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Miscellaneous Debris => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: ValentineWeather on December 23, 2016, 12:24:19 PM

Title: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on December 23, 2016, 12:24:19 PM
Trending across the nation, many are dropping cable TV and satellite for streaming services link Sling, PSVue and  Directv Now which just started but very buggy.
 
I've checked out PSVue most extensively and currently giving DTVN a trial. PSVU has been solid performer with almost no issues for couple months so dumped Directv satellite for $80 month savings.
The cloud DVR works pretty well my only complaint some of the programming FF isn't allowed so stuck with commercials. One of my favorite channels AHC American Heroes Channel...FF isn't allowed.

Problem with all these streaming services is local networks are limited so depends on where you live. Without over the air antenna (OTA) or alternative cheap source you may miss out on live sporting events especially CBS along with specials like music awards etc.
 
Vue does offer most all sports channels plus NFL channel, Redzone, all ESPN channels, FOX sports channels which may be sufficient even if you don't get networks you can use the network sports apps (ABC,NBC,FOX) and watch live college games including NFL MNF and TNF. 

PSVue bundles network programming (minus CBS no contract but available separately through CBS) on cloud DVR for on demand availability so most everything is watchable the next day minus specials and sporting events. I personally don't watch network programming except sports and specials so have little use.

If you decide to try any of these services the FireTV box works best for PSVue. They run about $70 on Amazon. PSVue allows 5 streams per account and each steam needs minimum 5-6 Mbps for headroom so preferably no data cap because terabyte of data could be used monthly with heavy usage.

Anyway this is the new trend, Dish lost 440K subs and this number was offset by Sling also owned by Dish so satellite side really took a hit. Baby boomers going into retirement are tired of $130+ cable and satellite TV bills  for channels they don't watch and millennials just refuse to pay or can't afford rates this high. Things are changing rapidly when it comes to TV transmission.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on December 23, 2016, 12:42:26 PM
Those aren't cord cutters, they're plug switchers.  Changing from  one service to another but still watching the same basic programming.

I'm a cord cutter.  I turned it off completely and don't watch any programming at all anymore.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: nincehelser on December 23, 2016, 12:47:25 PM
I haven't used cable for TV in years.  I just have cable in Texas for fast internet.

We have DirecTV via satellite on the farm in Nebraska.  I don't watch it much there, either, but I do use DirecTVs streaming feature occasionally from Texas.  I might buy DirecTVs streaming box for Texas is the price is right, but for now I just use ChromeCast to get it up on the big TV.

I do most of my TV watching through streaming... Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, etc.  OTA is a backup.

Netflix is the only one I pay for.  I only watch the "free" stuff on Amazon that comes with Amazon Prime, so in a way I guess I'm paying for that, but it doesn't seem like it.

I also use "FreeTelly" from time to time, usually to pick up something from network TV that I might have missed that isn't up on the "legitimate" streaming sites yet.



Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on December 23, 2016, 02:54:11 PM
Cut the cord about a year ago. Saved myself $100 a month. Have Time Warner or Spectum
or whatever they're called now for internet only.

Got a good HD antenna which gets me 41 channels over the air. Fed that into a powers amp splitter
which sends the signals to 3 tv's in the house.

A Channel Master DVR+ with built in guide and recording capabilities.

A Roku 3 & a Nexus Player which I get Hulu, Netflix and a bunch of apps on.

PSVue is supposed to be good and SlingTV is getting better. I've not tried either.
There are a bunch of OTT aps coming this spring. Google is also joining the fray and I think apple too.

You think cable companies would have smartened up by now. Usually around 3-500,000 less cable subscribers a quarter
during 2016. And if you've ever visited Reddit.com, lots of really good cordcutting info. Helped me get 20 more channels on my antenna.

Enjoy!!
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Scalphunter on December 23, 2016, 03:10:34 PM
With no cable here  we  have direct TV  only  and it was marginal  getting it in. The bird only 10 degrees off the horizon  so it's marginal at best  and took a lot of tree cutting to open up path  to get the signal in range that Direct TV wanted for installing. Open air TV from out of Fairbanks is an joke. 3 stations and nothing on them and in bad weather  no signal at all. The new digital stuff just  don't bounce around like the old analog signals did.


 John
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DoctorKnow on December 23, 2016, 06:18:04 PM
I've got a Winegard HD-8800 UHF antenna hooked to 4 TVs with a RCA preamp, and get everything that is available OTA in the eastern part of NC. I get the Wilmington signals, plus the Greenville/New Bern towers. I get two of every major network,(except CBS - this will change Jan 1) and three PBS tower duplicates. I can also watch 2 CW's, Cozi TV, Me TV, 2 Bounce TV's, Escape, ION, QVC, HSN, GET TV, Decades, MOVIES!, This TV, Grit TV, Antenna TV, Heroes/Icons, Retro TV, Fam TV, MyTV. I can also pull up the Raleigh and Myrtle Beach stations at times if I rotate the antenna. I took off the rotor though after Matthew, since I really don't mess with it like I did when analog tv was broadcasting. I am planning to put a second combo antenna up pointing toward Raleigh eventually just for kicks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: stevebrtx on December 23, 2016, 06:23:25 PM
My net connection isn't capable of streaming reliably, so I have Dish and I started with the lowest package, but needed NASCAR so had to (naturally) go up a step and they want $95 a month with all included, I said NO WAY. So, every few months I call and threaten to quit and they give me a credit, normally for 4 or 6 months, but this last time they went for 10 months, so they're feeling the pinch I think. If it weren't for old reruns I'd cut it off. Very little of today's programming is of interest to me. I'd go to Direct, but now they're owned by AT&T and to get a deal you have to have something AT&T and I don't and won't.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on December 23, 2016, 06:53:28 PM
Steve I know the feeling you want Foxports 1 for NASCAR and can only get it in Top 120. If you could stream the access slim on PSVue is $30 month and has what you need. Keep Dish with minimum package for locals if you can't get them on antenna. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on December 23, 2016, 07:56:33 PM
Cut the cord about a year ago. Saved myself $100 a month. Have Time Warner or Spectum
or whatever they're called now for internet only.

Got a good HD antenna which gets me 41 channels over the air. Fed that into a powers amp splitter
which sends the signals to 3 tv's in the house.

A Channel Master DVR+ with built in guide and recording capabilities.

A Roku 3 & a Nexus Player which I get Hulu, Netflix and a bunch of apps on.

PSVue is supposed to be good and SlingTV is getting better. I've not tried either.
There are a bunch of OTT aps coming this spring. Google is also joining the fray and I think apple too.

You think cable companies would have smartened up by now. Usually around 3-500,000 less cable subscribers a quarter
during 2016. And if you've ever visited Reddit.com, lots of really good cordcutting info. Helped me get 20 more channels on my antenna.

Enjoy!!
Tony I beg to differ about the cable companies. They are in the driver seat. Everyone is cutting the cord to cable TV but not the internet. That is where they gotcha. Right now Comcast gives us 1TB of data per month included in the service. Eventually that is going to go down and they are going to jack up the price for the internet only service. With all that streaming that data is going to start to add up. Guess what, now you have to pay more for going over your limit.
The key is to be able to tap in to that pipeline that carries the internet. Of course there is a fee for that but I think you'll eventually see smaller internet only companies spring up to give the big boys competition.
My self I just watch old sitcoms and nothing new other then maybe Big Bang so cutting the cord wouldn't really save me too much.
However my brother did buy a jail broken Firestick for $70 and now he gets all the NFL games. I might have to check that out.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on December 24, 2016, 06:08:35 AM
Steve I know the feeling you want Foxports 1 for NASCAR and can only get it in Top 120. If you could stream the access slim on PSVue is $30 month and has what you need. Keep Dish with minimum package for locals if you can't get them on antenna.

Nascar was the only reason i kept cable. I got FS1 and NBCSN logins using my sisters cable credentials.
There are other ways with Kodi, but this is kinda sorta legal.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on December 24, 2016, 06:12:10 AM
Cut the cord about a year ago. Saved myself $100 a month. Have Time Warner or Spectum
or whatever they're called now for internet only.

Got a good HD antenna which gets me 41 channels over the air. Fed that into a powers amp splitter
which sends the signals to 3 tv's in the house.

A Channel Master DVR+ with built in guide and recording capabilities.

A Roku 3 & a Nexus Player which I get Hulu, Netflix and a bunch of apps on.

PSVue is supposed to be good and SlingTV is getting better. I've not tried either.
There are a bunch of OTT aps coming this spring. Google is also joining the fray and I think apple too.

You think cable companies would have smartened up by now. Usually around 3-500,000 less cable subscribers a quarter
during 2016. And if you've ever visited Reddit.com, lots of really good cordcutting info. Helped me get 20 more channels on my antenna.

Enjoy!!
Tony I beg to differ about the cable companies. They are in the driver seat. Everyone is cutting the cord to cable TV but not the internet. That is where they gotcha. Right now Comcast gives us 1TB of data per month included in the service. Eventually that is going to go down and they are going to jack up the price for the internet only service. With all that streaming that data is going to start to add up. Guess what, now you have to pay more for going over your limit.
The key is to be able to tap in to that pipeline that carries the internet. Of course there is a fee for that but I think you'll eventually see smaller internet only companies spring up to give the big boys competition.
My self I just watch old sitcoms and nothing new other then maybe Big Bang so cutting the cord wouldn't really save me too much.
However my brother did buy a jail broken Firestick for $70 and now he gets all the NFL games. I might have to check that out.

Yes true. Comcast has GOTCHA I guess. If I had to deal with a data cap also i'd be in trouble.

I have read of many towns and cities doing their own internet service due to all
the issues with the big companies like Comcast & Spectrum.

We'll see if any of that changes with the FCC after January 20th.  :-P

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on December 24, 2016, 08:51:56 AM
I've got a Winegard HD-8800 UHF antenna hooked to 4 TVs with a RCA preamp,

I took mine down, folded it up and stashed it in the garage rafters.  Disconnected all the cabling to it and the rotator.

I tried to go the OTA route, but there were far too many commercials.  And they would regularly modify the schedule for local kiddie sports, etc., so I could never count on the program guide to be accurate.

I have a few hundred hours of OTA programming of classic TV shows that I've never watched.  I'll keep them in case I decide to at some point.  Right now, the TV isn't even hooked up to any of the computers

I also have quite a number of classic TV show DVDs that have never been opened, still sealed in shrink wrap.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on December 24, 2016, 09:51:50 AM
I can see cable industry fighting back with data caps but results could have an even more negative effect.
People will just stop watching altogether or severely cut back.

We have little control over cost of living, many having stagnate incomes over the past decade are losing ground.
This is one thing the individual can control, results are cable and satellite industry are feeling the push back first which eventually hits the entertainment industry just as hard.
 
Its their own fault with 5-10% rate hikes yearly, far surpassing cost of living increases. I pulled out my cable bill of 11 years ago I was paying $72 and its doubled to almost $140 now. My income surly hasn't doubled being retired now its went down drastically. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: stevebrtx on December 24, 2016, 10:10:59 AM
Take that one step further, I live on SS, we didn't get a raise this year and next year we get a whopping 0.3% increase which in my case is $6 and Medicare goes up more than that so they zero out. However, my water company jacked me $40 on top of already high rates, as you say, no control. So, I cut XM radio I had for 10 years, I beat on Dish periodically, I have a flip cell phone for emergencies at $108 per year, I cut Vonage at $33 a month and went to MajicJack (which I really don't like) I'm with the cheapest ISP I can find out here in the country etc. So it ain't fun trying to keep it all together. If it weren't for original Star Trek reruns, Diagnosis Murder and a few others, I would probably shut down Dish and just read about NASCAR.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DoctorKnow on December 24, 2016, 10:12:23 AM
I used to have Directv, but when "high def" came out, their price skyrocketed. It wasn't long after that, I cut them off. I have the Spectrum bundle, and it is going up at a rapid rate. If I have to cut it off, I will have a back-up. I have no experience with the streaming boxes, but I am about ready to try it...
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on December 24, 2016, 10:53:51 AM
Take that one step further, I live on SS, we didn't get a raise this year and next year we get a whopping 0.3% increase which in my case is $6 and Medicare goes up more than that so they zero out. However, my water company jacked me $40 on top of already high rates, as you say, no control. So, I cut XM radio I had for 10 years, I beat on Dish periodically, I have a flip cell phone for emergencies at $108 per year, I cut Vonage at $33 a month and went to MajicJack (which I really don't like) I'm with the cheapest ISP I can find out here in the country etc. So it ain't fun trying to keep it all together. If it weren't for original Star Trek reruns, Diagnosis Murder and a few others, I would probably shut down Dish and just read about NASCAR.
We're on a (very) limited income.   Living in a rural area and bought a puppy, er, bundle from Dishnetwork/Centurystink several years ago.  We are out of the contract period so can move/do what we want to so leaving ins't a problem in that regard.  BUT...Centurystink dsl is the only game in town for internet.  They provide us an incredible top speeds of 1.5Mbps up and .25Mbps down.  Supposedly the switches at the telco's switching station that we tie into are only capable of 1.5Mbps so the investment doesn't warrant the return for them (or so I'm told).  The 1.5Mbps download speed is very marginal for streaming anything, especially if a grasshopper decides to sit on the phone line and take a crap.  Youtube works pretty good through my BluRay player and I can connect to some of the "apps" but things other than Youtube kind of get choppy. 

There are a few series shows that we dvr...some from the broadcast networks and some from the cable networks, my wife has some Christian programs that she watches often, and I tend to sit in front of the flat screen when college football is playing.  Those are our most often watched shows. 

Our OTA reception here is great.  I can get all broadcast networks and sub-channels with an 8-bay Channel Master antenna and mast-top amplifier.    Or at least I could a year or two ago before my wife had a problem with some pruning shears and the coax cable...I just haven't felt like crawling back under the house...yet.<sigh>

If I could get a faster internet connection I wouldn't hesitate to cut Dish out...there are options to Dish's dvr...but ya gotta have some speed.  I dunno, maybe there's a way around our slow-speed internet...  :neutral:

Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on December 24, 2016, 11:15:26 AM
With Vue you need at least 5-6Mbps. Directv currently is streaming at 2.5-3 Mbps. Streams are AC3 or (Mpeg4, H.264) at 720P. Looks good on my Sony that does a good job of upscaling.
 
If anyone has the bandwidth there is a 7 day trial of PSvue. They have PC/Mac viewing now if you don't have any hardware, I think you could even chrome cast to TV if available. Other devices FireTv, Roku, maybe Appletv, and of course PS3 or 4 will work also.
 
I have the $45 package on Vue its $10 more if Local networks are available.
My locals are out of Sioux Falls so nothing being streamed.

Directv Now has 7 day trial also works with chrome also $35 introductory offer (locked in) on Big Package but no cloud DVR yet plus lots of other issues like lip sync, freezes etc. but has a few more channels. Freeze issue has cleared up recently and it should get better being its only been out 3 weeks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DoctorKnow on December 24, 2016, 11:16:07 AM
Intheswamp,

Just get a barrel connector and a couple of fittings to fix the cut until you can replace the whole line. Don't forget to unplug power from the amp though until after the repair is made.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: chief-david on December 24, 2016, 01:24:27 PM
I have Directv and will keep it because of Sunday Ticket. I know I can watch games online but they are behind the chat on the Chiefs forum. Sometimes 2-3 plays. I like DTV.

doubt I will ever get rid of it. Picture to me is far and above what I have seen locally from Comcast.

My only problem with streaming services is I feel like I HAVE TO sit and watch, pay attention. I like the leisureness of TV. Yeah, sounds weird.

I do not have a home phone anymore. You may remember my internet/phone issues at the new house.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on December 24, 2016, 01:34:41 PM
Intheswamp,

Just get a barrel connector and a couple of fittings to fix the cut until you can replace the whole line. Don't forget to unplug power from the amp though until after the repair is made.
Well, when she saw she had cut a wire she "just scooted" the cut end back through the foundation vent...so now I've gotta crawl back under there to see what's what...and I don't crawl as well as I used to.<sigh>  Ah well, there's a couple of things under there that I need to check on so I'll probably be doing that soon.

A big thanks for the mention of unplugging the power for the amp...just went and checked and it was still plugged up.  I'm not sure if that has hurt anything or not, being as it's been powered for over a year like that.<groan>  I should've already done that, and me being a HAM.  No excuse.  Thanks again for that reminder!!!

Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: wxthomson on December 24, 2016, 01:45:43 PM
Since I retired I've thought about giving up cable many times after opening my cable bill.
But I really enjoy watching sports and all the science and nature shows.
I don't play golf anymore and I don't own a boat or a motorcycle anymore either.
So I feel I am entitled to spend a little more on something I enjoy.

I want to be able to watch what I want when I want to watch it.
My TIVO gives me that option.

For me, it's worth it.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on December 24, 2016, 02:09:04 PM
In the past I've considered building a home theater pc, but right now funds aren't earmarked for anything like that.  But, I've seen some "DVR" boxes that you can hook a USB hard-drive to and record OTA television with them.  Anybody ever tried this?

Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on December 24, 2016, 02:12:17 PM
I don't think some understand you can have 100 HD channels depending on package. Its all on just not Sunday Ticket for 1/4 the price. I added Redzone.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on December 24, 2016, 02:24:50 PM
<snip>
I want to be able to watch what I want when I want to watch it.
My TIVO gives me that option.

For me, it's worth it.
If you can afford it and it doesn't impact the necessities I say go for it and enjoy it!!!!   :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: chief-david on December 24, 2016, 02:40:55 PM
Does Comcast make more money on TV or internet?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: hankster on December 25, 2016, 01:26:04 AM
Does Comcast make more money on TV or internet?

My guess is TV. Internet with basic TV was $20 per month cheaper than Internet alone. To me that means that TV is bringing in enough money to lower the price of internet.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DaleReid on December 25, 2016, 07:28:11 AM
My internet rides on the cable company's wire, so I cannot.  The way we use bytes, downlink from Hughes is far too slow and expensive beyond belief.  DSL stops a few miles from us, despite the fact that the phone lines are carried via fiber to within 1/2 mile of us, and DSL would likely be too slow.  I have a set of antennas on my tower that allows me at least one and usually two copies of each major network, and then a whole gaggle of independents and old movies on the subchannels. 

Our local cable is so enamored with stuffing as much as they can onto their pipe that their idea of High Def and what  you see from an off the air high def station is mind blowing for quality difference.  I helped set up my mother in law's new apartment and was making many calls to tech support to see what settings I had wrong, knowing what a network high def picture should look like and what we were seeing.  A friend is the chief tech for the cable company and he quietly admitted that they are compressing the hell out of all the high def stuff.

Of course we all hear about the European or Japanese or Korean gig/sec for $15 / month.  How I can wish.

I now  have only our phone line (about 1/4 the price of Ma Bell with way more services) coming in on the coax, plus the internet, which was cheaper when you got basic TV too, but then with the phone option that changed and I dropped the tv immediately.

Rural areas seem to be very difficult to get reliable, inexpensive internet service. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on December 25, 2016, 07:52:44 AM
Rural areas seem to be very difficult to get reliable, inexpensive internet service. 

Density.  The three miles of road I'm on has about 10 houses and not all of them want internet.  No cable here at all.  Somebody tried a WISP, but they didn't do very well.  Probably too many hills and trees causing dead spots.

In some places my 500' of road frontage would have 10 houses and at nearly 500' deep, my lot could take 3 or 4 rows of 10 houses.

There's just no incentive for companies to spend the money to build a better network.  They ran fiber down the main roads a year or so ago which allowed speed increases, but the copper down the side roads is 30 years old or more and will likely never be replaced unless damaged by storms.

 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: chief-david on December 25, 2016, 10:41:45 AM
Best thing for rural is Over the air. Phone. Antenna. A company near the farm is doing internet OTA. They have repeaters on top of grain elevators in the area. Biggest thing to worry about is trees and the curvature of the earth.

Mom and dad had a Verizon Jet pack. Worked for the little that mom used it. They would have never streamed anything.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: corwyyn on December 26, 2016, 03:29:49 PM
I let my TV service go about nine months back, I just couldn't see paying for it when i work 12hr nights and sleep most of the day.  I picked up an Amazon Fire Stick on sale and side-loaded KODI so I can stream the few network shows I normally watch along with any movies I think might be good (just watched 'Die Hard' Christmas eve), plus I have my Prime membership so I can go thru there and find things to watch.  I had a subscription to Netflix but found I wasn't even watching that very often so let it lapse.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: W3DRM on December 26, 2016, 03:54:15 PM
Living in the rural areas of the country can be a disadvantage for some things. I have no OTA service capability because I have a mountain blocking my view of the transmitter towers on Mt Rose outside of Reno. I do get a bit of a signal but it's too weak to give good quality reception. We have no DSL here either. The only thing available, other than satellite, is Charter cable at 60mbs and $59.99 a month for internet only.

So, I'm stuck with Charter for Internet and DirecTV.

Hopefully, someday the low orbit satellite services for the US will become a reality and will provide decent coverage regardless of where one lives and at a price that is affordable. I don't know what the latency will be for the low orbit birds but it would certainly be a lot better than what Hughes is providing. A neighbor of mine had Hughes satellite for his business and it was horrible with the very noticeable delays and high monthly costs.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on December 26, 2016, 03:54:41 PM
I challenge any of you to just turn it off.  Pick a duration ...  24 hours, 48, 72 ... whatever you think you can handle.  Just turn it off.  No programs at all.

I was one of those bad Jonseing Junkies  I had it on almost 24 hours a day, even if I wasn't in the room.  All night while I was asleep.  It was so normal to be on, that I'd come home from shopping to find I'd forgotten to turn it off before I left.

Then I turned it off.  And I have not missed it at all.  I have no idea what programs are even on any more, but I'll bet Gilligan's Island is somewhere.

If the web goes down and I can't use it for extended periods, I have some recorded stuff I could watch if I got bored enough.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on December 26, 2016, 04:10:23 PM
I challenge any of you to just turn it off.  Pick a duration ...  24 hours, 48, 72 ... whatever you think you can handle.  Just turn it off.  No programs at all.

I was one of those bad Jonseing Junkies  I had it on almost 24 hours a day, even if I wasn't in the room.  All night while I was asleep.  It was so normal to be on, that I'd come home from shopping to find I'd forgotten to turn it off before I left.

Then I turned it off.  And I have not missed it at all.  I have no idea what programs are even on any more, but I'll bet Gilligan's Island is somewhere.

If the web goes down and I can't use it for extended periods, I have some recorded stuff I could watch if I got bored enough.
I couldn't do that.
I like the old sitcoms and sports too much.
Besides the wife loves Walking Dead. I think she would divorce me before losing that show.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on December 26, 2016, 04:25:03 PM
Sports has been part of my life since I can remember and changing now makes zero sense. And what would the reason be to same a few dollars ? There needs to be some convincing reason my life would be be better without TV.  Plus I've become more political so how would I keep up with all the fake news?   :-P
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on December 26, 2016, 05:07:07 PM
It was sort of a test at first.  The Challenge above.  What convinced me as much as anything else, was the power usage savings.  The HTPC, DVD Player speaker amp, the Dish receiver and the TV sucked a LOT more power than I realized. My usage dropped considerably when I shut it all off.  Something like 5 or 6 KWHs per day.  This is a small house by many standards and I don't use a lot of other power except for HVAC and food storage, so that amount was something like 25-30%.  I almost always stay under 15KWH a day now when HVAC usage isn't at peak.  Even then I usually stay under 20.



Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Scalphunter on December 26, 2016, 05:13:53 PM
Not every one sits and watch an idiot box 24/7 WeatherHost. Some of us gets off our duff and go do something useful  even if it  out sitting on an pond with rod in hand. I find too much to do  and some time not enough hours to do it all in an day. As for your challenge  there hardly any TV here  worth watching. Catch evening weather espically if going to put the bird in the air to get idea what going on.  Radio provides enough new etc and  don't have to sit to listen to it.

John
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Bushman on December 26, 2016, 06:12:36 PM
John gets it.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Maumelle Weather on January 05, 2017, 08:49:04 PM
When my wife and I moved into the country 2 1/2 years ago, we went from a 24Mb U-verse connection to a 3Mb U-Verse connection. We had Dish initially, but after they hiked the price up we moved to DirecTV. After the one year "special for new customers" was up, our bill jumped 50%.  We said no. Saving ourselves $70/month and got a couple of OTA HD amplified indoor antennas for watching local stuff, and my wife uses PSVue (We pay $30/month for the Vue) all the time, and loves it. It isn't HD quality, but its sufficient for her. She is the one who watches TV shows, not I.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 05, 2017, 09:07:33 PM
About what we have the minimum Dish package $20 because no antenna reception for the local networks. Think Dish gets dropped (no contract) once NCAA and NFL FB is over and just stick with PSVue. Vue is HD  (720p) 1280 x 720 using FireTv box, looks good enough even better than the HD lite Dish puts out.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 06, 2017, 08:41:21 AM
I've got two CBS stations now, the new one from Wilmington is only 720p, and is sharing the same channel with ABC and CW. You can tell the picture is not good when you look at the ABC from New Bern, and CBS 1080 from Greenville. However, this may happen all over the country with broadcast when they reduce the number of channels down from 51 now to 30ish max due to sell of to wireless companies.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 06, 2017, 11:11:38 AM
I have a couple 720P stations ABC, FOX out of Sioux Falls that really look bad. 720p on PSVUE streams are solid 60fps @5200 bitrate using H.264 codec and looks much better including all (720P) broadcast stations affiliates ABC, FOX, ESPN while the Sioux Falls stations have graininess, halo's and artifacts around FB players with Dish.

I've contacted all stations, FCC, and Dish about it. The problem is Dish network with their HD lite and lack of bandwidth takes even the 720P signal and compresses it more and it starts looking bad. That same 720P looks great on OTA antenna and probably even MPEG2 cable feed.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Andy G on January 06, 2017, 11:45:03 AM
Planning on cutting the cord Monday. Waiting until Monday because of the NFL game on ESPN Saturday.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: dan43 on January 06, 2017, 12:30:07 PM
I haven't had cable TV for several years, except for about 8 months ago when I got tired of having nothing to watch and got it back only for a couple of months.  Big mistake!  When I got fed up with watching commercials and nothing but garbage and paying through the nose for it all, I called them up and had them cancel me again.

I now use Kodi for my media centre and have local access to everything I could possibly want to watch, and there are a ton of free live and streaming apps on Kodi, one should never have to have or use cable again.  You can get tons of Sports, movie, animation, adventure, documentary... the list goes on.

There's a neat utility for Kodi called PseudoTV (or PseudoTVLive if you want to use the PVR option) that acts just like TV.  It has a context rich menu system and you can watch everything on your media centre on demand.  (http://www.kodi.tv)

You can also get what's called a Roku (or Roku 2) which has a lot of free streaming media content.  I have one of these set up in my bedroom with the Plex app so I can wirelessly access my media centre in the living room and watch a little tv before I go to bed if I feel so inclined.

The only cable I pay for is my Internet cable, and that's $68 +tax monthly.  In this day and age of technological advances, one doesn't need cable TV anymore.  You can watch everything you could ever need or want to watch on the Internet if you know where to find it, commercial free.

You might also want to get an antenna for your TV, then you can plug that in and get up to about 10 local "air" channels depending on your location.  I got mine a long time ago and can watch local news while having my dinner, but get most of the major stations - CBC, CTV, CTV Two, Global, OMNI (Multicultural), a CBUFT (French), MeTV, and a few more, all in HD...  One of the best entertainment investments I've ever made.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 06, 2017, 01:04:24 PM
Planning on cutting the cord Monday. Waiting until Monday because of the NFL game on ESPN Saturday.
I hear ya, I have ESPN on PSVUE streaming and doesn't look bad at all.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 06, 2017, 01:04:58 PM
Planning on cutting the cord Monday. Waiting until Monday because of the NFL game on ESPN Saturday.
Alabama/Clemson plays Monday night...ESPN...National Championship...just sayin'.....  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 06, 2017, 01:10:46 PM
The only cable I pay for is my Internet cable, and that's $68 +tax monthly.  In this day and age of technological advances, one doesn't need cable TV anymore.  You can watch everything you could ever need or want to watch on the Internet if you know where to find it, commercial free.
"You can watch everything you could ever need" *IF* you have a fast enough internet speed.  Dan, my lame Centurystink 1.5/.25Mbps DSL internet struggles with anything over a standard definition youtube video.<sigh>

They did just announce that they're offering higher speeds in my area...a whopping 3Mbps!!!!!!!  ...for over twice the money!  :evil:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 06, 2017, 01:21:20 PM
The only cable I pay for is my Internet cable, and that's $68 +tax monthly.  In this day and age of technological advances, one doesn't need cable TV anymore.  You can watch everything you could ever need or want to watch on the Internet if you know where to find it, commercial free.
"You can watch everything you could ever need" *IF* you have a fast enough internet speed.  Dan, my lame Centurystink 1.5/.25Mbps DSL internet struggles with anything over a standard definition youtube video.<sigh>

They did just announce that they're offering higher speeds in my area...a whopping 3Mbps!!!!!!!  ...for over twice the money!  :evil:

Ouch! Look what I get with PSVUE Elite Slim package streaming $45 month. 99% channels are HD. 720P.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: dan43 on January 06, 2017, 02:10:38 PM
"You can watch everything you could ever need" *IF* you have a fast enough internet speed.

No, I meant that if you have your media stored locally, as in .MP4 files on a local hard drive attached to your media centre, you could then watch everything you could ever want or need.  Perhaps I wasn't clear on that.  I apologize.

I suppose if you have a weak connection, watching things online isn't for you... maybe having them stored locally is a better option for you.

Did you know, as the owner of a DVD, you are allowed to make a digital copy for yourself?  So if you have the entire Gilligan's Island series on DVD, you can make a copy of each of the episodes and store them for later watching, without having to pull out your DVDs.  At least that's what the rule in Canada is, I'm not sure where you are but the rule might be different.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Andy G on January 06, 2017, 02:13:51 PM
Planning on cutting the cord Monday. Waiting until Monday because of the NFL game on ESPN Saturday.
Alabama/Clemson plays Monday night...ESPN...National Championship...just sayin'.....  :grin:

Gotta work. I work evenings but my coworker who is from Alabama wont be working. He has taken many Mondays off in early January lately?  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 06, 2017, 02:35:03 PM
They did just announce that they're offering higher speeds in my area...a whopping 3Mbps!!!!!!!  ...for over twice the money!  :evil:

For where I am, I was surprised to get 25M service a year or so ago.  It's about $60/mo and takes two pair of phone wires, but it works fairly well ...  when it works.  Outages are not uncommon for some reason.  I usually get somewhere near 20M on speed tests.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Farmtalk on January 06, 2017, 09:40:31 PM
I use Sling, but it's for my family, because other than NASCAR and an occasional netflix show, I'm not a tv watcher. Sling for $20/month has AMC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TBS, TNT, HGTV, Food Network, Travel, IFC, and maybe 5 more channels. That's all we need.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 06, 2017, 09:47:35 PM
"You can watch everything you could ever need" *IF* you have a fast enough internet speed.
I suppose if you have a weak connection, watching things online isn't for you... maybe having them stored locally is a better option for you.

Did you know, as the owner of a DVD, you are allowed to make a digital copy for yourself?  So if you have the entire Gilligan's Island series on DVD, you can make a copy of each of the episodes and store them for later watching, without having to pull out your DVDs.  At least that's what the rule in Canada is, I'm not sure where you are but the rule might be different.

Hmm, if I have the DVD of a program I'll just pop it in and watch it.  What I would miss would be new shows mostly...ball games....news casts....etc.,.  Between OTA and a good, fast internet I would cut the cord in a heartbeat.

As for making a copy of a DVD I'm not sure what the law is here in Alabama.  Ah well, "it is what it is".  :)

Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 06, 2017, 09:49:09 PM
The only cable I pay for is my Internet cable, and that's $68 +tax monthly.  In this day and age of technological advances, one doesn't need cable TV anymore.  You can watch everything you could ever need or want to watch on the Internet if you know where to find it, commercial free.
"You can watch everything you could ever need" *IF* you have a fast enough internet speed.  Dan, my lame Centurystink 1.5/.25Mbps DSL internet struggles with anything over a standard definition youtube video.<sigh>

They did just announce that they're offering higher speeds in my area...a whopping 3Mbps!!!!!!!  ...for over twice the money!  :evil:

Ouch! Look what I get with PSVUE Elite Slim package streaming $45 month. 99% channels are HD. 720P.
Wow, what a nice line-up for that price!  It would be nice....<sigh>
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 06, 2017, 09:51:28 PM
Planning on cutting the cord Monday. Waiting until Monday because of the NFL game on ESPN Saturday.
Alabama/Clemson plays Monday night...ESPN...National Championship...just sayin'.....  :grin:

Gotta work. I work evenings but my coworker who is from Alabama wont be working. He has taken many Mondays off in early January lately?  :grin:
Funny how he takes those Mondays off in January...<GRIN>  This one's gonna be a good'un...'Bama better dot it's I's and cross it's T's Monday night 'cause Clemson's got a great team and ain't forgot (nor forgiven) their loss from last year!!!  ROLL TIDE!!!!!!  :lol:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Farmtalk on January 06, 2017, 10:38:12 PM
"You can watch everything you could ever need" *IF* you have a fast enough internet speed.

No, I meant that if you have your media stored locally, as in .MP4 files on a local hard drive attached to your media centre, you could then watch everything you could ever want or need.  Perhaps I wasn't clear on that.  I apologize.

I suppose if you have a weak connection, watching things online isn't for you... maybe having them stored locally is a better option for you.

Did you know, as the owner of a DVD, you are allowed to make a digital copy for yourself?  So if you have the entire Gilligan's Island series on DVD, you can make a copy of each of the episodes and store them for later watching, without having to pull out your DVDs.  At least that's what the rule in Canada is, I'm not sure where you are but the rule might be different.

