shows from their Dish accounts. It lets consumers view everything on the satellite channel bundle just as at home and install the Dish Anywhere app on a few chosen Roku devices.
To use the Dish Anywhere app, you'll need:
- The Dish satellite subscription which is still active with a Hopper 3 or Hopper with Sling. These other receivers do not support Dish Anywhere streaming.
- The Dish Anywhere app with your Roku streaming player or Roku TV through the support of an app.
- Internet connection on your Hopper as well as on your Roku device.
Launch the Dish Anywhere app and log in using your Dish account information after the installation is finished. The app will display all the shows in your bundle as well as all the ones that are presently on broadcast. Roku thus helps you to sort among the channel, program, and DVR-recorded program list. Still, the app only offers streaming services both within your house and over the same Wi-Fi network as the Hopper receiver. Still, it gives you complete access to every capability of Dish subscription services.
Use an Over-the-Air Antenna
Perhaps it is one of the biggest advantages of Dish satellite service, in addition to local channels. A simple way to watch your local channels on a Roku is to plug in an over-the-air, high-definition antenna. Indoor or outdoor antennas can also receive broadcast stations such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and other stations available in your region without paying any monthly subscription.
With an antenna connected to a streaming device such as Roku, Tablo, or Plex, you can watch local news and other large networks on your Roku in high-definition clarity. This is particularly useful during some stormy conditions that may interfere with the satellite signals. Local channels through antenna do not need Dish which means the cost of having an antenna plus streaming setup is way cheaper than spending money just to have satellite service for locals.
Now, let’s sign up for a live TV streaming service.
For users who are moving from Dish, their preferred options are live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. These online replacements provide live channels from across the country along with a cloud DVR, on-demand libraries as well as regional sports just like cable or satellite television but with only an internet connection.
Thus, the best match for Dish programming is with Sling TV. That is because Sling is a subsidiary of Dish and is their online version that is cheaper than the satellite offering. Sling has tailored channel bundles such as the Dish Flex Pack with the possibility of adding features like sports, movies, and locals, among others. So whether specific Dish channels are all you’ll miss after canceling satellite, Sling makes it possible to achieve just that over streaming.
YouTube TV or Hulu Live TV can also mimic other Dish channels. They bring local channels, DVR storage, and simultaneous streams which are missing in Sling’s basic packages. There are strengths and weaknesses in each streaming service depending on the channel requirement, price, and features.
On the other hand, if you want to use a Digital TV Tuner, follow these steps:
Another workaround allows you to DVR live TV from an outdoor or indoor HD antenna to a Roku. Devices like AirTV, Tablo, or HDHomeRun attach to the antenna on one side and to your home network on the other side. That enables different Roku devices in the same network to stream the channels as they would the normal cable channels or streaming applications.
That way, you can cancel Dish service but still get free local channels on Roku. You can also integrate extra hard drive storage into some of the tuners to include DVR recording capabilities into the mix. For instance, let’s compare two tuners, Tablo vs AirTV, to determine the best choice for streaming free OTA TV via Roku devices.
Cast DISH On-Demand Content
The last of the ways to get Dish channels on Roku is not directly associated with the streaming player at all. It is possible to mirror the entire Hopper, the interface of the Dish On-Demand movies and shows, to a Roku TV or a Roku stick and other streaming devices.
Casting refers to the process of physically linking your set-top box cable to smart TVs that are compatible with casting so that you can reflect what is on a small screen to a large one. Every Dish Hopper model is compatible with casting content to Roku TVs, as well as other manufacturers of smart TVs.
So if you are using a compatible Roku TV and a recent model of Hopper DVR, the casting of DISH On-Demand movies or PrimeTime Anytime recordings wirelessly is a breeze with just a simple device pairing. All you need to do is go to your Hopper settings and look for something that says “Connect to Wireless Display”.
In Summary
Swapping out your satellite dish and box for streaming on Roku may require some planning. There isn’t an app specifically for Dish for these devices but with casting, antennas, streaming services, and Dish’s mobile app, Dish subscribers can be covered. Roku offers many more cord-cutting possibilities than just depending on a dish that is installed on your roof. So try out some of these tips and apps next time to bypass satellite programming on your streaming player.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.