AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Home Theater and Video => Topic started by: lokie on 5 Dec 2013, 09:29 pm
-
HuluPlus- $9/mos
Netflix- $9.00/mos
Aereo- $12/mos
Huluplus $9.00/mos
Total Streaming monthly costs- $30/mos
Versus
Basic Cable with a few TV's and Tivo- $100/mos
I just hooked up a Mac Mini to the TV and discontinued the Cable service.
Any opinions... good or bad?
-
HuluPlus- $9/mos
Netflix- $9.00/mos
Aereo- $12/mos
Total Streaming monthly costs- $30/mos
Curious which of the first three you liked the best?
-
A lot of times you can get the local channels for $10-15 and also get a discount $10 discount on your broadband, which is what I've done with comcast and verizon/frontier. You shouldn't need the cable box either, but I do have a cable card. This isn't a standard option, something you have to ask for and might need to ask multiple agents until one says yes...
So with local channels, with netflix (via tv,blu-ray player or ATV/roku) and iTunes (ATV) or Amazon Instant Video (roku). The only thing you might miss are sports on ESPN, but that's a reason to go to a local sports bar.
BTW, I think HULU plus requires you to have cable, like EPSN video apps requires you to subscribe to the ESPN channels
-
We cut the cord a couple of years ago.
We currently use Netflix and Amazon Prime for streaming and an over the air antenna. Not real sure I would see $12 a month benefit with Aereo. We find we don't watch much network TV anymore. May also be an issue with having young kids.
Hulu plus does not require you to have cable, but it does require you to pay monthly and watch some commercials.
With a Mac Mini you can watch whatever you find online on your TV.
-
I just canceled cable recently too. Hulu, Netflix and an OTA antenna satisfies our needs just fine. I use Eyetv on my mac mini as a DVR, but seldom use it since most prime time shows are broadcast on Hulu. My bill went from almost $200 per month for TV and internet to $50 per month for internet and Hulu/Netflix. I wish I did this sooner. The only thing I miss is the Paladia channel.
-
I've never had cable or satellite and everyone of my friends who says they can't live without it bitch constantly about the costs. Where I am now, I got HD over the air from two major markets and where I'm moving to shortly I already have an antenna as well. I may add one of the services the OP had listed after I get settled in the new place since I'll have a few less stations than I have now. If one likes a particular cable show there's always the discs that come out later (and for over $1k/yr. in cable fees the discs are lots cheaper). I watch ESPN3 via the computer for free sometimes and if once in a while a particular game is on, I go to a bar and have dinner. Internet is $52 in the new place. You can buy NBA games over the web for $139 and similar packages for other sports. Unless you and your family are TV junkies, I don't see much value in cable. Between LDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays, I probably have about 700 titles or a bit more. I don't buy as many as I used to and that's why I may try one of the services. Between what I can watch from what I own, free stuff, etc., there's not tons of time between everything else I do to even want for cable as I'd have to cut back on some other thing I'm doing and at a big monetary cost.
-
I'm considering canceling my satellite TV service. The main problem is that it's difficult to find an alternative source, other than cable, for most sports programming such as the PAC 12 network and ESPN. Does anybody know how to get these off the internet?
Living near the US Canada border, I'd like to get a state of the art OTA antennae which would allow me access the nearby Canadian market. So between this and Hulu, netflicks, etc, I would have all the TV I'm interested in except a comprehensive sports menu. Unfortunately Aereo isn't available in my area. I don't mind paying modest fees but dishnetwork cynically requires you to buy a high priced package before it allow access to most sport programming.
PS....Some sort DVD recorder is an absolute necessity for me.
-
Here's one article I've seen - http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/espn-may-pull-its-finger-out-of-the-internet-tv-dam-incite-a-flood-of-change/
and how you can get ESPN on certain devices
-
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/apps
-
There's limited ways to get the PAC 12 http://pac-12.com/live
-
It'll sure be nice when you can a la cart tv via the internet. Phil, it appears that all those sports plugins require a cable/sat account. Hmm.... maybe I'd be better off tempering my sports addiction and watching less tv. It's like being addicted to sugar; a quick rush but the thrill is gone in no time. Movies are more like a full course meal.
-
There is a proliferation of Android set top boxes reflashed with Linux and apps for Devilsports, Channel1 etc that apparently mimic a lot of streaming sports and TV content. They run about $150 on Kijiji in all the areas near Toronto.
I have not pulled the trigger on one, but might this Xmas. I would trial it in my basement HT where there is currently no broadcast available (I use satellite for the other 2 tv's in the house, but just use a WDTV Live in the basement to play movies).
If I can watch live golf and hockey, and we can sort out the shows my wife watches, I would gladly toss the satellite monthly and goose the internet to allow for more streaming etc.
-
It is like an addiction. I hear people tell him how to I live without it (and also make fun of me since I have so many TVs) and in the next breath complain it costs way too much. Between movies,music discs and music files, I probably have give or take 3,000 things to watch or listen to. I still have a few things I have not watched or listened to. When I watch TV, it is usually the news, a game, a news magazine or MeTV or RetroTV that has old shows. I'll be retiring for the 2nd and last time in less than 3 months. After a move, unpacking, getting a couple of things for the house and audio systems and catching up on things, I'll probably have more time and therefore may be interested in something besides over the air probably about a year from now (unless I take up something like Golf but I played once and hit more houses than greens :duh:).
-
Sports was the only reason I hung on to Cable. I'm hoping I can get most of my sports fix through Aereo since I'm in the Atlanta market.
Not sure how many TV's streaming full tilt will cause a gum up? I have maxed AT&T internet service at 6.0mbps so... we'll see.
BTW- The idea of paying $9.99/month per cablebox/TV seems absolutely absurd to me now.
I forgot about Amazon Prime. I will have to give that one a trial period as well.I've heard good things.
You gots to think that with these mega cos getting in the streaming game that lotsa mo sports are going to follow.
Curious which of the first three you liked the best?
They are very different and serve different purposes but I guess they overlap somewhat. Give me the Holidays to spend some time with them and I'll render a better opinion.
-
I've cut the tv cord for maybe 10 or so years now?
What I pay for are:
Netflix $8 (and I hardly use it)
Amazon Prime free? (and I never use it)
Ballstream $6 (all NBA teams all year long, no blackouts)
Cox $64 (internet price keeps getting jacked up)
-
Yes, the cable co raises rates. Media cos (including magazines) charge their best customers the most and offer deals for new subscribers. Been that way for years. You can call them up and ask if there deals for internet. I've done it twice. Once they took $10 off and the second time they gave me a pkg for $50 of internet and basic TV (which I looked at once but never used) and that expires at the end of this month and since I'm moving I'll probably only have one more month of their high rate until the end of January. The cable business in its current form is probably going to die over time. That's why Crumbcast (Comcast) bought NBC. Electric cos have done trials doing internet over electrical lines too. In the new place the internet is $52 plus tax and I more or less look at it as that's the rate and it might be up a bit over time and if I want additional services such as indicated in the prior post, it is not an expensive ad on. I helped my neighbor in the new area set up his new 60 inch TV (receiver and Blu-Ray player too) with his cable box and I flipped to the channels and did not want to tell him that compared to the cheap antenna I had the low voltage contractor put in the garage attic (and I had it run to 8 different places and put in a $40-50 distribution amp and labeled the outputs after it was done) his picture was not very good. I've found that happens sometimes depending on where one sits on the cable food chain.
-
We bought a Roku for $50. It has loads of free channels and private channels. Palladia, netflix etc.
We then downloaded http://www.playon.tv/ for $49, lifetime. It has all the channels you find on cable, sattelite etc. With it's app playmark, we stream video and movies from the net to the Roku. Youtube, etc. any video basically.
Our cost? 7.99 a month.
-
We bought a Roku for $50. It has loads of free channels and private channels. Palladia, netflix etc.
We then downloaded http://www.playon.tv/ for $49, lifetime. It has all the channels you find on cable, sattelite etc. With it's app playmark, we stream video and movies from the net to the Roku. Youtube, etc. any video basically.
Our cost? 7.99 a month.
Cool - does that cover multiple (Roku) boxes for the Playon fees? Really good info. The thing I think that gets people most annoyed with pay TV providers is they have this intro deal for a year a two and then you end up at 1.75 times the intro deal price in several months after it is up and you have to constantly go back to them to get the deal they offer all the time for new subscribers. Once the network is in place, it is a cash cow for them. Even the IRS acknowledges that cable cos. can give their own employees free or low cost service without recognizing it as taxable income. There's a rule called 'no additional cost service' which pertains to things like cable or phone which have a network in place.
-
We bought a Roku for $50. It has loads of free channels and private channels. Palladia, netflix etc.
We then downloaded http://www.playon.tv/ for $49, lifetime. It has all the channels you find on cable, sattelite etc. With it's app playmark, we stream video and movies from the net to the Roku. Youtube, etc. any video basically.
Our cost? 7.99 a month.
That's what I'm looking for. :thumb:
Combine that with an over-the-air HD antenna and library DVD's, you'll have most of the bases covered.
-
How does this playon.tv work? It has a lifetime subscription payment plan. So, if I go with that, does that mean I get lifetime netflix for $60? What's the catch?
-
We bought a Roku for $50. It has loads of free channels and private channels. Palladia, netflix etc.
We then downloaded http://www.playon.tv/ for $49, lifetime. It has all the channels you find on cable, sattelite etc. With it's app playmark, we stream video and movies from the net to the Roku. Youtube, etc. any video basically.
Our cost? 7.99 a month.
Palladia does not appear to be available based on the playon.tv website?
Never mind, my mistake...you were referring to Roku.
Ok, I do not see Palladia on Roku?
-
Perhaps I will get my hand slapped for asking, but I will ask.
What about sites like FreeTVProject? Anyone touching those with their streaming devices?
-
Sports was the only reason I hung on to Cable. I'm hoping I can get most of my sports fix through Aereo since I'm in the Atlanta market.
Sports is the reason cable TV costs so much. Those channels by far cost the most in a bundle. Personally, I'd love to be able to select channels. I'd dump every sports channel, every channel that sells me something, etc. I haven't stopped getting cable, as I'm not sure how I could get some of the channels (HGTV, animal planet, some kids' shows).
-
I would love to cut the cable cord, if someone can assure me I can watch The Walking Dead in realtime so my roommate can watch while computer syncing, I might be able to sell it. Plus, what does a good HD OTA antenna cost? Can you do that from inside antennas in major market areas? Also can you get on demand programing from netflix, hulu, etc? Or do you have to watch last season's shows? I suppose the decision to cut or not is based on what conveniences one is willing to give up. We pay $139 for a triple play package including HBO, minus the $50 outlay the OP detailed, we pay $89 extra for that added convenience. I would guess you could buy a good indoor HD antenna for a month or two of the added cost and amortize the cost over 5-10 years of use.
What about video quality from Hulu et al? Streaming 720p, about the level of HD comcast delivers, could be a problem? Yes, no? And no ESPN for Monday night football, no NFL channel for Thursday night football.
I'd love to do it, but can't see cutting the convenience cord. Yes, I know all the "You'll adapt" arguments, and the "How much do you really need those shows" arguments, but it's not my decisions alone anymore. Tell me how I convince "her" it's all so much better? What we need is real competition in the cable TV market, or local governments that would institute real price controls instead of taking kickbacks. I should be paying about $75 for what I'm paying $139 for. Dish and Direct TV are no help, they line up with the price gouging as well. Otherwise we would see difference in the pricing, yet what we see is the package costs are nearly identical. Speaks of illegal price fixing and payoffs, it all should be investigated. I need another cup of coffee, more later.
-
I have decided I will buy one of the streaming devices and use it in the basement, and see what I can pull down vs my satellite use on the other TV's.
So, to start, I will carry both and see what is not available via the net. Then I will decide what to do about the "cable".
-
An HD antenna is cheap. Depends on the type of antenna and where your are - go to antennaweb.org and it will give you info. I get Baltimore and DC from where I am now with a big attic antenna and a preamp for it. titantv.com can also tell you what stations (cable or over-the-air) you can get from your area
-
An HD antenna is cheap. Depends on the type of antenna and where your are - go to antennaweb.org and it will give you info. I get Baltimore and DC from where I am now with a big attic antenna and a preamp for it. titantv.com can also tell you what stations (cable or over-the-air) you can get from your area
If I thought I could get channels from an antenna in the attic, I would consider this (although finding a way to router a cable from the attic to the basement where my gear is might be a challenge). Do you have trees around your house? My house is completely surrounded by tall trees. Think three times as tall as the house. Also, I'm going to have solar cells on half the roof and will one day have spray foam or other insulation added to the underside of the roof. I'm afraid the combination of all of that might yield a pretty weak signal.
-
My house is completely surrounded by tall trees
Mine too.
I was thinking about putting an antenna up in one of them.
But I thought the run would be too long for the signal... and the whole lightening issue.
-
In the city where I am having a direct line of sight to the transmitting towers for antenna is important.
Living on the wrong side ofan apartment building really kills using an in room antenna.
Anyway I ony get my internet from Time Warner. No other cable. i watch a few dozen over the air channels.. No problem.
I do not watch much TV anyway..
I know people who have several hundred dollar a month cable bill.. Insane. 'Specially because they hardly watch any TV anyway!!
-
We bought a Roku for $50. It has loads of free channels and private channels. Palladia, netflix etc.
We then downloaded http://www.playon.tv/ for $49, lifetime. It has all the channels you find on cable, sattelite etc. With it's app playmark, we stream video and movies from the net to the Roku. Youtube, etc. any video basically.
Our cost? 7.99 a month.
What else is needed to do this?
Just a PC, or do I need a streaming compatible devise (Blueray / TV) that the RoKu hooks up to?
I'd like to hook it up to my old CRT unit but it only has an analog screw on type of connector for cable or an antenna, no HDMI inputs, would that type of connector work?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91222)
-
What else is needed to do this?
Just a PC, or do I need a streaming compatible devise (Blueray / TV) that the RoKu hooks up to?
I'd like to hook it up to my old CRT unit but it only has an analog screw on type of connector for cable or an antenna, no HDMI inputs, would that type of connector work?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91222)
Well the Roku connects to your TV. Most versions use HDMI connections, but some have composite connections. It would connect to your WiFi network to get streaming content.
-
btw I'm not ready (in process of moving) but the Roku 3 is $99 and is currently $89 and today (at least earlier) woot.com had refurb Roku 3s for $64. I may get one to try out when I'm temporarily (I'm back and forth and won't be there full time until mid Feb) in the new place in a few weeks
-
Well the Roku connects to your TV. Most versions use HDMI connections, but some have composite connections. It would connect to your
WiFi network to get streaming content.
I don't have WiFi but I have a fast internet connection. It's hard wired rather then wireless and I go thru a hard wired router, would that setup work with RoKu?
