We've cut the cable

[PlayaHata 307]

6 minutes ago, Uruk-Hai said:

What are you going to do for local channels?

I just switched to streaming about 2 weeks ago - cancelled DirecTV in my case.  We purchased YouTube TV for $50/mo and that gives us unlimited DVR and local channels.  I've been super happy with our Rokus so far as well.  The remote really couldn't be any easier to use since it's only got about 12 buttons on it.  We've got one Samsung Smart TV without a Roku and I'm honestly thinking about putting a Roku on there too so that it's the exact same remote and TV interaction everywhere in the house.

[Mr. Ected 2,899]

21 minutes ago, Uruk-Hai said:

What are you going to do for local channels?

Was thinking of an OTA Antenna. Need to look into how they work.

Do I buy one for the house, or one per TV?

[Uruk-Hai 7,544]

1 hour ago, Mr. Ected said:

Was thinking of an OTA Antenna. Need to look into how they work.

Do I buy one for the house, or one per TV?

I'm not sure, since over here in BFE western VA I have no hope of picking anything up OTA. You're near Leesburg, right? You might have a good shot at DC channels with indoor antennae (like a Mohu Leaf) on each. Or you may be able to split the signal with a large antenna, but I don't know. 

Someone posted here a while back about a site called locast.org. I get all of the DC channels streamed with it. It's obstensibly free, but I donate $5/month.

I'm cutting my cable package this week and going internet only, since I can get locals on locast. Save me about $100/mo. 

Edited April 4, 2020 by Uruk-Hai

[peaces 832]

There's a Roku remote app for smart phones, works really good as it goes thru your WiFi instead of having to point at the actually Roku... Also comes in handy when you misplace the remote

Edited April 4, 2020 by peaces
X

[Mr. Ected 2,899]

57 minutes ago, Uruk-Hai said:

I'm not sure, since over here in BFE western VA I have no hope of picking anything up OTA. You're near Leesburg, right? You might have a good shot at DC channels with indoor antennae (like a Mohu Leaf) on each. Or you may be able to split the signal with a large antenna, but I don't know. 

Someone posted here a while back about a site called locast.com. I get all of the DC channels streamed with it. It's obstensibly free, but I donate $5/month.

I'm cutting my cable package this week and going internet only, since I can get locals on locast. Save me about $100/mo. 

I am in Leesburg. I hope that with a reasonable antenna I should be able to get the DC stations.

I read today that you can use the coax in your house to distribute signal from an antenna to multiple TVs, however you can't use that coax if you are using it to bring the internet into your house. That puts me in a pinch, so what I was thinking of doing is running a separate coax from my Xfinity box thru my garage and bring it into my house and use it specifically for the internet. That way I could use the coax built into the walls for the OTA. Also, I could move the Wifi router to a more central location in the house.

I don't think this would be all that expensive, the coax, a couple of thru the wall connectors, and an amplifier for the OTA signal. I also might be able to buy a better antenna.

Also locust is on locust.org. (Went to .com and it was for sale!  ) I want to be able to bring as much of the stuff into one system as I can, to make it easier to use!

[Uruk-Hai 7,544]

2 minutes ago, Mr. Ected said:

I am in Leesburg. I hope that with a reasonable antenna I should be able to get the DC stations.

I read today that you can use the coax in your house to distribute signal from an antenna to multiple TVs, however you can't use that coax if you are using it to bring the internet into your house. That puts me in a pinch, so what I was thinking of doing is running a separate coax from my Xfinity box thru my garage and bring it into my house and use it specifically for the internet. That way I could use the coax built into the walls for the OTA. Also, I could move the Wifi router to a more central location in the house.

I don't think this would be all that expensive, the coax, a couple of thru the wall connectors, and an amplifier for the OTA signal. I also might be able to buy a better antenna.

Also locust is on locust.org. (Went to .com and it was for sale!  ) I want to be able to bring as much of the stuff into one system as I can, to make it easier to use!

