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We've cut the cable (9 Viewers)
- Thread starter Addai's Adidas
- Start date
Tick
Footballguy
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
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Peter Lemonjello
Footballguy
dgreen
Footballguy
Doing a free trial of Hulu Live TV right now. My Verizon Fios 2 year agreement is about to end so I need to make some change and I'm trying to determine if I'm ok with just dropping Fios cable and going with something like Hulu. After a couple days of testing, I'm convinced I'll need to upgrade my internet. Right now I'm at 75 mbps and I get occasional buffering and fuzzy picture at times.
Yesterday, I tried using the Hulu Live TV DVR with the Redskins game. I switched over to the Eagles/Rams game during the Redskins halftime and when I came back for the 2nd half, I ran into problems. No matter how I tried to go back to the Redskins game, Hulu kept wanting to start the program at the beginning. The "Jump to Live" button didn't jump to live action. I had to painfully jump through the timeline with my remote to get to where I wanted to be. But, if I tried to skip all the way back to live, it would take me back to the beginning. So, I tried skipping up to about minute behind live and I watched that way for a while. Every time I tested switching to another show and coming back, it took me back to the beginning and I'd have to skip my way back close to live.
Frustrating, but I also don't use my DVR much anymore. With Hulu, the DVR won't be needed for most TV shows my family likes to watch so that just leaves live sports that I might want to pause and come back to. I'll test again tonight with the Caps game.
Yesterday, I tried using the Hulu Live TV DVR with the Redskins game. I switched over to the Eagles/Rams game during the Redskins halftime and when I came back for the 2nd half, I ran into problems. No matter how I tried to go back to the Redskins game, Hulu kept wanting to start the program at the beginning. The "Jump to Live" button didn't jump to live action. I had to painfully jump through the timeline with my remote to get to where I wanted to be. But, if I tried to skip all the way back to live, it would take me back to the beginning. So, I tried skipping up to about minute behind live and I watched that way for a while. Every time I tested switching to another show and coming back, it took me back to the beginning and I'd have to skip my way back close to live.
Frustrating, but I also don't use my DVR much anymore. With Hulu, the DVR won't be needed for most TV shows my family likes to watch so that just leaves live sports that I might want to pause and come back to. I'll test again tonight with the Caps game.
Moe.
Footballguy
FWIW I have 300 mbps and still had problems with live tv through Hulu. I’ve used Sling and Vue and have had no problems with those services, so I think it’s a hulu thing.
dgreen
Footballguy
Starting about a year ago, we had problems with bad wifi connection in some of the rooms in our house. We contacted Verizon and they gave us a new router. Seemed to fix the problem for a little while and then the problem came back. I never called Verizon back since the wifi problems are mostly in my kids room and I'm ok with them having spotting access at times.
I will say I almost never experience a problem with Netflix or Amazon. NBC sports app always looks crappy and ESPN, at times, is kind of bad. These couple of days with Hulu Live TV, I get a decent amount of buffering time, which is annoying. So, I was assuming increasing the mbps would help with that. I just talked to Verizon and I can go up to 100/100 for $70/month or 150/150 for $80/month. They also have a nearly 1000/1000 option for $100/month. All three of those options will require a one-time $150 fee for a tech to come out to do the upgrade, apparently, so we should be getting a new router if we do that. Hopefully that's better.
They offered 100/100 with local only TV (15 channels) and one year of HBO for only $77.64 for one year and I believe that's not a service agreement and I can change my package at any time. That seems like a great deal. Another $10 to move up to 150/150 or $30 to go to the 1000/1000. These would be without a DVR box.
dgreen
Footballguy
Good to know. Yeah, I've definitely noticed some apps have problems and others don't. I've had no problems streaming Thursday Night Football through Amazon. I have constant problems streaming live games through NBC Sports.
What do you think of the Hulu DVR?
