Drifter
Footballguy
I would add Hulu into the mix. For $10/month it's worth it for Comedy Central/FX access as well as most of the network shows without worry about DVRing.
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We've cut the cable (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Addai's Adidas
- Start date
Foosball God
Foos
I was trying to figure out if I really needed Hulu or not. I'm not sure there are really any shows on there that I watch.
Drifter
Footballguy
Louie, Fallon, SNL are the main ones for me but there's a good amount of kids programming on their as well as tons and tons of older shows.
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Foosball God
Foos
The biggest thing will be the ability to get ABC/CBS without an outdoor antenna.
saintfool
Dead sexy
thanks for the recommendation. i picked up their Metro/Indoor model with 25 miles range. curious to see how it performs here.
mquinnjr
Footballguy
Sort of off topic but not totally. PwC projecting by 2017 that online video revenue will finally outpace DVD's and movie theaters. Not shocking, but it makes you wonder at what point studios start adopting "The Interview" model truly in earnest. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-02/online-video-revenue-to-pass-dvds-this-year-theaters-in-2017
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
Many smaller films are already using the multi-platform release from day 1. I'm not sure when it will really make financial sense for large studios to do this, and if it does at any point, I don't know how they would support big-budget films (for whatever that's worth).
Britney Spears
guest speaker
I lucked out; the home I bought just happen to already have the best antenna Winegard offers, the HD8200U. (When I move I'm taking it with me) My problem is splitting the signal twice and long coax runs to get it down stairs. I bought their pre-amplifier (LNA-200) and it fixed everything but CBS downstairs. I might try a distribution amplifier next, or just watch that one channel upstairs.
Britney Spears
guest speaker
I haven't taken the plunge yet, but been thinking about it a lot.
If Apple does the streaming TV thing (already have an apple TV) and the price is reasonable, I know that will push me to cut.
I watch so little TV that having DirecTV is just idiotic, but hard for me to give up the luxury of sports TV when I do get the chance.
matttyl
Footballguy
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
agreed, but I am pulling the plug in a couple days once all there is is baseball. Can fill in enough with Fox and there are always other options online if really necessary.
And football season shouldn't be too bad. BAsketball is the biggest problem. We will see how it goes.
I used a hauppauge card. The only complaint I have is the remote that came with it. It's a windows remote so it works good with WMC, but, the reaction time is too slow. One of the wireless keyboard type remotes would probably work better so save a little bit of money and get the basic card without the remote.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
OTA sucks. I'm getting cable back.
Politician Spock
Footballguy
Sling TV on my Roku 3 has been awesome. On my Roku 2 however, it's very unstable and causes random reboots. That TV however doesn't have HDMI, so I can't connect a Roku 3 to it. As for the Roku Stick, I think it's too small of a form factor to have the better hardware the Roku 3 has.I've had the Fire Stick and, while it does it's absolute best to keep you in the Amazon ecosystem, it's also pretty easy to root it and get Kodi on it. It seems to have a decent amount of pep for handling streaming video.Meanwhile, I've heard Sling TV is sluggish on the Roku Streaming Stick, which doesn't seem t be a very strong machine overall.Pretty good deal. Which stick is better ()? The Roku or Amazon?
If you're going with a Stick in this deal, definitely go Fire TV Stick.
After three months of using Sling, I'm a huge fan. I cut the cord in the Spring of 2012, so to get back ESPN is pretty nice. The cheapest I could get ESPN from cable was around $50 per month. Of course the advertising shows $19.99, but when you had up all the monthly fees for hardware they require, fees, taxes, and temporary discounts, it more than doubles. The extra fees/taxes on my Sling subscription are $1.50 per month. So it's $21.50. I went ahead and added the $5 sports pack to get ESPNEWS, ESPNU, SEC Network and some others.
What's really nice is all WatchESPN apps allow you to authorize using your Sling TV subscription, so everything on ESPN3 is accessible to you too.