Looks like I just found my answer. RoKu 3 is the only unit that works with Ethernet (hard wired connections) and works with HD TV's only so my old CRT unit won't work due to no HDMI inputs, bummer.
-
I don't have WiFi but I have a fast internet connection. It's hard wired rather then wireless and I go thru a hard wired router, would that setup work with RoKu?
Looks like I just found my answer. RoKu 3 is the only unit that works with Ethernet (hard wired connections) and works with HD TV's only so my old CRT unit won't work due to no HDMI inputs, bummer.
If you have a receiver (see page 18 of this manual as an example - http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/VSX-823-K_OperatingInstructions011713.pdf) that allows for HDMI audio and a TV that does not have HDMI video, you can use it that way. There are converter boxes, but they more than a few dollars. I use an VGA to composite one for my music server and the cheap stuff did not work and that was $80 and probably not worth an investment unless you are going to keep the TV for a bit.
-
Here are a few articles -
http://lifehacker.com/tag/cable-cutting
I dropped cable back in 2009 and don't miss it. When I cut it I went to a Tivo as I still needed the dvr capabilities as we watched mostly local stations/TV Shows.
After a few years I was hooking my laptop up to my TV to stream sports that were available - espn3, MLS Live soccer, etc.
This made me look at other options. Now I have a PC in my main room running windows 7 with Media Center for TV/DVR capabilities. I also can stream Netflix as well.
Chad
-
Right now I do limited stuff - have done ESPN3 on both the PC and the Google TV (although the 1st generation thing is subject to crashes) hooked to a projector. Lots of good info here (thanks to everyone) and I will likely use it down the road when I supplement over-the-air stuff. Between Play On TV and Roku and over-the-air, there's probably more stuff than I'll ever watch and if I do something like Netflix or perhaps one of the sports networks, I don't see where I'll ever feel the need to bother with cable. I've already made the decision that when I'm ready to do a home phone (which probably won't see tons of use) I'm going to get Ooma (and I'll make my decision between the deluxe and regular when the time comes, the has no monthly fees and the deluxe has a couple of extras but is $9.99/month). IP telephony (which is basically what the cable TV company offers anyway) has already shown how to cut the cable cord a bit.
-
I forgot to add that part as well. I have ooma and pay like $4.00/month for the service. I have had that for a while now as well with no issues. I don't use the extra features as they are not needed as this phone has very light use.
-
I forgot to add that part as well. I have ooma and pay like $4.00/month for the service. I have had that for a while now as well with no issues. I don't use the extra features as they are not needed as this phone has very light use.
Thanks for the feedback. I don't expect heavy use and I'm not sure I'll need deluxe version (will be retiring for the 2nd time in a couple of mos. and I did work for a telephone company where most of my local service is rebated and I've kept the 2 lines with consecutive numbers as I had dial-up up until about 10 years back). It's just nice to be able to have an alternative if something happens to the cell phone or to be able to hook up a fax (granted I probably only use that infrequently but the couple of times a year the conventional fax comes in handy). I will keep the cell phone number I have now (which is a different area code) and mainly use it for local calls (as I do now with the landline) and it's nice to be able to forward calls back and forth if one is out or just hanging out in back of the house.
I think this has been a very helpful thread (at least for me). I'll be fully moved in a couple of months and probably a couple of months after like I may want to have more than local TV stations. Where I am now I get local TV from 2 major markets and am also much business (work, back and forth between two house) than I will be in a few months. So having fewer TV stations available with more time will be good to supplement over-the-air.
-
If you want the premium service with ooma, I'd recommend vonage instead. The transcription, for instance, is much better. I think the sound quality is better, too. I've had vonage, then comcast's, then ooma, and am back to vonage. If you want just generic phone, then ooma is OK.
-
This is a great thread! As many others have said, if it wasn't for sports, I'd have done it long ago.
The next best thing I have found, is to stay "in the churn." Fortunately for me, I have three cable providers competing against each other here in my area.(TWC, WOW!, and U-Verse) Every now and again, one of them will offer a great "win back" promotion for me to switch providers, and subscribing to their cable service on top of their internet service actually becomes fairly reasonable. So about every 1-2 years, I end up switching providers when the right promo comes along.
But, yeah. At some point, I can envision myself cutting the cord as well.
-
I cut the cord, and due to internet streaming, crappy DSL speed, expense, and data caps, was forced to drop ATT and crawl back to Comcast Cabal. The internet service of course is cheaper the first year if you also get the TV.
:duh:
-
I have a 5/1 service via DSL, and I am finding it streams fine. Other users in the house can still surf while I am streaming a show or movie.
The issue is the GUI for the XBMC streaming experience. Netflix is WAY simpler to use, but what I am using is free. This streaming device needs one to first choose what to watch (simple) and then find a stream that is functional from a list (not hard, but not nearly as simple as clicking the pic on Netflix).
So, for now I will drop the movie channels and save around $20 a month on my cable bill, and have access to everything (including sports that I have tried so far) in the basement system. Other TV's will still be served by systems that all can understand, and I am willing to setup movies or episodes for folks in the basement if they want to watch down there.
-
I cut the cord about a year ago. It was not initially pleasurable. I love hockey.
What I didn't love was giving Comcast 210 dollars a month for internet and TV. I called them up, cancelled the TV, kept the internet, and I now pay 65 dollars a month.
That's 145 dollars a month savings; 1740 dollars a year.
We all use Rokus/Playstations/Xboxs/Etc/Etc, to stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, and Vudu to the various displays around the house.
There is plenty of content to satisfy.
The best part has been using the months savings from the cable bill, to eliminate other damaging monthly debit (credit cards).
-
The best part has been using the months savings from the cable bill, to eliminate other damaging monthly debit (credit cards).
Amen Brother. :thumb:
That's a bitch of a road to travel. "Been there, done that".
-
Ditched the dish back in '11. No regrets, and more than a grand a year back in my pocket. Getting by just fine with an antenna for local b'cast, and streaming Netflix out of my Oppo. Until the content pushers have full al la carte, they can go pound sand.
-
Until the content pushers have full al la carte, they can go pound sand.
Ohh....that would be awesome. :D
-
I can't wait to cut the cable cord. I only have TWC basic with about 20 stations total. About six of those are local channels and the rest are shopping or PBS channels. What a waist, by this spring TWC can kiss my ........
-
Palladia does not appear to be available based on the playon.tv website?
Never mind, my mistake...you were referring to Roku.
Ok, I do not see Palladia on Roku?
Oops, I think I meant Pandora when I typed that.
-
I cut the cord two months ago. I'm still deciding on my next move. I've had Amazon Prime for years, and I recently added Aereo, but need to buy a Roku to watch local channels on my TV. I may eventually get Hulu Plus and be done.
-
What are the options for us Cable Cutters and watching the Playoffs?
-
I am seriously considering this. Will do netflix and HuLu Plus for $16/m.
MLB is $24.99/year I think. Football is the major issue. I guess an antenna is the best option? I would love to hear a sports fan's experience with this. Are NFL Networks game the only NFL not on the airwaves?
-
I am using a hacked Android box running Linux OS to stream (Flash streaming).
I was able to watch the NFL games yesterday on it, via Sky Sports streaming.
Free, but low rez. Perhaps there are high rez streams out there, the device is brand new to me, so I was just playing around.
Tons of good quality TV and movies available free with this device, but broadcast TV so far is not great rez, and on a 60 plasma it helps if it is!
-
What are the options for us Cable Cutters and watching the Playoffs?
I watched the Cinci-SD game yesterday online for free on CBSSports.com. Lo-rez but good enough.
Unfortunately where we're moving to is too far away from local channels (60+ miles) in Ft. Wayne, South Bend, Toledo. I dropped the FIOS TV package we had at our house in Ft. Wayne last week and it felt good. I'm doing internet only for phone and whatever video I need with Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, etc. Mediacom internet at our new place still has clear QAM channels so I ordered a cheap adapter to get the local channel package. We shall see how that works out.
-
Sounds like everyone is sick of the cables bills.
I have the basic Cable and they just keep repeating the programing over and over.
I am down to $83/mo on basic cable and basic internet. Last year I called "retention" because my bill was to go up and told them I'm not paying a dime more, take it or leave it, my bill was lowered from $86 "special" to the current $83.
When I called, I asked why there was no relief talking to someone from the in-store locations?
The girl said because" I'm the last resort". LOL!
So if you are not happy bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!
Time Warner is BS and has to go. Pricing has been a rip off and creeps up without you paying attention. Then they may wonder why people are pissed. Everyone I have talked to feels the same way.
I have Netflix streaming but looking at Roku again. Much more offering now.
Problem is we watch CNN, Fox News, and HGTV my wife like DWTS on local channel. TV doesn't even come on till 6PM.
These Not offered via Roku or am i mistaken?
Is there a way around this?
I'll cut the damn thing immediately!
Boycott Cable!
Absolute garbage.
Is "PLay On" a solution? Reading through the pages here.
-
I looked at the PlayOn site yesterday. Seems promising, but there are limitations as to what is available. Seems like I'd have to prepare a spreadsheet to figure it out. Anyway, I'm sick of getting gouged and have been looking for alternatives for a long time. This is a very useful thread :thumb:
-
I've been reading over these posts and one things that's getting overlooked in the growing desire to not pay for what we don't personally consume (a la carte ) is the fact that by bundling content, cable providers are able to provide content that will not survive the market place if viewers have to pay actual costs. The only way Ovation, A&E, the Science Channel, the Military Channel, and all the other specialist tv networks survive is by piggybacking on the multichannel offerings that cost so much. Now if you're a tv viewer who doesn't watch anything but mainstream programming, you won't notice or care when these outlets go missing under a la carte pricing. I'm no apologist for the cable companies and I agree about lack of quality and all that. But using these technological end runs around the cable companies to get a lower bill can't go on forever if the variety of cable programming is going to remain available. In the end, we consumers will ultimately decide what our entertainment world is going to look like by choices we make now. Just like the desire to save a buck on our jeans ended up putting American businesses under because Walmart went to China to satisfy America's incessant thirst for cheap clothes.
-
A couple ago I called Dish Network and told them that I wanted to drop the service. I mentioned that sports programming was my primary interest but @$80//mo it was just too much for the partial coverage. I wasn't on a 2 year contract. I was immediately connected with a supervisor and he cut my monthly bill $30 with no loss of programming.
So I guess I'm going to hang in there @50mo until I can figure out a way to cut Dish out completely. I plan to experiment with OTH programming and will buy a long range HD antennae. During baseball season I might subscribe to MLB.TV.
I suspect that cable and satellite providers are seeing a slow decline in subscriptions as the recession is eating away at the disposable income of the middle class.
-
Cable, more or less programs YOU, you don't really program it.
-
As there is interest in this exploration, here is a link to the toy I bought.
http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-Android-TV-BOX-with-Linux-XBMC-Get-Rid-of-your-Cable-W0QQAdIdZ546403507 (http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-Android-TV-BOX-with-Linux-XBMC-Get-Rid-of-your-Cable-W0QQAdIdZ546403507)
-
Cable, more or less programs YOU, you don't really program it.
Not just cable but broadcast TV too. Massive brainwashing to keep the populace under control and buying consumer goods. Really how much time does one want to waste looking at commercial TV? Commercial breaks chop up the drama of sporting events. No wonder there's an epidemic of ADD. What happened to reading books? At least there's some quality programming available on HBO, etc. but you have to pay a premium for it and still chopped up with sales pitches.
-
I've been reading over these posts and one things that's getting overlooked in the growing desire to not pay for what we don't personally consume (a la carte ) is the fact that by bundling content, cable providers are able to provide content that will not survive the market place if viewers have to pay actual costs. The only way Ovation, A&E, the Science Channel, the Military Channel, and all the other specialist tv networks survive is by piggybacking on the multichannel offerings that cost so much. Now if you're a tv viewer who doesn't watch anything but mainstream programming, you won't notice or care when these outlets go missing under a la carte pricing. I'm no apologist for the cable companies and I agree about lack of quality and all that. But using these technological end runs around the cable companies to get a lower bill can't go on forever if the variety of cable programming is going to remain available. In the end, we consumers will ultimately decide what our entertainment world is going to look like by choices we make now. Just like the desire to save a buck on our jeans ended up putting American businesses under because Walmart went to China to satisfy America's incessant thirst for cheap clothes.
I'm seeing it the other way. With the Roku, developers are providing many, many specialist channels, most of them free. Larger online channels such as Hulu, Crackle, popcorn etc, also have network style dramatic and sitcom style programs and movies. Dish Network has now placed an international package on the Roku. Apple and Google both now have streaming television, smaller than the Roku but growing. If anything, the cable cutting movement is growing steadily and the cable/satellite providers already see the writing on the wall.
Another aspect I am enjoying is the far fewer commercials on most channels. Fewer, much shorter.
-
A couple ago I called Dish Network and told them that I wanted to drop the service. I mentioned that sports programming was my primary interest but @$80//mo it was just too much for the partial coverage. I wasn't on a 2 year contract. I was immediately connected with a supervisor and he cut my monthly bill $30 with no loss of programming.
So I guess I'm going to hang in there @50mo until I can figure out a way to cut Dish out completely. I plan to experiment with OTH programming and will buy a long range HD antennae. During baseball season I might subscribe to MLB.TV.
I suspect that cable and satellite providers are seeing a slow decline in subscriptions as the recession is eating away at the disposable income of the middle class.
For MLB.TV read there blackout rules. I signed up for MLS live last year overlooking blackout rules....basically local team was always a blackout game...WTF.
-
Not just cable but broadcast TV too. Massive brainwashing to keep the populace under control and buying consumer goods. Really how much time does one want to waste looking at commercial TV? Commercial breaks chop up the drama of sporting events. No wonder there's an epidemic of ADD. What happened to reading books? At least there's some quality programming available on HBO, etc. but you have to pay a premium for it and still chopped up with sales pitches.
Many years ago I saw a quote attributed to Noam Chomsky that I will paraphrase here .................
The purpose of television is not to deliver information and entertainment to the viewer but to deliver the viewer to the advertisers.
I reached my saturation point on cable bill increases sometime during 2013. In 2005, I signed on with Bresnan Cable on their Triple Play program. It included TV, phone and Internet. Bresnan has since sold to Optimum which has sold to Charter. I get endless promo ads on TV for their services and boasting claims about the great introductory offers. One day it occurred to me that a longtime customer such as myself should be entitled to the same $89.95 price they are using to recruit new customers. So I called them and stated my case. The lady I talked to had cans of crapola cliches and no actual conversation for me -- so I asked for supervisor who came right on and looked at my account. She said that it appeared I hadn't had a discount in awhile so she gave me the $89.95/month price for a year. However, my bill is $108.25 after all the fees and taxes. That's better than the $132.65 I was paying before the call.
