Cutting the Cable Cord

[key2144]

Has anyone successfully cut the cable cord and now use YouTubeTV, Sling TV, etc? What was your experience? Dish TV is about to almost double my monthly charge.

[biker1]

We cut the cord 7 years ago and never looked back. Until recently, we used an over-the-air antenna plus Roku boxes to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. We recently dropped Hulu and started using YouTubeTV (and also stopped using the over-the-air antenna) because of some additional content we wanted.

Has anyone successfully cut the cable cord and now use YouTubeTV, Sling TV, etc? What was your experience? Dish TV is about to almost double my monthly charge.

[BRN_RI_FL]

We cut the cable about a year ago and it was very easy. There are quite a few streaming options. We had the $35 directv now package for about 10 months but recently switched to youtube tv which includes the golf channel for the same price. It recently went up to $40 for new subscribers. We have amazon prime mainly for the 2 day shipping but their included streaming service is very good. We also have Hulu for about $5 a month. Don’t miss cable tv at all with it’s 150 channels, 95% of which we never watched. We previously were long term subscribers to Netflix until recently when they got a little too political for me.

[yabbadu]

We cut the cable about a year ago and it was very easy. There are quite a few streaming options. We had the $35 directv now package for about 10 months but recently switched to youtube tv which includes the golf channel for the same price. It recently went up to $40 for new subscribers. We have amazon prime mainly for the 2 day shipping but their included streaming service is very good. We also have Hulu for about $5 a month. Don’t miss cable tv at all with it’s 150 channels, 95% of which we never watched. We previously were long term subscribers to Netflix until recently when they got a little too political for me.

Who provides your internet and how much?

[BRN_RI_FL]

Who provides your internet and how much?

I’m in the extreme northern part of the Villages and we have century link. They have a $45 a month for life at 25mbps which we started on. We upgraded to 80mbps for $55 but probably could have stayed with the 25mbps.

[biker1]

CenturyLink for $35 per month for 40 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload.

Who provides your internet and how much?

[wxradio]

I got rid of DirecTV and went with SlingTV. $29.95 plus opted for the $5/mo. to record. Also have a Netflix subscription. So far, am loving all of it and have had no problems with the streaming.

[Cajulian]

I have been off of cable at my home here in Florida and in Rochester NY area for three years now. I use centurylink internet here in Florida and Spectrum/TimeWarner at my NY home.

I have the same commercial grade over the air antenna at both locations. I use a Roku device to navigate. I also use Sony's PlayStation Vue for our streaming package. It has slightly more content than YouTubeTV and the other streaming packages. It costs $45 per month and the Internet costs us $45 per month. PlayStation Vue has all of the Broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS). Also has all the Sports you can get on cable.

We never think about going back. It works very well. Our price never changes. And I don't have to spend hours talking to reps to fix pricing issues. Also, on the over the air antenna, the picture quality is superior by far to cable.

[Edjkoz]

Very happy we cut the cord. We have Spectrum internet $45/mo and the Spectrum app at $20/mo. The app gives us 10 live local channels. We also have Amazon Prime and we use Roku

[Boomer]

Thank you, OP, for starting this thread.

We have been talking about doing this but then we never get around to it.

I do like a couple of HGTV shows but I can get over them. Besides, they try to make me feel bad because I do not have white kitchen cabinets. But I do not feel one bit bad about it — no matter what those snot-nosed House Hunters say. :girlneener:

All these “absolutely no regrets” after cable-cutting comments are exactly like what we hear from people who finally get rid of all the other stuff they do not need — all that stuff taking up space in rooms, basements, garages, cabinets, drawers, closets, file cabinets, etc. No regrets.

FREEDOM! The time is now — or maybe next week. :)

[missypie]

Very happy we cut the cord. We have Spectrum internet $45/mo and the Spectrum app at $20/mo. The app gives us 10 live local channels. We also have Amazon Prime and we use Roku

So you don't have an antenna?

[missypie]

Can someone please give me me a step by step instructions on how to get rid of cable and get these streaming apps. I am not savvy smart in this area at all.

Thank you so much

[Sgroemm]

Can someone please give me me a step by step instructions on how to get rid of cable and get these streaming apps. I am not savvy smart in this area at all.