To be honest all the other non-ESPN channels on Sling TV are worthless to me, because I can't record them, and the on demand content from them is lacking. I can't go back to watching broadcast shows with commercials anymore. Sports is the only thing I want broadcasted. So I see this $26.50 per month I pay is for all this ESPN content, which is probably what it would cost anyway if ESPN were to sell access to it's broadcasts directly to customers. If Sling dropped all the other channels, I wouldn't even miss them. I was already getting CNN and Bloomberg via the Roku anyway.
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
Can someone provide the link again to determining how many channels you are likely to get OTA? I can find a few via google, but I liked the one that was posted in here (if anyone knows, or can find it).
matttyl
Footballguy
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
I really want to get on board with this. Cable is a ####### racket and a half and this is a perfect time for me to do it(wife and I are moving out of state, so have to kill all our current stuff anyway). Then I read through this thread, and some of you sound like you're speaking a foreign language and it makes me want to chew on my own liver.
Maybe this will help clear things up for me: Would this be an accurate statement? "If you're too unmotivated at present to research the #### out of this/have a near-Luddite spouse, then cutting the cable isn't going to work."
TIA
Maybe this will help clear things up for me: Would this be an accurate statement? "If you're too unmotivated at present to research the #### out of this/have a near-Luddite spouse, then cutting the cable isn't going to work."
TIA
matttyl
Footballguy
Much of it is based off of how close you live to TV broadcast towers. I don't live quite close enough to receive TV "over the air" (OTA), so I'm kinda stuck with cable. If I lived closer, though, I'd be all over it.
NutterButter
Footballguy
Anyone use a intel nuc as htpc? I get what I want now between my asus oplay which i use to play dl'ed movies/shows off the media server and my laptop which i plug into the tv to play sports from my streaming service, but it would be nice to have just the one compact box which would enable me to do both.
hxperson
Footballguy
I have last year's Haswell i5 NUC with the 2.5" HD capacity. Have it spec'd with 16 gb ram, 256 GB msata drive, 1 TB 2.5" 5200 rpm drive, and a Logitech wireless combo keyboard/keypad.
It is very powerful and overkill for most HTPC purposes. I have the networking hardwired and my main use is running it as a Plex media server for all of my various devices (tablets, phones, Xbone, other laptops). With Plex you can use a single username on all devices, which allows you to pause your media on one device and resume it on another. It is a great compliment to a media library on a NAS, and running Plex off the HTPC means you don't have to worry about your NAS' transcoding capabilities.
I've also installed Kodi and VPN software on it to cover most of my other media and sports needs. The VPN software allows me to stream all NFL/NBA games from their official services with no regional black outs, as I will spoof that I'm in Italy or some other place far away from this continent.
NutterButter
Footballguy
so you use it as a server to store all your media as well? is there anything you're aware of out of the box with the same size that enables the same capabilities and a lower price point?
hxperson
Footballguy
No, I use the NUC to run Plex media server but store all my media on a NAS. Plex will scrape all the media from the NAS and organize it in a very user friendly way. I can run Plex right off my NAS, but it will struggle a bit with 1080p files.
As for other boxes, I haven't tried out any other than an i7 Gigabyte Brix my buddy uses to as a Steambox, which is a scorcher, but I think there are many great cheaper and less powerful (but perfectly adequate) options from Gigabyte or the Zotac Zbox's that will serve your needs just fine.
NutterButter
Footballguy
Just curious then, why the big harddrives? Aren't you just running the OS and Plex on the box?
hxperson
Footballguy
No major reason. Right now I just use it as a backup for my music library. I'm thinking that down the road as the computer gets older I'll use it as a download station in place of my dying, cheapo Dell laptop.
Doug B
Footballguy
Skipping over 41 pages of this thread to post about the recent repurposing of our kids' not-much-used Wii as a Netflix portal. Would've done it sooner, but had no idea the Wii could piggyback onto our wireless modem
Have heard of Roku, but know little about it, even in 2015
We're late adapters. So ... a Roku basically does what a Wii does regarding Netflix?And ... how does a service like Hulu fit into all this? Worth getting as a conjunct to Netflix? Can it make up for losing cable channels like BBC America, Bravo, E!, etc.?