All these responses are coming from people who have been investigating the change or have already made it. Apparently the OP hit a nerve that has had us all thinking for some while. The problem is this: When corporations are involved, change is usually not improvement from the customers point of view. Beware of what you ask for.
My year of discount will be up soon and I'll be jumping ship at that time. I can see the broadcast towers 7 miles to the south of me. Two others are 11 miles east. Am I correct to assume that any HD antenna will suit my purposes? Line of sight is clear in both directions.
-
I've been reading over these posts and one things that's getting overlooked in the growing desire to not pay for what we don't personally consume (a la carte ) is the fact that by bundling content, cable providers are able to provide content that will not survive the market place if viewers have to pay actual costs. The only way Ovation, A&E, the Science Channel, the Military Channel, and all the other specialist tv networks survive is by piggybacking on the multichannel offerings that cost so much. Now if you're a tv viewer who doesn't watch anything but mainstream programming, you won't notice or care when these outlets go missing under a la carte pricing. I'm no apologist for the cable companies and I agree about lack of quality and all that. But using these technological end runs around the cable companies to get a lower bill can't go on forever if the variety of cable programming is going to remain available. In the end, we consumers will ultimately decide what our entertainment world is going to look like by choices we make now. Just like the desire to save a buck on our jeans ended up putting American businesses under because Walmart went to China to satisfy America's incessant thirst for cheap clothes.
Disagree here, completely.
Using streaming technology, Ovation, A&E, the Science Channel, and the Military Channel, can create channel applications that are compatible with IOS, Android, PS3/4, Xbox 360/One, and any other device platform with an internet connection that you can think of, and provide content directly to the consumer.
These channels could offer these services for free by including, but minimizing, advertisements during programming. Hulu Plus does this now with brief commercial breaks during programs.
They also could offer a commercial free option with a monthly subscription free.
Companies like Comcast are antiquated greedy middle men, and they are superfluous. Hopefully, their days are numbered.
-
For MLB.TV read there blackout rules. I signed up for MLS live last year overlooking blackout rules....basically local team was always a blackout game...WTF.
Yeah, it's that MLB.TV is in cahoots with cable/sat. Oh well, most pro sports don't have any real relationship with the local community anyway. Just pick any team as your favorite and watch on TV. :lol: Players come and go according to where the $$$ are. Billionaire owners just use the local area to extract sweetheart stadium deals at taxpayers expense. Seats are quite often priced too high for middle class families. You can sure that they have plenty or luxury boxes though. :roll:
-
I'd say I am still on the fence. Sure, I own a streaming device now, but am still paying for full satellite service. I will amend it, but I bet my wife makes up the savings by asking for Netflix!
It will still take change on the part of the user to really kill cable. My users still want to watch show X when it is on broadcast TV. If they could even wait a day it would appear on Free TV Project, no doubt.
We will see.
-
The current Cable TV Model won't be around forever - http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2013/10/14/cable-tv-price-hikes-unsustainable/
-
Am I correct to assume that any HD antenna will suit my purposes? Line of sight is clear in both directions.
I do believe your signal will be a very strong one. You should be fine.
The two key words there are "believe", and "should", but I'm certainly not an OTA HD expert.
One thing that hasn't been talked about here is "FTA". :wink:
-
The current Cable TV Model won't be around forever - http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2013/10/14/cable-tv-price-hikes-unsustainable/
Problem is, neither will we...................
-
There's always a Slingbox strategically placed at a friends or family members who has the full cable package. It is best to connect Slingbox to its own cable box or TiVo so as to not interrupt the "servers" personal viewing, and of course the "server" should have decent broadband Internet. On your end you need 1mbps internet service for decent quality, and 3mbps for hd quality, which many of us already have. Used slingboxes and tivos or cable boxes are very cheap.
Between the above, a $25 HD over the air antennae, and a Netflix subscription with the occasional Redbox visit, you really can have all the content you could want. Works for me.
Of course you'll need Internet service on your end - but that's almost a given these days for any household anyway, even if the pricing from the cable company or telco duopoly is often a rip off. Here's hoping the wireless broadband becomes more competitive.
-
I just installed my first streaming player, a Roku 1 with the Asus RT-N56U wireless router. Both my PC's are hardwired, only the Roku 1 uses the wireless part of my new router. Setup and installation of both units went smooth. Everything works perfectly. I wouldn't have done it without reading this thread a few months back.
I look forward to cutting my TWC tv cable cord this coming week.
Hi-Five to AC members once again :rock:
-
I just installed my first streaming player, a Roku 1 with the Asus RT-N56U wireless router. Both my PC's are hardwired, only the Roku 1 uses the wireless part of my new router. Setup and installation of both units went smooth. Everything works perfectly. I wouldn't have done it without reading this thread a few months back.
Hi-Five to AC members once again :rock:
I did the same thing a few months ago after reading this thread. I also have Aereo for local channels which is $8/mo, and I've had Amazon Prime for several years. I went from paying about $75/mo. for cable TV to $8/mo. for Aereo.
The cost savings is good, but you get what you pay for. Picture quality is diminished, sometimes buffering issues occur, and cable is much more convenient/user friendly for searching and channel surfing. I like the ability of watching "free" movies and TV shows via Amazon Prime, but I'd be willing to pay a few dollars more for better picture quality and and an improved interface.
-
I have everything hard wired (network wise) and have no buffering issues. I just got Netflix (before the increase so it will be $8/month for 2 years) in addition to Amazon Prime (which I got anyway for the shipping). Amazon Prime has free ones and ones which cost money. Roku is easy to navigate (I have four Roku 3 boxes). I also have an attic antenna for local stations. Quality vs. cable is not an issue (I have been in peoples houses with cable). Not seen Aereo in action and had an antenna in my old house too so I can't comment. I have more than enough content to watch.
-
As noted never used Aereo but they have FAQ regarding buffering - http://support.aereo.com/customer/portal/articles/1348191-frequent-%E2%80%9Cbuffering%E2%80%9D-or-delay-in-loading-video
If one can have an HD Antenna, I don't see the need for something like Aereo. I've not tried this - http://www.buycleartv.com/?gclid=COHQ6-aYxb4CFTAV7AodCi4A7Q but if it or something like it comes with a guarantee it's probably worth a shot vs. $8/month.
-
Just an FYI, I subscribe to Amazon Prime and they just got all the HBO original programming - you can now stream all of it for "free" once you sign up.
-
Tyson, thanks for the update. I've just streamed a few things on both Amazon and Netflix. I have about 670 DVDs, 200 Blu-Rays and 130 LDs and while there are a few duplicates I have plenty to watch between that broadcast TV and what is available on Amazon and Netflix. I'm hopeful that Google fiber with expand to enough places and will help hold down high speed internet costs - https://fiber.google.com/newcities/
-
What streaming service would be best for 30-60 minute new or re-run shows?
-
What streaming service would be best for 30-60 minute new or re-run shows?
They have different content so it would be best to see what you are interested in by going to their sites. Keep in mind they add and also take away stuff from time to time. You can also watch old shows on sites like http://metvnetwork.com/videos or Hulu. The networks also have content available at their websites.
-
I have a decent extended basic cable package. (Got to have BBC America.) But I find I consistently watch five or six channels (the networks, BBC, and HGTV). So much of the rest seems like a waste of time. I certainly don't feel like it's worth $100 a month or whatever it costs. Do any of you cord cutters feels like you've had to sacrifice something to leave the standard cable fare behind?
-
I bought a rabbit ear antenna one of those dollar stores that's working great at my house for OTA reception.
Better picture than my RCN cable IMHO.
-
I have a decent extended basic cable package. (Got to have BBC America.) But I find I consistently watch five or six channels (the networks, BBC, and HGTV). So much of the rest seems like a waste of time. I certainly don't feel like it's worth $100 a month or whatever it costs. Do any of you cord cutters feels like you've had to sacrifice something to leave the standard cable fare behind?
You and I feel the same way. Although my "gotta have channel" is Velocity.
Add that to the networks and HGTV, and the wife and I would be happy.
(oh...forget about the kids and their channels though) :roll: :duh:
-
I have a silly question on this "Cutting the Cable Cord".
How are you getting your internet access? The reason I ask, I'm about to move back into the U.S., Dayton, Ohio to be exact, and if you're not using dial-up connection or a 4G connection wouldn't you need to use the cable companies cable connection for fast internet speed? If a lot of people start cutting the TV out of their cable service aren't the cable companies just going to jack up you internet connection rate and limit the amount you can download? I mean they have to make their profit some how.
This question is meant more for my education not to be a smart-alack reply.
-
I have a silly question on this "Cutting the Cable Cord".
How are you getting your internet access? The reason I ask, I'm about to move back into the U.S., Dayton, Ohio to be exact, and if you're not using dial-up connection or a 4G connection wouldn't you need to use the cable companies cable connection for fast internet speed? If a lot of people start cutting the TV out of their cable service aren't the cable companies just going to jack up you internet connection rate and limit the amount you can download? I mean they have to make their profit some how.
This question is meant more for my education not to be a smart-alack reply.
Yes - I use the cable company's high speed internet. I have the standard high speed (for now) and not some super high speed. There is only one provider of choice of where I live and they are not loved. They are the worst utility/phone company I have ever dealt with (and I just moved here). It's to be expected since there is no real competition unless I downgrade to DSL. I get my home phone service (I use Ooma) from that connection as well. They have plenty of people who are addicted and pay lots. Someone told me they pay $200/month for everything and my neighbor came over with his bill just a couple of weeks back asking me what he could do - $280 month, which includes ultra fast internet and the NBA package.
Yes I do expect rate increases over time. That's probably part of the reasoning that Comcast bought NBC. There's an article I posted earlier in this thread about what is happening over time. As soon as internet speeds get faster and more reliable and some content providers do their broadcasts over the web cable companies will lose customers.
-
I have a silly question on this "Cutting the Cable Cord".
How are you getting your internet access? The reason I ask, I'm about to move back into the U.S., Dayton, Ohio to be exact, and if you're not using dial-up connection or a 4G connection wouldn't you need to use the cable companies cable connection for fast internet speed? If a lot of people start cutting the TV out of their cable service aren't the cable companies just going to jack up you internet connection rate and limit the amount you can download? I mean they have to make their profit some how.
This question is meant more for my education not to be a smart-alack reply.
Here's a couple of the earlier posted articles:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/espn-may-pull-its-finger-out-of-the-internet-tv-dam-incite-a-flood-of-change/#!Qnrge
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2013/10/14/cable-tv-price-hikes-unsustainable/
-
I have a silly question on this "Cutting the Cable Cord".
How are you getting your internet access? The reason I ask, I'm about to move back into the U.S., Dayton, Ohio to be exact, and if you're not using dial-up connection or a 4G connection wouldn't you need to use the cable companies cable connection for fast internet speed? If a lot of people start cutting the TV out of their cable service aren't the cable companies just going to jack up you internet connection rate and limit the amount you can download? I mean they have to make their profit some how.
Yes. When you unbundle services, the prices for each individual service increases. That's not unique to the cable industry. As Phil A indicated, the real issue is lack of competition which keeps prices high. In my area, there are only two major cable providers and they both have similar rates and packages for TV, phone, and internet.
-
I find Comcast's prices to be incredibly expensive. We were paying $160/month for the lowest "digital" service and internet access. No premier movie services or anything else. We moved to an area with Charter, and we're paying about $50 less per month for similar services, although we do have slightly fewer HD channels for some reason.
-
I have a silly question on this "Cutting the Cable Cord".
How are you getting your internet access? The reason I ask, I'm about to move back into the U.S., Dayton, Ohio to be exact, and if you're not using dial-up connection or a 4G connection wouldn't you need to use the cable companies cable connection for fast internet speed? If a lot of people start cutting the TV out of their cable service aren't the cable companies just going to jack up you internet connection rate and limit the amount you can download? I mean they have to make their profit some how.
This question is meant more for my education not to be a smart-alack reply.
Our high speed comes over the phone line. $80 a month with phone service as well, which we don't use of course. :lol:
We stream our TV and pay Netflix 7.99 a month. The only real shortcomings are big sporting events. Some stream free, but most go through a pay wall these days. To add TV service, such as cable, would be an additional $100 a month.
-
We stream our TV and pay Netflix 7.99 a month.
Looks like I'm going to go buy a ClearStream 2V antenna to hook up to my old TV and stop paying for my local channels on cable.
Hope it works......
-
Looks like I'm going to go buy a ClearStream 2V antenna to hook up to my old TV and stop paying for my local channels on cable.
Hope it works......
www.antennaweb.org can show you the direction of your local stations and some guidance on the type of antennae that will work
-
I did it, I finally did it and couldn't be happier. I had basic cable thru Time Warner that gave me 6 local channels and about 20 shopping channels for $25.00 a month. What a waste. Today I bought a Clearstream 2V indoor/outdoor antenna, which I now have installed in my living room.
I now have 38 channels including all my local channels, and I also have METV which Time Warner only carry's on their higher tier level.
My 38 channels are all free and look beautiful :thankyou:
Picture quality is better than I was getting from TWC and signal strength and quality strength is at 100% for 38 channels.
I also now have a Roku 1, with netflix and Qello concerts installed. I now have more to watch than I ever have and i'm spending less and enjoying more :dance:
Thank you all for this thread :thumb:
-
This DVR just hit the market. Looks very interesting but why in the world they decided to forgo an HDMI connection is beyond me.
http://www.tablotv.com/
-
Well it's official that Aereo has lost its case - http://techcrunch.com/2014/06/25/aereo-loses-in-supreme-court-deemed-illegal/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D493185
-
Well it's official that Aereo has lost its case - http://techcrunch.com/2014/06/25/aereo-loses-in-supreme-court-deemed-illegal/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D493185
Since Aereo is no longer available, I'm searching for alternatives to access local channels. The first option is an antenna, but I would need to pay someone to mount it on my roof.
-
Since Aereo is no longer available, I'm searching for alternatives to access local channels. The first option is an antenna, but I would need to pay someone to mount it on my roof.
Have you visited antennaweb.org? It will give general guidance on the type of antenna and direction. In the current place (and the former one too), I have an attic antenna with a preamp and it gets me all I need. Of course I had pre-wiring done to go from the attic all over.
It depends on your proximity to and what is in between (e.g. flat terrain) you and the stations
-
If you have AAA you can get a relatively cheap Direct TV subscription, two year commitment. The first year is $15/month. I think the second is $25 but don't quote me.
An antenna with a Homeworx PVR is the cheapest way to go but don't expect anything fancy in terms of recording abilities or user interface from the Homeworx.
