Roku is a good alternative to paying for cable. (Contributed photo)

May 10: The latest phase of Spectrum's move to require that all TVs have a digital converter box to receive a signal is rolling out now. Here's a look at why it's happening and what your options are.

At a cost of $141 per year – per television – you may be looking for a way to view your Spectrum cable subscription without the added expense of leasing the cable company's digital converter equipment.

But if you have a little bit of technical savvy, there are ways to get around the $11.75 a month charge that Spectrum customers will be facing for every TV set that connects directly to cable, without a converter box.

And some customers may already have the equipment they need to do it, as long as that equipment can access the Spectrum app.

Users can access their Spectrum channels through the Spectrum app on certain streaming devices, namely a Roku or an Xbox One gaming console. Both will need a fast internet connection to work. Customers can also upgrade to a regular set-top box through Spectrum to get more value for their dollar, or invest in an internet-ready smart TV.

Here's the bad news: Only some devices can access the Spectrum app. If you own an Amazon Fire Stick or Fire TV, you're out of luck. Same thing if you own a Google Chromecast or Apple TV. None of those popular devices have the Spectrum app.

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But here are some ways that do work:

Get a Roku: The Roku Express costs a one-time price of $29.99 on Amazon.com. It's tiny – about the size of a USB memory stick and weighs just a few ounces. It plugs into an HDMI port in the back of your television. On its own, the Roku will also give you access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes on its own, without a cable subscription.

But if you download the Spectrum app to the Roku, Spectrum customers can use the app to access the same live TV, On Demand content and guide listings they would receive with the new digital converter.

Put your Xbox One to use: The app also works on the Xbox One gaming console, just the same as it does with a Roku. But, with prices starting around $241 for the game system, it's a pricier option if you don't already have one and don't plan to buy one.

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That workaround doesn't work for customers in legacy Time Warner Cable packages because extra boxes cost them $11.75 a month, the same as the most expensive digital converter rental.

If customers want DVR service with their set-top box, they will pay for the box plus an additional $12.99 per month for one digital receiver or $19.99 a month plus the set-top-box cost for up to four digital receivers.

And, of course, you can always upgrade your television to a Smart TV. Certain Samsung models are compatible with the Spectrum app.

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Roku is a good alternative to paying for cable. (Contributed photo)

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