Who is your internet provider? I see Cox is currently offering 300 mpbs for one year for about $70. I wish Verizon had something between 150 and 1000.
All those $/month are good. But, I wouldn't ever use a cable company's router because I wouldn't trust them to set it up correctly and/or set it up intentionally to suggest you need to buy more bandwidth. For example Hulu's recommended bandwidth needed for their HD 720p is 3.5 mbps. 3.5 out of 75.0! Most of the streaming services are around 5mbps. 75mbps is plenty for most households.
ETA: And there is no need to come to your house to increase your bandwidth unless they are setting up your router for you.
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dgreen
Footballguy
Yes, they'd be setting up the router. I know nothing about picking out my own router and setting it up, unless all that's required is plugging it in and turning it on. I'm guessing it's not rocket science and maybe Verizon would let me refuse that service visit. I think they claimed something about updating the wiring or something. IDK.
Moe.
Footballguy
I was not a fan at all of the live tv interface through hulu, DVR included. Vue is a little bit more expensive but way way better in my opinion. I think hulu will get there eventually but right now it’s a mess. I really wanted to like it too because I still pay them 12/month for their on demand library, would save me some money if I could combine that with live streaming.
I have Spectrum nee Time Warner. 75 for 300. I was told they don’t even offer that deal anymore. I live in a google fiber town which helps keep prices reasonable from the big ISPs.
dgreen
Footballguy
I was originally attracted to Hulu because of their channel lineup, especially the regional sports network for the Caps and Wizards. I hadn't seen that elsewhere. But, looks like Vue has it in their $10 sports pack. So, it would be $10 more than Hulu. If the DVR is better and the general layout is better (I agree with you about Hulu; it's confusing), maybe it's worth it. Hulu allows 2 devices at a time (or unlimited for $15/month) and Vue allows 5 (which is perfect since we have 5 people in our family). The Hulu library is attractive, but not sure how much I care about that.
And looks like Sling Blue has the NBC RSN for DC, but doesn't have ESPN. ESPN is in Sling Orange. They call themselves a la carte TV, but doesn't look like I can get ESPN and the RSN together?
I also currently have Netflix and Amazon and looks like I can get HBO free for one year when I change my Verizon service.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
Had to back away from Fubo. :(
Too often, whatever it was I was streaming would have major issues doing just that at low resolutions...then I'd find a Reddit link to a HD link and it'd stream just fine.
I love the concept of Fubo, but the execution still feels a bit chintzy.
Too often, whatever it was I was streaming would have major issues doing just that at low resolutions...then I'd find a Reddit link to a HD link and it'd stream just fine.
I love the concept of Fubo, but the execution still feels a bit chintzy.
Moe.
Footballguy
dgreen
Footballguy
Thanks. Yeah, I noticed that as I researched more. I think I will test Vue next week after I’m done with my Hulu trial period.
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
The new Channel Master Stream+ Android DVR
looks interesting for $99
cnet article...https://www.cnet.com/products/channel-master-stream-plus/preview/
slickdeals link...https://slickdeals.net/f/11069403-channel-master-stream-android-streaming-box-and-ota-dvr-preorder-for-end-of-january-release-99?src=pdw
Stream+ is a media player that integrates streaming services and games with live broadcast TV and includes an on-screen channel guide with DVR capability to pause, rewind and record live TV.
Consumers can add their favorite streaming services and games from the Google Play™ store to combine with the free local broadcast channels provided through a connected TV antenna, all within a single graphical user interface and a single HDMI connection to the TV. Stream+ also includes advanced Google features such as built in Chromecast™ functionality and integration with Google Home™.
The Live Channels app installs automatically during the Stream+ setup process to add over-the-air broadcast TV channels into a graphical guide, and installing a MicroSD storage card activates the Live Channels DVR setup process. The dual internal TV tuners allow the user to record one live program while watching another, or record two live programs at the same time while watching a recorded program or using a streaming service.