-
Have you visited antennaweb.org? It will give general guidance on the type of antenna and direction. In the current place (and the former one too), I have an attic antenna with a preamp and it gets me all I need. Of course I had pre-wiring done to go from the attic all over.
It depends on your proximity to and what is in between (e.g. flat terrain) you and the stations
With an antenna indoors, I only get 6 stations, even though the majority of the stations are clustered at just 10 miles away. I live in the suburbs close to a major city. I believe part of the problem is my house is nearly surrounded by tall trees. I had the same issues years ago when attempting to install Direct TV.
-
About a month ago I installed a clearstream V2 antenna and a RCA digital tuner and was getting 38 channels.
All of a sudden two of my favorite channels (METV and WLWT) just stopped working.
I re-scanned several times and even bought a second tuner thinking mine was bad and I still can't get
METV or WLWT , they are both local for me here in cincinnati.
I can't figure out why those two channels stopped coming in. I made no changes to my antenna or digital tuner box :banghead:
Yesterday I ran my antenna outside to see if I could get them in again, No Luck. :scratch:
DoubleJ,
Funny you mentioned Homeworx PVR, I was just looking at them online yesterday.
Their web site say's they don't support Qam, whatever that is :scratch:
-
With both over the air broadcast and satellite if you don't have a clear line of sight you are screwed. It's either raise the antenna until you do get a clear view or go to cable.
QAM refers to unencrypted cable channels that can often be received by plugging the cable into the back of an HDTV set. No QAM tuner means that you cannot record these channels on the Homeworx. Sadly it is less of an issue these days as cable providers are moving to encrypt all channels.
This could be your problem with wlwt.
http://radioinsight.com/community/topic/wlwt-ch-5-has-been-off-air-for-2-days/
-
One nice side benefit of having cut the cable cord - I no longer watch news programs. Which, in turn, gives me more time to read history and watch historical documentaries. Really, radically changes one's perspective. Made me realize how much news programs are appropriately named - they do indeed program... YOU. Fox or MSNBC, does not matter, both are created to sell you an ideology that you already agree with (left or right), and to get/keep your eyeballs on the screen. And nothing keeps you tuned-in like the latest "outrage", whatever that happens to be on that day/week.
Man am I glad all that detritus was just swept away once I cut the cable cord.
-
Two years ago I got fed -up with Satellite TV and cancelled. I bought antenna from monoprice and get all local TV except ABC, plus several great movie, educational, PBS stations and HD is as good as I had with Sat.. My then internet was too slow so I got a fast cable internet connection for $45 month, 20MB and can watch any netfix, amazon HD without buffering problems.
The only place Ive been hurt was SPORTS. I still able to watch most but I missed a few college football games. I can follow the games on ESPN but I cant watch the real time video of the games.
Should anyone know or hear of a way to watch ESPN college football please let me know!
-
Its funny, a lot of people only keep cable around because of the sports channels. If ESPN ever breaks ties with the cable providers, they the cable companies are well and truly screwed.
-
Wirenut, here is why you didn't have WLWT and METV http://www.cincinnati.com/story/tvandmediablog/2014/06/30/wlwt-tv-metv-scripps-wcpo-tv-wcet-tv-wpto-tv-hearst-television/11790471/
They may be available again.
Scotty
-
Losing Aereo is a real bummer.
I'm doing some head scratching and afraid I might have to go back to cable.
Oh the humanity!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=101818)
-
Sports subscriptions like MLB or NBA can be had with something like Roku.
From the earlier post - yes trees can attenuate UHF. In my old place I had the antenna in the attic with a preamp and was able to get digital TV from two major markets. I'd imagine when the trees in that place get bigger in 10-15 years it won't work as well. in the place before my old place I had big trees in the back and had the antenna roof mounted on a mount to help. My current house has the antenna in the garage attic and it worked out OK. If trees are a problem, I'd try a preamp first. I'd also get a variable attenuator. I did that in my old place (to get the two major markets) and after I figured out how much attenuation was needed, I got fixed rate attenuator and replaced the variable one.
-
Wirenut, here is why you didn't have WLWT and METV http://www.cincinnati.com/story/tvandmediablog/2014/06/30/wlwt-tv-metv-scripps-wcpo-tv-wcet-tv-wpto-tv-hearst-television/11790471/
They may be available again.
Scotty
Thanks Scotty :thumb:
I didn't here about this. Hopefully METV and WLWT are back on soon :D.
-
Scotty,
They are both back on, thank you :bounce:.
You just saved me some money. I was getting ready to buy a new antenna and converter box just to see if mine where duds.
-
Do folks realize that even if Aero won it would have only been a matter of time before slow, choppy streams from Aero would have been occurring ala Netflix leading Aero to be forced to pay fees to the ISPs for QOS guarantees?
He who controls the pipe controls the world!
-
He who controls the pipe controls the world!
Amen to that.
-
Over the next few months work will be phasing out land-lines in favor of VOIP and a USB headset for my site. There's several more sites to go, so the total effort might be years in the making, but for me it's months. For each convert, they expect to save hundreds per head a year, with employees able to use the headset at home, offsite and even inflight on the charter flights. I had no idea my work land-line was so expensive. But the whole cutting the cord at work has me thinking about home as i'm moving to a new house within a month with a reasonable 19x19 audio room (reasonable to me at least) and there's no cell service. So my thought is to switch to t-mobile to take advantage of the wifi calling or perhaps just vonage if i can get he wifi to work at the office and at home. Drop cable entirely and just rely on attic antenna for the key stations, netflix moves and the occasional binge season and also the cheerful tortoise so i can watch the wildcats beat the opposing team. Stranglely for the voice, why not just use my new VOIP number from work for work, personal and pleasure.... lol
Realistically, my cost is $8 for netflix, $9 for voyage (or like VOIP service), and $10 per non-national broadcasted wildcat game. So roughly $500 a year.... where that would cover five months of cable with the key college sports channels. We could say $600 for the first year to cover the cost of the attic anntena To me this is a huge savings.
To me at least it's really odd why (for Americans), why the cable and cell phone industry is so regulated. There should only be two expenses here, one is for the data pipe (land or wifi) and the second expense should be a streaming media service (video or music). That's it... and we should have options for each vs the monopolies we see today.
Jim
-
Our high speed comes over the phone line. $80 a month with phone service as well, which we don't use of course. :lol:
We stream our TV and pay Netflix 7.99 a month. The only real shortcomings are big sporting events. Some stream free, but most go through a pay wall these days. To add TV service, such as cable, would be an additional $100 a month.
This is what we do. Except now ATT is wacking me $10 a month for over 150gb of internet usage. Last month we went over twice, $20.
I may be switching from phone cable to the cable cable. Don't know if I will keep a phone service.
Does anyone know how many gb's Comcast allows per month? Probably will be looking at their lower or mid speed service.
-
The Comcast deal I have allows unlimited use per month. And 55MB speeds. That is crazy fast - I can stream Hirez video to multiple devices, no problem. Bundled in my phone service with them and said bye bye to the phone company and their crappy DSL service.
-
Thanks Ty. Now, off to find a Netgear cable modem...
-
Free and no buffering. :thumb:
Trying to adjust to life after Aero and this was a very nice pleasant surprise.
-
Now that Aereo is no more, is there another option available for streaming local channels?
-
Here's a recent article - http://lifehacker.com/can-i-stream-broadcast-tv-to-my-computer-1596744894
-
I cut the cable about a month ago. Took 4 different antennas before I bought and installed one on the roof. That enabled me to get most channels but not CBS which is a very poor signal just 11 flat miles away. Might have to try a signal a,pilfer for that since it is the Broncos channel.
Reading about the net gear modem caused me to check my bill to see what my broadband modem was costing me. turns out it is free and surprisingly Charter says it will replace my DOCSIS 2.0 with a 3.0. I'm not sure what that will mean to me but I noticed that the Netgear CMD31T proudly proclaims 3.0 status so I would assume I'm on the right track.
-
Over the next few months work will be phasing out land-lines in favor of VOIP and a USB headset for my site. There's several more sites to go, so the total effort might be years in the making, but for me it's months. For each convert, they expect to save hundreds per head a year, with employees able to use the headset at home, offsite and even inflight on the charter flights. I had no idea my work land-line was so expensive. But the whole cutting the cord at work has me thinking about home as i'm moving to a new house within a month with a reasonable 19x19 audio room (reasonable to me at least) and there's no cell service. So my thought is to switch to t-mobile to take advantage of the wifi calling or perhaps just vonage if i can get he wifi to work at the office and at home. Drop cable entirely and just rely on attic antenna for the key stations, netflix moves and the occasional binge season and also the cheerful tortoise so i can watch the wildcats beat the opposing team. Stranglely for the voice, why not just use my new VOIP number from work for work, personal and pleasure.... lol
Realistically, my cost is $8 for netflix, $9 for voyage (or like VOIP service), and $10 per non-national broadcasted wildcat game. So roughly $500 a year.... where that would cover five months of cable with the key college sports channels. We could say $600 for the first year to cover the cost of the attic anntena To me this is a huge savings.
To me at least it's really odd why (for Americans), why the cable and cell phone industry is so regulated. There should only be two expenses here, one is for the data pipe (land or wifi) and the second expense should be a streaming media service (video or music). That's it... and we should have options for each vs the monopolies we see today.
Jim
Just some comments on my cable cutting experience. Use Mohu $40 antenna on inside wall above tv to pick up all local networks about 40 - 50 miles from transmitters (albeit with mostly good line of sight), Roku box wirelessly connected to Airport Extreme (rarely buffers) for on demand stuff and Amazon Prime ($99 yr), Comcast Internet for $69 per month, Skype for my cell phone for clean wifi calls to anyone in US can Canada ($3 per month).
T- Mobile wifi calling in my experience with Galaxy II was pure crap (drops all the time and line of sight range of less than 15 feet in cases), as was Talkatone. I use T-Mobiles femtocell (free) antenna system to get spotty coverage in my house (been crappy cell towers near me for years , 2014 is supposed to be the year they upgrade coverage). With the femtocell system, audio call quality is poor but Skype is clean and clear. I would switch cell carriers but they all use the same tower (duh).
As for picture quality on TV, no satellite or cable has ever had a picture as good as over the air on Broncos games on my 720p plasma. OTA shows on network and Downton Abbey look great, no time shifting for me but heck too little TV is not a bad thing.
-
I went back to cable (aaargghh!).
I tried two different antennas, but since my house is surrounded by very tall trees, I could only pick up a few stations.
-
sorry about the trees. At least you probably got a great teaser deal for 12 months!
-
I cut the cord and boy did TWC give me a hard time cancelling.
Anyway, with my Clearstream 2v antenna I get 36 channels including METV which is way I did it in the first place.
METV is only available on TWC in the digital tier, now I'm watching it for free.
Bite me TWC...........
-
sorry about the trees. At least you probably got a great teaser deal for 12 months!
Yep. They gave me HBO for free. Not sure for how long, though.
-
I've been kicking around the idea of cutting the cord for several months. I've called them before and given them the verbal "treatment" to get the bill lowered, but it never got me much of a discount. Paying $180 for the Charter bundle has never set right with me since day one.
Just got the bill in the mail today, they raised it to $220. :evil:
yea...That's not gonna fly.
I tried the antennaweb.org website and due to the rural valley I live in, there are four channel I can get, two of which I've never heard of. :(
Key words I'll be researching:
- Amazon Prime (I am a member)
- Netflix (already a member, but not streaming)
- Hulu
- Aereo
- Roku
- Google streaming dongle thingy
- http://www.playon.tv/
- Android movie streaming app thing
Lots of good info in this thread, thanks to all who have posted helpful information.
-
Just got the bill in the mail today, they raised it to $220. :evil:
DAMN, Bob! Did you order all-porn, all-the-time, or do you get that from satellite?
Out here in the sticks we have TV, high-speed web, DVR and phone for just over half what you pay. :o
-
:lol: No, the porn is on Cinemax and comes with the movie channel bundle. :lol:
But seriously, for the price we get:
- 30 Meg internet
- Four HD DVR boxes with the movie channels. No sports channels (and no porn ;) )
- Phone
-
I've been kicking around the idea of cutting the cord for several months. I've called them before and given them the verbal "treatment" to get the bill lowered, but it never got me much of a discount. Paying $180 for the Charter bundle has never set right with me since day one.
Just got the bill in the mail today, they raised it to $220. :evil:
yea...That's not gonna fly.
I tried the antennaweb.org website and due to the rural valley I live in, there are four channel I can get, two of which I've never heard of. :(
Key words I'll be researching:
- Amazon Prime (I am a member)
- Netflix (already a member, but not streaming)
- Hulu
- Aereo
- Roku
- Google streaming dongle thingy
- http://www.playon.tv/
- Android movie streaming app thing
Lots of good info in this thread, thanks to all who have posted helpful information.
Holy shit, cut that cord and get an antenna. I did and couldn't be happerier. Get Roku also, cheap and streams great with my ASUS router.
-
Seems the landscape may be changing more re cable. CBS came out with an internet subscription service for $5.99 a month. I like the idea of choosing what I want, but not sure if I'd pay the monthly fee as I rarely watch CBS.
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/10/16/cbs-unveils-new-subscription-internet-streaming-service/
-
Holy shit, cut that cord and get an antenna. I did and couldn't be happerier. Get Roku also, cheap and streams great with my ASUS router.
Indeed. But like I said, due to my location, I can only get a handful of "b rated" independent stations on the antenna.
Question for you though....what's the deal with the Roku and ASUS? Are they a matched pair, meaning that to use the Roku do you have to have THAT router?
-
Indeed. But like I said, due to my location, I can only get a handful of "b rated" independent stations on the antenna.
Question for you though....what's the deal with the Roku and ASUS? Are they a matched pair, meaning that to use the Roku do you have to have THAT router?
No. I use my Roku with a Netgear router.
-
Roget that. thanks.
One hurdle is that I'm trying to keep four people happy with this change. :duh: :lol:
-
I cut the cord two years ago. I used a Magic Jack for phone service for three years which was $22.00 a year. Now I just have internet service and a indoor digital antenna for local stations and I use a cell phone for calls. More people should tell the cable companies to stick there service where the sun don’t shine.
-
I hear you Bob, I have not been able to cut the cord yet.
My other users would revolt.
I was able to trim down the satellite service and associated bill when I picked up a streaming box loaded with XBMC.
We still have a basic type satellite package that allows for local news, and live sports.
All movies are streamed via the XMBC box.
I did ramp up the internet service too. Went for a faster connection and unlimited bandwidth.
All in all, I cut out $40 a month after spending a one time $140 on the XMBC box last November.
More than paid for itself, and the faster internet is nice now that there are very often 2-3 ipads blasting away these days.
-
Good info guys, thank you.
I have a question for you Roku users......Especially the users that have owned a Squeezebox.