I created a database of NASCAR races for this very purpose since my internet is moderately unreliable. It fits on a 2 terrabyte external hard drive and currently holds about 1,300 full NASCAR races dating back to the middle 1970s. I have several years of full seasons. It took me about 2 years to build.  8-)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 07, 2017, 06:23:10 AM
Hmm, if I have the DVD of a program I'll just pop it in and watch it. 

Watching from the disc usually means watching only on the one device that's connected.  Plus there's the risk of disc damage or breakage.  Watching content out of sequence can be a pain too.

When you rip the disc to a drive, you have the option to watch on any device across the home network generally in any sequence you choose.  And the disc stays safely stored in the package.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on January 07, 2017, 06:37:46 AM

I created a database of NASCAR races for this very purpose since my internet is moderately unreliable. It fits on a 2 terrabyte external hard drive and currently holds about 1,300 full NASCAR races dating back to the middle 1970s. I have several years of full seasons. It took me about 2 years to build.  8-)

Are you serious??

Ever thought of putting them on YouTube? A lot of the forums I'm on, people would would love you forever if you did.  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 07, 2017, 08:46:35 AM
I bought a jail broken Amazon Fire stick this week. Still learning how to use it but so far so good.
Still a couple shows I can't find like Northern Exposure but I did hit pay dirt last night when I found the old Looney Tunes! 
Gonna have a Bugs, Roadrunner, Yosemite Sam marathon this morning.  :-)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 07, 2017, 08:50:48 AM

I created a database of NASCAR races for this very purpose since my internet is moderately unreliable. It fits on a 2 terrabyte external hard drive and currently holds about 1,300 full NASCAR races dating back to the middle 1970s. I have several years of full seasons. It took me about 2 years to build.  8-)

Are you serious??

Ever thought of putting them on YouTube? A lot of the forums I'm on, people would would love you forever if you did.  :grin:

THAT would be illegal.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 07, 2017, 08:54:38 AM
I bought a jail broken Amazon Fire stick this week. Still learning how to use it but so far so good.
Still a couple shows I can't find like Northern Exposure but I did hit pay dirt last night when I found the old Looney Tunes! 
Gonna have a Bugs, Roadrunner, Yosemite Sam marathon this morning.  :-)

When you get done, look for the old Terrytoons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrytoons) and maybe the Harvey Toons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Harveytoons_Show). 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Farmtalk on January 07, 2017, 11:57:34 PM

I created a database of NASCAR races for this very purpose since my internet is moderately unreliable. It fits on a 2 terrabyte external hard drive and currently holds about 1,300 full NASCAR races dating back to the middle 1970s. I have several years of full seasons. It took me about 2 years to build.  8-)

Are you serious??

Ever thought of putting them on YouTube? A lot of the forums I'm on, people would would love you forever if you did.  :grin:

THAT would be illegal.

I have downloaded quite a bit of the videos from Youtube, which is breaking copyright laws to my knowledge. It is the only form of pirating that I have ever committed, but one I spend a lot of time working on it. I've never seeked to make money doing it though.

I always tell people that if they are willing to pay for the shipping of a 2 tb hard drive, I'd be happy to make a copy for them, no charge. I began working on it in 2014 because NASCAR has not been interested in showing on tv or online any of their old races, which is what I enjoy (still enjoy new races, but admittedly, it was much better before ~ 2006). So, while most people my age in college were partying, I was studying weather and downloading NASCAR races.

 8-) 8-)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 14, 2017, 08:07:31 PM
Update on that jail broken Fire Stick.
After using it it for a while I can say this thing is incredible.
All the old TV shows I want are available. Documentaries, sports, etc.
You can even download an app for weather shows like Weather Nation.
For the heck of it I added a Live TV Package for $10 a month that has every TV channel and then some.
I didn't need the Live Package but I just wanted to see what it had.
There is a learning curve because there is so many channels but it's well worth it.
Also those older shows aren't in HD but the newer ones are.
You do need a good internet connection. I realize that's not available to every one but if you have a stout connection it's well worth it.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WheatonRon on January 14, 2017, 10:05:02 PM
Update on that jail broken Fire Stick.
After using it it for a while I can say this thing is incredible.
All the old TV shows I want are available. Documentaries, sports, etc.
You can even download an app for weather shows like Weather Nation.
For the heck of it I added a Live TV Package for $10 a month that has every TV channel and then some.
I didn't need the Live Package but I just wanted to see what it had.
There is a learning curve because there is so many channels but it's well worth it.
Also those older shows aren't in HD but the newer ones are.
You do need a good internet connection. I realize that's not available to every one but if you have a stout connection it's well worth it.

Can you get the major broadcast networks (ABC, etc.) ESPN, FS1, FX, USA, PAC 12 network?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 15, 2017, 07:23:46 AM
As far as I can tell you get them all. There aren't any local affiliates though. You get whatever ABC, NBC, etc stations they have.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on January 15, 2017, 08:34:59 AM
Out of curiosity, what software are they installing onto the Fire Stick?????
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 15, 2017, 08:53:34 AM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: corwyyn on January 15, 2017, 09:37:07 AM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
What website is that? I've installed Kodi on my fire stick but having access to the networks other than my crappy OTA signals might be nice.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 15, 2017, 10:30:07 AM
I'm about to order a couple of firesticks and then add playstation vue. Lots of channels for less! I will shove the cable boxes back to the cable snake, and up my internet speed to be sure I get enough upload speed. I get good OTA signals from my antenna for the few shows I watch there. I don't watch the fake news OTA anyway.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: gwwilk on January 15, 2017, 10:50:15 AM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
What website is that?
I think he's referring to Code TV (http://www.codetvbox.com/).  I just ordered the box (http://www.codetvbox.com/kodi-box.html) with the mini-keyboard to try it out.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 15, 2017, 11:12:25 AM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
What website is that? I've installed Kodi on my fire stick but having access to the networks other than my crappy OTA signals might be nice.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 15, 2017, 11:16:42 AM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
What website is that?
I think he's referring to Code TV (http://www.codetvbox.com/).  I just ordered the box (http://www.codetvbox.com/kodi-box.html) with the mini-keyboard to try it out.
Pretty sure that is the same thing as the Firestick where you can stream a bunch of shows.
I think.
 The live TV package I added is just that, live TV, not shows that were already recorded.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: gwwilk on January 15, 2017, 12:57:53 PM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
What website is that?
I think he's referring to Code TV (http://www.codetvbox.com/).  I just ordered the box (http://www.codetvbox.com/kodi-box.html) with the mini-keyboard to try it out.
Pretty sure that is the same thing as the Firestick where you can stream a bunch of shows.
I think.
 The live TV package I added is just that, live TV, not shows that were already recorded.
The same company sells the Jailbroken Amazon Firestick (http://www.codetvbox.com/amazon-firestick-jailbroken-with-kodi.html), but I opted for the more powerful yet cheaper box.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Roll_Tide11 on January 15, 2017, 04:01:02 PM
I cut the cord 13 months ago. Started with sling and now with playstation vue which is awesome. Tried direct tv now but it is buggy with limited on demand. Only thing vue is missing is weather channel which I like to watch during big tornado or hurricane events not affecting our area. Also no locals but can stream those from the Mac if I ever want to watch local forecasts or news.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: hankster on January 15, 2017, 07:46:13 PM
It's Kodi but the website I get it from also installs their own software which let's you access all the add ons which is where all the sports, sitcoms, movies etc are located.
What website is that?
I think he's referring to Code TV (http://www.codetvbox.com/).  I just ordered the box (http://www.codetvbox.com/kodi-box.html) with the mini-keyboard to try it out.
Pretty sure that is the same thing as the Firestick where you can stream a bunch of shows.
I think.
 The live TV package I added is just that, live TV, not shows that were already recorded.
The same company sells the Jailbroken Amazon Firestick (http://www.codetvbox.com/amazon-firestick-jailbroken-with-kodi.html), but I opted for the more powerful yet cheaper box.
The Code TV box has not gotten very good reviews by those on reddit
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 13, 2017, 10:18:08 AM
I use Sling, but it's for my family, because other than NASCAR and an occasional netflix show, I'm not a tv watcher. Sling for $20/month has AMC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TBS, TNT, HGTV, Food Network, Travel, IFC, and maybe 5 more channels. That's all we need.
Ok, foregoing the red warning notice that the thread hasn't been posted to for at least 120 days I'll still post to it.<grin>

I've started working towards cutting the cable, reducing expenses, etc., and I'm curious how Sling has worked for you, Farmtalk.  I've got a lowly 3Mbps connection so I know it won't be optimal here, but how has it been for you and at what speeds?  I'm mostly interested in the sports add-on package so I can watch college football games that aren't broadcast OTA and Sling with the add-on appears to be in the price range.   

It seems that Hulu, Sling, and a few more vendors are offering free 7-day trials.  Once I get setup I'll be trying them out.

Thanks for the feedback.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: VaJim on November 13, 2017, 11:38:21 AM
I've been 'testing' SLINGTV for over a month.  So far it looks like a viable option.  My current DirectTV bill is $143.  With SLINGTV it's only about $45.

I was surprise how little we (wife and I) watch non-local channels.  With SLINGTV I purchased the package (AirTV + local adapter)  that way everything fits on one screen and no need to change TV input.  When I did the scan for locals, we got almost 30 channels.

SLINGTV has a DVR for $5 on their cloud, streaming channels only.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 13, 2017, 04:56:49 PM
Thanks for the feeback, VaJim.  I guess you're streaming content from your internet connection?  What connection speed do you have?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: VaJim on November 13, 2017, 06:46:33 PM
I don't really know.  We're using Cox...mid level package.

We watch SLINGTV in the front room using the AIRTV device with OTA adapter and it's fine.  Down the hall in the bedroom I use an XBOX One to watch SLINGTV.  The ASUS router is upstairs.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 12:05:41 AM
I thinking you have a cable modem in which case your speed is blindingly fast compared to my slowpoke 3Mbps. :) 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: VaJim on November 14, 2017, 05:31:39 AM
modem -yes

fast - depends on how many neighbors are awake at the same time
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on November 14, 2017, 05:47:37 AM
I thinking you have a cable modem in which case your speed is blindingly fast compared to my slowpoke 3Mbps. :)

Out of curiosity, is cable modem service available anywhere near you?????
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 05:55:23 AM
Not to beat a dead horse, but you're still just cord switching.  Cord cutting is turning all TV off from all sources.




Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 06:00:06 AM
Aside from that, it's weird to see how the grid seems to be laid out.  Some of you seem to be in urban, or semi urban areas and get lesser service than I do out here in the sticks.  No cable service anywhere close, but the Telco has done significant upgrades in recent years and I now get 25M DSL.  Just a few years ago, I could barely get 3M and it wasn't long before that when I could only get satellite.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on November 14, 2017, 07:19:46 AM
Not to beat a dead horse, but you're still just cord switching.  Cord cutting is turning all TV off from all sources.

Your definition is completely wrong so maybe you should beat on something else.

Cord cutting refers to the process of cutting expensive cable connections in order to change to a low-cost TV channel subscription through over-the-air (OT) free broadcast through antenna, or over-the-top (OTT) broadcast over the Internet. Cord cutting is a growing trend that is adversely affecting the cable industry.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 07:55:43 AM
Here's the problem with that.  Cable, OTA, OTT, DVD/BluRay or whatever are just the delivery method.  It's like buying an item and not wanting it shipped by a certain carrier  (I have a problem with FedEx for example).  Any carrier is going to add cost to the item, even if it's sold with 'free shipping' where the shipping charge is hidden in the item price or some store subscription fee.

With entertainment, the content is still where the primary cost is.  If you want ESPN, you're going to pay for it whether you pay a cable bill, a web subscription or buy their programming on disc.  Some of the devices mentioned above can allow more options such as distant stations than you might be able to get on cable, but they may also violate some licensing restrictions, no matter whether we agree with those restrictions or not.  Leagues have blackout restrictions for example and using a Kodi to watch a distant station may get around those blackouts.  Once the leagues find out they're losing money that way, they'll start legal action to prevent it. 

One way or another, the content providers (studios, leagues, etc.) are still getting paid whatever they want, even if it's only by commercials on OTA stations 'free' to us.

THAT's what I'm cutting out.    I don't want to pay the content providers.


 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on November 14, 2017, 08:07:27 AM


THAT's what I'm cutting out.    I don't want to pay the content providers.

But that has nothing to do with cord cutting. Sounds like you have a beef with the industry as a whole and don't want to pay for anything which is different.
 
Cord Cutting is reducing the cost substantially by going with alternative methods IE internet or OTA antenna and still getting the content. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 08:49:20 AM
I thinking you have a cable modem in which case your speed is blindingly fast compared to my slowpoke 3Mbps. :)

Out of curiosity, is cable modem service available anywhere near you?????
Possibly 1.25 miles back toward town is the end of the line for the cable company.  A housing division.  After that it's pretty much rural with a good bit of distance between houses.  I've been told it isn't cost effective for them to come further out this way.  Through the last 30 years the telco has dug up my front yard (and cut water lines) burying different cables.  The last big venture was a major fiber-optic cable...so I could through a rock and hit the dirt over the fiber optic cable but yet I can't get better than a 3Mbps connection.  I was told for years that the nearby switching station was limited to 1.5Mbps and the cost of upgrading it was cost effective in this area (not enough customers).  Interestingly, they managed to upgrade it to 3Mbps...why didn't they just go ahead and upgrade to support a faster speed than that.  I just switched us over to their $80 phone/internet bundle...this is for speeds "up to" 25Mbps.  This means that someone, somewhere is getting 25Mbps for the same price that I'm getting 3Mbps...almost like I'm subsidizing their high-speed connections.  It's really the pits, but as a friend of mine always says..."it is what it is".  #-o
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 09:04:00 AM
this is for speeds "up to" 25Mbps.  This means that someone, somewhere is getting 25Mbps for the same price that I'm getting 3Mbps..

DSL is highly dependent on cable feet distance from the feed node.  While I can only get 25Mb, the unoccupied house a mile down the road closer to the feed can get 100Mb and the next house from me in the other direction away from the feed can't get DSL at all.

 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on November 14, 2017, 09:16:38 AM
Intheswamp have you checked to see if bonded DSL modem is available...My neighbors were complaining about low speeds and I told them to change modem out and sure enough after being told once by CSR it wasn't available I said it was because I had it, so they checked again and sure enough they came out and put the dual bonded modem in and doubled speeds. The 3 Mbps could end up being 6 if available.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 09:23:35 AM
Yes, I understand the distance limitations, and that is apparently the biggest issue.  Seems with technology today they could get a highspeed connection to travel further.  Right at the local switching station 25Mbps is available...2 miles down the road at my house only 3Mbps. 

Being as I was told for years that the "switches" couldn't handle but a 1.5Mbps connection that seems like that would have been the max near the switching station, too.  But now 25Mbps is available...a 16x increase in speed in the vicinity of the station but our speed only bumps up 2x.  Ah well, we'll live through it...I still remember the days of 2400-dial-up, just a year or two ago I finally ditched my "sysop" tagged USRobotics.  :lol:

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 09:33:13 AM
Intheswamp have you checked to see if bonded DSL modem is available...My neighbors were complaining about low speeds and I told them to change modem out and sure enough after being told once by CSR it wasn't available I said it was because I had it, so they checked again and sure enough they came out and put the dual bonded modem in and doubled speeds. The 3 Mbps could end up being 6 if available.
Randy, that is an interesting item.  I did some quick scanning for bonded DSL and it might be doable...depending on how many hoops I have to jump through.  I'm not interested too much in getting into a contract situation with Centurylink but it could double my speed up to 6Mbps and would greatly help the streaming aspect of things!  Thanks for the info!!!!
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on November 14, 2017, 09:57:19 AM
The only way to get the 24 is with bonded DSL modem so I know its available but are you so far away they don't offer because it does cost more but if you agreed knowing you wouldn't get the advertised speeds they may do it.  I was only .6 miles from centurylink hub as crow flies and could get 17-19 Mb speeds.
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 11:53:27 AM
  Right at the local switching station 25Mbps is available...2 miles down the road at my house only 3Mbps. 

Being as I was told for years that the "switches" couldn't handle but a 1.5Mbps connection that seems like that would have been the max near the switching station, too.  But now 25Mbps is available...a 16x increase in speed in the vicinity of the station but our speed only bumps up 2x.

At 10,000+ cable feet, you won't get much if the DSLAM is only good for 25M, bonded or not.  They ran fiber to all of the new DSLAMS they put in here, spaced about 2 miles apart.  Within about 1,000' people can now  get 100M.  I'm a little over 6,000' and I  get 25M with a bonded pair connection.

The other issue is whether or not there is a 'spare pair' available to your location for them to use for bonding.   That isn't always available.



Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 01:07:39 PM
OTA via wall-mounted, indoor, flat-panel TV antenna...AND...an in-line, hi-gain, RF amplifier. Works great out to about 50-55 miles.
You must have exceedingly good reception at your location, but looking at a couple of tower locators it appears you have all the major networks within 25 miles of you, if Cortaro, AZ is where your receiving antenna is located.  The antenna farm in Tucson has them all in one place and showing 23.3 miles from Cortaro.   :?:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 01:20:56 PM
  Right at the local switching station 25Mbps is available...2 miles down the road at my house only 3Mbps. 

