krash
Administrator 
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 3, 2018 10:40:42 GMT -5
OK its 2018, its time... busy this month so shopping to make the switch.
Currently using ATT U-Verse tripple play, TV/Internet/Phone plus I also have my cellular service form ATT.
Going to switch my Internet to Comcast, TV will likely become Direct TV, and Home phone is up in the air.
Now on top of the TV signal form DirectTV there seems to be perhaps viable alternatives for advanced features like movie's and sports that are streamed across the internet and smart TV technology and/or set-top/back/side boxes although require a faster internet connection without data streaming limitations.
Unfortunately the reversal of Net Neutrality rules/regulations laws and movement make the switch to streaming alternatives a bit sketchy.
Looking at alternatives whos' got experience with services like RoKu, Directv-Now, HBO-Go, NetFlix, YouTubeTV, FOBO, IPTV... and others that charge a monthly premium. (Not to be confused with apps. on a phone or smart tv).
Please suggest others, and voice your experiences or opinions about any and all of the above.
|
|
|
|
Post by mangrovecuckoo on Jan 3, 2018 19:07:36 GMT -5
I dropped my cable TV (Comcast) but kept Xfinity for internet, then put up an outdoor antenna. On that, I get the local channels and about 3 dozen other free channels that I had no idea existed. Some are in Spanish, others are Christian and some others are the selling junk type. I will block them when I figure out how.
I have a Roku too that I primarily use for Plex. I can use that to access a friends server so if there is something I really want to watch on TV (like Game of Thrones, etc) if I ask them to make it available for me, which they can usually do since they have every frickin subscription there is.
Turns out I don't miss things like Showtime as much as I was afraid I would. I get the local weather before work. Funny thing: the TV picture looks better on the antenna than it did on the expensive cable!
I have found that I was using TV for an excuse to sit on my ass... kinda like having a bag of M&Ms in the house: if its there I will eat 'em, if not I really don't miss 'em.
|
|
ap
Derelict
Going Solo .......
Posts: 765 
|
Post by ap on Jan 4, 2018 9:38:44 GMT -5
I'll echo most of what MC is saying. I have internet-only service (Spectrum) in Orlando and use Roku to stream and an antenna for local channels. Signed up for NetFlix and Sling, so wifey gets movies, specials, etc. on NetFlix and I get ESPN sports on Sling. I do miss some things like ABC/CBS live TV (e.g. sports for me, "Dancing with the Stars" for her).
Now, the antenna option doesn't always work. I have Spectrum in Weeki Wachee too (internet only, streaming with Roku). I can't get any local channels in WW (closest local broadcasting stations are in St. Pete/Tampa). So I might have to bite the bullet and get TV package from Spectrum for there. Would be $40 each -- so $80 for internet and TV.
AP
|
|
krash
Administrator
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 4, 2018 10:28:41 GMT -5
Sounds like Roku is an alternative.. MC/AP which Roku box do you have and do you then alos have to pay $$ for the Plex software and some subscription ?
One of my issues is a house with 2 or 3 TV's, and a simple thing like switching the source and using different remote controls is like a 4 year college training program to teach other users.
Does the ROKU allow you to connect the antenna into the Roku box and pass that signal thru to the TV just by selecting a channel on the RoKu menu screens, or is it a PITA to trun off Roku, change remotes to the TV's remote switch source to Antenna then select channels.
Was thinking of NetFlix but again with no smart TV I'd have to front end that thru some ethernet connection to the TV on a different source.
|
|
|
|
Post by choupiquer on Jan 4, 2018 10:38:42 GMT -5
I'm going to wait another year or so and let the changes in technology and innovation take effect. I'm hoping cable vision goes the way of Blockbuster
|
|
ap
Derelict
Going Solo .......
Posts: 765
|
Post by ap on Jan 4, 2018 11:01:19 GMT -5
There are several different Roku devices, but unless you want "voice-activated search" capabilities you can get by with the cheapest option. Once installed (plugs into HDMI port on TV, or I think cheaper option uses a USB port) you can get access to anything that is streamed free. But for current content or live content, you have to have a subscription (e.g. for ESPN, or for HBO). You can subscribe to a stream-bundler like Sling or Hulu through your Roku device (that is what I did for Sling and Netflix).
Hope that helps.
AP
|
|
krash
Administrator
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 4, 2018 15:17:53 GMT -5
I'm going to wait another year or so and let the changes in technology and innovation take effect. I'm hoping cable vision goes the way of Blockbuster Thats a doubble edge sword and never ending or even slowing down wait, technology makes leaps and bounds every year. If I felt that gig-bit etehrnet was even close to main stream at my house I'd probably go full on streaming, but even though ComCast advertises it, and ATT himts at it, until ATT brings fiber to my house and they are not even yet digging up the street it ain't really happening. Today fastest I could get is advertised to be 150mbs but thats also an artificial advertising claim. But - when they di bring fiber to the house ATT will offer a full on streaming service instead of a bandaid of ethernet over dsl with dtv satellite help... All good reasons not to sign any new long term contract. I have an xyz box running a subset linux with the Kodi streaming video software but trying to go the free method is like the wild wild west anything goes and comes, its a total mess to try and find relaible sources.. the app's are built, provided, supported by individual hackers who come and go so they just stop working. The only reliable scrapers and apps are the porn apps. I may pick up an inexpensive Roku box and check that avenue out, I think I've seen them for like 40 bucks at Wallymart. |
|
|
|
Post by mangrovecuckoo on Jan 4, 2018 22:31:26 GMT -5
My Roku device is the simplest/cheapest one that is a step above the stick (wireless) version. It is wired between the internet box and the TV through a HDMI port. It is simply a video streaming device for the internet feed. Plex is one of many free packages that comes with the Roku.