If the Roku as "buggy" as the SB equipment was? I don't mean that in a snippy troll way, but I think those of you that can relate know why I'm asking. :D
-
Good info guys, thank you.
I have a question for you Roku users......Especially the users that have owned a Squeezebox.
If the Roku as "buggy" as the SB equipment was? I don't mean that in a snippy troll way, but I think those of you that can relate know why I'm asking. :D
I have squeezebox touch and Roku 3 and have not had any issues. I "cut" the cable on 8/2013 and don't miss it at all except sports on occasion.
I had Verizon FIOS 50/25 for 1 year for $50/month then all of a sudden it's was $85. Well the promotion ran out. I called and complained - in the end they would not lower the internet only service, but if I packaged 50/50 internet with select HD cable then they could drop it to $65. Does not make sense to me. :scratch:
Good luck with your quest :thumb:
-
Yea, that doesn't make sense, but communication companies seldom do in their decisions regarding the end users monthly bill. :duh:
Thank you Greg.
-
Yea, that doesn't make sense, but communication companies seldom do in their decisions regarding the end users monthly bill. :duh:
Thank you Greg.
Bob,
One thing I learned is if you talk to providers on the phone about new service, you have to drag them kicking and screaming to tell you the non promotional rate. I kept asking what it would be in 6 mo, 12 mo, 18 mo, t 24 mo, etc. and kept taking the agent through that loop until I got the info I wanted. I wore them out with questions. Worst case is all I cared about, so there are no surprises and I knew exactly when the bumps would kick in. Then, I calculated the true total cost for 3 years to compare various options and played it back to them.
Now I have Mediacom 60mbit internet for ~$40/month. I use an Obihai 202 2-line IP phone box ($70) with Google Voice lines for zero cost phone. I added a few other IP virtual phone lines to it for business, and they also have very low fees. I think I've spent ~$25 or so total the past year, for phone with LD. Obihai uses your existing home phones just fine.
I just use Directv because I watch a lot of NFL and other sports and there isn't much other way to get them. I don't subscribe to any movie or premium stuff, but I do use an Apple TV ($99) and/or my Sony DVD player for various services like Netflix, Hulu, etc. A Roku would probably be better, but I already had the ATV. Works great for me.
-
Something of an update...
Still using rabbit ears to get ABC & CBS. Have been using a Roku 3 for streaming for a while. Using AT&T's U-Verse "Power" Internet (whoever thinks up these names should be punched in the face...repeatedly) for pipe.
Now that HBO has made The Move, things should start getting interesting. Let the beatdown on POS cable companies begin.
Ditched the dish back in '11. No regrets, and more than a grand a year back in my pocket. Getting by just fine with an antenna for local b'cast, and streaming Netflix out of my Oppo. Until the content pushers have full al la carte, they can go pound sand.
-
Something of an update...
Still using rabbit ears to get ABC & CBS. Have been using a Roku 3 for streaming for a while. Using AT&T's U-Verse "Power" Internet (whoever thinks up these names should be punched in the face...repeatedly) for pipe.
Now that HBO has made The Move, things should start getting interesting. Let the beatdown on POS cable companies begin.
You mean let the shakedown of HBO begin. As I have said before he who controls the pipe rules. HBO may become the cellular companies best buddy as people start to stream HBO and blow through their data plan monthly caps.
-
Shakedown? To a point. What do you think is happening _now_? To use your example, cable companies control pipe...
HBO is getting smart, deciding to be less dependent on one pipe (cable), and seeing where the demand curve is across several pipes (Cable, "Home" Phone Company, "Cell" Phone Company).
Besides, the two outfits that drive the demand for pipe (Netflix & YouTube) are going to stay right where they are.
You mean let the shakedown of HBO begin. As I have said before he who controls the pipe rules. HBO may become the cellular companies best buddy as people start to stream HBO and blow through their data plan monthly caps.
-
Shakedown? To a point. What do you think is happening _now_? To use your example, cable companies control pipe...
HBO is getting smart, deciding to be less dependent on one pipe (cable), and seeing where the demand curve is across several pipes (Cable, "Home" Phone Company, "Cell" Phone Company).
Besides, the two outfits that drive the demand for pipe (Netflix & YouTube) are going to stay right where they are.
Google Netflix pays Comcast or Netflix pays Verizon. Netflix is paying Comcast and Verizon to 'guarantee' a good user experience. Don't you think that HBO and CBS will wind up doing the same thing?
The cell companies will love it because they either get paid by the gig or performance slows after so many gig. So if you are streaming these channels you'll wind up paying more on your monthly bill or wanting to up the full speed portion of your unlimited contract.
Home phone company. DSL really? Who has DSL these days.
-
Between Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Roku, cutting the cord should be easier than ever. Anyone paying $150/mo needs to look at the fact that they are paying $1800/yr!!! Amazon is the most expensive but includes Prime shipping which and Prime Music. Netflix has just added HGTV shows like HH and HH Int'l and Property Bros., which honestly comprises about 80% of our cable watching. The only reason we still have cable is because we are new to the area and got a ridiculous no strings deal for $80/mo. including 50mbps internet and dvr.
The key to getting the most out of these streaming companies is to research their libraries. For instance Netflix may not seem like much at first but if you get an app like Instant Watch Browser you can see *every* title netflix adds every week not just what's featured in New Releases and ALL of their streaming titles can be searched by genre, etc. You'll be amazed at all the great stuff that's on Netflix using an app like that.
http://roku.permanence.com/
-
DSL really? Who has DSL these days.
That's a really ignorant question. In fact, there are quite a few households that lie just outside of the "perfect radius" the communications companies have drawn on their maps. It was within the past two years that I got was able to escape the dreaded clutches of DSL. A couple years before that, I had dial-up. At that same time, my Mother in Law had AT&T U-Verse, and we're about 35 minutes drive time from each other. Yes, I was in the dark ages listening to my modem dialing while entitled people like you had 30Meg and thought it was common place.
So just because you think that you're in a privileged place, doesn't mean the rest of the First World Country is in the same 'place'. :roll:
Rural Bob
EDIT: Oh....and being at the dead end of a gravel road in the outskirts of what any communications company called their "acceptable" covered area, my neighbor and I shared the just under $1,500 fee to have the service brought the distance of the three utility poles.
So you ask who still has DSL? Ha.... the mere asking of the question pisses me off.
-
I'm well aware of the Good User Experience shakedown ramping up. Are you aware that similar forms of Payola currently exist between some "cable" channels and cable companies? It takes many forms, and is hidden under many rocks: Ad Dollars, Spiffs, Positioning Fees, etc.
The point I've been trying to make is that the Payola has happened, the Payola is happening, and the Payola will continue to happen. HBO going "direct" with the viewer across multiple forms of data pipe will end some forms of Payola aimed at them (HBO), and create new ones.
Bottom line, this is a meaningful beginning for al la carte pricing, which Cable Vermin (and later, Satellite Vermin) continue lie about both in terms of technical feasibility (very easy) and how much it is desired by viewers (viewers have been overwhelmingly in favor of it for decades).
Thankfully, Bob has already & adequately addressed your DSL comment (Thanks, Bob!). Chow Time (and The Middle).
Google Netflix pays Comcast or Netflix pays Verizon. Netflix is paying Comcast and Verizon to 'guarantee' a good user experience. Don't you think that HBO and CBS will wind up doing the same thing?
The cell companies will love it because they either get paid by the gig or performance slows after so many gig. So if you are streaming these channels you'll wind up paying more on your monthly bill or wanting to up the full speed portion of your unlimited contract.
Home phone company. DSL really? Who has DSL these days.
-
I'm done conversing with you Luddites on the topic of internet access. If you'd like to continue the conversation, send me smoke signals or call me with your 2G cell phone if you have one. :lol:
-
I'm done conversing with you Luddites on the topic of internet access. If you'd like to continue the conversation, send me smoke signals or call me with your 2G cell phone if you have one. :lol:
Lud·dite
ˈlədˌīt/
:a person opposed to increased industrialization or new technology. opposing many forms of modern technology/{/quote}
Nothing any of us said had anything to do with the definition of luddite. In some cases we're talking about not having access to certain technologies, and in some cases not wanting to be overcharged for access to TV/phone/internet. In seven pages, to date, the civilized conversation has been focused on getting fair service for a fair price. If you don't feel like you're able to be a constructive part of this conversation, then so be it, and I'm happy you're leaving the thread.
Bob
p.s. Mike, you're very welcome.
-
DSL RULES!!!
Debating me on that topic should be for another thread.
DISCLAIMER: DSL pays my bills...
-
OK, lets get back to helping each other, and not arguing. :nono:
I am hit or miss when it comes to ESPN. Sometimes I watch a game on their website and sometimes I cant. Sometimes it will block me but if I circle around on their website, and then come back to the particular game, I can get access. Anybody else w the same experience?
To get access, ESPN (among other major channels) wants to know what carrier I use. Is there a cheap carrier I can use as a proxy that will suffice for their requirements? Or any other work arounds?
Anybody watching the World Series? And How?
-
OK, lets get back to helping each other, and not arguing. :nono:
I am hit or miss when it comes to ESPN. Sometimes I watch a game on their website and sometimes I cant. Sometimes it will block me but if I circle around on their website, and then come back to the particular game, I can get access. Anybody else w the same experience?
To get access, ESPN (among other major channels) wants to know what carrier I use. Is there a cheap carrier I can use as a proxy that will suffice for their requirements? Or any other work arounds?
Anybody watching the World Series? And How?
Not watching it but if I wanted it I'd look into this to add to my Roku - http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?product=roku
Unfortunately my cable company (which I only use for internet) blocks out even ESPN3. My old cable company (I moved the end of last year) allowed it (just had high speed internet) and I used to watch things on ESPN3. My new cable is really terrible. I hope that more companies follow the HBO lead (and I do realize it may cause my internet bill to go up but that is OK as it is better that customers have real choices to get programs they want vs. pay for things they don't)
-
They are trying to enforce blackout restrictions in a very porous environment.
For a work around, you could try using Tor/Onion routing, with a capable browser. It's free (as in beer).
OK, lets get back to helping each other, and not arguing. :nono:
I am hit or miss when it comes to ESPN. Sometimes I watch a game on their website and sometimes I cant. Sometimes it will block me but if I circle around on their website, and then come back to the particular game, I can get access. Anybody else w the same experience?
To get access, ESPN (among other major channels) wants to know what carrier I use. Is there a cheap carrier I can use as a proxy that will suffice for their requirements? Or any other work arounds?
Anybody watching the World Series? And How?
-
Not watching it but if I wanted it I'd look into this to add to my Roku - http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?product=roku
Another reason to get a Roku.
For a work around, you could try using Tor/Onion routing, with a capable browser.
Haven't had much luck w Proxy type browsing but I'll give it a try.
-
I just bought This indoor HD antenna (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00APPDX86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
Like I've said, due to my terrain, I have little hope of getting much. Ideally, I'd like to get local channels and that's it. Internet based sites will provide the rest of my content, Amazon, Netflix, AppleTV, Roku etc..etc..
The item is due Tuesday, I'll letcha know. :D
Bob
-
Bob - I tried the Mohu Leaf and their powered outdoor antenna. Both were barely useful where I live. That means not much hope for you as you described your location.
After a month of farting around, I finally bought a $59 antenna from an outfit in Michigan and it has worked quite well.
Keep in mind that altitude can help an antenna reach across more terrain. See if you can explore the possibility of mounting it on a mast in your backyard. It seems to me the site I went to wanted my planned antenna elevation as part of calculating what to recommend.
-
Indeed. :|
My back yard is solid bedrock after about 3" of soil. So any antenna will have to be chimney mounted, which requires more wire fishing than I'd like to do. So.....I'm trying the indoor first. Since I'm Amazon Prime, I can return it without penalty.
But yea, I have little hope for success, but the attempt is easy and free.
Bob
-
If you have good solid bedrock that is not heavily weathered or fractured you can rent a hammer drill and install a mast with expansion bolts right into the bedrock. :D
Scotty
-
That's a good point, thank you!
-
Saw this today (10-27-14).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107586)
-
Aereo loses bid to become cable company. (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2470965,00.asp?mailingID=937377C14745CAA27337B0D4CAAD8696?mailing_id=1064081)
-
Lokie, Thanks for the heads-up. :thumb:
I bought one. Unfortunately, it'll be a month or more before they ship them. This sale price is a pre-order only.
But I'll certainly let you know my impressions. It will be going in the room of my young daughter, so the majority of you won't be interested in the content it's capable of streaming.
Bob - Slowly cutting the cord. One strand at a time.
-
On point.
http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2014-10-23/think-cutting-the-cord-will-set-you-free-not-so-fast
-
On point.
http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2014-10-23/think-cutting-the-cord-will-set-you-free-not-so-fast
Well, the guy has a good point. But what he's not saying is that if you have high speed Internet and cable TV, you're paying for the same thing twice to the same company. However, if you "cut the cord" i.e., eliminate cable TV, then you're only paying for Internet service which will allow you to stream TV/movies through it without any significant additional cost.
-
However, if you "cut the cord" i.e., eliminate cable TV, then you're only paying for Internet service which will allow you to stream TV/movies through it without any significant additional cost.
For now, perhaps.
Many cable Internet providers have bandwidth limits of so many gigabytes per month and it varies depending on the service level tier (essential, preferred, premier, ultimate, etc.). While the trend has been to provide faster download and upload speeds (Mb/s) for the same money, the trend has also been to limit and decrease total monthly bandwidth for the same money.
With the rising trend of higher resolution video with less compression, some people will find that their Internet TV usage can outpace their monthly allotment. Unfortunately, the cable companies are feeling the impact of Netflix and other Internet video content providers and will make adjustments to keep a bigger slice of the pie.
Steve
-
In my opinion, this discussion boils down to how many hours your brain requires staring at the boob-toob to satisfy it, and what type of content you want to feed your brain. What may be right for you, with regard to television content, may very well be torture for somebody else. The point here being, is that why should we pay a couple hundred a month when, "Number one", there's a less expensive solution, and "Number two", we don't watch enough of the content as it is to make it worthwhile.
<snipped the useless bickering>
Anyway, back to the subject at hand.....
As I mentioned yesterday, I ordered the "Firestick", and they now say the delivery date is the middle of December. :duh:
I also received the Moho antenna today. I'm going to play with it tonight, but I'm thinking the Samsung plasma isn't a true "tuner", and I'll have to have a box between the antenna and tv.
Bob
-
...but I'm thinking the Samsung plasma isn't a true "tuner", and I'll have to have a box between the antenna and tv.
The digital tuners in TV's are hit and miss. A friend had a new 30" Samsung LCD and could only pick up a couple of stations, the $20 el-cheapo mono tuner could pick up everything. The Samsung was returned for a Panasonic (based on my recommendation) and all the stations are available again.
