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We've cut the cable (2 Viewers)

tonydead said:
The new gamepass that I got through the VPN route last year included the playoffs (not sure about the SB).  I think that was the first year for that, but, yeah they are all broadcast nation wide anyway.  

Another question; are there any issues watching on tablet and phone?   I kept having trouble with an iPad because the "foreign" gamepass app wasn't available in the US Apple store.  
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gamepass =/= sunday ticket

Never had much of an issue on phone, but only used it on phone a few times.  Really I just got it to have the redzone channel playing on the 2nd tv in my mancave - and occasionally Packers games (Rodgers is my fantasy QB)

 
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matttyl said:
gamepass =/= sunday ticket

Never had much of an issue on phone, but only used it on phone a few times.  Really I just got it to have the redzone channel playing on the 2nd tv in my mancave - and occasionally Packers games (Rodgers is my fantasy QB)
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Bold- right, but that's what they call it when they give you everything outside of North America.  The terms are used differently here.  

 
tonydead said:
Bold- right, but that's what they call it when they give you everything outside of North America.  The terms are used differently here.  
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Right, the student thing to me (I believe) was no different than if I had had the Sunday ticket on DirecTV.  You watch any out of market regular season game you want to for 17 weeks, and you get Redzone on top of that (I think they just added redzone 2 years ago).  I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that gamepass allows you to view games both live and after they've aired - pause, rewind, rewatch....

 
matttyl said:
Right, the student thing to me (I believe) was no different than if I had had the Sunday ticket on DirecTV.  You watch any out of market regular season game you want to for 17 weeks, and you get Redzone on top of that (I think they just added redzone 2 years ago).  I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that gamepass allows you to view games both live and after they've aired - pause, rewind, rewatch....
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Correct, plus they had both Redzone and NFL Network, and last year included the playoffs.

Did the Ticket give you the Thursday and Saturday games broadcast on the NFL Network?

I think as long as I get the NFL Network Games  and Redzone the $30 savings for the Ticket would be best for me.  But you're right we need to see what the rules are this year.  All this brain damage might be for nothing right now.

Thanks!

 
shadyridr said:
That's fair but I dont think we are ready for that just yet. Maybe in the future. I think I will be sticking with Fios for now.
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Yeah, if you are a channel surfer the streaming services aren't as good. I have really fast internet and everything is hard-wired but I've used wireless in the past and found the picture wasn't as good for live events. There's about a minute delay too for live sports compared to cable. 

 
What are the favorite hardware devices for streaming all this stuff?

I like the FireTV we have, and recently got a Roku stick for free in signing up for Sling.  It's not bad, but seems a little slow/underpowered (some lag when, e.g., switching between Sling and Netflix etc.), and I wonder if another device will be faster.  I'd like to buy a bunch of the same device and install them on the TVs throghout the house so the wife and kids know a single consistent way to operate everything.  

Wondering if there is a higher powered Roku box, or maybe if I should just shoot the lock off and get some Apple TVs.

 
Stupid question for technerds:

Is the Optimum 200down/35up plan going to be sufficient to keep my Citrix remote desktop sessions smooth?  I know the DL speed is fine, but I wonder about the UP speed?  Currently on FioS I have 150/150 and it's buttery smooth.  

 
Otis said:
What are the favorite hardware devices for streaming all this stuff?

I like the FireTV we have, and recently got a Roku stick for free in signing up for Sling.  It's not bad, but seems a little slow/underpowered (some lag when, e.g., switching between Sling and Netflix etc.), and I wonder if another device will be faster.  I'd like to buy a bunch of the same device and install them on the TVs throghout the house so the wife and kids know a single consistent way to operate everything.  

Wondering if there is a higher powered Roku box, or maybe if I should just shoot the lock off and get some Apple TVs.
Click to expand...
Fire Stick and Fire TV are indistinguishable in operation.  Fire Stick feels underpowered just like the Roku Stick.

I'd recommend Fire TV for the TVs you use a lot, and Fire Stick for those you don't use often if you feel like saving some money.

 
Otis said:
Stupid question for technerds:

Is the Optimum 200down/35up plan going to be sufficient to keep my Citrix remote desktop sessions smooth?  I know the DL speed is fine, but I wonder about the UP speed?  Currently on FioS I have 150/150 and it's buttery smooth.  
Click to expand...
35up is more than enough, assuming it's the only thing using the pipe. Most of the bandwidth in a remote desktop session is down. The only thing going up is mouse movements and keystrokes, unless you are uploading files or accessing local files from the desktop session. The best performance is when all files you access are kept in the datacenter with the remote desktop. 