Being as I was told for years that the "switches" couldn't handle but a 1.5Mbps connection that seems like that would have been the max near the switching station, too.  But now 25Mbps is available...a 16x increase in speed in the vicinity of the station but our speed only bumps up 2x.

At 10,000+ cable feet, you won't get much if the DSLAM is only good for 25M, bonded or not.  They ran fiber to all of the new DSLAMS they put in here, spaced about 2 miles apart.  Within about 1,000' people can now  get 100M.  I'm a little over 6,000' and I  get 25M with a bonded pair connection.

The other issue is whether or not there is a 'spare pair' available to your location for them to use for bonding.   That isn't always available.
I'm about twice the distance from the switch that you are.  I'd be happy with a 6Mbps connection being as that is about the lowest recommended speed for streaming content.  But, it is...what it is.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 01:27:07 PM
I'm about twice the distance from the switch that you are.  I'd be happy with a 6Mbps connection being as that is about the lowest recommended speed for streaming content.  But, it is...what it is.

Do you know anybody that has the higher speed service in that close by area really well?  Like family or close friends?  There might be a different option.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 02:16:17 PM
No, not really.  From my house you can see no other peoples' houses.  Rather rural.  What are your thoughts, though?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 14, 2017, 03:19:30 PM
No, not really.  From my house you can see no other peoples' houses.  Rather rural.  What are your thoughts, though?

Something known as a Point-to-Point LAN Radio Link, though they may be called other things.  Stated to be good for 15 miles at up to 150M NLOS (Near Line of Sight).  Two part system where one part goes at each end.  One would need to be installed where the ISP offers higher speed service, the other at your house.  Theoretically, you would be able to shoot that 25M to your house.  But if you don't know anybody there well enough to install something at their house ....


Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 04:56:15 PM
I was kinda thinking that might be what you had in mind.  I'd rather be independent of anybody else, but again...we're in a rural, rolling hills, timber stands here and there, farm fields here and there, with no neighbors in view...though we do have one about 1/4 mile away from us.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on November 14, 2017, 07:19:19 PM
Something known as a Point-to-Point LAN Radio Link, though they may be called other things.

This was why I asked my question.  I know someone in a rural area with crappy DSL and a cable company that would not come up his street.  He rented an uninhabitable trailer from a farmer about a 1.5 miles away, where cable was available and had line-of-sight to his house.  Off the shelf unlicensed point-to-point hardware is under $400, and even at that range he's pushing 24-36 megabits *actual* throughput.....
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on November 14, 2017, 10:28:26 PM
That would be cool, but LOS is definitely not here. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: hankster on November 14, 2017, 11:04:22 PM
Here is, to me, an interesting new service. It has most of the non-OTA the channels I watch in a single package. Discovery, History, A&E, HGTV and BBCA. $16 for 37 channels with a 30 day DVR feature. https://try.philo.com/#features
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on November 15, 2017, 01:00:16 AM
I thought about trying it to shoot the 100M down that 1.5 mile of road.  But there is no house with power close to the DSLAM and I'm not about to try and have a pole installed with a meter, etc.  I'm pretty sure it would work though since I can almost see the DSLAM from my yard except for a few trees.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: okieman98 on November 15, 2017, 01:36:40 AM
well i can tell u that the fire tv box are stick can be jail broke and there are a few really good apk packs that will let u watch movies and live tv turned my direct tv off have 3 of them in my hose watch anymovie are most live tv from all over the world some may know if the and some may not
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Glenn on November 17, 2017, 04:32:53 PM
Here is, to me, an interesting new service. It has most of the non-OTA the channels I watch in a single package. Discovery, History, A&E, HGTV and BBCA. $16 for 37 channels with a 30 day DVR feature. https://try.philo.com/#features

That's very interesting. Basically, the only channels on cable I'd typically watch.  Currently, we watch TV OTA for the morning news and stream through Netflix and Amazon at night.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: okieman98 on November 17, 2017, 09:21:16 PM
mine cost 0 it all streams , i have crappy internet in the country 12 megs max when it burst for a short time. its wireless internet, i live just close enough to get it. are there would be nothing. search u tube for firedl for the vids, local with cheap dollar store hd antenna saves 150 a month for me
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 11, 2018, 06:09:24 PM
A buddy recently told me about 2 new options for a Fire Stick.
Mogbro and Terrarium TV.
Mogbro does have live network channels but sometimes the quality isn't the greatest.
As for TV shows one thing I like about it is that the show is a continuous loop that keeps playing. I watched Home Improvement the other day. When one episode is over it goes right into the next one and just keeps going.
Terrarium TV is a bit like watching Exodus on Kodi but the the downloads are much quicker and there seems to be slightly less buffering. The only issue is that when your show is over it will show an add for some type of game. After a few seconds just click out of it and it goes away.
Both programs have their pros and cons but they are pretty much all I watch now.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 11, 2018, 10:57:23 PM
Well, tonight was the night me and my wife called our longtime relationship with DISH officially at an end.  Alabama beat Georgia the other night, so that win is in the history books (ROLL TIDE!!!) and I'll have plenty of time to figure something out for college football by next fall.  Then, tonight, we watched the series finale of TV series that we've watched for a long time on a satellite channel.  That is done with.  Nothing now to hold us back.  I sat there and set all the settings back to default (what an ugly square 4:3 screen with some very tall and very skinny people on it!<grin>), erased all of our recording schedules, erased all the recorded shows still on the DVR (lots of kids programs for our granddaughters), and just cruised around the menus looking for anything to zero out or delete.  Tomorrow I get to call and see how cheap they will go before I tell them to turn it off.  I'm looking forward to the sound of "snip". :lol: \:D/

Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 04:58:23 AM
Dish will tell you about the discount you earned being a long time customer. That discount they never bother telling anyone until they go to disconnect account.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 07:56:33 AM
Well, they might talk me into it if they can get it down to around $25 a month and include the sports channels.  Of course, that's *after* agreeing to credit my account for, oh....let's say $600 for the bogus "HD Fee" they charged me for years.  Then....then I might stick with them...without a contract.   :lol:  If I have some free time when I call them I'll string them along as long as I can. :-P
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 12, 2018, 08:34:06 AM
When I called Dish and they started their schpiel, I told them to shut up and turn it off.  They tried another line and I got more firm.  I finally had to yell at the idiot and tell him to turn the damn thing off NOW.



Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 09:50:28 AM
Nah, I'll string'em along for a while if I'm not busy at work...I've got a bit of a southern accent so I'll just embellish it a bit with "ignorance" and let'em thing I'm a slow learner...maybe even have "Dueling Banjos" playing in the background for them. :lol:  Let'em think they almost have me and then flip-flop on them.  Talk about my rabbit ears with tinfoil on them and how I'm spending a lot of time practicing the "jaw harp" so I don't have a lot of tv-watching time, etc.,.  I figure it will be the last entertainment that I'll get from DISH.<GRIN>  \:D/
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irATiFt6AUM[/youtube]
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 11:25:15 AM
I had to put up with the latest Dish price increase notice a few days ago. The last straw! Will be dumping them as soon as I get my pile of goodies ordered - new OTA antenna and pre-amp (current one is very old and no longer gets CBS cleanly), DVR, and possibly hulu TV. Dish can go suck eggs...
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 11:25:58 AM
"HD Fee" Yep if they were still charging that you should go without reimbursement because they stopped that bogas charge on new customers couple years ago. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 11:31:58 AM
I had to put up with the latest Dish price increase notice a few days ago. The last straw! Will be dumping them as soon as I get my pile of goodies ordered - new OTA antenna and pre-amp (current one is very old and no longer gets CBS cleanly), DVR, and possibly hulu TV. Dish can go suck eggs...

Living by choice in the boondocks last 40+ years I've never had the luxury of OTH antenna service. If you lock in for 2 years again this is the current offer I received.

2-Year TV Price Guarantee
Notwithstanding any terms and conditions of your Promotion Agreement and/or the Residential Customer Agreement to the contrary, because you have agreed to participate in DISH's 2-Year TV Price Guarantee promotion, DISH will not change, at any time during your Price Guarantee Period (as defined below): (a) the price that you pay for the qualifying programming package set forth below (your “Price Guarantee Programming Package”) or (b) the eligible equipment options set forth below (the “Discounted Eligible Equipment”).

 
Programming Package   Price*
Flex Pack                   $29.99
America's Top 120   $49.99
America's Top 120+   $59.99
America's Top 200   $69.99
America's Top 250   $79.99
Latino Clasico           $29.99
Latino Plus                   $35.99
Latino Dos                   $54.99
Latino Max           $64.99
*The prices set forth above are subject to your participation in the eAutoPay promotion or any successor promotion (and receipt of a $5 discount per month in connection with such promotion) at all times during your Price Guarantee Period.

Receiver   Fee**
Hopper, Hopper with Sling, and Hopper 3   $10.00/mo.
**The prices set forth above for the Discounted Eligible Equipment are subject to you maintaining an active Hopper on your account (and receipt of up to a $5 discount per month on the Hopper Receiver Fee) at all times during your Price Guarantee Period.


Your “Price Guarantee Period” is the twenty-four (24) month period immediately following the date on which you accept this offer by checking the “I accept” box below. DISH will not extend your Price Guarantee Period for any reason. Upon the expiration of your Price Guarantee Period, you will pay the then-current price for each of your programming packages, Additional Receiver Fees, and DVR Service Fees.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 11:48:17 AM
So they lock us in for 2 years, lock up the way the extra fees work as well, then at the end most likely hit with a huge increase which would probably negate any savings had for the 2 year period. Their packages are far from great as well. Sounds like them...
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 12, 2018, 12:09:07 PM
One thing to keep in mind about these price increases are that they mostly come from network fee's. If ABC or ESPN, HGTV, etc raise their rates then that is passed on to us. The provider, Dish, Directv etc always look like the bad guys because that is where the consumer see's the increase. Also take a look at the tax's that different government entities get to tack on to your bill. I have one called a Regional Sports Fee? I wonder who's getting rich off that. :mad: 
Of course the providers are not totally at fault either with some of their charges but just something to keep in mind the next time you see a price increase.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on January 12, 2018, 12:09:57 PM
I had to put up with the latest Dish price increase notice a few days ago. The last straw! Will be dumping them as soon as I get my pile of goodies ordered - new OTA antenna and pre-amp (current one is very old and no longer gets CBS cleanly), DVR, and possibly hulu TV. Dish can go suck eggs...

If you're looking for a OTA DVR, check this out  https://www.channelmaster.com/Antenna_DVR_s/336.htm

I pre-ordered one to take place of my Channel Master DVR+. It looks great.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 12:28:52 PM
Interesting, Tony, thanks. Have been looking at the HomeRun Extend. I'm on the CM email list but didn't get anything on this. I'm getting one of their 100mi antennas/pre-amps. My very broken down old Radio Shack antenna picks up Tucson, 120mi away, perfectly but can't handle local CBS. Need to fix that first.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on January 12, 2018, 12:37:37 PM
I have a Mohu HD Antenna and bought my own pre-amp powered splitter. The Channel Master amp one was junk.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 12:42:17 PM
So they lock us in for 2 years, lock up the way the extra fees work as well, then at the end most likely hit with a huge increase which would probably negate any savings had for the 2 year period. Their packages are far from great as well. Sounds like them...

You only negate the savings if you continue with subscription. Option is always there to look somewhere else this was the deal I was offered not sure its available to everyone.

OTA for occasional ballgame would be the way to go. I get my news fix with sirius/xm radio because they won't let me leave... :roll: Every year they offer the $10 a month for everything package if I do a 1 time payment.

Between sirius/xm, Netflix Amazon prime there is more than enough entertainment and NFL made it easy on us this year and probably won't return. Just need my college FB fix I can only get with TV.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 01:18:16 PM
Ordered the CM Masterpiece 100 antenna but holding off on the pre-amp for now. Want to see how the antenna does by itself. Out of work for an extended period so this will be step by step.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 01:50:58 PM
Oh hold with DISH....<tick tock tick tock...>
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 02:12:37 PM
Talking to rep...at the "You are a preferred customer" offer point...
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 12, 2018, 02:23:57 PM
Everybody is a 'preferred customer' when it comes to retention efforts.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 02:35:56 PM
Ok....we're DISH-free now!!!!  Time to explore streaming options *without* a tv provider...I've got the Tivo, a Roku, a Firestick, and a Sony BR player w/apps...along with OTA reception.  The Roku and Firestick were a couple of Black Friday deals so a *good* price.  But, I haven't tried either one of them at the house.  The Firestick I have tried out here at the shop but we're talking cable-modem here versus Centurylink 3Mbs at the house.

The guy at DISH *really* wanted to keep me.  He tried *really hard* of which I complimented him about after-the-fact.<grin>  I let him exhaust all the offers before I used the "NOW!" expression...actually had to use in two or three times.  Basically, as a "preferred customer" he could knock $25 off of my bill and guarantee it for 2-years (sounds like there would have been a contract, eh?).    We had been with them for eleven years....figuring our bill and multipying it by 11 that means we've paid them over $16,000 during that time!!!!!  That's not going to happen aagin over the next eleven years!!!!(I sure hope I'm still around in eleven years! :) ).

So, what can I do with an old DISH DVR?  They don't want it back.

Oh, and we received two new credit cards from the BofA a few days ago.  We had a card several years ago, but when we got a Costco membership it transferred the account and balance to American Express.  I thought the BofA card was dead.  Anyhow, I called BofA and after being firmly warned that I couldn't reopen the account once close and that I would lose all my rewards points (eh?), etc., they closed the account.  I probably won't be able to sleep a bit tonight worrying about those reward points.<grin>

Two closed accounts today.  Hmm, what's next....???? :-P
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 02:38:34 PM
I would say that anyone that is a DISH (or Direct) customer should call the provider after their contract is fulfilled and ask to close their account.  I think they'll end up with a nice discount...if they really want to keep a satellite subscription, that is.  ;)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 02:48:41 PM
I would say that anyone that is a DISH (or Direct) customer should call the provider after their contract is fulfilled and ask to close their account.  I think they'll end up with a nice discount...if they really want to keep a satellite subscription, that is.  ;)
Seems any discount involves a 2 year contract. No way. At this point I don't have any contract with Dish so as soon as I can get my goodies I'll be gone.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 02:53:10 PM
Less than 2 hours ago I ordered a CM antenna. Just got 2 updates from UPS (2 packages). Stuff is scheduled for delivery tomorrow - Saturday! And it was free shipping, too. Not bad at all.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 02:57:42 PM
One of the quirks of living in city with warehouse. When I stayed at my moms in Sun City she had same day delivery a couple times.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 02:58:53 PM
Interesting, Tony, thanks. Have been looking at the HomeRun Extend. I'm on the CM email list but didn't get anything on this. I'm getting one of their 100mi antennas/pre-amps. My very broken down old Radio Shack antenna picks up Tucson, 120mi away, perfectly but can't handle local CBS. Need to fix that first.
Isn't the HomeRun a subscription-type box?

You are getting perfect reception from a station 120 miles away? What call-sign is that?  Simple earth curvature would be making that a 2-edge or worse signal.  :shock:

If you're picking up distant channels good but having trouble with close-by stations it makes me think of a couple of things.  It could be a VHF/UHF issue, it could be a case of overloading the receiver of your tuner with a signal that is *too strong*, or some of both. 

Which antenna and preamp did you purchase?  Did you buy from the Channel Master website?...they have a good return policy...keep the packaging and equipment nice and orderly.  Saturday delivery is good!!! :)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 03:08:31 PM
I thought 70 miles was max on antenna reception. I wonder if the Tucson feed wasn't just off a transmitter in area.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 03:15:49 PM
Maybe a translator?  Kind of like a repeater in radio jargon...?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 03:29:12 PM
Well I found one that claims 150 miles if on 50' high pole. Heck I could get antenna vision if this is true and I put up my 50' tower I've dreamed about... :-P

https://www.amazon.com/ViewTV-Outdoor-Amplified-Antenna-Rotation/dp/B017JEF126/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1473210448&sr=1-6&linkCode=sl1&tag=noc0d-20&linkId=00252d63bd42189c3242f656fffe9ba9
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 12, 2018, 03:32:12 PM
So, what can I do with an old DISH DVR?  They don't want it back.