In the very early days of digital TV I picked up a SAMSUNG SIR-T151 HDTV tuner and used it until a year and a half ago and it was terrific, they are still available on eBay. (1080i max resolution)
Important Note: Samsung also makes digital tuners with DirectTV. The tuner WILL NOT WORK without the DirectTV SD card even if you never sign up or plan to use the DirectTV function.
-
<snipped the useless bickering>
Wayne - Thanks!
I wondered about the old school tv/Sat receivers. I've got some from DirecTv and/or DISH that have been rotting in my pile of obsolete electronics. I assumed they wouldn't work, but would have hooked them up in hopes.....
For the "woman cave", there must be a DVR. Does anybody make an HD tuner box that's DVR too? Sorry, I'm asking to be spoon-fed info, it's just an area I have't gotten around to researching yet.
Thanks all!
Bob
-
Speaking of digital set top boxes has anyone tried these? - http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phd8vxmain.htm
I'm using two Samsung DTB-H260F boxes for each of my projectors. I do have a couple of old Samsung SIR-T150s in the garage I have not used in a bit. My only gripe with the DTB-H260F is that if there is 4:3 material there is no option to get it natively. Makes everyone seem fat (and it's a good thing I'm not on a TV show in that screen format :lol:). There are times I just watch on the 55 inch set vs. either the 92 inch or 100 screen where the projectors are as I don't want to look at distortion. I have not taken out the old 150 tuners in quite a bit as I have been using the 260 boxes on my projectors for years.
-
Speaking of digital set top boxes has anyone tried these? - http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phd8vxmain.htm
I'm using two Samsung DTB-H260F boxes for each of my projectors. I do have a couple of old Samsung SIR-T150s in the garage I have not used in a bit. My only gripe with the DTB-H260F is that if there is 4:3 material there is no option to get it natively. Makes everyone seem fat (and it's a good thing I'm not on a TV show in that screen format :lol:). There are times I just watch on the 55 inch set vs. either the 92 inch or 100 screen where the projectors are as I don't want to look at distortion. I have not taken out the old 150 tuners in quite a bit as I have been using the 260 boxes on my projectors for years.
My Samsung dtb 260hf just died after many years of faithful service. If anyone knows of something g similar or better, would appreciate it. Would like something slim like that unit. Really I just use it to watch football and the occasional big OTA event, so doesn't need to be anything even as elaborate as the unit Phil suggested.
-
I have a friend that replaced an old Samsung HDTV tuner with a Homeworx PVR. He said the picture was better but the question I have is was it because the Samsung was having problems or because technology has improved so much over a decade that a $40 box of today is better than a $300 box of ten years ago.
But he is happy with it so that is all that matters. You can record with the Homeworx too. There's a giant thread on AVS forum regarding it and other OTA PVRs.
Be warned though the analog audio out is not good on the Homeworx. HDMI is fine.
-
For content check to see if your library has Hoopla. It's free. Not a super deep catalog of stuff but growing.
https://www.hoopladigital.com/home
My library network has a deep collection of DVDs and Blu-Rays. I can search online for a title. If it exists anywhere in the library network, I can request it online and have it delivered to my local branch for free.
-
My Samsung dtb 260hf just died after many years of faithful service. If anyone knows of something g similar or better, would appreciate it. Would like something slim like that unit. Really I just use it to watch football and the occasional big OTA event, so doesn't need to be anything even as elaborate as the unit Phil suggested.
They do make a cheaper unit - http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phd208main.htm
But I have no idea how they perform vs. the Samsungs. I still have two SIR-T150s which I used before the 260s. I may know someone who has a model after the 150 (I forget which one he asked me a few years ago if I would be interested). If interest I could send him an e-mail to see if he still has it.
-
Bob,
There's TIVO. They have a model with the dual tuners built in so that would kill 2 birds with one stone though would add another monthly fee. The new TIVO units can send their programming to other devices in the house as well. Check out their web site to see if that is for you. And... you already know someone to get a TIVO from. :thumb:
http://www.tivo.com/discover/antenna (http://www.tivo.com/discover/antenna)
-
Indeed Matt, The wife has researched the TIVO DVR units.
Not sure what she's leaning towards though, but now that I know you have them, I'll keep that in mind for sure!
Bob
-
Bob-
Here is an article on what exists today for OTA & DVR - http://www.cnet.com/news/aereo-alternatives-for-recording-free-over-the-air-roundup/
Like I mentioned early in this post I had a Tivo (no issues) just my needs changed so I went the PC route as my tuner/dvr.
-
Using the article above, which is very helpful, the TIVO cost is the highest at about $21 a month broken out from their $750 3 year cost of ownership. While the other tested options were indeed less expensive they all had some operational issue or bug that has to be resolved yet leading me back to this thought. For the simple ease of ownership and WAF the TIVO represents the better value in my opinion since the interface is rock solid and well thought out and has the most options to expand and share the video too.
Now if Bob can throw up that 200ft mast in back he will be rocking. Wouldn't it just be easier to steal Ryan's cable? :lol:
-
Chip, that you very much for the link!
Matt, I would need about a half mile of coax to make it to Ryan's house. I don't see why that would be a problem, he can just write it off as a company expense. :icon_twisted:
Bob
-
I guess I'm lucky that I never was bitten by the DVR bug, but when I cut the cable my plan was to rent and buy shows just as long as the dollar amount was less than what i would have to pay for basic cable. I follow that the same approach today but now i have netflix and occasionally watch a show over the web. I'm finding myself preferring methods that don't have commercials, so if i know netflix has the previous season of a show, i will just almost always wait. If i can't wait to watch the show, I'm more than willing to pay for it to be commercial free and to watch it on my time. I also value that I can watch three sitcoms in about an hour vs watching two with commercials.
I do have one concern for us cable cutters, is the recent trend to register for that network's service. I'm curious if the HBO Go service that will open up next year include commercials or targeted commercials. If so, I will probably just wait until the show appears on netflix or iTunes.
Jim
-
UPDATE:
= The woman cave:
I hooked up the new >>MOHU LEAF<< (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00APPDX86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) antenna to her 50" Samsung plasma and I'm blown away at the picture quality of the HD stations. In a direct A/B comparison of the same Charter HD station, the OTA antenna is sharper, brighter and more vivid. So much so, that I'll have to turn down the reds, they're over-saturated a bit. It receives the major networks in HD, the minor local stations in SD, and a dozen or two "other" stations. Since she has the major three, she's as happy as she can be.
As far as her TiVo/DVR is concerned, I told her to pick one out. Well, there's only one unit that works with antenna only so her choice was an obvious one (not only did she pick one, she bought it. Sorry Matt) The >>TiVo Roamio<< (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EEOSZK0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) will arrive tomorrow.
=The kids rooms:
The girl and boy rooms have 42" and 50" LCD flat panels, internet, and Playstation consoles. They're both happy with what's available to them via Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Netflix*
=The man cave:
No changes have been made. Yet.
So....In the past couple weeks, we've slowly weened ourselves from Charter television almost entirely. Things are going well. As we suck the available bandwidth from our internet, we'll be keeping a close eye on the streaming services for glitches. When Charter TV is eliminated entirely, we'll be saving about $130 a month. We have to keep the landline (no cel reception in the valley). So the remaining $90 a month will be for phone and internet only.
$90 is a much easier pill to swallow that $220. Big time.
$3 per day, versus $7.30. I wish I would have done this a long time ago.
The last time I didn't have satellite or cable in the house I was living in, was the early 80's.
Bob
* The $14 Netflix service we're currently receiving is discs by mail only. We may, or may not keep that, change it to streaming only, or eliminate Netflix entirely. Unknown at this point.
-
Bob,
Looks like you've come up with some great solutions for your situation and the family is happy too. Great work!
You might consider an IP phone setup to get rid of that land line. As mentioned I use Obihai IP phone box with my internet service and it uses all the existing phones. Zero cost other than the box itself.
Tom
-
I'd forgotten all about that, thanks for the reminder Tom!
I'll put that on my list of things to research. :thumb:
There have been a couple little "jitters" with the Moho's reception. Not much, but enough to make me think about an amp. I've "pack-ratted" a couple devices over the years that may work. More research to see if they're compatible....
On another note, that $19 Amazon "Fire HD Stick" still hasn't arrived. Not sure we'll really need it, but hey....for the price, I'm game to try it.
Bob
-
Bob,
No worries on the purchase. I would have had to special order that one from my vendor since they only stock the cable models. WTF, right?
You would likely still do better with a mast mounted antenna to boost signal. Easier to amplify those too and you can't amplify what isn't there in the first place.
If you like what your wife has going on with the TIVO you can add a TIVO mini to the man cave.
Matt
-
That's an option Matt, good to know. The Mohu antenna was the cheapest and easiest way to get "locals". I went that way as it was easier than climbing on the roof and running coax. :lol:
Good to know about Tivo mini, I did not know that. :thumb:
-
Here's my simple setup to cut the cable cord. It's a Clearstream 2V antenna that I have mounted on a 1.5 dia wood dowel behind my audio rack in my living room.
It pulls in 38 channels which is better than what I received from Time Warner Cable. Glad I cut the cord.
I stream Netflix and Quello concerts thru my Roku 1. For $50 the Roku 1 works great with my wireless router. No buffering/nothing, just smooth streaming.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=108075)
-
You guys know about XBMC, soon to be called Kodi? I haven't tried it out yet but I bought a tiny little android box called mygica that has ethernet and hdmi and a remote. It basically uses this home theater software and provides lots of streaming of content. Apparently its like Netflix on steroids. However, I am pretty sure all the content available isn't legally acquired.
-
Never heard of it, but based on your ..ahem..."description", it sounds like "FTA" (Free To Air)?
I'd be game, but the FTA requiring "maintenance" every three days to keep it working, I'm too lazy to keep up with that. :lol:
-
JoshK I have been using a hacked Android box running XBMC for just around a year now.
Bob it is a small network appliance (about the size of a Pogoplug) that runs s/w on it and brings forth material from the Net.
In terms of the GUI though, it is way more complex than simple Netflix which is what keeps me from dumping cable altogether (my other family users would rebel), but it is ALL I use for my HT in the basement (from a broadcast perspective, there is a blu ray player with around 30 titles).
I watch a lot of time shifted TV on it (Banshee, Homeland, The Blacklist, The Red Road, anything with Anthony Bourdain), and ALL movies I watch are now through this service.
Agreed that it is "grey" market though.
-
Roger that, thanks Mark. I'll check one out. :thumb:
-
I just downloaded and installed XBMC on my PC, I can't get it to do squat. Anyone familiar with the program chime in.
-
XBMC (now Kodi) is just a media center program. In itself it doesn't stream content. The mechanism needed to stream TV and Movie content is made possible by a unaffiliated third party add-on from XBMC HUB (now TV ADDONS). Streaming or downloading the content is illegal, but so far I haven't read of any end users being prosecuted, but have heard of action against some of the providers as well as cease and desist notices from some of the Internet Service Providers to their customers, Comcast in particular.
The interface and mechanism is not always quick and easy and certainly has little to no WAF. Installing the XBMC HUB or TV ADDONS installs a number of Sources (with names like 1Channel, Mash Up, IceFilms, Project Free TV, TV4ME, etc.), and additional sources can be added from more than one hundred available.
First you choose one of the Sources, then search for a TV show or Movie. The search returns a list of content containing the search word(s). You choose the content you're looking for and are then prompted to choose your stream from a number of Repositories with names like billionuploads.com, promptfile.com, sharerepo.com, movshare.net, etc.
Each stream has a prefix to denote the source. The majority are from DVD [DVD] or Blu-ray [BD], but if you are looking for a movie that just hit the theatres you may actually find [CAM], which is some dude with a video camera pirating from a seat along with camera shakes and tilts and coughing and talking, or [TS], which is Telecine and seems to be a camera in the projection booth with audio from the projector feed.
Much of the time you get lucky and after a brief "Working" are watching your selection, but sometimes the content is not found or there is an error and you have to try another repository. In the worst case, you bounce from Source to Source searching for a match and from Repository to Repository for a successful stream, spending five minutes and more.
-
As far as eliminating the landline (since cel reception is nil in my valley), I think I'll buy a $70 >>OBi202 VoIP Phone Adapter << (http://www.amazon.com/OBi202-Phone-Adapter-Router-2-Phone/dp/B007D930YO) and never pay to use the phone again.
Great thread, lots of good info here.
Bob
-
As far as eliminating the landline (since cel reception is nil in my valley), I think I'll buy a $70 >>OBi202 VoIP Phone Adapter << (http://www.amazon.com/OBi202-Phone-Adapter-Router-2-Phone/dp/B007D930YO) and never pay to use the phone again.
Great thread, lots of good info here.
Bob
That's the one I have. I use a Google Voice number which is free and I ported 2 landline numbers to 2 other services on Anveo.com which charges pennies for outbound calls and provides a 911 locator for a small fee per year. All seem to work well.
-
Good to know Tom. I'm involved in this same chat on another forum, and there's a fellow that described exactly what you've got.
I watched a video on the Obi website that completely confused me and made the system sound waaaaay too complicated and involved.
Seems it wasn't as bad as I originally thought. I think he said the E911 service was something like eighty cents a month. Insignificant as far as I'm concerned.
-
Good to know Tom. I'm involved in this same chat on another forum, and there's a fellow that described exactly what you've got.
I watched a video on the Obi website that completely confused me and made the system sound waaaaay too complicated and involved.
Seems it wasn't as bad as I originally thought. I think he said the E911 service was something like eighty cents a month. Insignificant as far as I'm concerned.
Yes, I think I put about $15.00 into my Anveo account a year ago and there is still money left in it.
-
So I can get a landline for less than $15 a year. :lol:
Yea. This whole thing is amazing. I feel like I've had the wool pulled over my eyes for all these years. :duh:
Bob
-
So I can get a landline for less than $15 a year
Is it a "real" landline or computer/internet connection?
I think this is exactly what I need but am a little confused. It's so cheap, that I'm just going to jump in and figure it out.
-
I use an OOMA device that you can get anywhere from best buy to Amazon. It is a VOIP phone, that needs the internet connection to work. I paid 100 dollars for the box, and just plug my cordless phone base in to it-then all the handsets work. I have yet to have any problems with it at all. I have had it for two years and it does exactly what I need, make phone calls for the kids when the cell phones are gone. I pay $3.87 a month in federal taxes, billed to my credit card. So, 48 dollars a year, plus i have access online to all features, on my phone if i need it, two phone numbers, and you can port your current number over. Also, I like this box because my wife travels a lot and if you take the box with you and plug it in, you can call it locally from anywhere-same number and all. Went to china, worked, S. America, worked. Neat for people to call her when away.