I have never once seen an over the air antenna get a decent picture. I don't mean HD quality, I just mean a picture without streaking, fuzz, snow, artifacts, ghosting, etc. I guess it's possible, but I have no idea how to make it happen. There's still a good bit we want to watch on network TV ... but I don't like paying for a full cable package (even the cheapest one) just for local channels.
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
Yes, Netflix on Wii works basically the same as on Roku.
Haven't used Hulu much, but there are definitely a lot of shows on there for only $8/month.
Yes, there are definitely several good OTA antennas. I have a Mohu leaf that gets a great picture.
Haven't used Hulu much, but there are definitely a lot of shows on there for only $8/month.
Yes, there are definitely several good OTA antennas. I have a Mohu leaf that gets a great picture.
ghostguy123
Footballguy
Ok, I have cable/internet right now and want to possibly get away from this expensive crap but still have access to TV shows (though no need to be live), also be able to watch live sporting events if possible, mainly NFL and Cavs games (I live near cleveland).
Right now I have Time Warner Cable with one cable box with a million channels but none of the HBO or movie channels or anything, plus internet and a land line. I pay like 130 a month. Also like 10-12 a month for netflix, and I have a chromecast.
What is the best route to go to be able to have access to shows (even if not for a while after they first air) and also possibly live sporting events? I have to assume internet is still going to cost me 40+.
I am not very tech savvy and dont mind spending money for TV/internet, but there has to be a cheaper option for me.
Right now I have Time Warner Cable with one cable box with a million channels but none of the HBO or movie channels or anything, plus internet and a land line. I pay like 130 a month. Also like 10-12 a month for netflix, and I have a chromecast.
What is the best route to go to be able to have access to shows (even if not for a while after they first air) and also possibly live sporting events? I have to assume internet is still going to cost me 40+.
I am not very tech savvy and dont mind spending money for TV/internet, but there has to be a cheaper option for me.
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hotdogcollars
Footballguy
Made the switch here last year and never looked back. Since you want live TV/Sports, start here - http://www.antennaweb.org/Address.aspx
If you can't get an OTA signal from the major networks then live sports is going to be an issue for you. Between OTA, netflix, and Hulu you can cover everything except networks like ESPN, TNT, TBS, etc
Politician Spock
Footballguy
The bolded can now be covered by Sling TV for $20/month.hotdogcollars said:
ghostguy123
Footballguy
I will have to look into both of those. If it comes out to be a significant discount I would certainly go for it. If it's not too significant, I will probably just stick with the convenience of what I have, and give the occasional "I am cutting the cable" call.
I am currently pissed they are offering better deals to non customers. Maybe I can tell them I will soon be a non customer as well.
I am currently pissed they are offering better deals to non customers. Maybe I can tell them I will soon be a non customer as well.
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
yeah, Sling + Hulu Plus + Netflix Streaming might do the trick. That's like $36/mo. Though with whatever the internet will be, it might be close in total. And it probably won't cover the Cavs.
cstu
Footballguy
Unless you watch a lot of sports or need to see current shows when they air then I don't see the need for cable.I'm really tired of Cablevision and am seriously considering getting rid of cable TV.
RC94
Footballguy
I watch a lot of football (college and NFL) and I like things like Food Network and History Channel. Those are the only reasons I haven't gotten rid of cable yet, but Cablevision sucks out loud in so many ways where sports and a few other channels aren't enough to keep me as a customer anymore. I think at this point I just need to figure out what equipment I need, like a digital antennae, and then go buy it.Unless you watch a lot of sports or need to see current shows when they air then I don't see the need for cable.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
You won't regret it.I watch a lot of football (college and NFL) and I like things like Food Network and History Channel. Those are the only reasons I haven't gotten rid of cable yet, but Cablevision sucks out loud in so many ways where sports and a few other channels aren't enough to keep me as a customer anymore. I think at this point I just need to figure out what equipment I need, like a digital antennae, and then go buy it.Unless you watch a lot of sports or need to see current shows when they air then I don't see the need for cable.