ETA; you're not scanning files are you? That can be a huge up stream data hog. 

 
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Tick said:
Fire Stick and Fire TV are indistinguishable in operation.  Fire Stick feels underpowered just like the Roku Stick.

I'd recommend Fire TV for the TVs you use a lot, and Fire Stick for those you don't use often if you feel like saving some money.
Click to expand...
This new second gen Fire Stick is great. Much quicker than Gen 1. I have a fire TV on the main TV we use, but I'll do fire sticks for all others. 

 
Otis said:
What are the favorite hardware devices for streaming all this stuff?

I like the FireTV we have, and recently got a Roku stick for free in signing up for Sling.  It's not bad, but seems a little slow/underpowered (some lag when, e.g., switching between Sling and Netflix etc.), and I wonder if another device will be faster.  I'd like to buy a bunch of the same device and install them on the TVs throghout the house so the wife and kids know a single consistent way to operate everything.  

Wondering if there is a higher powered Roku box, or maybe if I should just shoot the lock off and get some Apple TVs.
Click to expand...
I have a Roku 2, a Roku 3 and a Roku stick. The 2 and the stick suck. They are underpowered. The 3 kicks ###.

The newest Rokus are 4's. I assume they are even better than the 3's. 

I've never used a FireTV, so I don't know how many apps there are for it. I've never had a problem finding an app for the Roku. Seems to be an industry thing that if you are going to make a streaming app, you've got to make one for the Roku. There's just way too many Roku users out there not to.

 
Fire is pretty similar to Roku in terms of apps in that you can get just about everything, notable exception being no Google Play app on the Amazon device. 

I think it comes down to the interface you prefer, unless you just have to have Google Play. In terms of performance the devices in the same tiers are pretty much the same. 

 
Still the only thing that I truly miss since dropping cable over a year ago is Jeopardy. I have not found a way to stream it and I don't want to buy a Tivo to record one OTA show. Sony needs to throw those episodes on Crackle or something. I'd probably pay an embarrassing amount per month for access to the current shows. 

 
Moe. said:
Fire is pretty similar to Roku in terms of apps in that you can get just about everything, notable exception being no Google Play app on the Amazon device. 

I think it comes down to the interface you prefer, unless you just have to have Google Play. In terms of performance the devices in the same tiers are pretty much the same. 
Click to expand...
It's not a factor for Otis, but Kodi can be loaded on Fire, not Roku IIRC.

 
I bought a tablo and it wont connect to my firesticks.  Tablo support has one week to figure it out and then I'm sending it back.  Not happy at this moment.

 
Moe. said:
Still the only thing that I truly miss since dropping cable over a year ago is Jeopardy. I have not found a way to stream it and I don't want to buy a Tivo to record one OTA show. Sony needs to throw those episodes on Crackle or something. I'd probably pay an embarrassing amount per month for access to the current shows. 
Click to expand...
:goodposting: :goodposting: :goodposting:

 
Taking the plunge. Gathered the 6 Fios boxes from around my house and dumped them all in a bag. Picked up a bunch of fire sticks and deployed them throughout the house. They're awesome and the Alexa remote is great. Sling (blue + orange) and Netflix and Amazon prime video and I'm golden.  Optimum installs cable next week, so I'll wait till then to cancel Fios and then lug this trash bag full of boxes back to them.

So far working well. And I'll save like $175 a month....

 
Politician Spock said:
I considered getting a Tablo to replace my Tivo, but I have not heard good things about it. 
Click to expand...
Ok, got it to work.  Skipped wireless setup and used Ethernet and then realized my firestick was on my at-t router but tablo was on another that I'm transitioning to once I tell at&t to #### off.

 
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I've tinkered with it some more...the wifi capability is simply bad.  Thankfully I have a good enough ota signal where my router is so I can keep it hooked up by Ethernet to my network.  The quality is good and interface is decent.  You won't be channel surfing though.  You can set up your recordings via phone.  So while my kids have been watching morning cartoons I set up my wife's masterpiece theater recordings.

Overall I'm happy, but if someone tries to use it with spotty ota reception at their router it probably won't work because of the crappy wifi capabilities....at least for my unit.

 
Otis said:
Taking the plunge. Gathered the 6 Fios boxes from around my house and dumped them all in a bag. Picked up a bunch of fire sticks and deployed them throughout the house. They're awesome and the Alexa remote is great. Sling (blue + orange) and Netflix and Amazon prime video and I'm golden.  Optimum installs cable next week, so I'll wait till then to cancel Fios and then lug this trash bag full of boxes back to them.