JP
-
Lokie, No, it is not a true "land line", as in the old school definition. It is a 100% internet based service. The best part is that a year of it is less than a year of what "Ma Bell" has to offer (to use a very old school phrase).
-
Is it a "real" landline or computer/internet connection?
I think this is exactly what I need but am a little confused. It's so cheap, that I'm just going to jump in and figure it out.
As Bob indicated it is not the same as a land line. I use Ooma which works in a similar manner. You buy their box and just pay monthly taxes (for me about $3.80) and can make unlimited US calls. Ooma lets you configure it so that if the internet goes down calls will revert to your cell number and also you can set it up so that when you get a voice mail at home, it sends you an email with the voice mail attached via an MP3. The biggest disadvantage of these things is if you use a lot of old faxes as they are designed to go via an analog telephone line. I can send a couple of pages out. It's not a big deal to me as I have a scanner and can send things that way.
-
Are people aware of the $50 Roamio for Tivo OTA? Not sure if there is catch in there somewhere.
https://www.tivo.com/discover/antenna
-
That would have been cool to know a month or so ago, as we just bought the $150 Roamio. :duh:
Oh well. My monthly bill has gone from $222 to $70, and we're not finished "cutting the cord". That $100 I didn't save getting the OTA unit will be saved in a couple weeks. :lol:
On a related note....
I've got the Ooma phone hooked up, but it takes a month to "port" my existing phone number. Once that's done, that $70 will drop further.
-
Bob,
With all that money saved, when is the party? :beer: :banana piano: :violin: :drums:
-
Just thought I would throw this out as a new way to cut the wires.
It only runs on a PC for now and in the future they will have tablet and smart phone apps.
https://airtame.com
The main target now is the work space. I have tried some of the Miracast and this should be better :thumb:
-
Are people aware of the $50 Roamio for Tivo OTA? Not sure if there is catch in there somewhere.
The catch to me is $15/ month. Or did I get this wrong? It would be cool to be external HD expandable capable.
https://airtame.com
The main target now is the work space. I have tried some of the Miracast and this should be better
I'm thinking this might be a superior toremote desktop solution rather than say VNC, and eventually Itunes REMOTE.
-
I've got the Ooma phone hooked up, but it takes a month to "port" my existing phone number. Once that's done, that $70 will drop further.
Bob,
Let us know how you like the Ooma phone and if it sounds good and if it drops connections. I'm interested in one.
My land line is $40 a month and all I use it for is an answering machine. Seems like a waste.
Also, what is porting and why does it take a month to port your existing phone. Is It hard to setup.
Thanks
-
One thing about Ooma, which I have and like is that I helped someone Thursday afternoon. He got it a few weeks back and I helped him set it up temporarily (he moved from an apartment to a townhouse last week). He called to tell me that he had a problem (and he is completely computer illiterate so I went over to help). When he was picking up calls to him it would give him a dial tone sometimes instead of the caller. He had a new internet provider (Hotwire, included with his HOA). I went on an Ooma chat from his laptop and did speed tests for them. I have a 10Mbps/1Mbps purchased speed. I usually get a hair more (just tested at 17.25/1.17) when testing both download and upload. His was a little over 3Mbps/1.46Mbps (and they had me test jitter too). They told me they were adjusting the voice quality and had me re-set the modem, router and Ooma box. They gave me a customer service number (which I gave to my friend) with instructions to call if it did not fix the issue within 24-48 hours. I have not seen or heard from him since Thursday so I'm hopeful the problem is resolved.
-
Absolutely I'll let you know! :thumb:
"Porting" the number is the act of them getting my existing phone number from my carrier so I can keep it. I can elect to get a new phone number for free, but I've had this one too long to change it. The cost seems a bit steep, but it's worth it in the long run. They say it can take 3-4 to "port", but the day after I activated it, they sent me an email saying they were almost finished. :scratch:
When all is said and done, it will cost less than $4 a month for phone service.
Thanks to this thread for the continued good ideas and the Ooma idea.
Matt, when I have the first party, you'll be the first invited. If all goes well, the inside of my fridge will look as good as yours. :wink:
-
I've had Ooma, Comcast's voice service, and Vonage. I went back to Vonage even though it's relatively expensive. The reason is for the voice-to-text translations it does. Vonage does a great job at that. If you don't need that, or other services Ooma charges for, then Ooma is a better deal.
-
The umbilical has been cut. Boxed up and going back.
$2664 a year versus $840 (and we're not finished "cutting").
Feels good.
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k60/BobinStLouis/Crap-n-Stuff/DSC_0540_zps529a9a3f.jpg) (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/BobinStLouis/media/Crap-n-Stuff/DSC_0540_zps529a9a3f.jpg.html)
-
Cutting the cable cord is like dropping any other addiction --- It looks daunting, you feel concern about how you will suffer without it, you wonder about your resolve, you postpone for flimsy reasons --- but eventually, when you finally get up the nerve, you find out it really wasn't a big deal at all. You have a sense of accomplishment, a sense of strength and independence. You realize that you are not only saving money and time but you are helping your health by eliminating something unhealthy. And you are contributing your small piece toward crushing a vile corporate monopoly by no longer giving them a monthly piece of yourself.
It's all upside really --- cut the cable today. You will never miss it.
-
Indeed. We (my family) have our TV addictions that's for sure. But once we figured out how to get "just enough" to keep us happy, then figured out how to get rid o the rest, that was the beginning of the end for Charter/AT&T/Dish/DirecTv (the available services here).
Once I got everybody on board with the thought of a change, it didn't take long before I was able to present them with the new shiny things they can now have while I secretly trim away the 'fat' in the background. If this is what being a Luddite is like, then count me in. All in.
-
Indeed. We (my family) have our TV addictions that's for sure. But once we figured out how to get "just enough" to keep us happy, then figured out how to get rid o the rest, that was the beginning of the end for Charter/AT&T/Dish/DirecTv (the available services here).
Once I got everybody on board with the thought of a change, it didn't take long before I was able to present them with the new shiny things they can now have while I secretly trim away the 'fat' in the background. If this is what being a Luddite is like, then count me in. All in.
Congrats Bob. Lots of people will just moan and groan but not do a thing about it. I know two people who moaned and groaned. One was paying about $3,350/year and the other about $2,750/year and still are (if they have not gotten an increase an pay more). I offered to help. One even complained about wanting now and probably needing a new car in a few years and I can't have too much sympathy when they are giving away $5k+ over that time frame.
-
That's just nuts. :duh:
-
Some years ago I had the sudden thought that the only way Billy Mays was able to enter my life was through the TV. I found that thought quite sobering because I hated his schtick so much. Before I got around to cutting out TV, ole Billy snuffed himself, thereby weakening my resolve to extricate. Earlier this year, in memory of Billy and everything else vile in this world, I finally snipped Charter off my big screens. Feels plenty good, by golly.
Try it ----- you'll like it! It's a cleansing beyond even the nonsense promised by OxyClean.
-
One of the great things in life is learning from your mistakes. One of the few things better, is when you can learn from somebody elses.
Soo.... Here's my teachable moment, along with with my humility. :duh:
I got the outdoor antenna installed on the roof. It comes with a small amp that gets installed in the coax, just in front of the TiVo DVR box. The amp can be powered by a USB cable, or can be plugged into a 120 volt outlet. In my ultimate wisdom, I thought it would be a good idea to use the USB from the television to power the amp. My line of thinking here is that there's no reason to have the amp powered up when it's not being used. I figured it would have a longer life if it's not "hot" at all times.
Sounds like a good idea, right?
I'm sure a few of you are smiling right now. :oops:
My wife has complained the past couple days about some of her programs not being recorded on the TiVo DVR. Some are, some aren't. Neither of us could figure out why this was happening. Most didn't record due to an error message about, "Lack of signal".
Figure it out yet? :wink:
The antenna amp isn't getting power if the television is turned off. So....when the TiVo DVR powered up to record a channel, the antenna signal wasn't being amped since the TV was turned off, therefor there WAS no signal.
Yip. I'm a dumbass. It took about ten minutes of serious troubleshooting to figure this one out.
I typed this in the hopes that some of you might learn from my case of dumbassity.
I've since plugged the USB amp into the TiVo DVR, so it stays powered down until the TiVo powers up.
Bob - "genius" :lol:
-
So I ended up getting a Mediasonic HomeWorx tuner - and shelled out the a few extra pennies for the the version w/ USB which allows PVR functions (I have not tried out the PVR functionality yet). A whopping $37 on Amazon - apparently its the #1 selling tuner at their store.
So far all works well & it's more responsive than the old Samsung that died. I'm not sure the picture and sound quality is better - sometimes I thought it was a bit softer with less color depth, but it could just be that the particular broadcasts I was watching were not that sharp. Just remember to change the digital out to bitstream in the menu setting to get OTA dolby digital to your receiver (the default is PCM). Anyway - for that silly low $ it's hard to go wrong. The windshield wipers for my car I ordered at the same time cost more.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I2ZBD1U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PS Oddly enough the remote is almost a clone of the one that came with my $3500 Auralic Vega DAC I have........guess Auralic puts the $ more into what's in the box than out of it........
-
Jon - out of curiosity on a 4:3 broadcast does the box let you view the program in 4:3 or does it stretch it? That is the only thing that drives me crazy about the Samsungs (I have two of them - one in the bedroom and one in the main system). I know the picture quality is better on the Samsung 260 vs. the old Samsung SIR-T150 (I still have one in the garage) but I it has been so long since I've used it (over 10 years) I don't remember if that box did it too.
-
So Bob,
Since you are clearly going for ultimate savings and cord cutting, judging by your concern of vampire devices stealing your nickels, why not go solar? Just think of all the money you would eventually save once the system is paid off in 20 years. And all of the heating costs you would save burning all of the trees that you cut down so that you could actually get sunlight down there. Looks like a win-win. :lol:
This moment of money saving genius brought to you by flexeril and Vicodin. Couches are heavy...
-
:lol: It's not the electricity and money savings I was worried about, just that fact that it on all the time and potentially shortening it's life span. I like your story though. :thumb:
-
Jon - out of curiosity on a 4:3 broadcast does the box let you view the program in 4:3 or does it stretch it? That is the only thing that drives me crazy about the Samsungs (I have two of them - one in the bedroom and one in the main system). I know the picture quality is better on the Samsung 260 vs. the old Samsung SIR-T150 (I still have one in the garage) but I it has been so long since I've used it (over 10 years) I don't remember if that box did it too.
Sorry for the late response - just got to try this out today after tuning to 4:3 channels. It does automatically scale (if you set it up that way in the menu settings) and 4:3 is displayed with gray side bars with no stretching.
Only performance issue today was sound was off - sounded as if extreme "hall" effect was on - but a restart cleared it and sound returned to normal.
-
Sorry for the late response - just got to try this out today after tuning to 4:3 channels. It does automatically scale (if you set it up that way in the menu settings) and 4:3 is displayed with gray side bars with no stretching.
Only performance issue today was sound was off - sounded as if extreme "hall" effect was on - but a restart cleared it and sound returned to normal.
Jon, thanks. I don't watch tons of TV, besides the Samsung 260 boxes on the two systems, I do have the old Samsung SIR-T150s in the garage. I do remember the reception being better with the 260 but not much else (I got the second 260 really cheap, at least back then, as an open box at Best Buy and got the second 150 cheap for back then used with no remote). It does annoy me when I do watch 4:3 that the stuff is stretched (I guess I might check out the projectors to see if I could set them at 4:3). Of course I have multiple TVs so if I watch 4:3 I have the old 55 inch set I had in my old master bedroom is a small spare bedroom and only sit 8 feet away and keep the room dark so it is like a smaller version of my old basement system. I do check tuners now and then and have been tempted to pull the trigger a couple of times but since the 260s have not died I leave it alone.
-
Here's my final update, as I've finished "cutting that cord".
$60 - Internet. We get 100Meg from Charter.
$4 - Phone. Unlimited free calls with internet based service from Ooma (The $4 is taxes)
$15 - Tivo. Monthly DVR service. 75 hours HD, 500 hours SD. Can record four channels at one time
Our monthly bill went from $222 to $79.
Here's a couple random 'extras':
$14 - Netflix. We had this anyway, and have had for many years, didn't feel right to include it in the monthly numbers, since it wasn't figured in with things that changed.
$8 - Amazon Prime ($100 a year). We've had this for many years for the perks of buying online. We've only watched one movie, as we don't really "need" it for the movie aspect (but it's nice to have).
$00 - 24 channels of OTA from the MOHO 60 "sky" antenna
-
That's awesome Bob, I bet it feels good. $4.00 for a phone service is unbelievable. Ooma will be my next phone service.
-
Indeed!
You know, I kinda messed that one up. I've spent so much time dealing with this, I got sloppy and rushed the phone aspect. As it turns out, having phone dropped from my Charter account lowered the bill a whopping $10. With Ooma being $4, I'm only saving $6 a month for dropping the phone. That'll take a long time to recoup. :duh:
-
Or if you do not want to spend cash on more hardware to get voip like ooma, you could spend $3 month for Skype, install it on your cell phone and use that for all your calls and use no cell minutes.
-
Indeed!
You know, I kinda messed that one up. I've spent so much time dealing with this, I got sloppy and rushed the phone aspect. As it turns out, having phone dropped from my Charter account lowered the bill a whopping $10. With Ooma being $4, I'm only saving $6 a month for dropping the phone. That'll take a long time to recoup. :duh:
Understood. I got behind on my land line phone bill and had to pay $80 bucks for 2 months.
Doesn't seem like a lot, but when your strapped it's a lot.
All I use my land line for is an answering machine and I delete 98% of my calls.
Ooma seems the way to go for me.
I have to say that since I cut my TWC line with an OTA indoor antenna for free I get great reception and a better selection of channels.
I'm glad I did it. I'll be using an OTA antenna from now on. Hell, mine is mounted inside my living room an I still get all my local channels
plus METV and many others for free that I've never had thru TWC. It's a win/win for me.
-
Oh yea, if you're paying $40 for a phone that you're not using, then Ooma is the way to go.......
.....That is, unless you can utilize the Skype/smartphone idea Bixby has.
-
Skype via computer or iPhone works great for me - often the call quality is better than my cell service.
A general tip to those out there with TIVO - you can pay by the year and save - an option that frankly they seem to hide or bury somewhere. It's what I do and I think the cost is $135 - or about $11.25 a month. Only catch is you have to have had the service for a year or whatever the contractual minimum is if you bought a subsidized TiVo DVR. I can't bring myself to do a lifetime subscription as I always expect my TiVo box is going to fail - even though mine hasn't yet over 4 years of ownership.
-
Good to know jarcher, I'll tell wifey. Thanks for the info. :D
-
No land lines at my house. I use my cell phone for 90% of my calls.
When I don't want someone to know my cell ph number I use google voice or skype.