4K, HDR and 3D viewing technology
Integrated Voice Search
Two internal ATSC 1.0 tuners
Works with all TV antennas
Pause, Rewind and record live TV (requires a microSD card)
Watch one live program while recording another
Record two live programs at the same time while watching a recorded program or using a streaming service
Certified Android TV 7.0 Nougat
Google Play store access for streaming services, games and more
Built in Google Cast (Chromecast) functionality
Subscription-free Live Channels program guide
Subscription-free Live Channels DVR
Quad-core processor for high end gaming and running simultaneous apps
Built in 802.11ac WiFi (Dual Band) and Ethernet
Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital+ audio support
USB 3.0 for future applications
looks interesting for $99
cnet article...https://www.cnet.com/products/channel-master-stream-plus/preview/
slickdeals link...https://slickdeals.net/f/11069403-channel-master-stream-android-streaming-box-and-ota-dvr-preorder-for-end-of-january-release-99?src=pdw
Stream+ is a media player that integrates streaming services and games with live broadcast TV and includes an on-screen channel guide with DVR capability to pause, rewind and record live TV.
Consumers can add their favorite streaming services and games from the Google Play™ store to combine with the free local broadcast channels provided through a connected TV antenna, all within a single graphical user interface and a single HDMI connection to the TV. Stream+ also includes advanced Google features such as built in Chromecast™ functionality and integration with Google Home™.
The Live Channels app installs automatically during the Stream+ setup process to add over-the-air broadcast TV channels into a graphical guide, and installing a MicroSD storage card activates the Live Channels DVR setup process. The dual internal TV tuners allow the user to record one live program while watching another, or record two live programs at the same time while watching a recorded program or using a streaming service.
4K, HDR and 3D viewing technology
Integrated Voice Search
Two internal ATSC 1.0 tuners
Works with all TV antennas
Pause, Rewind and record live TV (requires a microSD card)
Watch one live program while recording another
Record two live programs at the same time while watching a recorded program or using a streaming service
Certified Android TV 7.0 Nougat
Google Play store access for streaming services, games and more
Built in Google Cast (Chromecast) functionality
Subscription-free Live Channels program guide
Subscription-free Live Channels DVR
Quad-core processor for high end gaming and running simultaneous apps
Built in 802.11ac WiFi (Dual Band) and Ethernet
Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital+ audio support
USB 3.0 for future applications
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Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
Firefox and Silk web browsers now available on Fire TV 
Great news (hopefully) given Youtube app was disappearing Jan 1.
Great news (hopefully) given Youtube app was disappearing Jan 1.
RUSF18
Footballguy
Black dot for finally doing this. My cable/internet package is now up to $215/month. It's now about principle over $$$. Screw these guys.
Right now leaning Vue over DTV Now but need to look into it a little more. I think being in the NYC area will mean I can get live network broadcasts through Vue. edit: Confirmed once I put in my zip.
Right now leaning Vue over DTV Now but need to look into it a little more. I think being in the NYC area will mean I can get live network broadcasts through Vue. edit: Confirmed once I put in my zip.
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Man In The Box
Footballguy
I’m in the NYC market and ditched DirecTV about 4 months ago. We went with Vue. The $54.99 package had most of what we watch. It takes some getting used to for sure but it’s been worth it for us. I see you’re a Rangers fan like myself. I’m sure you know, but MSG isn’t carried on any of these streaming services. Also, I started out with a fire stick, but it was way too slow IMO. We switched to fire TV and it’s been a much better, faster experience.
Peak
Footballguy
I saw that Spectrum in my neck of the woods is offering $50 for 200. Considering this as we are paying Cincinnati Bell the same for less mbps.
RUSF18
Footballguy
I did see that MSG is now carried on a sports-heavy service called FuboTV. Not sure if I'll go down that road, might just use a family Optimum log in. I've overpaid Dolan enough over the years so we'll call it even.