I hate Comcast, but one of the cool things they offered is free HBOGo with my internet-only subscription. Between that and Kodi for live sports/more movies than I'll ever watch, cable TV is in the dust.
RC94
Footballguy
I hadn't heard of Kodi until I read your post so clearly I have some research to do. I am really leaning towards cutting the cable and appreciate any advice. I already have Netflix and am considering signing up for Amazon Prime provided it has a lot of things I can't get with Netflix. Kodi looks very interesting, especially if I can watch college and NFL football live (especially Rutgers and Big10 football). That could be the right combination for me to get rid of cable.Brady Marino said:You won't regret it.RC94 said:I watch a lot of football (college and NFL) and I like things like Food Network and History Channel. Those are the only reasons I haven't gotten rid of cable yet, but Cablevision sucks out loud in so many ways where sports and a few other channels aren't enough to keep me as a customer anymore. I think at this point I just need to figure out what equipment I need, like a digital antennae, and then go buy it.cstu said:Unless you watch a lot of sports or need to see current shows when they air then I don't see the need for cable.RC94 said:
I hate Comcast, but one of the cool things they offered is free HBOGo with my internet-only subscription. Between that and Kodi for live sports/more movies than I'll ever watch, cable TV is in the dust.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
Any questions, feel free to PM. Kodi isn't perfect, but nothing beats free.I hadn't heard of Kodi until I read your post so clearly I have some research to do. I am really leaning towards cutting the cable and appreciate any advice. I already have Netflix and am considering signing up for Amazon Prime provided it has a lot of things I can't get with Netflix. Kodi looks very interesting, especially if I can watch college and NFL football live (especially Rutgers and Big10 football). That could be the right combination for me to get rid of cable.Brady Marino said:You won't regret it.RC94 said:I watch a lot of football (college and NFL) and I like things like Food Network and History Channel. Those are the only reasons I haven't gotten rid of cable yet, but Cablevision sucks out loud in so many ways where sports and a few other channels aren't enough to keep me as a customer anymore. I think at this point I just need to figure out what equipment I need, like a digital antennae, and then go buy it.cstu said:Unless you watch a lot of sports or need to see current shows when they air then I don't see the need for cable.RC94 said:
I hate Comcast, but one of the cool things they offered is free HBOGo with my internet-only subscription. Between that and Kodi for live sports/more movies than I'll ever watch, cable TV is in the dust.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub
Footballguy
Fire TV works fine with Kodi. Not sure if they're still running it, but Sling gives Fire TV and 3 months of Sling TV for $100 I believe.
I haven't even used Sling TV once in 2 months so far with Kodi. Watch anything and everything with it.
I haven't even used Sling TV once in 2 months so far with Kodi. Watch anything and everything with it.
Sling has ESPN, ESPN 2, Food Network and both History Channels plus others. If you can live with that and your local OTA channels for sports it sounds like you'd have everything you need.**I hadn't heard of Kodi until I read your post so clearly I have some research to do. I am really leaning towards cutting the cable and appreciate any advice. I already have Netflix and am considering signing up for Amazon Prime provided it has a lot of things I can't get with Netflix. Kodi looks very interesting, especially if I can watch college and NFL football live (especially Rutgers and Big10 football). That could be the right combination for me to get rid of cable.Brady Marino said:You won't regret it.RC94 said:I watch a lot of football (college and NFL) and I like things like Food Network and History Channel. Those are the only reasons I haven't gotten rid of cable yet, but Cablevision sucks out loud in so many ways where sports and a few other channels aren't enough to keep me as a customer anymore. I think at this point I just need to figure out what equipment I need, like a digital antennae, and then go buy it.cstu said:Unless you watch a lot of sports or need to see current shows when they air then I don't see the need for cable.RC94 said:
I hate Comcast, but one of the cool things they offered is free HBOGo with my internet-only subscription. Between that and Kodi for live sports/more movies than I'll ever watch, cable TV is in the dust.