Oops. Thanks. I'll edit my post

[ChiefD 19,203]

On 12/16/2019 at 10:20 AM, ChiefD said:

I am the dummy in here, so I can speak your language. This is what we did:

1. Have 500mbs internet service.

2. Subscribed to HULU Live. We get most of what we had before and all our local channels.  Does not have NFL Network, but has all the other sports channels and then some. 

3. One TV is hooked up through the kids XBOX and we run HULU Live on that. 

4. One TV has google chromecast already on it, so we stream from our iphone or ipad on that one.

5. Our other two TV's I bought the google chromecast device and plugged it into the HDMI port in the back and stream through that. 

6. All the HULU channels and programs have the chromecast button, so it's easy to use for everyone. 

7. I also subscribe to ESPN+, and just chromecast from my iphone or ipad for that.

8. You could do the same for Disney+. We don't subscribe to that. 

9. I bought an antenna that I can plug in for local channels just as a backup. I think I spent like $80 on one that picks up signals for 40 miles.

Internet: $55/month

Hulu Subscription: $55/month

ESPN+: $5 a month

Total $115/month. Down from $190

 

3 hours ago, Mr. Ected said:

Alright, I need some help.

In this interesting times, we are trying to cut some costs. One that I have been thinking of is 'cutting the cord.' My problem is the fact that my wife is not exactly a tech-junkie like I am and I want to make it as easy as possible for her. Our kids are teens and should be able to handle it. (Our middle guy built his own PC.) I'd like to have it be in a single 'location' so that we don't have to move back and forth to find networks and shows. 

We currently use Xfinity for our services (we get Cable/Phone/Internet and Security from them). We pay a bunch, which is part of why we're thinking of doing this. I have decent internet (320 down/10-15 up) so streaming shouldn't be much of a difficulty. One the things that we like about Xfinity is the fact that you can search in one spot on there and you can see shows on Netflix and Prime as well as the regular cable channels. 

Tell me what you guys use as sources for your channels, and how you control it all, and what do you do for things like DVR and such.

I will look thru this thread, but I would appreciate your info!

TIA,

ETA: I should have mentioned our equipment. I have 3 TVS, All have AppleTVS (1 has a 4th Gen) 2 have FireSticks.  

 

[Mr. Ected 2,899]

1 minute ago, ChiefD said:

 

 

Beautiful!

[ChiefD 19,203]

2 minutes ago, Mr. Ected said:

Beautiful!

My wife and I are morons at technology. Even she picked it up pretty quickly. For us, basically your iphone or ipad is your remote.

[tonydead 7,781]

On 2/29/2020 at 11:35 AM, Uruk-Hai said:

Whoa. Is Locast legit?

 

On 2/29/2020 at 5:36 PM, JoeSteeler said:

Why wouldn’t it be legal? It is nuts OTA channels

 

Interesting, so I should be able to get all the Dallas local broadcasting of the Cowboys games right?  I can see why some peeps would want that to be illegal.  

[Uruk-Hai 7,544]

1 minute ago, tonydead said:

 

 

Interesting, so I should be able to get all the Dallas local broadcasting of the Cowboys games right?  I can see why some peeps would want that to be illegal.  

Not sure yet on the sports. I'd assume so, but there's been no sports since I signed up. It appears to be the regular local broadcast.

[tonydead 7,781]

6 minutes ago, Uruk-Hai said:

Not sure yet on the sports. I'd assume so, but there's been no sports since I signed up. It appears to be the regular local broadcast.

Sure. 

To Joe Steelers point is that it is just rebroadcasting something that is free anyway. But, does the NFL trademark out rule certain zones or markets?  Will those channels go dark on locast on game day, if so is it by IP and you just VPN to Dallas. I hope we get to find out this year, would be another nail in the coffin to cable TV companies.  

[tonydead 7,781]

27 minutes ago, Uruk-Hai said:

Not sure yet on the sports. I'd assume so, but there's been no sports since I signed up. It appears to be the regular local broadcast.

 

15 minutes ago, tonydead said:

Sure. 

To Joe Steelers point is that it is just rebroadcasting something that is free anyway. But, does the NFL trademark out rule certain zones or markets?  Will those channels go dark on locast on game day, if so is it by IP and you just VPN to Dallas. I hope we get to find out this year, would be another nail in the coffin to cable TV companies.  