I have a new Fire stick that is much quicker than my old one so I'll probably give it a go on that first, but I'm expecting to more likely upgrade it. No big deal.
lumpy19
Footballguy
I'm going back to cable. I tried psvue, hulu, youtube tv, sling tv and directvnow. I had the best experience with hulu but even that wasn't that great. My biggest complaint is the delay on live sports, I know it's minor but when I'm stat watching and the espn box score is faster than my tv it ruins it for me. I also found that each service had trouble during peak times, a good example was last nights CFB playoffs,I had several buffers during the games which is frustrating. I have the fastest service in my area at 100mb and an orbi network setup so I'm not sure my network could be any more robust. I know streaming is the future and I love not having to run cable to each tv but for me it's just not quite there yet.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
My thoughts exactly and why I went back to directv from Vue. The Vue price increase sealed it for me.lumpy19 said:
RUSF18
Footballguy
I wouldn't be surprised if I end up in a similar situation down the road. But I'm watching way less live TV than I used to in the past anyway now that I have a young kid at home, and my wife and I only watch 2 or 3 shows a week together on network/cable. Everything else is Netflix/Amazon anyway, so it's not as big a change as it would have been for me even a year ago.
Fios is finally going to be available in my building around May/June, so if I need to go back, my plan would be to go there and at least get all the new subscriber rates.
Fios is finally going to be available in my building around May/June, so if I need to go back, my plan would be to go there and at least get all the new subscriber rates.
lumpy19
Footballguy
I wanted DirecTV because of their wireless boxes but $7/receiver is ridiculous. I have 8tvs(also ridiculous) so I'd be looking at $49/month in receiver fees.
Moe.
Footballguy
The delay is very annoying, particularly if you have twitter or whatever up as well.lumpy19 said:
Yesterday was the first time I've ever had issues with buffering during a major event. I use a fire tv box that is plugged into the router directly so that was frustrating. I grabbed a chromecast from one of the bedrooms and pulled it up on that and had no issues with that setup, which seems odd to me. Hopefully the streaming services will get there.
Tick
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
How do you think us islander fans feel? I can barely get isles games on Direct TV and when I do its the basic quality of scrambled p0rn. Shame I really only keep cable for the handful of live sports events i do get to watch. I knew local hockey was going to be a problem with the whole MSG/Cablevision family thing when i switched to DTV. I know they don't all own each other anymore, but the local cable deals are just too lucrative
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Nathan R. Jessep
Footballguy
Comcast in my area going up on EVERYTHING. My internet package is going up $5/mo. They're definitely feeling the squeeze.
NutterButter
Footballguy
I guess some of that is just inflation. My internet didn't go up for a few years then last year it went up $5.
Bob Loblaw
Footballguy
Thoughts on YouTube TV?
Our current setup is Comcast Internet + Basic Cable (w/free HBO), Netflix and Hulu (Amazon Prime too). We use a FireStick primarily, and have an 2nd gen AppleTV as well. My son has an Xbox One in his room.
Our current setup is Comcast Internet + Basic Cable (w/free HBO), Netflix and Hulu (Amazon Prime too). We use a FireStick primarily, and have an 2nd gen AppleTV as well. My son has an Xbox One in his room.
Stoneys
MudCat
i'm just 
as i am doing my research on getting rid of cable, just trying to figure out the best streaming service to use. Already have Netflix and Amazon Prime and have a Fire Stick on one tv. 2nd TV is a smart tv and am really looking at the 32" TCL with Roku for my 3rd TV. Right now, DirectTv Now is leading the charge for price/channels, lack of DVR is concerning but that could be dependent on speed of shows hitting there VoD as well as how long these episodes stay on VoD.