Roku is completely separate from the OTA antenna. I select between streaming (HDMI) and antenna (Air) with my TV remote, but yes, then if I want to use the Roku I have to pick up the Roku controller.
The biggest change I have found is I no longer can save stuff to a DVR, but I understand there is another gadget for that. I'm not in a hurry, yet, to add it.
I am considering Sling or Hulu but need to research which each offers. There are some channels that I miss that I did not realize you have to pay for, like ESPN.
This all came down to a cost/benefit thing for me. I dropped my monthly TV cost by about $100 at this point, which is about what the Roku and antenna cost me once.
|
|
krash
Administrator
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 5, 2018 9:37:23 GMT -5
MC, was checking them out and todays models of ROKU the only box they offer, current models, that is not a stick or full blown ROKU (HiSense) TV is the Ultra for $99.99.. but still not sure what the Plex offers (free version), it looks like its software media server similar to Kodi that allows playing multi-formated files from known servers, does it search the net for stuff ?
Looks like it does have a method to save stuff to a cloud account, if you have one, with DropBox, OneDrive....
You can also loat the Plex app. on pretty much any PC/Andriod/Mac device and watch over the wifi net.
|
|
ap
Derelict
Going Solo .......
Posts: 765
|
Post by ap on Jan 5, 2018 15:08:52 GMT -5
Again, agree with MC that is exactly how my setup with Roku and TV works.
Krash, when Roku is set up, you then have access to their App library. The library includes apps that do not require any type of account or money in which to use -- a "free" app. The apps can be broad-based or quire specific.
Examples:
you can get a free app called "Crackle". Shows older movies that have been out a while, some older TV series seasons, etc. BUT!! Movies have commercial breaks in them. You can get the commercial-free version of "Crackle" for a $5.99/mo subscription fee.
There is a free YouTube app that lets you search YouTube-posted videos and play them on your TV. Searching is clumsy, as you have to slowly input one letter at a time from your Roku device pointer moving on a table of letters (e.g. 2 right clicks right and 1 down for "f", 3 right clicks for "i", 2 down clicks and two left clicks for "s", then two up-clicks and 2 right clicks for "h", then 4 down-clicks for "enter". That is one reason the more-expensive voice-activated Roku might be worth the money.
I remember seeing free apps for horror-only movies, sci-fi only movies, Westerns, Documentaries, etc. Again, older stuff not the latest releases.
The "non-free" apps require a subscription in order to view their content, like the ESPN Roku app. You could pick/choose a bunch of these (say, ESPN, ABC, CBS, TNT, DIY Network, Cooking Channel) and get individual accounts for each one, each running about $5/mo. That starts to get expensive. That's why there are apps like SlingTV and Hulu. They bundle a bunch of channels together (not unlike your regular Cable provider) and offer a package for a set price ($10-40/mo).
Hope all this helps ...
AP
|
|
krash
Administrator
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 5, 2018 16:37:07 GMT -5
Does the Roku have a Netflix app ?
Could be a good front end for NetFlix for non-smart TV's
Does Roku play Hulu ?
They are having a special for limited commercial subscription for $5.99 a month for first year..
|
|
ap
Derelict
Going Solo .......
Posts: 765
|
Post by ap on Jan 8, 2018 10:21:31 GMT -5
Yes to both of your questions.
|
|
|
|
Post by vivian on Jan 8, 2018 11:17:42 GMT -5
I still like my Amazon Fire stick and use it at home and take it to trailer on weekends to catch up with shows I watch. They got around the YouTube debacle with Google (blocked on fire stick) by using a work around click that sends you to Amazon web browser Silk and now you have access to your youtube account.
These sticks are good options but nothing is really free. You still have to pay for Sling or Crackle or any other service you want to watch. These sticks make smart TV interface look dumb.
|
|
krash
Administrator
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 8, 2018 12:28:42 GMT -5
OK, I'll bite.. I went to the local wallymart after a bit of research and picked up the Roku Streaming+ device $69.99, (figure I can try it and return it if not happy).. spent the extra 20 bucks for the + device for the better wifi connection type.
After a bit of research found a method to create an account without giving up a credit card.. then installed the device, setup does usual stiff connecting to the wifi. Then I go to link/activate the thing, its a multi step process where the device displays a code that you have to use a computer/phone to access the roku web site and enter that code, but it takes you to the "I want your credit card info" page again, where Im stuck.. it fails and now won't give me a new code, can't go back can't go forward.
After some more research and screwing around did a factory reset and started over, same end point...
After more screwing around power power off/on, pulled plug, it gets me back to that same activation/link screen but gives me a new code...
I closed web browser and reopened Chrome go to my.roku.com/link page and enter the new code and presto it activates, then downloads 30 channels.. and I'm on.
Watching Red October on the Roku Channel.
Similar in comcept to the other Andriod box I've been screwing around with a version of Linux and Kodi on, but for sure a nicer user interface, and perhaps real support to keep the applications working, just no pirated apps to watch for free.
More updates to come.. later today I'll try the free 30 days of DTV-Now, Hulu, and NetFlix.
|
|
krash
Administrator
Posts: 4,633
|
Post by krash on Jan 8, 2018 13:30:33 GMT -5
Ok its running now.. great picture, HD, but my internet connection is to slow... lots of buffering when watching HD shows.
Have not found much good stuff, fishing shows, to watch.
Checking Hulu they do have an option for $39.99 a month that includes live tv plus unlimited streaming of their library. Would give you all the network channels that you would get on any cable subscription plus more. They have a base package with limited commercial (lots of commercials) normally $7.99 until tomorrow $5.99 for your first year, may try the one month free and see.
NetFlix has a free month.. looks like the $10.99 a month subscription give you HD streaming of their non ppv lineup on 2 devices.
|
|
