How to Watch the Ball Drop on Roku TV

As New Year's Eve approaches, many people look forward to watching the iconic ball drop in Times Square. If you own a Roku TV, you're in luck. Roku provides a variety of ways to catch the live event. This guide will walk you through the different options available to ensure you can ring in the New Year with the best view possible from your Roku TV.

1. Using Streaming Services

Several streaming services offer live coverage of the New Year's Eve celebrations, including the ball drop. Here’s how you can access these services on your Roku TV:

a. Hulu + Live TV

• Subscription Required: Hulu + Live TV offers live TV channels, including those broadcasting the ball drop.
• How to Access:
  1. Install the Hulu app from the Roku Channel Store.
  2. Sign in with your Hulu + Live TV credentials.
  3. Navigate to the live TV section and select the channel broadcasting the event, such as ABC or NBC.

b. YouTube TV

• Subscription Required: YouTube TV provides access to live TV channels with sports, news, and entertainment.
• How to Access:
  1. Download the YouTube TV app from the Roku Channel Store.
  2. Sign in with your YouTube TV account.
  3. Go to the live TV section and tune in to the appropriate channel for the ball drop.

c. Sling TV

• Subscription Required: Sling TV offers several packages with different channels.
• How to Access:
  1. Install the Sling TV app from the Roku Channel Store.
  2. Log in with your Sling TV credentials.
  3. Tune into the network airing the New Year's Eve festivities.

2. Network-Specific Apps

Many networks that broadcast the ball drop have their own apps which can be used to stream the event:

a. ABC

• How to Access:
  1. Download the ABC app from the Roku Channel Store.
  2. Sign in with your TV provider credentials if required.
  3. Navigate to the live section or search for the New Year's Eve event.

b. NBC

• How to Access:
  1. Install the NBC app from the Roku Channel Store.
  2. Sign in if necessary.
  3. Look for the New Year's Eve special in the live or on-demand sections.

c. CNN

• How to Access:
  1. Get the CNN app from the Roku Channel Store.
  2. Log in with your cable provider information if needed.
  3. Find the live broadcast of the New Year's Eve coverage.

3. Free Streaming Options

If you prefer not to subscribe to a service, some options are available for free:

a. News Websites

• How to Access:
  1. Some news websites may stream the event live.
  2. Use the Roku browser (if available) or access the website through a Roku-compatible browser app.
  3. Search for the live stream of the ball drop event.

b. Social Media

• How to Access:
  1. Some networks may stream the event on their social media platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter.
  2. Use a Roku browser app to visit these platforms.
  3. Look for live streams or posts about the New Year's Eve celebration.

4. Using Screen Mirroring

If you have a smartphone or tablet with access to a live stream, you can use Roku's screen mirroring feature:

a. Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku

• How to Enable:
  1. Go to the Roku settings menu.
  2. Select "System" and then "Screen mirroring."
  3. Choose "Enable screen mirroring."

b. Mirror Your Device

• How to Mirror:
  1. On your smartphone or tablet, open the live stream app or website.
  2. Use the screen mirroring feature (often found in the settings or quick access menu).
  3. Select your Roku device to start mirroring.

5. Setting Up for the Event

Ensure your Roku TV is ready for the big night:

• Update Software: Make sure your Roku TV’s software is up-to-date to avoid any streaming issues.
• Check Your Internet Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted streaming.
• Test Apps: Test the apps and channels a few days before to ensure they work properly and are set up correctly.

6. Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while trying to watch the ball drop, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Restart Your Roku TV: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connectivity or app issues.
• Check Network Settings: Ensure your Roku TV is properly connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• Update Apps: Make sure all apps and channels are updated to their latest versions.

By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy the New Year's Eve ball drop on your Roku TV with ease. Whether through a subscription service, network app, or free streaming option, there’s a solution to fit your needs.

Happy New Year, and enjoy the celebration!