Now reading through some the posts, it may also look like it would be best to buy my own cable modem and router (would prefer combo) over the xfinity modem/router i currently have. Is it still worth it to get the OTA HD Antenna with the streaming services adding in local programming?
as i am doing my research on getting rid of cable, just trying to figure out the best streaming service to use. Already have Netflix and Amazon Prime and have a Fire Stick on one tv. 2nd TV is a smart tv and am really looking at the 32" TCL with Roku for my 3rd TV. Right now, DirectTv Now is leading the charge for price/channels, lack of DVR is concerning but that could be dependent on speed of shows hitting there VoD as well as how long these episodes stay on VoD. Now reading through some the posts, it may also look like it would be best to buy my own cable modem and router (would prefer combo) over the xfinity modem/router i currently have. Is it still worth it to get the OTA HD Antenna with the streaming services adding in local programming?
lumpy19
Footballguy
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
That is probably a promo offer for 12 months. See what the rate increases to after the promo period. Spectrum has been good at screwing Time Warner customers when they change their plans (never thought I would appreciate TW).
Peak
Footballguy
I figured it probably will, but then I'd have to look at bouncing back to CB or something else. I went from playing the game with DirecTv to now playing it with ISPs.
Gordo
Footballguy
Comcast bill is up to $200 now. Had enough.
Cutting Comcast to internet only. With $10 modem rental, taxes, and $80 plan they will still be about $100. I believe we have their highest speed service, since my wife works from home.
Will be eliminating almost $20/month for TiVo.
Signed up for free trial of YouTube TV ($35) and like what I see so far. Also will continue to subscribe to NetFlix.
Plan on getting an Apple TV 4K. Already have 2 ChromeCasts. Will probably install an OTA at some point.
Monthly combined bills for TV/Internet/Streaming will drop from $220 to $150. Baby steps.
Cutting Comcast to internet only. With $10 modem rental, taxes, and $80 plan they will still be about $100. I believe we have their highest speed service, since my wife works from home.
Will be eliminating almost $20/month for TiVo.
Signed up for free trial of YouTube TV ($35) and like what I see so far. Also will continue to subscribe to NetFlix.
Plan on getting an Apple TV 4K. Already have 2 ChromeCasts. Will probably install an OTA at some point.
Monthly combined bills for TV/Internet/Streaming will drop from $220 to $150. Baby steps.
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RUSF18
Footballguy
Unless she runs a high frequency trading operation you're probably perfectly fine stepping down a notch or two.
lumpy19
Footballguy
Tick
Footballguy
Buy a modem, cut out the $10/month. It pays off quickly.
I think the recommendation from most people here would be to go with Roku or Fire TV over Apple TV, but if you've got a ton of Apple content, that could make sense.
kardplayer
Footballguy
Here's where we're at:
$138 a month to Optimum
The upside of keeping the networks/cable box is that if there is some event on cable (like the olympics), I'm one phone call away from access, and then I can call afterwards to turn it off.
We also have Netflix and have Prime (but we've had that since before they started streaming video). We use a fire stick in one room and a roku in another.
With all of that, we have PLENTY of content to watch at any given time. The only sports I watch at this point are NFL (which all but MNF we still get), and Lehigh (which I have to use the browser for anyway), and we're good to go.
$138 a month to Optimum
- Broadcast networks (too far from NYC to get a signal that didn't require moving the antenna around the room to change channel)
- 2 cable boxes
- 100 download speed
- "free" modem (I know they are burying the costs, so it isn't really free, but also my bill won't go down if we return it, so...)
- 1 land line (work from home often, definitely helps me)
The upside of keeping the networks/cable box is that if there is some event on cable (like the olympics), I'm one phone call away from access, and then I can call afterwards to turn it off.
We also have Netflix and have Prime (but we've had that since before they started streaming video). We use a fire stick in one room and a roku in another.
With all of that, we have PLENTY of content to watch at any given time. The only sports I watch at this point are NFL (which all but MNF we still get), and Lehigh (which I have to use the browser for anyway), and we're good to go.
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Gordo
Footballguy
Had the day off, so researched a few more options.