Pull all the plugs and connectors, tuck it away for a while somewhere.  Leave the dish, LNB and cabling all in place.  In a couple of months, reconnect the box and see what happens.  I've heard a couple of different stories.  Some say you get nothing at all, or just a splash screen.  Others say you can use the box to watch anything that was recorded on it.  Still others say you can watch some of the free channels (shopping, etc.).  I don't really know which is more true, or if it varies by area or type of box.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 03:38:22 PM
Mmm, not really interested in any of that.  I erased everything last night...should have waited, I guess.  No big loss.  Mostly curious about the OTA receiver and whether it will work without an account. Could use it for an OTA DVR if that's the case...maybe. And if that doesn't work maybe check the hard drive out on it...must be about a 1TB drive...may have a proprietary connector, though.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 03:45:14 PM
Well I found one that claims 150 miles if on 50' high pole. Heck I could get antenna vision if this is true and I put up my 50' tower I've dreamed about... :-P

https://www.amazon.com/ViewTV-Outdoor-Amplified-Antenna-Rotation/dp/B017JEF126/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1473210448&sr=1-6&linkCode=sl1&tag=noc0d-20&linkId=00252d63bd42189c3242f656fffe9ba9
<grin> 75 miles is a *long* haul for a tv signal...unless you're up on a mountainside and across a big valley is the antenna farm.  LOS is important...the earth's curve will get you eventually.  But, there is some "flexibility" to the radio signals.  Check this calculator out... https://dizzib.github.io/earth/curve-calc/?d0=75&h0=50&unit=imperial (https://dizzib.github.io/earth/curve-calc/?d0=75&h0=50&unit=imperial)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 04:05:21 PM
Isn't the HomeRun a subscription-type box?
Haven't gotten that far yet. The box is basically just an OTA tuner, AFAIK, Today is my first day poking around. See  https://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/for a model comparison.
You are getting perfect reception from a station 120 miles away? What call-sign is that?  Simple earth curvature would be making that a 2-edge or worse signal.  :shock:
Yep, suprised me, too. KVOA-NBC, KGUN-ABC, KOLD-CBS, etc., all at 1080i.
If you're picking up distant channels good but having trouble with close-by stations it makes me think of a couple of things.  It could be a VHF/UHF issue, it could be a case of overloading the receiver of your tuner with a signal that is *too strong*, or some of both. 
CBS worked just fine for years. There's no pre-amp on this setup so, unless they boosted their signal, that's not it. Of the 106 I get OTA there are a few that are pixelated. However they are not even close to being directly in line with the antenna. Plus the antenna has lost some arms over the years so who knows?
Which antenna and preamp did you purchase?  Did you buy from the Channel Master website?...they have a good return policy...keep the packaging and equipment nice and orderly.  Saturday delivery is good!!! :)
Mentioned earlier I got a Masterpiece 100 and holding off on the pre-amp until I see how just the antenna and new coax (also ancient) works.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 04:10:00 PM
I thought 70 miles was max on antenna reception. I wonder if the Tucson feed wasn't just off a transmitter in area.
As did I. The main Tucson farm happens to be directly in line with the current pointed direction of my antenna, which is the biggest one Radio Shack made. Absolutely nothing it the way between me and there, no rotator, either.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on January 12, 2018, 04:11:28 PM
Maybe a translator?  Kind of like a repeater in radio jargon...?
Unknown, but I don't think so. The ID as seen by my TV indicates the main call sign and not that of a translator.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 12, 2018, 04:25:19 PM
I used to get 70-80 miles  pretty clear over mixed terrain.  My antenna was about 50' above ground.  I don't know how high theirs was.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 12, 2018, 05:29:39 PM
FCC reception map. https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: SlowModem on January 12, 2018, 07:12:52 PM
I would say that anyone that is a DISH (or Direct) customer should call the provider after their contract is fulfilled and ask to close their account.  I think they'll end up with a nice discount...if they really want to keep a satellite subscription, that is.  ;)

I haven't read this entire thread, I just noticed this post.

I got DirecTV when Comcast started jerking everybody around with new channel options (they didn't ask what we wanted.  they asked which of the five they chose we would like).  I think I was the only one around in town that had a dish on my house.  That was back in the 90s.  I'm still with them.  I've always been satisfied with my DirecTV.

When we moved to where we live now in 2005, we brought it with us, because we're really out in the sticks and there was no cable (and there's still no cable).  We only had dialup internet (hence the screen name).

AT&T put a tower about 1/4 mile from the house, so now we have pretty good internet, so that's good.  But, since AT&T bought DirecTV, everything is bundled.  I have DirecTV on all my devices plus I still have a dish at home.

My point is that it may be possible for some folks to bargain and get a cheaper deal.  But if I started picking apart the bundle, it may all fall apart and unbundled the price of all the parts may be higher than the sum of the whole.  So i think I'll just let it ride.

Oh, we do also subscribe to Netflix  kind of like a treat.  Seems these different providers have different chunks of content.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 08:00:38 PM
DISH was giving me a discount for bundling their service with my home phone...$5.   :roll:

Greg, I can understand where you're coming from.  Sometimes things happen to fall together and don't need to be messed with.  But thinking about that $25 discount...in eleven years (how long I was with DISH) that would equal out to a savings of $3300.  Not a paltry amount. :)

I wish ATT would tweak the tower close to us a bit...the home phone would be shut down in a heartbeat.  I tried calling home before I left the shop a little bit ago.  Seems the phone would ring twice and then click and go to dial-tone.  I got home and called it from my cellphone...it'll ring twice and hang up.  If you answer it in time it you can talk.  Good ol' Centurystink.  Just a week or so ago it was telling us that it had been disconnected. :mad:

Anyhow, it's full speed ahead, look out for falling satellites!!!!!  :lol:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: SlowModem on January 12, 2018, 08:02:09 PM
Well I found one that claims 150 miles if on 50' high pole. Heck I could get antenna vision if this is true and I put up my 50' tower I've dreamed about... :-P

This is kind of off topic, but it reminded me of something.  My favorite radio station is WDVX and it is in Knoxville, TN.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WDVX

http://www.wdvx.com

It is a public radio station and plays mostly bluegrass and Americana.  In the evenings and on the weekends, there are world class blues and rockabilly shows.  And there are other types of shows as well.

The thing is that they're transmitting at an earth-shattering 200 watts.  So if you don't live in town, you can't pick them up on the radio.  Thankfully, some of their sponsors and friends are IT folks, so they're available streaming online.

But the watts/range/reception thing just made me think of that.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion.  :)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: SlowModem on January 12, 2018, 08:36:04 PM
FCC reception map. https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

That's a great post.  Thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on January 12, 2018, 11:46:54 PM
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
 :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

OK Now I'm mad.  The issue, from what I can tell is that I'm getting a "reorder tone" (fast busy signal) after two rings...this is, as I understand it, the result of a problem with the telco trunk/network and not my equipment/wiring. 

I did the online tests before calling...everything showed "OK".  Well,  I called Centurystink earlier this evening to report my phone problem.  The robot did the  "line testing" and everything showed "OK".  The other day when Centurystink had the "The number has been disconnected" screw-up for my phone all the tests reported "OK" then, too! :twisted:   Anyhow, at the end of the human-to-robot exchange they start a long message about they will come to the house and check things on the outside of the house and if the problem is on me that they will charge an $85 "isolation fee" and that if they come inside and do anything that will be an additional charge.  I don't trust them any further than I can throw them.  I've already had a bogus "repair" charge from them a few years ago...I guess the tech needed extra Christmas money or something.  :evil: Everything is geared to "it's not on our network", but 99 times out of 100...or more realistically, 100 out of 100 time it's *their* problem.  I'm tired of there BS.

My next project...DITCH THE @#)*&$@! CENTURYSTINK HOME PHONE!!!!!
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on January 13, 2018, 05:25:43 AM
First thing to go for us was the landline back when the flip cell phones came out around 2000. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on January 13, 2018, 06:54:13 AM
First thing to go for us was the landline back when the flip cell phones came out around 2000.
I would like to get rid of the land line but comcast tells me if I do my bill will go up. :roll:
The future is streaming. The problem is there isn't enough ISP's to give the big boys competition  so companies like Comcast can charge whatever they want for internet service.  By the way they raised their internet only service to $75 a month.
I hoping we see something like the MNVO's that popped up and offer cheaper internet service. I use Cricket which uses's Att's towers but I get it much cheaper but the download speed is throttled which is OK. As long as they could offer internet only at say, 30mbps that would be good enough to stream what I need.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on January 13, 2018, 07:43:11 AM
Dumping my landline would not help me in any way since DSL rides on it and there are no feasible alternatives.  I have the lowest level of landline as it is, no local, zone or LD calls included.  They all cost extra.  I can call 911 and Toll-Free numbers and get incoming calls.  There is one lower option that might save a few dollars, but I lose all dialtone, so no incoming or outgoing calls at all.  Don't care for that.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 13, 2018, 09:08:14 AM
I can give some good advice when it comes to OTA antennas and what kind to use. I would not recommend a combo UHF/VHF antenna, unless you live near all the towers you wish to receive. (No more than 35 miles away).

Also for UHF, I would suggest one with a bow-tie style design, and not a yagi if you live more than 50 miles out.

If you have VHF high channels, those on physical channels 7-13, get a stellar labs VHF hi band. http://www.newark.com/stellar-labs/30-2475/fringe-directional-antenna-vhf/dp/48Y8141 (http://www.newark.com/stellar-labs/30-2475/fringe-directional-antenna-vhf/dp/48Y8141)

I have one of these, and it picks up two VHF hi stations at 100% as far as 41 miles away, the other at 25 miles. If you live more than 60 miles, get the bigger version of this. (30-2476)
Be sure to pick up a UHF/VHF signal joiner, and not a cable splitter to use in reverse.

If you split to several TV's, get an amplified splitter that is powered by one lead of coax, so you can locate the splitter outside where it is convenient to split off to different rooms.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 10, 2018, 05:27:09 PM
Antenna went up about a week ago. Got local CBS back (it was "no signal" with the old antenna). Still getting Tucson stations super-clear but did lose one. Antenna needs a simple aiming tweak.

So, now in a bigger hurry to dump Dish - they just came through with another price increase. In addition to the OTA stuff I'll add one streaming service. Suggestions needed on a DVR that can handle both of those plus  an on-line and/or part of the DVR TVGuide-type schedule. That should cover everything I need.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Andy G on February 10, 2018, 05:55:09 PM
Antenna went up about a week ago. Got local CBS back (it was "no signal" with the old antenna). Still getting Tucson stations super-clear but did lose one. Antenna needs a simple aiming tweak.

So, now in a bigger hurry to dump Dish - they just came through with another price increase. In addition to the OTA stuff I'll add one streaming service. Suggestions needed on a DVR that can handle both of those plus  an on-line and/or part of the DVR TVGuide-type schedule. That should cover everything I need.

Thanks.

Ive been a Tivo use for about 25 years so I am sure I am a little biased. They make a OTA model that has all the basic apps netflix amazon you tube ect. the user interface has won awards in the past not sure how it stacks up nowdays compared to sat/cable boxes. The Tivo website shows the Roamio OTA 1 tb for $399 including lifetime service https://explore.tivo.com/antenna (https://explore.tivo.com/antenna), it also shows thy are out of stock. That is the version I have and put a 3tb hard drive in it for $100 easy to do. Whatever you decide its nice having control.

Andy
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on February 10, 2018, 08:05:55 PM
Suggestions needed on a DVR that can handle both of those plus  an on-line and/or part of the DVR TVGuide-type schedule. That should cover everything I need.


I'm going to ask a dumb question.  Do you *really* need to record off-the-air, or is everything that you would record available from one or more streaming service?  If you're going to record it to watch later anyway, why pay for the DVR?

Although I have zero experience with them, Tablo (https://www.tablotv.com/products/ (https://www.tablotv.com/products/)) seems to come up as a cord-cutter DVR for OTA recording.  It also comes with an app that lets it integrate into an Apple TV, Amazon Fire stick, Roku, etc as another program source.  I have essentially zero OTA signals other than a local religious station at my house, so I don't have any choice but to stream previously-recorded shows.....
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 10, 2018, 08:51:26 PM
Thanks for the info, Andy and vreihen. Have lots to think about.

TiVo seems pretty expensive while Tablo is $150 less. TiVo does not show access to Sling (I know - Dish!), and hulu has fewer channels than Sling but does have 2 of my favorites (both NatGeo channels) which Sling does not (so much for "a la carte"!). And so the head starts spinning...

The only "dumb" question, vreihen, is the one not asked. Yep, need OTA recording. Most of what I watch is on CBS which normally winds up in conflict with something else, and my watching habits are wide ranging. I will not purchase the CBS app - long story.

Thanks to both.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 12:53:56 AM
John, my wife and I just parted ways with DISH on January 12.  We had a subscription through our phone company and this month's phone bill was the first one below $100 that we've seen in YEARS!!!!!  :grin:  We have adapted well to not having satellite service.  We use OTA and streaming stuff...between Amazon Prime Video, an Amazon Fire Stick, and some of the streaming apps on the Roamio OTA we have way more than we will ever need....almost.

I have one of the TiVo Roamio OTA dvrs.  There are occasional glitches but I like it fine...it's not as refined (in ways) as the old DISH DVR, but it's entirely functional and it doesn't require a rocket scientist to figure it out.  The way I justified the cost of the Roamio OTA is that it will pay for itself in saved DISH subscription costs.  I figured six months pay-back....for the Roamio OTA and antenna system.  After that it's free sailing!!!  :)

So far we haven't subscribed to a streaming service.  There's tons to watch without paying for it but some content you can only get by having a subscription with a streaming content provider.  For me, it will be college football season that will pull me into paying for streaming content.  Other than that we really don't have a need for a $$$ content provider.  Thus, SLING TV is definitely on my radar.  I like their sports package that pretty well gets me covered for watching ballgames.  My problem is that I have a very slow DSL connection so I don't know what the visual quality of the content will be...that will be one of the bigger things I pay attention to when I try their free trial.  CBS is our main network, too.  We record probably 80% of our shows from them.  You can stream some of these shows for free, or probably all of them if you pay for the right streaming content provider.  There's a lot of smaller shows, and local shows that never make it to the streaming stage...but really, though, most of what's seen OTA can be streamed.

I don't know anything about Tablo to tell you other than to check and be sure you don't have to pay for some type of a guide subscription (for some reason I have that it my head).  Channel Master is coming out with there new Stream+ box dvr....only recording media for it will be a Micro-SD memory card.  The last time I looked these were being pre-sold for $99.  But, do not have multiple tuners and require the memory card for recording.

As for the TiVo Roamio OTA being out of stock...  There is some discussion about something new possibly coming out due to the no-inventory status of the OTA's.   Just be sure if you buy a TiVo that it has "Lifetime" associated with it.  You have to have a "guide" for the programs...description, time, date, length, etc., and TiVo's is specific to them.  "Lifetime" means you never have to paid them a subscription fee.  Some of their boxes do require a subscription.  Just something to be aware of regarding TiVo.

Best wishes on cutting the cable...you won't regret it and you'll wonder why in the world you didn't do it earlier!!!
Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Andy G on February 11, 2018, 04:53:59 AM
I was looking at the Tablo website out of curosity. A couple of things to consider.

1) It looks as though you have to provide your own USB external hard drive
2) It does not connect to your tv directly. It connects to your home network. Heres what it says

Q: Does Tablo OTA DVR connect to my TV?

A: No, Tablo OTA DVRs do not have an HDMI connection. Instead, Tablo streams live TV and recordings over your home network to compatible HDMI-enabled devices connected to your TV like streaming set-top-boxes and gaming systems. You can also use the Tablo web app with an HDMI-enabled computer connected to your TV, or directly on Smart TVs powered by Roku, Android TV or most LG WebOS 2.0 and 3.0 operating systems.

3) If you want guide data it costs $150 for lifetime service
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 09:46:45 AM
Andy, have you heard any rumblings of a replacement or new model of the Roamio OTA?  With TiVo having the Roamios on backorder it's causing a lot of discussion about whether they're discontinuing and replacing with a new model. 

With the $150 charge for the Tablo lifetime guide subscription it puts in inline with the TiVo...and you still need an external hard drive.  The Roamios come with a 1TB internal hard drive that some people upgrade to even a larger capacity drive.  Personally, mine and my wife's viewing habits I think will be fine with the 1TB.

As for me mentioning the rumors and conspiracy theories about a new model coming, I figure there will be a new model being as I bought my first TiVo this past Black Friday sale.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Andy G on February 11, 2018, 10:03:42 AM
Andy, have you heard any rumblings of a replacement or new model of the Roamio OTA?  With TiVo having the Roamios on backorder it's causing a lot of discussion about whether they're discontinuing and replacing with a new model. 

With the $150 charge for the Tablo lifetime guide subscription it puts in inline with the TiVo...and you still need an external hard drive.  The Roamios come with a 1TB internal hard drive that some people upgrade to even a larger capacity drive.  Personally, mine and my wife's viewing habits I think will be fine with the 1TB.

As for me mentioning the rumors and conspiracy theories about a new model coming, I figure there will be a new model being as I bought my first TiVo this past Black Friday sale.

None other than the newest line of tivos are the "Bolt Series" at some point you would think the there would be a ota only bolt version. I think the biggest upgrade with the bolt is 4K so if you can live without that there probably wouldn't be a big reason to upgrade. Tivo was sold to Rovi a few years back and you dont seem to get the information like you used to. The old CEO was on CNBC regularly. It seems to me in general we are in a transition period from OTA Cable and Satellite to OTA, Cable, Satellite and streaming where that all ends up no one knows. If you do want to upgrade your hard drive its pretty easy plug and play up to a 3TB hard drive any larger and  there are more hoops to jump through. The only thing is you would loose all your recordings but you could transfer them off before the change, you have to repeat guided setup.