For ex. when filling out a form on the internet... I don't like putting my cell phone number in those.
.
Or calling someone that I don't want capturing my cell ph number via caller ID.
Now I need a another phone number... similar to Google Voice. Want to do it on the cheap (free?). Just need it for messages. Texting or emailing the messages would be cool (like Google Voice). Any ideas?
BTW, Google Voice will only let you tie one of their numbers to one phone number (my cell phone). Wish they would let you do multiple phone numbers like multiple email addresses.
-
Slightly OT, but since we've been talking about phone service...
Been running off of cell phones exclusively for a while.
Problem is, our house sits in a dead pocket between three cell towers. So, we have to be careful what room we were in when making a call, etc.
Got tired of AT&T BS: UID headers, etc. Wasn't going to go with Verizon for the same reason. Moved over to T-Mobile re: privacy issues and that they have voice-over-wifi capability.
So, you can set up your phone to do voice over any wifi network you are connected to, and once out of range, it automatically goes back over to cell towers.
Service at the house is now excellent.
-
voice-over-wifi capability
Very interesting... Didn't know that existed.
That service would be great for the kids phones. You could really keep the minutes down.
Would be cool if they would issue phone numbers only to be used w wifi.
-
I purchased a cell extender (called a microcell for instance). The Wi-Fi calling is an option, too, but when you have two different phones from two different manufacturers, it can get to be a pain. What do you use for an iPhone?
-
I also had poor reception with AT&T and got one of their "Microcells" that connects to my internet service and have had great service since then. I paid $50 for it, but another friend w/ the same problem managed to get his for free. I think AT&T also have Wi-Fi calling plans, but I don't talk enough on the phone to make it worth it. Can't comment on the AT&T privacy issues though.
-
I purchased a cell extender (called a microcell for instance). The Wi-Fi calling is an option, too, but when you have two different phones from two different manufacturers, it can get to be a pain. What do you use for an iPhone?
Not sure what you are asking. I believe the iPhone 6 has VOWF capability.
-
Sorry, what app do you use with an iPhone for voice over wireless?
-
For those with AT&T: http://www.att.com/att/microcell/#fbid=Ulf4W93Gr89 (http://www.att.com/att/microcell/#fbid=Ulf4W93Gr89)
The the device is a femtocell in industry speak that AT&T calls a "microcell". It puts a small cellular antenna in your home or office that sends it's data back over an internet connection. I didn't look into cost but it is worth investigating.
And CVoIP is coming to all carriers soon. Only select new phones have the capability yet and to take advantage of it you would have to be calling another person on your carrier who has CVoIP. That also will be changing in the near future as the carriers are working on standards.
-
Ah. Per the T-Mobile person I talked to, it is built-in for the iPhone 6.
Sorry, what app do you use with an iPhone for voice over wireless?
-
Ah. Per the T-Mobile person I talked to, it is built-in for the iPhone 6.
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032
-
Inspired by this thread, I am in the process of cutting the cord. My Comcast billing has become so arbitrary and obtuse that I would rather spend the energy learning a new language or something. Or trying to understand how a DAC works :wink:
I also got lucky - a local company wired up my building so I have gone for a 30mbps connection from them (HiPoint - and I am in Evanston, Chicago). My building already had Cat5 cabling so I don't even need a cable modem or special adapter or anything. I can now plug my modem or laptop directly into the ethernet port in my living room!
I also installed Ooma and it was such a breeze - took me about 5 minutes and 4-5 dead simple steps. The only downside was that I wasn't able to get my existing number transferred from Vonage (I pay them $50 every month) - so I will have to spend some extra effort in updating my landline number in all the records - and then I can get rid of Vonage.
As far as cable goes, I am dreading the cancellation call I am going to have with Vonage. I fully expect them to give me the full run-around and tempt me with yet another bundling offer.
Besides this, I already have Netflix and Amazon Prime over Roku. My wife loves to watch Asian Indian TV - so I actually have a cool option now. Dishworld (available on Roku) offers a bunch of Indian TV channels live streaming (including Cricket!). It is a bit expensive (about $45), but at least she will be watching what she really wants and with a lot more options. And I don't have to deal with mystery bills anymore from Comcast!
I'm still on the fence on subscribing to Hulu (or Hulu Plus??), and also OTA channels.
My wife and I do watch a lot of TV series. In fact, we are currently hooked on to Saturday Night Lights on Netflix. However, we do watch a bunch of TV series on cable channels as well.
Will Hulu give us most of that? Does it have significantly more TV series compared to Netflix and Amazon? Meaning - do I still need Hulu if I already have Netflix and Amazon Prime?
In addition to Hulu, should I subscribe to some other service provider as well?
Sorry for all my questions. I have one more. Based on Tom's Hardware Guide review, I was thinking of getting Winegard FlatWave Amped FL5500Y. This is an amplified antenna. I am thinking of sticking it besides my TV in my living room (I live in the 15th floor of a building in Evanston). Is this the right choice for me? I don't mind spending the extra bit of money - for me, quality of reception and ability to get most channels is more important. (The Mohu Leaf Metro is also recommended but it is not amplified - I am not sure what to make of it).
I might even go for the ChannelMaster DVR+. I like the fact that I don't have to pay someone every month. But I also say this with little basis.
If someone can give me some feedback or help, I would *really* appreciate it!
Thanks!
Arun
-
Arun
I think that is a good start on streaming stuff - I only have netflix and survive between that, movie collection, and OTA HDTV oh and my HTPC of course.
Antennas can be trial and error depending on location of house to tv station antennas. So just make sure you can return the antenna in case it doesn't work well in your building.
-
Need to watch the College Football Championship online. Any suggestions?
-
I'm not into the game, but I have compiled a list of sports related sites (granted, they aren't solely College football), but I hope this helps:
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/apps
http://pac-12.com/live
http://www4.ballstreams.com/
http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/
http://www1.skysports.com/watch
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?product=roku
-
I'm not into the game, but I have compiled a list of sports related sites (granted, they aren't solely College football), but I hope this helps:
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/apps
http://pac-12.com/live
http://www4.ballstreams.com/
http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/
http://www1.skysports.com/watch
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?product=roku
Thanks Bob... great list.
-
Here is some more info on how to watch sports as well -
http://www.totalhtpc.com/cordcutting-sports/
-
~
-
Anybody have an opinion on Now TV (http://www.audiocircle.com/http:/http://www.nowtv.com/)?
-
I had a bit of a install problem, but now using Plex on Roku to good effect ($5.00). Some Comedy Central shows and food stuff are free as well as some network shows that I tend to miss when broadcast OTA live. Also enables me to stream movies and other owned and ripped content to my Roku from my computer in the other room.
-
Ooma sucks goat balls. :evil:
There are days when this internet based machine makes phone calls so unbearably painful due to unintelligible dialog, that I'm about to throw it in the driveway, run over it with my truck, set it on fire and piss on the ashes. The last straw was when I was on the phone (with tech support for a different brand new BROKEN piece of electronics), that I couldn't have a conversation. Ooma is being returned.
I'm officially crawling back to Charter with my tail between my legs and having them provide me with phone service. Once again.
Of course they can't simply turn it back on. Oh no. I have to pay an installation fee for them to come out and install new equipment, as the equipment of theirs that's still attached to the wall and was fully operational two months ago is "too old and outdated" to merely "flip a switch" and have it work again.
I have no doubt they're punishing me for leaving them.
-
Ooma sucks goat balls. :evil:
There are days when this internet based machine makes phone calls so unbearably painful due to unintelligible dialog, that I'm about to throw it in the driveway, run over it with my truck, set it on fire and piss on the ashes. The last straw was when I was on the phone (with tech support for a different brand new BROKEN piece of electronics), that I couldn't have a conversation. Ooma is being returned.
I'm officially crawling back to Charter with my tail between my legs and having them provide me with phone service. Once again.
Of course they can't simply turn it back on. Oh no. I have to pay an installation fee for them to come out and install new equipment, as the equipment of theirs that's still attached to the wall and was fully operational two months ago is "too old and outdated" to merely "flip a switch" and have it work again.
I have no doubt they're punishing me for leaving them.
Sorry to hear that. You can still try the Obihai box fairly cheap. No monthly fees at all.
-
Ooma sucks goat balls. :evil:
There are days when this internet based machine makes phone calls so unbearably painful due to unintelligible dialog, that I'm about to throw it in the driveway, run over it with my truck, set it on fire and piss on the ashes. The last straw was when I was on the phone (with tech support for a different brand new BROKEN piece of electronics), that I couldn't have a conversation. Ooma is being returned.
I'm officially crawling back to Charter with my tail between my legs and having them provide me with phone service. Once again.
Of course they can't simply turn it back on. Oh no. I have to pay an installation fee for them to come out and install new equipment, as the equipment of theirs that's still attached to the wall and was fully operational two months ago is "too old and outdated" to merely "flip a switch" and have it work again.
I have no doubt they're punishing me for leaving them.
How does one determine that it's Ooma and not one's internet connection? Or perhaps the Ooma unit you have is defective? VOIP is pretty basic stuff.
-
Thanks fellas.
Tom - I'm going back to a "relatively" traditional landline. I need some reliability, as I live out in the sticks, and our cel phones don't get a signal. Too much at stake to mess around.
DoubleJ - I called Ooma and they performed "a test" and said that the jitter on my line is excessive. My 70-80 Meg connection is fine, the ping is fine, but the jitter is way too high and that I needed to contact my internet provider. There was nobody at Charter with enough intelligence or initiative to diagnose or have the desire to find somebody smart enough to even begin thinking about a customer complaining about excessive jitter. None even knew what jitter was. The most common solution and suggestion I received was that I should "up" my service to the ultra platinum intergalactic bundled package. That should do it. :roll: :duh:
honestly, it didn't take me long to simply give up and let them provide me with phone. My monthly bill is now $70 for "100Meg" (75Meg in reality) and phone.
I can accept that. Still much better than $222 a month.
Bob
-
How does one determine that it's Ooma and not one's internet connection?
Ooma will test it live while you are on chat. I helped someone about 2 months back (they were not computer literate). Jitter was acceptable but the speed was not great (the internet came free with his townhouse HOA - sometimes it would pick up the call and sometimes you picked it up and got a dial tone). They were able to adjust the software in the unit for the speed and there have been no problems to date.
-
Sad to hear about your experience, Bob. My Ooma has been holding up good.
On a different note, I finally canceled Comcast. I was dreading the cancellation process as there are horror stories about being made to wait on the phone for hours.
I just disconnected everything, and took it to the Comcast service center. It was a breeze. Waited in line for about 15 mins and then, was done in less than 5. The customer service rep was really good. When I told him that I have heard bad stuff about their phone support, he said he doesn't like them either.
They have also offered internet only for $77 for 50 Mbps.. A good option to have if my new internet provider - HiPoint doesn't hold up. I have had a few connection drops here and there (only last a few seconds) but they fix the problems soon enough and their customer service is really good.
A lot of the connectivity issues I was facing earlier was actually being caused by my router. Even my Roku was getting affected although it is wired up to the router.
I replaced Belkin with Asus RT-N66U and performance and stability and WiFi coverage has significantly improved.
-
Interesting article about streaming TV and the new Shout!Factory (https://www.shoutfactory.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiAxsymBRCegqiLzI7Q1S8SJADOgQrzxz-r-5eVrRQMjVKN6jKFRbykW1QC1ezdvL7yB64_dRoC3M_w_wcB):
Vox on Streaming (http://www.vox.com/2015/2/5/7983703/classic-tv-streaming-shout)
-
Wrong link to Shout Factory:
Go here: http://www.shoutfactorytv.com (http://www.shoutfactorytv.com)
Not a ton of selections but it is their first day- so who knows what will show up here.
More free stuff none-the-less.
-
Starting to explore option for replacing the cable box with cable card / ota solution. Is HD HomeRun Prime the best option available for cable card solution? Will it allow me to record encrypted / copy protected channels? Assuming I would need Windows 7 with Media Center or Win 7 Ultimate.
The other option is forget ota/cable card and just stream everything with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon etc.
-
I do OTA with a MOHU60 and TiVo box (for DVR use), plus Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Not sure about the Windows options.
-
Thx Bob. Which TiVo did are you running?
-
I've been using Ceton InfiniTV4 PCIe cableCARD tuner and Windows 7 Media Center for the last five years. At that time only the PCIe version was available, but since then USB and Ethernet network versions became available.
The SiliconDust HD HomeRun Prime is a 3-tuner Ethernet network device, the Ceton InfiniTV4 USB is a 4-tuner USB device and the Ceton InfiniTV6 ETH is a 6-tuner Ethernet network device.
If you need more than 3 simultaneous streams (watching or recording), the Ceton tuners would be the way to go.
Most cable companies are using SDV (Switched Digital Video) multiplexing, and because most of the cableCARDs are not bi-directional devices, a USB-connected Tuning Adapter will also be necessary (generally provided for free with cableCARD rental).
Microsoft Windows PlayReady decryption only allows the computer that made the recording (or Media Center extenders connected to it) to playback encrypted recordings. Other non-encrypted recordings may be copied to and played back by other computers.
Also, because the cableCARD is not bi-directional, the cable provider's Channel Guide, On Demand and Pay-Per-View services are not available.
If J River Media Center's proposed cableCARD plug in is released (and works well) before the Windows 10 free upgrade expires, then I may upgrade to Windows 10 and the J River plug-in.
Steve
-
Thx Bob. Which TiVo did are you running?
You're welcome.
We're using the TiVo Roamio. I think there's a unit with more capabilities out there. Something about skipping blocks of commercials, if memory serves. This unit works great for our needs though.
Bob
-
I have a TiVo Premier that I've been using for OTA. It works great as a DVR for OTA. If you go TiVo, make sure its one with OTA ability.
-
If you go TiVo, make sure its one with OTA ability.
That is a good point.
-
If J River Media Center's proposed cableCARD plug in is released (and works well) before the Windows 10 free upgrade expires, then I may upgrade to Windows 10 and the J River plug-in.
Steve
The people from HD Homerun are also doing things and providing a plug in for Kodi (formerly XBMC). I haven't tested it, though, although I too would like to move from Windows 7 to 10 if possible. My WMC keeps crashing for some reason, and I don't have the time right now to debug it. I may look into it this holiday break.
I think HD homerun also makes a 6 tuner version. I use a 3 tuner version. I've been using HD homerun for many years, and have the OTA module too (which no longer works on my cable system, since everything is encrypted).
I've installed a commercial skipping tool, which works both real-time and recorded. I don't have the real-time version enabled, though, as I don't watch enough real-time TV to merit installation.
-
@srb, thx for the information. Right now we occasionally use 2 tuners. Watching one live show and recording another so either the Ceton or the HD will work for us.