Thank you so much

1. Find out if you have a contract and when it is up with your current cable/dish provider. There is often a charge for breaking your contract early so you want to know this before you start.
2. All of the services that stream require internet, so if your internet was bundled with TV....find out the new charge and compare to other internet only prices available to you from competitors.
3. You need either a smart TV or a streaming player (Roku, Amazon fire stick, etc.) If you are in the market for a new TV then buy one that is a "smart TV" which really means it is able to connect to the internet (it has a microprocessor and WiFi ability) If you like your current TV, then buy a Roku or Fire Stick to add the streaming) They plug into the TV through either the HDMI port or the USB port (older TV's might not have these so check if yours does). (If your TV is 4K, buy the Roku or Fire Stick that is also 4K) You can have some of each in the same house (I have one smart TV, a Roku in another room and a Fire Stick in another....they are all good.)
Now for the monthly $$$: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YoutubeTV, Direct TVnow, Sling are all streaming services that you pay for individually so you can order what fits. You don't need them all. I would suggest starting with YoutubeTV for about $35 a month. You might already have Amazon Prime if you use it for the free shipping from Amazon.
That's the basic nuts and bolts. I hope it helps.

[missypie]

Thank you so very much! This is a great start for me and I so appreciate your help.

[Sail41]

We went to hulu live and love it. $39 a month has all the cable channels and more. We just canceled Comcast. So glad to be gone. Hulu tech people are great.

[lynne]

Has anyone successfully cut the cable cord and now use YouTubeTV, Sling TV, etc? What was your experience? Dish TV is about to almost double my monthly charge.


We purchased a Fire TV Stick at the Marion of Market that had a pre-loaded program on it for Movies, TV Shows (not live) and Sports (live). This was while we still had a Dish contract to fulfill.

It was around $100 and then no further charges for what I mentioned above. This way we didn't have to pay fees for Netflix or other streaming devices.

Next we had the same person put his Premium program on the stick. That was $12 for a one month trial. We liked it so much we went for the $100/yr. contract. We get ALL the national and local stations - news from our stations back home, golf, tennis, hbo, starz, diy, hgtv, food network - you name it. However, you can't record with this type of service. It is streaming from our router and our speed is at 25mbps (I think that's the abbreviation). The picture is HD. We have a TV fire stick on each of our 4 TV's but can only watch 2 tv's simultaneously with their premium package. Not sure if you could watch a movie on a 3rd TV if it was using the non-premium streaming feature.

Streaming does not come without faults - and there is a learning curve to using it. However, we're retired - we've got plenty of time.

If you want to check it out for yourself - go to the Market of Marion - Aisle A - I think between C and D - facing towards Ocala. The guys are great. There are other vendors at the MofM, but their boxes are a couple hundred dollars - per TV and a monthly fee several X's more than we are paying.

If recording is a "must" then there's a unit on the market but it has to be used with an antenna or a couple designated streaming sites that are fee-based. I think it's called HD Homerun DVR. Or, stay with your cable or dish company and get the minimum channels that suit your needs for recording and do what we are doing for the rest.

Good luck!!!

[Mama C]

Cajulian, Can you tell me the brand of your antennae?

[retiredguy123]

1. Find out if you have a contract and when it is up with your current cable/dish provider. There is often a charge for breaking your contract early so you want to know this before you start.
2. All of the services that stream require internet, so if your internet was bundled with TV....find out the new charge and compare to other internet only prices available to you from competitors.
3. You need either a smart TV or a streaming player (Roku, Amazon fire stick, etc.) If you are in the market for a new TV then buy one that is a "smart TV" which really means it is able to connect to the internet (it has a microprocessor and WiFi ability) If you like your current TV, then buy a Roku or Fire Stick to add the streaming) They plug into the TV through either the HDMI port or the USB port (older TV's might not have these so check if yours does). (If your TV is 4K, buy the Roku or Fire Stick that is also 4K) You can have some of each in the same house (I have one smart TV, a Roku in another room and a Fire Stick in another....they are all good.)
Now for the monthly $$$: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YoutubeTV, Direct TVnow, Sling are all streaming services that you pay for individually so you can order what fits. You don't need them all. I would suggest starting with YoutubeTV for about $35 a month. You might already have Amazon Prime if you use it for the free shipping from Amazon.
That's the basic nuts and bolts. I hope it helps.
A wifi bluray player will do the same thing as a streaming stick or a smart tv, and it will allow you to play dvds and cds. The library has lots of free dvds. Also, I think that, even if you have a contract with a cable company, you don't pay a cancellation fee as long as you keep their internet service.