**I haven't messed around with Kodi yet. I'll probably get around to it before NFL season because the only thing I'm missing right now is NFL Network.
ETA: I also might try the out of country subscription for NFL for free or really cheap. I already have a VPN.
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LongDuckDong
Footballguy
Kodi is great - but I am not sure I would 100% trust it with live sports. I don't want to miss NFL games and I find that live sports are very hit and miss - there are always servers offered but a lot of the time can't connect, or stream is terrible...etc. That said, an OTA antenna and sling TV probably solves the issue.
I guess it is old news but I wasn't aware comcast offered their go tv without a cable tv subscription. I've always said they'd have to start competing for cord cutters. They are offering packages with Gbps and the go app for 59.99. I'm having a hard time finding all thats included but the letter I got today says it comes with :
Streampix- assuming its on demand movie that you would have to purchase.
Stream HBO - assuming same as HBO go and/or Sling HBO
Tv go- can't find a channel lineup but says it includes shows like America's got talent so it must give access to local (probably east coast) channels
Has the usual strings attached though- 1 year contract and they'll double the price after that. But, might be an option for those too far out to get OTA.
Streampix- assuming its on demand movie that you would have to purchase.
Stream HBO - assuming same as HBO go and/or Sling HBO
Tv go- can't find a channel lineup but says it includes shows like America's got talent so it must give access to local (probably east coast) channels
Has the usual strings attached though- 1 year contract and they'll double the price after that. But, might be an option for those too far out to get OTA.
cstu
Footballguy
mquinnjr
Footballguy
It's kind of a PITA. As the sites that host streams constantly change web addresses to skirt being shut down, so must the app be updated due to "scraping" the feed information from the sites themselves. As far as I know, this app doesn't auto-update, meaning you have to hit google and dive into forums where the latest updates are being discussed, and links provided. IMO, it's more trouble than it's worth to cut the cord, strictly sports speaking with SportsDevil as an example. Kodi rules for non-sports content with apps like Genesis and IceFilms, etc. taking care of just about anything you'd want to watch on demand. My setup is absolute base cable package that nets me all the live sports channels I need and fast, wired internet. I end up only turning the box on for something live news or sports related. If you cut completely, the price of your cable internet will go way up. You can get deals, but I've found that to be hard to come by. Tonydead has suggested going to a Xfinity store (in my case as a customer) with great results, which I plan to try once my 2-year deal is up, and that might be a game changer for me. Otherwise, the amount of money you'll spend on stuff like Sling, HBO Go, Hulu, Netflix, etc. will fill the gap of your savings anyways to fill the gap in what you're dropping. The upside just isn't there for me personally to edge out like $10-20 tops a month and have to constantly maintain the setup.
Politician Spock
Footballguy
For the viewer who watches sports occasionally, OTA antenna is good.
For the viewer who watches sports frequently, OTA + Sling TV is good.
For the viewer who needs to watch every game of their local MLB, NBA, or NHL team, you'll need cable/satellite.
For the viewer who needs to watch every NFL game (or just every game of their local NFL team) or every game anywhere in MLB/NBA/NHL, then you will need to subscribe to offerings like Sunday Ticket, MLB.tv, etc.... whether or not you need cable/satellite to get those offerings depends on how you plan to get them. I have MLB.tv, and don't have cable/satelitte. But I may not renew MLB.tv next year after I signed up for Sling TV in April. ESPN gives me 3 MLB games a week, which is about what I watch.
For the viewer who watches sports frequently, OTA + Sling TV is good.
For the viewer who needs to watch every game of their local MLB, NBA, or NHL team, you'll need cable/satellite.
For the viewer who needs to watch every NFL game (or just every game of their local NFL team) or every game anywhere in MLB/NBA/NHL, then you will need to subscribe to offerings like Sunday Ticket, MLB.tv, etc.... whether or not you need cable/satellite to get those offerings depends on how you plan to get them. I have MLB.tv, and don't have cable/satelitte. But I may not renew MLB.tv next year after I signed up for Sling TV in April. ESPN gives me 3 MLB games a week, which is about what I watch.