So far working well. And I'll save like $175 a month....
Click to expand...
We started a free trial of Sling this weekend. No real complaints so far. A bummer to not have ABC/CBS and be able to watch Orioles games, but everything else is the same as our current DirecTV package, plus a few extra channels. And a nice bonus that I'll get able to just get RedZone and not have to pay for Sunday Ticket.

I'm going to give DirecTV a chance to offer me an awesome deal before I decide to pull the plug. I currently pay $73/month for DirecTV, but starting next month, that goes up to $123/month. If they can't get me close to the $55/month I'll be paying with Sling, then adios!

 
You cord cutting vets using a universal remote? Thought I'd make it easier for the wife so she stops complaining.

 
jamil said:
You cord cutting vets using a universal remote? Thought I'd make it easier for the wife so she stops complaining.
Click to expand...
I'm not vet, but I'm using the Amazon Alexa remote with our Firesticks.  Likewise got annoyed at needing dual remotes, and found these things on Amazon--picked up a few, will be delivered today:

Sideclick Remotes SC2-FT15K Universal Remote for Amazon Fire TV & Stick https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DMMB7KO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_YwxlzbQPSPS51

Get great reviews, we'll see.   For my one TV on Roku, I'll just get a regular universal remote -- found some cheap basic ones from RCA on amazon.  

 
MattFancy said:
We started a free trial of Sling this weekend. No real complaints so far. A bummer to not have ABC/CBS and be able to watch Orioles games, but everything else is the same as our current DirecTV package, plus a few extra channels. And a nice bonus that I'll get able to just get RedZone and not have to pay for Sunday Ticket.

I'm going to give DirecTV a chance to offer me an awesome deal before I decide to pull the plug. I currently pay $73/month for DirecTV, but starting next month, that goes up to $123/month. If they can't get me close to the $55/month I'll be paying with Sling, then adios!
Click to expand...
Have you tried to get ABC/CBS using an antenna? Not only is it free, but the HD signal is not compressed like cable and satellite pictures are. A HD football game is clearer using an antenna than it is using cable or satellite. 

As for Oriole games, who carries them locally? If it's a regional Fox Sports channel, then switch to the $25 Sling package. You'll lose the channels owned by Disney, which includes ESPN, but you gain Fox owned channels, including the regional Fox Sports channel that covers your area. 

You can get both Disney and Fox channels from Sling for $40 a month. Sony Vue gives them both to you for $35/mo. For another $10 a month Sony Vue will give you live local channels too. DirecTV also has a new streaming package, as do Hulu and YouTube. One of them will probably get you what you want. 

 
Politician Spock said:
Have you tried to get ABC/CBS using an antenna? Not only is it free, but the HD signal is not compressed like cable and satellite pictures are. A HD football game is clearer using an antenna than it is using cable or satellite. 

As for Oriole games, who carries them locally? If it's a regional Fox Sports channel, then switch to the $25 Sling package. You'll lose the channels owned by Disney, which includes ESPN, but you gain Fox owned channels, including the regional Fox Sports channel that covers your area. 

You can get both Disney and Fox channels from Sling for $40 a month. Sony Vue gives them both to you for $35/mo. For another $10 a month Sony Vue will give you live local channels too. DirecTV also has a new streaming package, as do Hulu and YouTube. One of them will probably get you what you want. 
Click to expand...
Getting NBC Sports Philadelphia (Phillies, Sixers, Flyers in-market games) for me personally makes this harder to figure out. Vue is really it for me right now. Sling and DirecTV Now can't carry it because they're beholden to legacy Dish and DirecTV contracts respectively who historically do not carry the channel. Anyone in the Philadelphia and Houston markets can't get those channels (off the top of my head, there's more) which is a deal killer. I think Hulu Live is getting it as well as YouTube Live, but they're a non-factor for evaluation until they get it together and release a Fire TV app, I'm not chromecasting just to try them out. Great thing is that once they get apps, I can try them out for free. Just the cutting teeth phase for the providers right now, so great overall for the consumer going forward.

 
mquinnjr said:
Getting NBC Sports Philadelphia (Phillies, Sixers, Flyers in-market games) for me personally makes this harder to figure out. Vue is really it for me right now. Sling and DirecTV Now can't carry it because they're beholden to legacy Dish and DirecTV contracts respectively who historically do not carry the channel. Anyone in the Philadelphia and Houston markets can't get those channels (off the top of my head, there's more) which is a deal killer. I think Hulu Live is getting it as well as YouTube Live, but they're a non-factor for evaluation until they get it together and release a Fire TV app, I'm not chromecasting just to try them out. Great thing is that once they get apps, I can try them out for free. Just the cutting teeth phase for the providers right now, so great overall for the consumer going forward.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I read recently that one them was going to carry all the NBC sports channels, but they didn't have a Roku app, so I just moved on. I think it was YouTube. 