Andy
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 11, 2018, 10:32:42 AM
I record only to resolve conflicts or make sure I don't miss something I want to watch. All recorded shows are watched either the same night or next day so a large HD is not needed. Once watched the episode is deleted.

Not happy with the CM unit with no streams made available, only one tuner, card-based storage, etc. But, they make antennas so guess it makes sense to them.

Have noticed many cable/satellite-only channels are slowly making their way to OTA. Not all are worthwhile but maybe more will continue to come over.

Andy, the Tablo does come with an HD, but 'small' by today's standards (except for me where it would work just fine). I was not happy with their first connection to wi-fi requirement either.

Ed, the recent Dish price increase has simply pushed me to get outta there more quickly. With any luck others will follow. I think my pay-back time will be close to yours.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 03:00:01 PM
John, the idea of the CM Stream+ is to have a DVR with streaming abilities.  I agree, storage on a Micro-SD card seems a bit lame to me.  There is a USB connection but they're staying quiet about it's use.  Their previous DVR, the "DVR+" or something like that, could have an external hard drive connected to it...I think they're kind of stumbling around with the Stream+ right now being as they've already killed (to the best of my knowledge) the DVR+ and don't have the Stream+ ready to roll out.   They were supposed to have it ready by the end of January for the first shipments...I ordered one for the $99 pre-buy price and received an email the other day telling me delivery has been rolled back to the end of February.  Maybe they'll fix the USB to connect to an external hard drive! ;)

Your recording habits are similar to mine, though we may wait a week or two before watching the recorded shows...depends on what all is going on in life.  But, the 1TB internal hard drive of the Roamio OTA seems to be adequate for us.   As for streaming stuff...FOX News, CBS News, etc., have some streaming apps...it's not really "live" but very recent airings of different shows...who knows, there might be some live stuff mixed it there.  For live sports, I think SLING TV will work me (again, if our internet speed allows it).  I will subscribe to it during college football season then cancel it.  Hulu also has some live streams.  If you are an Amazon Prime member they have tons of movies and shows available to you, too.  I've also added an Amazon Firestick which has some content that TiVo doesn't have.  I've got a Roku also, that I've yet to connect.  All Black Friday purchases. :)

John, if you call them up and tell them that you want to cancel your service they will do their best to hang onto you.  Naturally, the only way to hang onto you is to give you a lower price.  They did get it down a fair amount for me, but I had already made my mind up that I was getting it down to ZERO!!!  \:D/  So, see what they have to offer you, it might be good enough that you hang on a bit longer.  Watch the "contract" aspect, don't get into one unless you want to.  I personally think the Roamio OTA would be a good fit for you, your familiar with electronics and with DISH...operating TiVo is different but much similar to operating DISH.  It sounds like you're getting your antenna squared away...good!  I've still got more tinkering to do with mine.  Seems multipath interference is a problem, but we'll get it "good enough" before too much longer.

When I cancelled my DISH account I received an email from them a few days later telling me not to send the receiver VP622 (I think that is the model #) back to them, to dispose of it.  I had wiped everything from it the day before I cancelled.  After cancelling and the guy telling me they may or may not want the receiver back (I got the email later) I decided to try and see what it would do...it brought up some shopping channels and other junk channels, a bunch of porn channel placeholders, etc.,.  I never did try to see if the OTA receiver still worked, though.  I put it in a box and stuck it in a storage shed.  If they let you keep yours you ought to check and see if the OTA and DVR still works.  The problem is that you had rather have your replacement DVR already up and running when you "make the call".  So when they pull the plug you've already setup and tested out your new DVR system for recording your shows and it's ready to roll! :)

The big thing is figuring out which DVR to go with *and* it's availability. 
Ed
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 11, 2018, 04:13:52 PM
Ed, seems we're quite a bit alike.

I'm not familiar with the original CM DVR, but I was pretty much unimpressed with the web layout for the new one. Lots of pictures, etc., but didn't give me the details I was looking for (I'm very picky!). However a call to the AZ warehouse got me an instant answer.

Confused - what can a news network stream other than old news - unless you mean current news with the same stories over and over again?  :roll:

Had Sling for a while some time back. Was unhappy with what they offered, something like the huge pile of junk that Dish offers. My Dish guide is set for 6 channels/page. In one section of the guide I can flip through 8 pages of junk before a decent listing returns. 8 * 6 = 48 useless channels just in that one area. Sheesh.

I have a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV. Why all those? Don't like buying in the dark without trying, regardless of what their ads say.

Went through the cancel Dish nonsense a couple years ago. Wasn't ready at that time to completely cut the cord so they talked me into that Flex (!) pack. Just more junk in a smaller package. Got my channels back by upping the package, but also the price. Their 'discount' quickly expired.

Once I get the DVR problem figured out I have a few choice parting words for you-know-who!
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 04:51:05 PM
<chuckle> Yeah, the streaming "news" are recasts of current news reports.  Kind of like FOX News re-airing news programs from earlier in the day.  I'm just not so sure if they can show live "breaking news" reports.

I'm liking Sling for the sports channels that they offer.  As for the other stuff, I'm not interested...there's enough free content out there to keep me entertained beyond the college ballgames. ;)  ESPN kind of has a corner on the sports market. 

I understand the frustration with *all* the channels that DISH offers.  They make a big deal of 400 channels (or whatever number it is) but lots of them are duplicates with different channel numbers, a bunch of shopping channels, worthless/useless channels, blah, blah.  Then when it comes down to it you might watch ten of them...if that many.  But, you gotta buy the package to get the ones you want.  Rip off.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 11, 2018, 04:58:33 PM
Ed, don't you make custom guides? I've never had issue flipping through channels I won't watch with Dish.
Maybe you need a different DVR. If it's not HD I don't have in custom guides and only channels I watch, which excludes 80% channels.
I've been happy with Hopper3 compared to Directv receivers. My mom in Phoenix had both Cox and Directv and was glad when I got back home with the Hopper3.

I currently have the top 120 package with Hopper3. I get $5 off on Hopper fee $10 total and locked in on discount they offered some 6 months ago. Outdoor channels $2. HBO/Max $10 . Total bill is No hidden charges my bill is $72 month.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 11, 2018, 07:20:32 PM
I understand the frustration with *all* the channels that DISH offers.  They make a big deal of 400 channels (or whatever number it is) but lots of them are duplicates with different channel numbers, a bunch of shopping channels, worthless/useless channels, blah, blah.  Then when it comes down to it you might watch ten of them...if that many.  But, you gotta buy the package to get the ones you want.  Rip off.
Could not be more correct :!: All the other rip-off artists in the world can take lessons from them. Trying to keep my cool here so Ken doesn't kick me off the forum...
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 11, 2018, 07:30:11 PM
Ed, don't you make custom guides? I've never had issue flipping through channels I won't watch with Dish.
Maybe you need a different DVR. If it's not HD I don't have in custom guides and only channels I watch, which excludes 80% channels.
My thought is we shouldn't have to do that. The junk shouldn't be there.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 11, 2018, 07:50:04 PM
Ed, don't you make custom guides? I've never had issue flipping through channels I won't watch with Dish.
Maybe you need a different DVR. If it's not HD I don't have in custom guides and only channels I watch, which excludes 80% channels.
My thought is we shouldn't have to do that. The junk shouldn't be there.

Most of the channels (less popular) pay Dish to be transmitted. Like QVC the religious channels and all the other junk channels. Even NewsMax was paying based on popularity (viewers) who pays and who receives fees for transmission, it's a big part of how they make money.

Reason I know is another forum I'm on where they talk about how Dish, Directv also tries to keep fees down for subscribers by taking on all these junk channels. Downside is they use bandwidth.

The local Networks (Big 4 and CW) retransmission fees is biggest reason our rates keep going up so much.
Flex package does allow for subs to not get locals and new contracts are being negotiated to not be included in certain popular packages so hopefully it gets better in future for those with antenna option.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 09:59:01 PM
Yes, the personalized guides helped out.  Your explanation as to why all the "filler" channels are in there makes sense and I know that some of the networks can really hold the satellite service providers' feet to the coals.  But I have several issues with DISH...like continuing to charge me the $10 "HD Fee" for several years *after* they had rolled that feature into the package I was paying for.  Sure, it was my fault for not paying attention to the bill but my wife pays it and has no idea about such things as that (she has plenty to keep up with as it is).  There response to me was that I had to call them about it, they "just couldn't take it off".  I wouldn't have noticed it except I was looking at ways to decrease the DISH bill.  We had a VP622 (I think it was) feeding to televisions, our package was like a 200-channel package along with a generic movie package (not HBO or anything, but like a $5 or $10 package) and we were spending close to $130 a month.  I'm liking our phone bill being down below $100 now including the maxed out   :roll:3Mbps internet.  We have a very limited income now and that money goes straight to our bottom line. ...and we're doing fine without DISH. :) 


Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 11, 2018, 10:15:08 PM
I remember reading something about ESPN having a big hand in keeping what we pay high. Can't remember exactly what, but if true it just smacks of shysters messing around and the consumer losing again.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 11, 2018, 10:29:33 PM
ESPN, Disney, ABC, A&E networks are all merged so have a lot of pull and definitely a reasons rates keep going up.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 10:43:34 PM
Yeah, I remember FOX News was off the air for a week or so a few years ago because DISH didn't want to pay them what they were asking for the feed.  I can't remember what happened but FOX News came back on...I guess DISH paid up.

On the topic of the CM Stream+.  Well, when CM came out with the $99 pre-buy on the Stream+ I bought two of them for both of my kids (and for me to tinker with<grin>). I really wanted it to be able to connect to a USB hard drive but I figured with a large Micro-SD card they could get some use out of them. To be honest, I thought CM was on their way to crashing and burning. Ditching the DVR+ before even rolling out the Stream+...that seemed kind of wrong. But then not having the large storage capacity of an inexpensive usb hard drive...that seemed just crazy. It was like CM was getting reading give up the ghost. I still hoped, though.

I got some encouragement tonight, though. Before writing this I went back to CM's website and looked at the specs for the Stream+. On the second page of the Stream+ spec sheets (https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/downloads.channelmaster.com/Sheets/Stream%2B+Spec+Sheet+Jan+9+2018.pdf) and at the bottom of the "Features" section the last bullet reads: "MicroSD slot for DVR storage, up to 512GB (USB functionality coming soon)".  I don't think that they would have included the mention of the USB functionality in the same bullet point as DVR storage unless the future USB functionality will be for connecting to an external hard drive!!!   It makes sense to me. :)

I may be dreaming, but having the USB hard drive capability is the only storage option that really makes sense. Maybe the ulterior motive was for the Micro-SD slot to be for copying movies and content for easy portability. I don't know, but I'm feeling better about this box now. If it'll hook up to a USB drive it will give TiVo a run for the money.  The tuner on the DVR+ was known to be more sensitive than the TiVo's, though I'm not sure how it stacked up against the Roamio OTA.  It makes me wonder if the "Backorder" situation at TiVo might be them waiting to see what Channel Master does before making their next move. Corporate intrigue...

Just my feeble mind musing over things....
Ed

ETA:  It looks like Channel Master has raised the price up to it's standard price of $149.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 11:38:30 PM
After scrambling around over some forums I've found a copy of supposedly a tweet from CM.  Also, orders placed now will be delivered in April.  Seems there was a good response to the initial pre-buy *and* apparently some last minute changes that are further delaying delivery...maybe finalization on getting USB to work well on an android device??

(http://www.avsforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2359566&amp;d=1518390610)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 11, 2018, 11:40:29 PM
(http://www.avsforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2359570&amp;d=1518390654)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 12, 2018, 12:53:38 AM
Nice that CM is thinking positively but still doesn't fix the OTA only thing for me.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 12, 2018, 08:28:21 AM
John, I'm a little confused.  We may be looking at two different boxes.  Are you sure you checked out the Stream+ specs?  It has two OTA tuners along with its streaming capabilities. 

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/downloads.channelmaster.com/Sheets/Stream%2B+Spec+Sheet+Jan+9+2018.pdf

(The blue text below is my emphasis. :) )

Features
• 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*
• 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
• MicroSD slot for DVR storage, up to 512GB (USB functionality coming soon)

Hardware
• Quad Core ARM Processor
• 4KP60 UHD 10-bit HEVC
• HDR-10
• SD or HD, Up to 1920 X 1080
• 4kp50-60, UHD Up to 3840x2160 Connections

Connections
• RF Port (ATSC 1.0 Dual Tuner)
• HDMI Port (2.0 with HDCP 2.2)
• Optical Audio Port (SPDIF)
• USB Port ( USB3.0)
• Ethernet Port (10/100BaseT)
• MicroSD Port (Class 4,6,8,10 and UHS I)
• Wireless 2.4 Ghz /5 GHZ WiFi Dual Band 802.11ac
• Bluetooth 4.1

What's Included In The Box
• Stream+
• Quick Start Guide
• IR/Bluetooth/Voice Remote
• 2 AAA Batteries
• Power Supply
• 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty

Optional Accessories
• 128GB MicroSD Card
• Silicon Remote Control Case
• Game Controller (coming soon)
• HDMI Cord
• Outdoor Antenna**
• Indoor Antenna**

*Requires MicroSD Storage
**Model Dependent on Inventory
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 12, 2018, 08:39:32 AM
John, I'm a little confused.  We may be looking at two different boxes.  Are you sure you checked out the Stream+ specs?  It has two OTA tuners along with its streaming capabilities.
Thanks for your efforts, Ed, but am aware of all that. Streaming, to me anyway, is not OTA stuff. It's from any other source that has an app to get shows; e.g., hulu, Sling, Netflix, etc., etc. From what I read on the CM site, and what they told me when I called asking that specific question, OTA is all their box handles (even though it says 'streaming services' on the Google store there are no specifics).
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 12, 2018, 09:27:46 AM
I agree about your concept of OTA and streaming.  You are correct (at least correct in my way of thinking. ;) ). 

The Stream+ box includes two OTA tuners.  It includes an OTA DVR capable of recording two shows at once while you watch a pre-recorded show or streaming content.  It has Google Play, which is a "store" of sorts where you can download and install whatever APPS you wish.  Be aware that, though that the apps shown say "FREE" in the lower right corner of their thumbnail that that means the app is free, not necessarily the content the app is used to stream.  For example, the app for NetFlix is free, but to actually use it you have to pay Netflix.   Here's a link to an article about Google Play: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-store/home

Here is a link to a list of some of the television apps that is available through the Google Play store...there's lots of them!!!!
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=television%20apps&c=apps&hl=en
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on February 12, 2018, 09:35:51 AM
I got an email last week saying the Stream+ should be here probably end of February.
I do like having an OTA tuner & DVR capabilities and have had their DVR+ for almost 2 years.

I'm curious how the Google Live Channel guide will work.  Their guid for the DVR+ works quite well.

This and our Roku will be just what we need.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 12, 2018, 09:37:46 AM
If what they're saying now about apps working with the new unit then that's different from what I was told when I called. I don't recall seeing the 'streaming' stuff when I looked some time ago and was the reason for my call to them. Hmm... Also I'm not a Google person and stay away from anything that's theirs. They are far too nosy.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 12, 2018, 09:51:38 AM
I understand your feelings toward Google, I don't like them, either, in regards to their eavesdropping and data-gathering.  They're probably the biggest data harvester in the world now.  But, we're talking TV shows now so I'm ok with it. :)

One issue I have with the guide is that *it* is tied to the Internet.  I wish they would include an option for PSIP EPG that is delivered over the air from the television stations themselves.  The ideal OTA DVR, in my eyes, would be capable of streaming content, have two or more tuners, and be able to get programming information off the air rather than needing to be connected to the internet.  That way, if you've got a secluded cabin or you live in a rural area with no internet you can still programming guide.  Of course, the OTA program guides are suspect to errors at times...but so are the Internet furnished guides...but maybe not as much?

We and the kids are planning on having Internet for the foreseeable future, so hopefully the Stream+ will do us ok (as will our Tivo Roamio OTA that relies on the Internet for guide info).

I do have an older ($30) Insigna set-top-box that has DVR capabilities with it...can connect a storage device via the USB connection.  It has a pretty fair tuner on it.  I've got to admit the guide info is good, but the filename setup it uses to record programs is a bit cryptic.  I've also got an older Samsung HD STB with no recording capabilites and it has a very good tuner.  So, if the apocalypse hits we'll still be able to watch it with OTA signals.  :lol:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 12, 2018, 09:58:20 AM
Ed, I agree completely about a non 'net-based guide. That's where it should be. I don't have a laptop so using one from the 'net while trying to watch TV would be a huge problem, as would trying to look at one on a phone.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 12, 2018, 10:20:14 AM
Oh no.  You don't have to use a computer to view the guide.  The guide displays similarly to how DISH's guide displays on the television screen.  DISH pulls there guide in through the satellite signal and the Stream+ or Roamio OTA pulls their guides in via an Internet connection which you would already have connected to stream the streaming content.  Thus, you're still tied to a "feed" of some kind.  BUT, you're not paying a satellite subscription fee each month and the channel guide is riding in piggyback on the Internet that you already have.