It appears it is checkin IP addresses. After being flagged as Seattle market I was unable to watch Dallas channels. Then I logged out cleared cashe for that app, turned on VPN to Dallas then reactivated to app. Presto Dallas local channels.  

[JoeSteeler 3,495]

18 hours ago, tonydead said:

 

It appears it is checkin IP addresses. After being flagged as Seattle market I was unable to watch Dallas channels. Then I logged out cleared cashe for that app, turned on VPN to Dallas then reactivated to app. Presto Dallas local channels.  

Which vpn do you use? Looking into signing up for one

[nysfl2 161]

19 hours ago, Mr. Ected said:

I am in Leesburg. I hope that with a reasonable antenna I should be able to get the DC stations.

I read today that you can use the coax in your house to distribute signal from an antenna to multiple TVs, however you can't use that coax if you are using it to bring the internet into your house. That puts me in a pinch, so what I was thinking of doing is running a separate coax from my Xfinity box thru my garage and bring it into my house and use it specifically for the internet. That way I could use the coax built into the walls for the OTA. Also, I could move the Wifi router to a more central location in the house.

I don't think this would be all that expensive, the coax, a couple of thru the wall connectors, and an amplifier for the OTA signal. I also might be able to buy a better antenna.

Also locust is on locust.org. (Went to .com and it was for sale!  ) I want to be able to bring as much of the stuff into one system as I can, to make it easier to use!

Run your antenna cable into a DVR unit (I use Amazon Fire Recast). It will then share all TV signals and recordings with all of the Fire Sticks in the house.

Edited April 5, 2020 by nysfl2

[tonydead 7,781]

3 hours ago, JoeSteeler said:

Which vpn do you use? Looking into signing up for one

PIA. Private Internet Access. 

[JoeSteeler 3,495]

8 minutes ago, tonydead said:

PIA. Private Internet Access. 

If you have a referral code or link that you want use, I would be happy to click through it to sign up

[tonydead 7,781]

7 minutes ago, JoeSteeler said:

If you have a referral code or link that you want use, I would be happy to click through it to sign up

Sure thanks. I think it says we both get a month free. 

http://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/buy-a-vpn/1218buyavpn?invite=U2FsdGVkX1-dLVACXFEpJfS8uw2qgjXLjRdfZK4kVvs%2CZOQY8Bgm6pyok6g2F8xrPLgEBO8

[PlayaHata 307]

Just got this email from YouTubeTV:

To continue delivering the best content and service possible, we’re also updating our price for new and existing members to $64.99/month. Your base membership price will change on 08/27/2020. 

Still way cheaper than DTV, but any alternatives I should be looking at?  I really dig the YouTubeTV DVR functionality, so that is mandatory for me.

[East Coast Bias 1,284]

4 minutes ago, PlayaHata said:

Just got this email from YouTubeTV:

To continue delivering the best content and service possible, we’re also updating our price for new and existing members to $64.99/month. Your base membership price will change on 08/27/2020. 

Still way cheaper than DTV, but any alternatives I should be looking at?  I really dig the YouTubeTV DVR functionality, so that is mandatory for me.

Just saw this as well. Likely dropping it as I don’t watch enough to justify $65 a month.

[dgreen 3,307]

35 minutes ago, East Coast Bias said:

Just saw this as well. Likely dropping it as I don’t watch enough to justify $65 a month.

I haven't watched YouTube TV in about 3 weeks. One kid has watched a handful of episodes of a show since then. I'll likely pause/cancel and then figure out what to do once sports are back.

[ChiefD 19,203]

Hulu Live is starting to creep up there as well. 

 

Still saving a good amount each month, but keeping an eye on it. 

[wazoo11 1,303]

YouTube tv just jacked their price up to 64.99 boooo

[wazoo11 1,303]

Is there any internet alternative to xfinity?

