As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences, but I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about Roku working without internet.
Roku is primarily designed to stream content from the internet to your TV. However, there are certain scenarios where you can use Roku without an internet connection. Let’s explore these scenarios:
1. Local Media Playback: Roku devices support USB and microSD card slots, allowing you to play locally stored content. If you have movies, TV shows, or other media files saved on a USB drive or microSD card, you can connect it to your Roku device and access the content directly without needing an internet connection. This can be useful when you want to watch your own collection of movies or videos.
2. Screen Mirroring: Some Roku devices support screen mirroring, which allows you to mirror the screen of your smartphone, tablet, or computer onto your TV. While screen mirroring typically requires an internet connection, there are certain apps and devices that allow you to mirror content locally, without the need for internet access. This can be useful if you want to display photos, videos, or presentations on your TV screen without an internet connection.
3. Cable/Satellite TV Integration: Roku devices often have HDMI inputs that allow you to connect your cable or satellite TV set-top box. In this setup, Roku acts as a convenient interface for switching between your cable/satellite channels and streaming services. Even if your internet goes down, you can still watch live TV through your cable or satellite connection using Roku.
It’s worth noting that while some functionality of Roku is available without an internet connection, many popular streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, require an internet connection to access their content. Additionally, certain Roku features, like software updates, app installations, and content recommendations, rely on an internet connection.
While Roku is primarily intended for internet-based streaming, it can still be used without an internet connection for local media playback, screen mirroring, and integration with cable/satellite TV. However, the full range of Roku’s features and access to popular streaming services will typically require an active internet connection.