$70 - 90 Mbps Internet Service from local phone company (Will buy a new router to skip the $6/month rental) This will end my relationship with Comcast completely.
$35 - YouTube TV (I like this over Hulu Live TV for me, because I like the integration with Google Home and Chromecasts that I already use.)
$11 - NetFlix
$8 - Hulu - going to sign up for this just to have some more options
--------------
$124 total for streaming/internet/TV saving close to $100 from what we are at now (Comcast/Netflix/Tivo).
Equipment
Still leaning towards Apple TV 4K, but may go with Roku Ultra (No YouTube TV app on either of these yet, but they are supposed to be coming soon)
OTA antenna someday (for internet outages and PBS which is not on YouTube TV)
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Briman
Footballguy
Getting ready to pull the plug on Fios (triple play). It's $225/month for three HD boxes, multi-room DVR and more channels than we watch. We could get a better rate but we don’t want a 2yr commitment – even with a commitment it’s more than we want to spend.
A DVR is a must for us, we have 3 TVs and we already have a roku stick and roku box (3yrs old). We have four of us in the house that could be watching at the same time, so we’d want at least that many accounts. I don’t want to replace the rokus so the roku must be a device option. I looked at Sling, PSVue, Hulu, DirecTv now and Youtube TV. My conclusion is that PSVue best suits our needs. I plan to keep just Fios internet – probably 50Mbps speed. We currently have 25Mbps and it’s not a problem – right now we only do a little streaming on the roku but at any given time there are 4 phones connected, a laptop, a computer and a chromebook.
I will probably start the PSVue free trial later this week - it's a 5 day trial.
Anything I am missing or that I should be paying attention to during the free trial?
A DVR is a must for us, we have 3 TVs and we already have a roku stick and roku box (3yrs old). We have four of us in the house that could be watching at the same time, so we’d want at least that many accounts. I don’t want to replace the rokus so the roku must be a device option. I looked at Sling, PSVue, Hulu, DirecTv now and Youtube TV. My conclusion is that PSVue best suits our needs. I plan to keep just Fios internet – probably 50Mbps speed. We currently have 25Mbps and it’s not a problem – right now we only do a little streaming on the roku but at any given time there are 4 phones connected, a laptop, a computer and a chromebook.
I will probably start the PSVue free trial later this week - it's a 5 day trial.
Anything I am missing or that I should be paying attention to during the free trial?
We were with Spectrum/TWC and our bill had hit 215/month with constant price increases. Cut down to basic so we could watch football because our OTA reception is poor. Dropped cable bill down to 90/month with internet. Added PSVue to get back what we cut from cable. 35/month.
We like PSVue though menu is slightly cumbersome and locks up occasionally. Got a few stations we didn't have in our old cable package too. We also have Netflix and Prime so we have more to watch than we've ever had (and we've never been big tv watchers until relatively recently when we discovered shows on Netflix).
Gordo
Footballguy
Well, it's done. Comcast is canceled, I feel liberated.
Pleased with YouTube TV so far. FF and REW of recorded content could be improved, but the overall experience and picture quality is good through a Chromecast Ultra for now (planning on a streaming box so we can use a remote control). It is still a relatively new service, so hoping that a few more channels may be added in the future.
Pleased with YouTube TV so far. FF and REW of recorded content could be improved, but the overall experience and picture quality is good through a Chromecast Ultra for now (planning on a streaming box so we can use a remote control). It is still a relatively new service, so hoping that a few more channels may be added in the future.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I apologize if these have been answered or are stupid questions....
Have TVs in 3 rooms. 1 has a smart tv (hope to upgrade the bedroom to a smart tv soon). Currently on DirecTV and AT&T internet. Have Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions.
Do I need to get a firestick or AppleTV box for every tv?
Do I need an antenna for every tv for local channels?
Anyone know a service that will make recommendations based on what the family watches and wants? I have been reading through here and talking to a few friends but damn if this isn't all over the damn place.