[Possum 382]

So this YouTube TV thing really sucks, I have no interest in any of their new channels and only got the service because I felt it was the best for sports. What's the best alternative, Hulu? They don't have the NBA channel but it looks like a decent replacement otherwise. 

are there any other worthwhile lesser known streaming TV services for sports (I watch college FB/BB, NFL, NBA, Premier League mainly) that you guys recommend outside of Hulu/Sling/Fubo?

also thanks for posting the Locast link, that one's definitely gonna be my go to for network TV since we live in a bad area for HD antenna reception.

Edited June 30, 2020 by Possum

[FBG26 671]

On 4/4/2020 at 2:46 PM, tonydead said:

On 2/29/2020 at 1:35 PM, Uruk-Hai said:

Whoa. Is Locast legit?

 

On 2/29/2020 at 7:36 PM, JoeSteeler said:

Why wouldn’t it be legal? It is nuts OTA channels

The supreme Court ruled something very similar was illegal a few years back. See the Aero case.

Edited June 30, 2020 by FBG26
Sorry for the hipple and bad quote job

[fruity pebbles 3,270]

Damn. Nothing like raising prices 30%

[joffer 12,398]

32 minutes ago, Possum said:

So this YouTube TV thing really sucks, I have no interest in any of their new channels and only got the service because I felt it was the best for sports. What's the best alternative, Hulu? They don't have the NBA channel but it looks like a decent replacement otherwise. 

are there any other worthwhile lesser known streaming TV services for sports (I watch college FB/BB, NFL, NBA, Premier League mainly) that you guys recommend outside of Hulu/Sling/Fubo?

also thanks for posting the Locast link, that one's definitely gonna be my go to for network TV since we live in a bad area for HD antenna reception.

I’m happy about Paramount and Comedy Central, but yeah that’s a lot.

[rascal 1,725]

I was thinking about signing up, but no way now.

[tonydead 7,781]

13 minutes ago, FBG26 said:

The supreme Court ruled something very similar was illegal a few years back. See the Aero case.

That's a cloud recorder.  I think that's somewhat consistent with DVRing OTA and redistributing it in the past (VHS tape or whatever).  And agree if Locast is doing that it would be illegal for them to do it.  Not for those watching the stream they send out though.

Use VPN if ever in doubt.

[CletiusMaximus 9,071]

I switched to AT&T TV.  I get my wifi from them, and the package deal was much better than anything else based on my needs.  Yes, I had to sign a 2 year contract, which bugs me, but I'm locked in at a rate that costs less and gives me more than I was getting with Hulu.  I was about to move to YoutubeTV when I decided to give ATT a call, and it worked out for me.

 

[Ramblin Wreck 14,156]

2 hours ago, wazoo11 said:

YouTube tv just jacked their price up to 64.99 boooo

Yep, I'll be out of there by end of July.  Just need to figure out which option is best.  Sling was okay but lots of buffering for me and the guide is beyond awful.  Been a while since I've checked out Hulu TV.   Hell I may need to look at cable again

[fruity pebbles 3,270]

11 minutes ago, Ramblin Wreck said:

Yep, I'll be out of there by end of July.  Just need to figure out which option is best.  Sling was okay but lots of buffering for me and the guide is beyond awful.  Been a while since I've checked out Hulu TV.   Hell I may need to look at cable again

I tried Sling as well. Nearly unwatchable. 

[Craig_MiamiFL 2,541]

Probably not the best time for Youtube to be raising prices.

Been using Philo for probably 2 years. Nothing but great things to say about it. Never have had a single issue. Far and away my best streaming experience. Pretty sure I've tried everything but Hulu Live. Has DVR.  Grandfathered in at $16/mo. Want to say it's $20 now for new signups.

If I wanted sports, I'd add Philo and then look for outside cheap sports packages. I personally don't watch many sports anymore. Anytime I consider doing it, (i.e. NBA playoffs), I just find a free or discounted first month trial somewhere.

Edited July 1, 2020 by Craig_MiamiFL

[FBG26 671]

1 hour ago, tonydead said:

1 hour ago, FBG26 said:

The supreme Court ruled something very similar was illegal a few years back. See the Aero case.