 
Politician Spock said:
Have you tried to get ABC/CBS using an antenna? Not only is it free, but the HD signal is not compressed like cable and satellite pictures are. A HD football game is clearer using an antenna than it is using cable or satellite. 

As for Oriole games, who carries them locally? If it's a regional Fox Sports channel, then switch to the $25 Sling package. You'll lose the channels owned by Disney, which includes ESPN, but you gain Fox owned channels, including the regional Fox Sports channel that covers your area. 

You can get both Disney and Fox channels from Sling for $40 a month. Sony Vue gives them both to you for $35/mo. For another $10 a month Sony Vue will give you live local channels too. DirecTV also has a new streaming package, as do Hulu and YouTube. One of them will probably get you what you want. 
Click to expand...
The problem is we're pretty far from DC to be able to use those small indoor antennas. I'd have to use one of the big roof antennas to be able to pick up all the local DC channels. With Sling, I am able to get local NBC and Fox, which is fine. And I can always get the CBS All Access for another $6/month to get local CBS.

All the Orioles games are on MASN, which is owned by the team. I'm covered for Wizards and Caps games since Sling has the local Comcast Sports Net, but SOL on the O's unless they play on Fox or ESPN.

 
OK, I'm starting to consider doing this.  I've had DirecTV service for 20 years.  We already subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime. and I have access to HBO Go through our cable internet package.

Things that are important to me:

  • PVR capabilities - We record a good # of series to watch at our convenience, mostly ABC/CBS/NBC though also some on cable (AMC, truTV, and others)
  • Ability to watch live sports (mostly just Colts and Michigan football games (ABC/ESPN/B10)
  • Must be easy for wife to use
What am I looking at in terms of needing to buy/configure?

  • HTPC running Kodi along with PVR?
  • Sling TV to get the additional cable channels I want to watch/record?
  • HDTV antenna for my local channels?
  • Would I be able to watch my recorded shows on any TV in my house?
  • Anything else?
Since this thread is 128 pages, is there a good "Getting Started" somewhere?

 
PlayaHata said:
OK, I'm starting to consider doing this.  I've had DirecTV service for 20 years.  We already subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime. and I have access to HBO Go through our cable internet package.

Things that are important to me:

  • PVR capabilities - We record a good # of series to watch at our convenience, mostly ABC/CBS/NBC though also some on cable (AMC, truTV, and others)
  • Ability to watch live sports (mostly just Colts and Michigan football games (ABC/ESPN/B10)
  • Must be easy for wife to use
What am I looking at in terms of needing to buy/configure?

  • HTPC running Kodi along with PVR?
  • Sling TV to get the additional cable channels I want to watch/record?
  • HDTV antenna for my local channels?
  • Would I be able to watch my recorded shows on any TV in my house?
  • Anything else?
Since this thread is 128 pages, is there a good "Getting Started" somewhere?
Click to expand...
Check my posts in the last couple of pages.  I just took the plunge and basically did what you are suggesting.  Sling TV + Netflix + Amazon Prime Video + HDTV antenna.  Yes, Sling lets you record shows via the Cloud DVR service and watch them wherever.  

 
MattFancy said:
The problem is we're pretty far from DC to be able to use those small indoor antennas. I'd have to use one of the big roof antennas to be able to pick up all the local DC channels. With Sling, I am able to get local NBC and Fox, which is fine. And I can always get the CBS All Access for another $6/month to get local CBS.

All the Orioles games are on MASN, which is owned by the team. I'm covered for Wizards and Caps games since Sling has the local Comcast Sports Net, but SOL on the O's unless they play on Fox or ESPN.
Click to expand...
I did not know this. I thought the CBSAA was basically just an on-demand service for the network shows. Hmmm...

I live in western VA and have zero hope of picking up DC locals with ANY kind of OTA antenna so, right now, I have a basic cable package just to get the DC locals. I also have Sling. I noticed that Sling had added Fox & NBC DC and was just waiting for them to add CBS before hacking my cable/phone package. My ABC local is out of Harrinsonburg and I think I can get that with a Mohu Leaf. I only want the locals for news and live sports.

As for the Orioles, I miss not having MASN some but you adjust. I'll listen on the radio and it's fine. 