If you want a "fail-safe" type of receiver/tuner/DVR that *is* cludgey to operate but operates the guide with OTA guide info then buy one of the small tuner/DVR boxes that plugs up to a USB hard drive.  They are somewhat primitive, but lots of folks use them.  For a backup they are relatively inexpensive at around $35.  I was thinking mine was an Insigna but I think it's an IView 3500STBII instead.  Something like this... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GGVPKKC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00GGVPKKC&pd_rd_wg=e0KqH&pd_rd_r=F4EJRAPJ4SCE4TJRR40S&pd_rd_w=qbJwj

But, no, you don't need a computer to view the guide...it will be on your television.  Things will work very similarly as it does with your DISH receiver/DVR in you look at the guide and select programs to record.  In Tivo-land it's called setting up a "One Pass"...you set it, with some options similar to those in the DISH unit and it records according to your selections.  I'm not sure how Channel Master-land actually works or what the scheduling is called...but I think the operation will be similar between all the DVRs with possible wording changes.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 12, 2018, 01:52:57 PM
Thanks for the info, Ed. That removes a big question I had (should have known).

The link you provided seems to be a device that converts digital OTA signals to analog, probably for older TVs?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 12, 2018, 02:54:47 PM
It will receive digital broadcasts and supply the signal to a monitor/tv whether it's an analogue or digital display.  You can connect to a flat screen HD television via HDMI cable or connect to an old CRT television with composite cables.  It simply is supplying a signal to the television similar to what a DVD player does.  The "conversion" is the supplying of the new digital signal to a display, be it an analogue or digital display.  I just recently had my older model of the Iview STBII hooked up to my 32" Samsung plasma here at the shop.  It is simply a peripheral to supply an additional signal to the television...much like a DVD player or a Roku would do...but this box happens to be an OTA receiver rather than a streaming device or a media player.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CNYWeather on February 13, 2018, 03:11:49 PM
I just read about this also. If you have Spectrum, they've got an ala-cart deal on cable.


https://www.spectrumtvchoice.com/
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 16, 2018, 04:22:46 PM
John, I just thought I'd mention that it looks like TiVo is back in stock with the Roamio OTA but they've added VOX to it....meaning it has a voice command feature in the remote.  I've got one on a "Mini" and it works pretty good...say a key word or two and it'll find it for you.  Anyhow, the price is the the regular price, no specials right now but you do get a nice voice activated remote included.  FWIW.
https://www.tivo.com/shop/buy-roamio-ota-dvr
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 16, 2018, 07:58:16 PM
Thanks, Ed. Will check it out.

Ran across this earlier - new, I think... https://aftermasterpro.com/. An audio device that improves sound quality. There are some examples on their site. Interesting.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 17, 2018, 09:51:26 AM
I'm all for something to help me hear better!!!  But, kind of pricey without really having hands-on experience with it or experience of people I know.  We use closed-captioning (except for college football<grin>) pretty much 100% of the time.  My hearing is not the best, by no means, usually high-pitched sounds are invisible to me (I do miss hearing most of the song birds!  :sad: ) but I can still hear the crows.  :roll:  When I'm in a group of 5-6 people and maybe with background noise (think before or after church services or before or after a school play) I might as well just be a wallflower as it's hard for me to have a good conversation.  This sounds interesting, but I'll wait to hear more feedback on different forums before investigating further. ;)

Btw, hold off till maybe June on the TiVo (if you decide to go that route).  TiVo usually has sales a couple of times a year.  June appears to be around one of those times.  Naturally, Black Friday in late November is usually a good time to buy, too.  The sales are good, too,...usually $100 discounted on the Roamio OTA.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 17, 2018, 10:54:53 AM
I agree with pricey. Did you listen to their samples at https://aftermasterpro.com/pages/listen ? Currently the abundance of loud background music in everything is my biggest complaint. It drowns out everything, including voices on all shows. How are we supposed to know what's happening in the story line when it's not audible? Documentaries are even worse. Why is there a symphony orchestra playing in the middle of the ocean or jungle, or even more stupid, outer space?

Too bad the TiVo sale isn't sooner. Would rather not wait that long (and waste more $$ on Dish).
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Andy G on February 17, 2018, 10:59:17 AM
Too bad the TiVo sale isn't sooner. Would rather not wait that long (and waste more $$ on Dish).

You can always give Craigs list a shot they are listed occasionally around here.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 17, 2018, 11:48:11 AM
I agree with pricey. Did you listen to their samples at https://aftermasterpro.com/pages/listen ? Currently the abundance of loud background music in everything is my biggest complaint. It drowns out everything, including voices on all shows. How are we supposed to know what's happening in the story line when it's not audible? Documentaries are even worse. Why is there a symphony orchestra playing in the middle of the ocean or jungle, or even more stupid, outer space?

Too bad the TiVo sale isn't sooner. Would rather not wait that long (and waste more $$ on Dish).

Yeah, there are shows that without close caption we wouldn't watch.  Seems the actors think it's cool to have their on "dialect" and mumble their lines.  :-?

Yeah, TiVo doesn't discount their units very often.  June is another 3+ months away...depends on the window of time that you're looking through.  It also doesn't mean there *will* be a sale then, but historically sometime in early summer it appears to happen.  I think they try to space the sales out six months apart and they schedule around Black Friday.

Remember, that whatever you go with that a Ethernet cable hookup is better than WiFi.  Especially with the TiVo which is known to have very weak WiFi in some units.  Mine is one of those units but I ran Cat5e.  Before I ran the Cat5e cable I had to take an old Linksys router and use it as a bridge (it received the WiFi signal and a short Ethernet cable connected the Roamio OTA to it in order for it to connect to the Internet).
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 17, 2018, 12:42:09 PM
My router is full so also on the list is a switch. Some things, like the HDHomeRun I was looking at, do not have WiFi. My router is dual band and very strong (a small single story house helps that along!). With 10 devices that need a network connection things can get a bit crowded.

A hard cable is always better than WiFi but not always possible, especially in my case.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on February 17, 2018, 03:13:43 PM
Y'all need to weigh the corporate welfare that you are paying to Dish monthly against any potential savings waiting for a sale on a TiVo or other set-top box.  I suspect that you will save money if you to buy now rather than pay hundreds more to Dish waiting for the TiVo price to drop $20.....
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 17, 2018, 03:25:06 PM
That is correct and has already been weighed.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 26, 2018, 12:54:19 AM
Sent TiVo some questions and after almost 5 days no response. They now have my promise that they will not be getting my money.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 26, 2018, 07:37:16 AM
With the current equipment that you have and PS Vue I think you could get close to where you want to be.  Input your local address at the PS Vue website and be sure about "live" local programming.  And if you want to do some DVRing of local OTA stations then there's the iView box I listed early...it might be good for local news casts, sub-channel recording, etc.,.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GGVPKKC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00GGVPKKC&pd_rd_wg=e0KqH&pd_rd_r=F4EJRAPJ4SCE4TJRR40S&pd_rd_w=qbJwj

Rovi (they bought out TiVo) has gotten the reputation since the buy-out of being non-responsive, though that doesn't mean that their product isn't good.  They definitely could use some improvement in their PR/CS departments, though!!!

If PS Vue offers a trial give it a spin and see how it works.  And, it would probably be the least complicated route to go (only a new app to figure out rather than an entirely new box).  ;-)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 26, 2018, 08:56:46 AM
Pretty much decided on the Vue app. Heck of a lot less expensive, too. They offer only a 5 day trial but that should be enough. As mentioned I had tried them a long time ago with bad results (along with many other folks at the time). Hopefully those problems have been fixed by now. Also they carry almost every thing I'm looking for channel-wise.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 26, 2018, 09:00:31 AM
 UU
It sounds like you're on the right path.  And, the OTA antenna will be a very good backup for those "Internet-less" times.  ;)  Let me know how the Vue trial goes.  I'll be needing to have something to go to this fall...gotta have those college football games!!!!   \:D/
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 26, 2018, 09:07:34 AM
Let me know how the Vue trial goes.  I'll be needing to have something to go to this fall...gotta have those college football games!!!!   \:D/
Will do.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 26, 2018, 12:01:58 PM
For sports if you are streaming 60FPS is well worth it. PSVUE does do 60FPS, Sing Tv is only 30fps and looks bad. Issue here they don't have any local stations in Nebraska. We are treated like the redheaded stepchild in Valentine.

Directv satellite doesn't even offer locals but we can get distant LA feeds which is actually better than the Dish offered  hick stations out of South Dakota.
I was spoiled getting the Phoenix stations for 40+ years, you don't realize it until its taken away.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 26, 2018, 02:27:57 PM
Yeah, I'm a bit concerned about the quality of the signal for the ballgames using a streaming source.  I knew going in it wouldn't be the same as it was with DISH, but...gotta cut corners *somewhere*.  I'm good on OTA reception of the major networks...I'm not too far from them, 25-40 miles.  I do get a little multipath interference but overall it's pretty good.  BUT...ESPN seems to be getting a bigger and bigger chunk of the college football programing and that's what worries me. :evil:  If nothing else, maybe it will keep me away from the flatscreen more this fall (except when Alabama, or even maybe Auburn, is playing).  ;)

My daughter has a "portable" satellite setup that I think she subscribes to "as needed".  I'll have to check with her about that and see what the deal is.  She uses it for tailgaiting, I believe.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 26, 2018, 02:58:59 PM
Don't know if you follow MLB but for first time this year they are offering 60 fps on certain devices only. You need minimum 5000 Kbps download speed.
Apple TV, Roku, PS4, and Xbox will support the new 60 FPS. Note: Will not be 60fps with popular FireTV only 30 fps.
Also they have a single team offer for $85 year or all teams $115.

I have Roku 4 so I'm going to give it a try. This will work for out of market games only. IE I follow Dbacks and live in Nebraska. My in market team is KC Royals so all games blacked out.

Speed test here for MLBTV...http://mlb.mlb.com/tools/bandwidthdetect/index.jsp
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 26, 2018, 04:02:22 PM
No, the only sport that I follow is college football.  Old friend got me hooked several years ago. :)

My Internet is the fastest that Centurylink/tel offers (us)... a blazingly fast 3Mbps screamer!!!<sigh>  HD would be the best we could do with the MLB...on a good day.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on February 27, 2018, 05:21:12 AM
Totally TV free for over three years now..  (or is it four?)


And LOVING it!!

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 27, 2018, 08:09:05 AM
I kicked the cigarette habit 11 years ago (after 35 years of smoking)...I suppose I could give TV a shot.  ...nah, I enjoy it.  :grin:

But cheers to you VW!!!!  I'm sure all of our lives could be better if we walked away from it.  Any increase in computer use after you quit watching TV?  The time you save by not watching TV...what do you do with it? 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 27, 2018, 10:48:47 AM
Amazon has dropped the price on the basic FireStick and 4K models by another 10 bucks each. Limited time sale it says so who knows for how long.

FWIW...
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on February 27, 2018, 11:20:18 AM
  Any increase in computer use after you quit watching TV? 

The time you save by not watching TV...what do you do with it? 

Lots of it.  Mostly boards like this, more interactive than the boobtube.  Shopping too.

Sleep.  Mow grass (when applicable).

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 28, 2018, 12:43:14 PM
Interesting Vue addition today - https://www.pcmag.com/news/359516/ps-vue-gets-out-of-home-local-stations-mobile-sign-ups
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 28, 2018, 07:22:40 PM
It looks like the first Stream+'s have hit Channel Master's warehouse.  Maybe I'll get some time to tinker in the next few weeks. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 28, 2018, 08:13:21 PM
I started Vue today. Didn't get the 5 day trial because I'm a previous subscriber. Learning will be tough.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 28, 2018, 08:25:32 PM
I started Vue today. Didn't get the 5 day trial because I'm a previous subscriber. Learning will be tough.

When I had PSVUE the firetv box had the best guide and most user friendly. Roku guide was more difficult to use. I prefer Roku a little more for most other streaming except PSVUE.

I've never tried the firetv sticks I hear 2nd generation work better than older versions.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on February 28, 2018, 08:29:55 PM
Good thing with PSVUE and most other streaming services no equipment other than what you use to watch so no contract. If you don't like it you are only out 1 month of service.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on February 28, 2018, 08:59:30 PM
When I had PSVUE the firetv box had the best guide and most user friendly. Roku guide was more difficult to use. I prefer Roku a little more for most other streaming except PSVUE.

I've never tried the firetv sticks I hear 2nd generation work better than older versions.
I like both Roku and Fire Stick because of their push buttons. SO much easier than the Apple touch remote.

Could not find the PS app on my Fire Stick. PS site says it's supported.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on February 28, 2018, 10:11:50 PM
I started Vue today. Didn't get the 5 day trial because I'm a previous subscriber. Learning will be tough.
You can do it!!!  Keep us posted!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 30, 2018, 08:23:57 PM
Ok, for the second time I'm cracking open this old, stale thread.  The big red "120 days" warning is shining above this box, but, what the heck?<grin>

We dished DISH last February and haven't regretted it a bit.  Pretty much have watched what we've wanted using the Tivo for OTA along with some streaming stuff.  But, now the rubber is about to hit the road......COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!!!   

As for OTA reception we are good to go so network games won't be an issue.  BUT, ESPN is the wildcard.  I need to at least try streaming with our 3Mbps Centurystink connection.  Our Panasonic Pro Panel is a 720p plasma so I won't need a 1080 hd signal, which I think will help some.  But I'm trying to decide on a streaming provider.  Even to just go with a "trial" from one of the providers you have to enter your personal and financial information, so I'd rather first try the one I feel most likely to stick with.  Right now I'm leaning to "HULU Live" rather than "Sling TV".  HULU is about $10 more but seems possibly more user friendly in regards to when it comes time to cancel the service.

Anyhow, anybody got any feedback on choosing between HULU Live and Sling TV??
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: galfert on August 30, 2018, 08:58:13 PM
Besides HULU Live and Sling TV you should also check out Playstation Vue and YouTube TV. Make sure the channels you want are offered by each service. I don't have experience with any of these but I have a friend that evaluated and for him Playsation Vue was his choice (he isn't a sports fan). Playstation Vue worked for him well using the Nvidia Shield Android TV box.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 30, 2018, 09:07:53 PM
Vue needs 5 mbps try sling TV uses less bandwidth.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 30, 2018, 09:58:09 PM
Well, I went ahead with Hulu tonight and it seems to be working pretty well.  I watched a bit of the Northwestern and Texas A&M game on SEC Network.   I'll watch it over the weekend and see how it does during several different games.  Seems like I could deal with this, though it's not nearly the quality of OTA reception.  It's definitely watchable, though.   :smile:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WheatonRon on August 30, 2018, 09:58:31 PM
New to this thread, so sorry if this question has been addressed. What do cord cutters do for a dvr? That in my mind is the most important part of my very expensive Comcast subscription that just increased by 20%! The ability to pause and rewind live tv, and the ability to record 5-6 shows at once.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 31, 2018, 06:06:33 AM
Ron PSVUE you can add as many channels to DVR you want and save for 28 days.  Not perfect but for $49 month you get all the sports channels no contract.

Reason I didn't suggest to Intheswamp it uses 5 mbps vs around 2-3 mbps for rest of streaming services. PSVUE is just as good PQ as Direct and Dish IMO but it does require good internet provider that won't ding you on bandwidth usage. Do the math at 5 Mbps x how many hours and you can have up to 5 devices running so adds up fast.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on August 31, 2018, 06:23:09 AM
New to this thread, so sorry if this question has been addressed. What do cord cutters do for a dvr? That in my mind is the most important part of my very expensive Comcast subscription that just increased by 20%! The ability to pause and rewind live tv, and the ability to record 5-6 shows at once.

True cord CUTTERS don't watch synchronous broadcasts, and therefore do not need to pause or record anything since they are only streaming pre-recorded shows.

Cord "switchers" drop cable/satellite for a live streaming service, usually driven by a desire to watch sports or get a la carte channel choices without paying big cable for huge bundles of junk channels.

Just clarifying the difference, since truly cutting the cord is a mindset and viewing habit change from the synchronous TV broadcasts that we all grew up with.....
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 31, 2018, 06:39:40 AM
Reason I call it cord cutting I just started PSVUE 3 days ago for college football and will stop after the bowl games. No contract, you can cancel anytime. Just went 8 months with no TV, not even OTA available here so is about as close to cord cutting as it will get.

We even dumped siriusXM and now may pick back up with 6 month $30 offer for everything.

Directv has offered everything but the kitchen sink to come back.  $300 visa card, free sunday ticket and 1/2 off any package for 12 months but includes a 2 year contract. Never again will I do any contract to watch TV, plus won't use NFL ST. 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 31, 2018, 08:48:23 AM
Hmm, so maybe we should use the term "contract killers" rather than "cord cutters"...but I fear the local state and federal authorities might start prying into our personal lives a bit more than they already do.  :lol:

When I say cord cutter I'm referring to not paying out a substantial chunk of money each month for cable or satellite services.  Since last February we've used OTA and Amazon Prime almost exclusively (the granddaughters bring their Netflix account with them when they visit).  We have been Amazon Prime members since before we ever streamed so it was more or less a "gimme". 