That's a cloud recorder.  I think that's somewhat consistent with DVRing OTA and redistributing it in the past (VHS tape or whatever).  And agree if Locast is doing that it would be illegal for them to do it.  Not for those watching the stream they send out though.

Use VPN if ever in doubt.

The major networks have all sued locast arguing it's the same thing as Aero. Anytime you are retransmitting their content without permission they will take notice. The article I linked says there is a portion of the copyright law that may permit this, so we'll see.  But the end user probably doesn't have to worry as the networks aren't going to go after individuals (most likely). 

[tonydead 7,781]

22 minutes ago, FBG26 said:

The major networks have all sued locast arguing it's the same thing as Aero. Anytime you are retransmitting their content without permission they will take notice. The article I linked says there is a portion of the copyright law that may permit this, so we'll see.  But the end user probably doesn't have to worry as the networks aren't going to go after individuals (most likely). 

Sure. I get why they are suing. It's supposed to be live so I wonder if it (and the courts records) distinguishes between recording or not.  OTA is old technology. Theoretically I could just have an antenna in each viewing area and very long chords (via the internet) and I have trouble seeing how that would be illegal without rebroadcasting.  

[FBG26 671]

49 minutes ago, tonydead said:

1 hour ago, FBG26 said:

The major networks have all sued locast arguing it's the same thing as Aero. Anytime you are retransmitting their content without permission they will take notice. The article I linked says there is a portion of the copyright law that may permit this, so we'll see.  But the end user probably doesn't have to worry as the networks aren't going to go after individuals (most likely). 

Sure. I get why they are suing. It's supposed to be live so I wonder if it (and the courts records) distinguishes between recording or not.  OTA is old technology. Theoretically I could just have an antenna in each viewing area and very long chords (via the internet) and I have trouble seeing how that would be illegal without rebroadcasting. 

It's been a long time since I read the details of Aero, and I know nothing about locast, so I probably shouldn't comment further, but I'm not that bright so I will comment.

I'm pretty sure Aero also retransmitted live signals (and offered DVR). The issue isn't whether the signal is live or recorded, but simply whether you retransmit. Aero had individual antennas that people leased and like you say, sent the signals from the leased antenna to your device over a really long cable. Retransmitting to a few people might be okay, but retransmitting to lots of people will be illegal and is what got Aero in hot water. Based on the little I recall, locast seems exactly like Aero and will, IMO, be forced to close up shop. Could be wrong, so I'll just leave it at that. 

 

ETA: Apparently locast thinking it's different than Aero because they operate as a non profit. Link

Edited July 1, 2020 by FBG26

[DaVinci 2,014]

I was going to pick up Youtube TV for 2 months to watch the MLS tournament, but I’m reconsidering. I need ESPN, ESPN 2, FS1, and Fox. Hulu TV would work, but I hated their interface the last time I tried it. Sling would require subscribing to both orange and blue. Fubo doesn’t have ESPN. Any other cheaper options?

[joker 286]

I keep hearing people say that Sling has buffering issues, but I've had it for going on 5 years now and have never had that issue. The guide isn't the greatest, to be sure, but I know how to get to the channels that I watch all the time. In addition, I've been paying between $30-45 per month for it depending on which add-ons I've added or removed for those 5 years, saving me a ton of moola over that time. My main gripe with Sling is that it doesn't have all of the local channels, but I can live with that until the remaining locals are added.

[Bull Dozier 3,585]

3 hours ago, DaVinci said:

I was going to pick up Youtube TV for 2 months to watch the MLS tournament, but I’m reconsidering. I need ESPN, ESPN 2, FS1, and Fox. Hulu TV would work, but I hated their interface the last time I tried it. Sling would require subscribing to both orange and blue. Fubo doesn’t have ESPN. Any other cheaper options?

Youtube TV has all those channels you listed.  Why are you reconsidering?

[Al Czervik 330]

20 hours ago, wazoo11 said:

YouTube tv just jacked their price up to 64.99 boooo

So they're adding 8 ViacomCBS channels starting today: BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land and VH1. 

Not worth a price increase for me, but maybe this makes a difference for others.  Guess I won't mind having Comedy Central and Paramount now.