 
Uruk-Hai said:
I did not know this. I thought the CBSAA was basically just an on-demand service for the network shows. Hmmm...

I live in western VA and have zero hope of picking up DC locals with ANY kind of OTA antenna so, right now, I have a basic cable package just to get the DC locals. I also have Sling. I noticed that Sling had added Fox & NBC DC and was just waiting for them to add CBS before hacking my cable/phone package. My ABC local is out of Harrinsonburg and I think I can get that with a Mohu Leaf. I only want the locals for news and live sports.

As for the Orioles, I miss not having MASN some but you adjust. I'll listen on the radio and it's fine. 
Click to expand...
Definitely look into CBS AA. I haven't been able to find out if it works for NFL games, but being a Skins fan, the majority of their games are on Fox anyway. And Sling has the option to get RedZone channel, so not too worried about that.

With as bad as the O's are playing these days, I may not really miss not being able to see them haha.

 
What do I need in terms of an HD OTA antenna?  I looked it up and all of the major network towers are ~18 miles from my house.  Will I need to purchase something to mount on my roof along with a splitter to get the signal to multiple TVs?

 
PlayaHata said:
What do I need in terms of an HD OTA antenna?  I looked it up and all of the major network towers are ~18 miles from my house.  Will I need to purchase something to mount on my roof along with a splitter to get the signal to multiple TVs?
Click to expand...
18 miles?  I doubt it. An inside mohu leaf should be just fine.  Go to tvfool.com

 
PlayaHata said:
OK, I'm starting to consider doing this.  I've had DirecTV service for 20 years.  We already subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime. and I have access to HBO Go through our cable internet package.

Things that are important to me:

  • PVR capabilities - We record a good # of series to watch at our convenience, mostly ABC/CBS/NBC though also some on cable (AMC, truTV, and others)
  • Ability to watch live sports (mostly just Colts and Michigan football games (ABC/ESPN/B10)
  • Must be easy for wife to use
What am I looking at in terms of needing to buy/configure?

  • HTPC running Kodi along with PVR?
  • Sling TV to get the additional cable channels I want to watch/record?
  • HDTV antenna for my local channels?
  • Would I be able to watch my recorded shows on any TV in my house?
  • Anything else?
Since this thread is 128 pages, is there a good "Getting Started" somewhere?
Click to expand...
I have a htpc, kodi, and a OTA antenna and there isn't anything I can't watch. (Minus live sports*)  If you are willing to run kodi you don't need any of the pay services.  I have an old guide I wrote with the help from the thread that I will post tomorrow. 

*Live sports is the only thing there isn't a perfect answer for.  You can get the NFL ticket for $129 with a VPN or $99 with a .edu email address (last year prices).  The other sports ,if you need more than your locals, is best done by jumping between the pay services that have what you need (Sling, Directvnow, PS Vue, Youtubetv, Hulutv)  

Ask your specific questions and we will get it straightened out for you. 

 
Moe. said:
Still the only thing that I truly miss since dropping cable over a year ago is Jeopardy. I have not found a way to stream it and I don't want to buy a Tivo to record one OTA show. Sony needs to throw those episodes on Crackle or something. I'd probably pay an embarrassing amount per month for access to the current shows. 
Click to expand...
Kodi, watch jeopardy until you puke. 

 
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Otis said:
KODI is stealing content, right?
Click to expand...
Perhaps.  Nobody has gotten in trouble for it, because they aren't taking possession of anything.  It doesn't appear to be illegal.  But that's not exactly what you asked.  If you aren't comfortable with it, don't do it.

 
Otis said:
KODI is stealing content, right?
Click to expand...
The current position on it is that it's viewing stolen content. As long as the device is deleting the packets it downloaded for you to view the second after you viewed packets, the possession of the content is gone. However, there's still evidence that you downloaded it on your internet providers infrastructure.  

 
Politician Spock said:
The current position on it is that it's viewing stolen content. As long as the device is deleting the packets it downloaded for you to view the second after you viewed packets, the possession of the content is gone. However, there's still evidence that you downloaded it on your internet providers infrastructure.  
Click to expand...


NutterButter said:
pretty much
Click to expand...


Otis said:
That's what I thought. 
Click to expand...
How can that be an official current position?  No one has ever been prosecuted for watching a stream.  The case law doesn't exist.  

Therefore not illegal imo.

 
Otis said:
KODI is stealing content, right?
Click to expand...
You have to take possession of something that isn't yours in order for it to be stealing. The servers that stream illegal copies of movies without copyright permission have committed copyright infringement. 

 
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