But, no, I guess I'm not truly a cord cutter.  To be a true cord cutter I guess I would have to live in a house with no electricity or other modern convenience.  Things that plug into an a/c receptacle have cords and there's a big "cord" bringing that a/c to the house.  Public water?...that's a type of "cord", too.  Going off-grid is basically what a cord cutter would have to do...and refrain from sneaking in a satellite receiver or a remote OTA antenna. 

But, that is getting too deep into semantics.  My thought is that when someone talks about cord cutting in regards to their television content it is about doing away with expensive $$$ payments to satellite and cable companies each month.  There is indeed a change in viewing habits involved...we've found we watch less television now...seems a lot of shows on satellite that we watched were "just because they were there".  We find that we watch Amazon Prime very little and that most content that we watch is OTA.  I'm just trying to fill in the ESPN slots for the college games in looking for a "live" streaming provider...then, after Alabama wins the College Football Playoff National Championship I'll cancel the streaming service.  \:D/

ValentineWeather's situation seems about as close to cord-cutting as most people will ever get.

Tomato, tomahto, 'mater....  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Greg_M on February 07, 2019, 06:32:27 PM
I dropped DirecTv when we moved and got a Roku 3.
It's a different style of viewing.
No recorder because you don't need one.

The only thing I pay for now is One American News Network for $4.95 per mo.

We have 10 meg internet out here in the wilds of New Mexico and only had 1 meg in WA.
I'd rather spend the money on fast internet than DirecTv
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: rdsman on August 17, 2019, 02:45:24 PM
I dropped DirecTv and AT&T U-verse internet (768 Kbps download).  There are only a few OTA stations that I can receive even with a high gain outside antenna.  I went with the local cable company for cable TV and internet.  I'm still saving $70 per month.  See below why I don't mind paying them for internet:

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 17, 2019, 03:04:10 PM
I've been on YouTube TV ($49) for about 6 months now. Picture Quality is the best, and virtually no buffering with clean UI making it the best I've found for streaming services that include network TV.
 
You can have 3 separate streams with streaming devices like Roku or smart Tv.  Being Google and Amazon don't play well together the Amazon Fire devices will not stream YTTV.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Greg_M on August 17, 2019, 03:58:04 PM
Moved up to 25 meg now.
It's better.  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on August 17, 2019, 04:22:34 PM
My ISP recently recently had a free upgrade from 100Mbps to 150Mbps. Nice, but nicer is the speed it always runs at (below). Now to find a way to get my favorite channels, drop Dish (too expensive along with their fight with local CBS that has resulted in CBS pulling everything from Dish locals in Phoenix - the fault of both IMHO), and a way to DVR from my OTA system and other service to be found. Too much to ask?
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: WeatherHost on August 17, 2019, 05:00:24 PM
and a way to DVR from my OTA system and other service to be found. Too much to ask?

That can be as easy as a tuner card or dongle in a PC/notebook.

Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: galfert on August 17, 2019, 05:11:19 PM
There are several OTA DVR solutions. This article sums them up nicely.

https://www.groundedreason.com/ota-dvr-without-cable/
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: txweather.org on August 17, 2019, 05:36:36 PM
I cord cut way before it was a thing. About 8yrs ago if not longer. I have a DViCo TViX PVR Dual Tuner I bought way before they took them off the market and still going strong.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on August 17, 2019, 05:38:44 PM
and a way to DVR from my OTA system and other service to be found. Too much to ask?

That can be as easy as a tuner card or dongle in a PC/notebook.

Actually would prefer not to have to buy more equipment but looking for an app, whatever, that would cozy up to Roku, Apple TV, or TV Stick.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on August 17, 2019, 05:40:07 PM
There are several OTA DVR solutions. This article sums them up nicely.

https://www.groundedreason.com/ota-dvr-without-cable/

Thanks for this.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: jgillett on August 17, 2019, 05:41:16 PM
I cord cut way before it was a thing. About 8yrs ago if not longer. I have a DViCo TViX PVR Dual Tuner I bought way before they took them off the market and still going strong.

Seems the old stuff is almost always the best.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Jstx on August 17, 2019, 05:47:10 PM
...
 and a way to DVR from my OTA system and other service to be found. Too much to ask?

Get a cheap OTA converter box or three [$30-60, used to convert the now digital ATSC TV antenna broadcast signals for older TVs without a digital tuner]. And the boxes function as very cheap PVR/DVRs.
The boxes have both an RF sig [ch3-4] coax output, composite/component, and HMDI outputs so you can feed the live HD programming to many displays/devices.

It's my experience that the boxes often upconvert standard-def [480 or even HD720] television broadcasts to HD 1080 quality. Which makes for fantastic viewing of some old movies and TV programs, even the old black&white ones [you have to see it, fantastic def and pic quality on that old stuff, like a 'remaster' job].

Most all of them have a USB port to which you plug in a memstick or HDD/SSD drive [up to TB size], for making recordings, and use the menu to the schedule recordings.
The stick/drives can then also be played/loaded into a PC, or other TVs. The resultant recorded program files ['.ts' and/or MPEGs] can be handled, stored, converted as any other media file-- burn DVDs, smartphone media, or whatever. Using AnyDVD Cloner media conversion software, etc.

Been using them for years [never had a cord to cut anyway].

Like these:
https://www.newegg.com/iview-3500stb/p/N82E16882037001?Description=iview&cm_re=iview-_-82-037-001-_-Product (https://www.newegg.com/iview-3500stb/p/N82E16882037001?Description=iview&cm_re=iview-_-82-037-001-_-Product)
https://flash.newegg.com/product/9SIAKBJ99S3672 (https://flash.newegg.com/product/9SIAKBJ99S3672)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ocala on August 17, 2019, 08:14:28 PM
Other then sports which I can usually find on the computer I don't watch anything live. It's all old sitcoms for me.
Just a Fire stick and a program to stream all the old shows. Right now using a program called Cyberfix to watch everything.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 18, 2019, 05:21:22 AM
It would be nice to have the OTA option again but for parts of rural America, this is no longer an option. Before the small satellite dishes came out many rural communities had invested in bringing in a handful of OTA channels usually (Networks) but have long abandoned because of upkeep and expense.

With streaming available now and many communities having better internet services, there is the ability to have TV and not get tied into 2-year contracts of $100+ for just TV. 
I'm not saying all will take advantage of it because I still see the majority of people unwilling to change from old school satellite or cable TV. The few I've spoken with and did switch are tickled pink they did.  Not only is PQ better being a 1080P or 780P vs 1080i, 780i they have cut the cost in half.
 
Not all streaming services are the same so do some research. If PQ and framerate for sports are important. The worst 2 services I've tried are both ran by satellite TV companies so not surprising,  Dish Networks Sling TV PQ and slow frame rate and Directv NOW lack of cloud DVR are at the bottom of my list.

The best currently with included local networks are YTTV followed by PSVUE. Have not tried Hulu + yet.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: vreihen on August 18, 2019, 07:58:08 AM
I don't know if this was posted before, but they are a streaming option for local OTA stations if you live in one of their supported markets:

https://www.locast.org/markets/ (https://www.locast.org/markets/)

Don't know if they will be getting shut down in court like Aereo did, but they are an option playing fast and loose with another legal loophole.....
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: captainjackfan58 on August 18, 2019, 09:58:52 AM
I cut the cord over a year ago. I use and distribute the Netmaster also! I love it! Pay once and I am done! Got an OTA Antenna also so not paying for satellite or cable anymore PURE STREAMING!
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 19, 2019, 09:08:28 AM

Not all streaming services are the same so do some research. If PQ and framerate for sports are important. The worst 2 services I've tried are both ran by satellite TV companies so not surprising,  Dish Networks Sling TV PQ and slow frame rate and Directv NOW lack of cloud DVR are at the bottom of my list.

The best currently with included local networks are YTTV followed by PSVUE. Have not tried Hulu + yet.
Randy, I'm still stuck sitting beside a major fiber-optic cable and getting a whopping 3mbps download so I can't say how it will be on a fast connection, but Hulu+Live did ok for me last year during college football season.  It was *not* like watching it over satellite, I don't think the image quality was as good as I had gotten from DISH....BUT, it was good enough for around $45 a month for four months versus $120+ per month for 12 months a year.  I do think Hulu+ would work very well with a good, higher speed connection.  I'm glad you mentioned it as I need to go back in and re-subscribe...not quiet two weeks now and Alabama will be rolling over Duke.  ;)

I think the limiting factor for me with Hulu+ is my connection speed (pay for 3-25mbps from Centurystink, and of course I get 3mb<grrrr>).
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: galfert on August 19, 2019, 09:20:08 AM

I think the limiting factor for me with Hulu+ is my connection speed (pay for 3-25mbps from Centurystink, and of course I get 3mb<grrrr>).

You know what is interesting in the ISP business. You have cable Internet and you have telco Internet (DSL and Fiber). Between these two types of ISP companies it is the cable companies that under-promise Internet speeds and over-deliver. You always get faster speeds with cable than what they say they are giving you. It makes you feel good...like you got something extra. And it is the opposite with telco companies that always over-promise but under-deliver on Internet speeds. I manage networks all over the country and I deal with just about most major ISP's.....this is just standard operating procedure. It is like the the telco's feel that they have to keep up with cable speeds so they over-promise and then they say ...oh well you are too far from the central office. You are always too far. Then the telco companies invented the fallacy that is shared pipe versus dedicated pipe in comparison to cable as a marketing ploy. I don't like the telco companies much.
 
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 19, 2019, 09:37:39 AM
What burns me up is the "3Mbps to 25Mbps" subscription.  I'm getting 3Mbps and paying the same money that the folks getting 25Mbps pay...seems I'm subsidizing those folks' faster connection speed.  Why not pro-rate it out in 5Mbps increments and make it more fair across the board?  It seems the "internet for the rural area blah, blah, blah" mantra stated that everybody should be up to 25Mbps "soon".  I think it's just a way for the telco companies to get some more tax money in and maybe stretch the slow-speed connections out to more subscriber$.  I still know lots of folks around here that once off the major roads do not have wired internet service so I guess I shouldn't be complaining with what I've got.

I do agree with the cable companies under-rating their speeds and the telcos doing their best to hype their's beyond reason.  Telephone companies are, in my opinion, some of the most crooked companies there are.

Something else that bugs the stew out of me with Centurystink is when I have an Internet connection problem.  I've changed nothing, done nothing, and suddenly I've got no Internet.  Naturally I've already rebooted everything, done this, done that, before I even call them.  But, the guy in Houston, India that I can barely understand wants me to go through everything as he/she slowly searches his computer screen for what to tell me to do.  Me, knowing the entire time that it's the blasted switching station down the road.  :evil: 

Ah well, don't get me started....   #-o :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: captainjackfan58 on August 19, 2019, 10:38:43 AM
 :thumbsup: Here Is The Box I Have And Distribute! Check It Out If You Want! \:D/ I cut my cable over a year ago and pulled my satellite dish and told them I was done and replaced it with this Netmaster Box. Believe me I have tried them all. This one seems to be my favorite.


https://breakawaymediastreaming.ecwid.com/ (https://breakawaymediastreaming.ecwid.com/)
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 19, 2019, 11:16:31 AM
I'm not sure what type of Centurylink connection I have now.  I only show 1 line connected but speeds have increased. (Doubled) Before I had ADSL + where both lines connected and got 20/3 Mbps (18/3 actual) and the new location even further away from hub 40/5 Mbps (37/5 actual) but only one line connects. Is there something new out? 
My insurance agent who lives 1 block from the hub was telling me he's getting 80 Mbps down. 

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  


Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: galfert on August 19, 2019, 12:50:37 PM
I'm not sure what type of Centurylink connection I have now.  I only show 1 line connected but speeds have increased. (Doubled) Before I had ADSL + where both lines connected and got 20/3 Mbps (18/3 actual) and the new location even further away from hub 40/5 Mbps (37/5 actual) but only one line connects. Is there something new out? 
My insurance agent who lives 1 block from the hub was telling me he's getting 80 Mbps down. 

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

There are a lot of telco technologies that fall under the xDSL banner. Too many to keep track of them all...ADSL, G.dmt, G.lite, ADSL2, ADSL2+, VDSL, VDSL2, G.fast, Bonded DSL, RADSL...and more. The point here is that it doesn't matter because when speaking to telco customer service they themselves are not informed as to the particular technology because what the telco companies do is instead market whatever marketing name they come up with that is not the real technology name. Every telco is different and they all have decided to adopt different standards and they are different even within the same company depending on region.  The best best telco can offer is what is called FTTP (Fiber To The Premises)...as that is just straight TCP/IP over fiber....basically standard networking without the use of copper lines which requires all that xDSL stuff. So if you want to know what is newer and better the only way to know is to call and ask them what they are now offering in terms of speed and how much it costs. The customer service people at telco companies are famous for correcting customers that they don't offer DSL when they are in fact offering just a newer flavor of DSL which falls into some of those that I listed before. But they aren't knowingly lying, they just have no clue and they are just regurgitating the marketing crap that they are taught.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 19, 2019, 02:49:13 PM
Centurylink experience is never pleasant dealing with CS. Not curious enough to call and find out how they can give 40 Mbps on a single copper line. Just glad it's available..Knock on wood. Cable here is more expensive and slower.


Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: CW2274 on August 19, 2019, 03:05:46 PM
I've changed nothing, done nothing, and suddenly I've got no Internet.
Little OT here, but this happens to me every couple of years and just did a few weeks ago. When the tech came out to the house I told him the first thing I'd check is the coaxial splitter outside the house as I've seen these symptoms before. Sure enough, it was bad and causing the drop outs (nothing like experience). Something super simple to fix that you may want to try (assuming you have a splitter), if you haven't already.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 27, 2019, 08:54:14 AM
No coaxial connection, just copper pair wire.  Centurytel has got to be one of the sloppiest companies around...they do enough to "get by".  Nothing innovative, no efforts to improve the system.  It seems (with a rare exception) that the employees consider customers to be PITAs and something they would rather not deal with even though those very customers could save them some time and effort in figuring out issues.

Several years back there was a Centurytel guy that actually paid attention to what you told him.  I had had a recurring issue that was caused by "chip creep" (basically is what it was) down at the nearest switch.  When this guy came by to check things at my house I told him to go down to the switch and check the cards.  He looked at me and said "ok"...and in a matter of minutes it was fixed.  This was after waiting over a weekend for a service ticket to be activated.<sigh>

If I had an option (other than satellite whatever) I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.  Centurystink has no competition which gives them no reason to improve the system...they'll patch the lines and collect the money but little reinvestment happening into the infrastructure in my rural area.  That highspeed internet for the rural areas BS...a bunch of hype and bunk.  I have *no* love for Centurytel.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: ValentineWeather on August 27, 2019, 03:35:50 PM
No coaxial connection, just copper pair wire.  Centurytel has got to be one of the sloppiest companies around...they do enough to "get by".  Nothing innovative, no efforts to improve the system.  It seems (with a rare exception) that the employees consider customers to be PITAs and something they would rather not deal with even though those very customers could save them some time and effort in figuring out issues.

Several years back there was a Centurytel guy that actually paid attention to what you told him.  I had had a recurring issue that was caused by "chip creep" (basically is what it was) down at the nearest switch.  When this guy came by to check things at my house I told him to go down to the switch and check the cards.  He looked at me and said "ok"...and in a matter of minutes it was fixed.  This was after waiting over a weekend for a service ticket to be activated.<sigh>

If I had an option (other than satellite whatever) I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.  Centurystink has no competition which gives them no reason to improve the system...they'll patch the lines and collect the money but little reinvestment happening into the infrastructure in my rural area.  That highspeed internet for the rural areas BS...a bunch of hype and bunk.  I have *no* love for Centurytel.

I feel for you, I lived in an area back in Arizona with the now-defunct Cableone. Hated them but had no other option other than the expensive cellular rate.

The Centurylink where I'm at now is very reliable, with only one outage I can remember over last couple of years. This is much better than the local cable internet which is more expensive and goes down often and you wait another day for techs to travel from another town and reset the headend equipment.
I'm not spreading Centurylink love just saying some areas it's not bad. Each state actually has a separate headquarter or call center and maybe some are more reliable than others. Sure it comes down to infrastructure too. How old the system is etc.
Title: Re: Anyone joined or thought about Cord Cutting?
Post by: Intheswamp on August 27, 2019, 04:52:36 PM

The Centurylink where I'm at now is very reliable, with only one outage I can remember over last couple of years. This is much better than the local cable internet which is more expensive and goes down often and you wait another day for techs to travel from another town and reset the headend equipment.
I'm not spreading Centurylink love just saying some areas it's not bad. Each state actually has a separate headquarter or call center and maybe some are more reliable than others. Sure it comes down to infrastructure too. How old the system is etc.
The service trucks around here keep a garbage can full of tin cans and a big roll of twine on their trucks.