[DaVinci 2,014]

2 hours ago, Bull Dozier said:

Youtube TV has all those channels you listed.  Why are you reconsidering?

Because they jacked up the price. Hulu is $10 cheaper.

[JoeSteeler 3,495]

2 hours ago, DaVinci said:

Because they jacked up the price. Hulu is $10 cheaper.

For now

[PinkydaPimp 2,149]

23 hours ago, Craig_MiamiFL said:

Probably not the best time for Youtube to be raising prices.

Been using Philo for probably 2 years. Nothing but great things to say about it. Never have had a single issue. Far and away my best streaming experience. Pretty sure I've tried everything but Hulu Live. Has DVR.  Grandfathered in at $16/mo. Want to say it's $20 now for new signups.

If I wanted sports, I'd add Philo and then look for outside cheap sports packages. I personally don't watch many sports anymore. Anytime I consider doing it, (i.e. NBA playoffs), I just find a free or discounted first month trial somewhere.

WHat about philo did you like compared to the others?  My uncle is looking at it but it seemed a bit shady when he said it asked him for his gmail login. 

[The Z Machine 4,948]

Ok, tech question for y'all...

I'm headed to a beach house with the fam and the location doesn't have wifi or cable or anything. Since lots of things will be closed, the kids will want to do more steaming of TV than typical (usually we don't watch anything other than a few DVDs)

I can bring my roku, but how to get Internet to enable the stream?  We have a not-unlimited Verizon plan, and there's no way we can get a cable or even DSL hookup there as it's not our place.

[schlesinj 39]

14 hours ago, DaVinci said:

Because they jacked up the price. Hulu is $10 cheaper.

Hulu raised prices 6 months ago and we had the exact same conversation about moving to YouTubeTV.  This will be a constant leapfrog game as things change over the years.  Nothing ever goes down in price.  I think you just have to find the content you like and just stick with it.  Personally I think HuluLive has excellent content.  The addition of FX shows have been a great addition.  I suspect since Disney is involved they have a plan and it is hard to not trust how Disney thinks.

[JoeSteeler 3,495]

15 minutes ago, schlesinj said:

Hulu raised prices 6 months ago and we had the exact same conversation about moving to YouTubeTV.  This will be a constant leapfrog game as things change over the years.  Nothing ever goes down in price.  I think you just have to find the content you like and just stick with it.  Personally I think HuluLive has excellent content.  The addition of FX shows have been a great addition.  I suspect since Disney is involved they have a plan and it is hard to not trust how Disney thinks.

Hulu live has been great for us. Glad you mentioned Disney because I don’t know if a lot of people know they own Hulu. If I were Disney I would take this opportunity to cut prices a few dollars and grab as many new Hulu live sub they could. I doubt most people change around very often, even when there is a price increase.

 

[JoeSteeler 3,495]

Wasn’t aware of this but you can get Hulu life + ESPN+ + Disney+ for $61.99/mo

https://www.hulu.com/disney-bundle-hulu-live

looks like you are basically getting the ESPN+ for free in this bundle

[JaxBill 6,833]

10 hours ago, The Z Machine said:

Ok, tech question for y'all...

I'm headed to a beach house with the fam and the location doesn't have wifi or cable or anything. Since lots of things will be closed, the kids will want to do more steaming of TV than typical (usually we don't watch anything other than a few DVDs)

I can bring my roku, but how to get Internet to enable the stream?  We have a not-unlimited Verizon plan, and there's no way we can get a cable or even DSL hookup there as it's not our place.

Is there a way to get the unlimited plan for a month and use that as a hot spot? Would be cheaper than buying a portable hot spot and paying for that service.  Question is does Verizon have coverage there?

[The Z Machine 4,948]

28 minutes ago, JaxBill said:

Is there a way to get the unlimited plan for a month and use that as a hot spot? Would be cheaper than buying a portable hot spot and paying for that service.  Question is does Verizon have coverage there?

Yes, Verizon has good coverage there from my memory.  I know I've hotspotted before.

Are the "unlimited" plans truly unlimited?  Can I really suck down 100GB of data without them speed limiting?