[billethkid]

Can some who have cut the cable please comment on the availability of local channel programming availability and access.

Secondly we pre record everything we watch. I understand the recording capability of streaming is in it's infancy if available at all.

Thanx!

[golf2140]

Is there a company out there that will set it up for you? Also we have 6 T V's, don't ask me why, but can they all work.

[juneroses]

Another "beginner" question. Reading the YoutubeTV site, it indicates that one can record multiple programs and never run out of storage space because the DVR library is stored in the cloud. So does one still need a DVR device for the DVR function or does record/play happen by making a selection on the YoutubeTV software?

[Indy-Guy]

Clark Howard guide to streaming. Link below.

Best live TV streaming plans: YouTube TV vs. DirecTV Now vs. Sling TV | Clark Howard (https://clark.com/technology/tvsatellite-cable/best-live-tv-streaming-plans-deals-2018/)

[billethkid]

Clark Howard guide to streaming. Link below.

Best live TV streaming plans: YouTube TV vs. DirecTV Now vs. Sling TV | Clark Howard (https://clark.com/technology/tvsatellite-cable/best-live-tv-streaming-plans-deals-2018/)

Very helpful. Thanx for posting.

[BRN_RI_FL]

I’ve had both youtube tv and directv now. Just switched from YouTube tv to directv now for the free Apple TV. YouTube tv is much more stable than directv now. On directv now it took about 5 minutes this morning to get a stable picture from Fox News. That never happened with youtube tv. A lot more buffering with directv now.

[adouglas]

interested in how the spectrum app works, do they install on your tv? is it on all tvs?

[Cajulian]

Cajulian, Can you tell me the brand of your antennae?

The commercial antenna is from an engineering company in Kentucky. I found them after testing many Best Buy retail antennas, that didn’t work well.

The antenna is called Marathon Over the Air antenna. You can search it on you tube to watch some videos. Or Google it.

The company sells it under their web site called FreeSignalTV. Com

Call 859-250-9538. John Berry is the rep.

It’s fairly expensive at about $190 for the antenna, attic or outside mount and it’s amplifier. But it’s a one time cost and is far superior to the store bought ones.

I have done both houses We own and helped several friends. The antenna gets you all the Broadcast networks.

I will say that 3 years ago, when I put the antenna up, the streaming packages were not that good. But now Play Station Vue and YouTubeTV have finally added the broadcast networks along with all the cable content you used to get. Those are ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and FOX.

So now, if you pick the right streaming package to run over your internet, you will have all the Broadcast networks and normal cable programs. You won’t need an antenna.

[mtdjed]

I do not know if the following has been discussed.

We rented a home in Marblehead MA from a friend. The TV service was Play Station Vue. According to our friend, he has the ability to have 3 sets in 3 different homes access the service for one subscription. He has a home in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire sharing the service. He has Amazon Fire sticks and also Amazon Prime. Might be valuable to those who have more than one residence or a rental.

Also, my son lives in Sao Paulo , Brazil and gets only one US station (CNN), bought an Amazon Firestick, and now has access to Play Station Vue. He had to change his computer ID to replicate a US address. But he now has access to a host of offerings from Play Station Vue.

[retiredguy123]

I understand that, by switching from a cable TV service to a streaming service will save money. But, after everyone switches, aren't the streaming providers going to just increase the cost to what the cable companies charge?

[B-flat]

I understand that, by switching from a cable TV service to a streaming service will save money. But, after everyone switches, aren't the streaming providers going to just increase the cost to what the cable companies charge?

The cable companies in most cases own the internet that the streaming is delivered to you on. I’m not an expert but my guess is I can see them increasing the cost of the internet when cable subscriptions fall off more than they have.

[Kahuna32162]

We just dropped DISH after over 10 years and all they could say was sorry. Lost signal every time it rains. Now 100% streaming with HULU. Cost went from $175/mo to $94. Internet is with Comcast at 25mbs. All local channels, plus premium and all sports including Big 10 network (comcast just dropped Big 10) 200 hours of cloud DVR storage and unlimited devices.

Not sure how much longer the major satellite and cable providers can stay in business once more and more customers switch to streaming.

[photo1902]

We just dropped DISH after over 10 years and all they could say was sorry. Lost signal every time it rains. Now 100% streaming with HULU. Cost went from $175/mo to $94. Internet is with Comcast at 25mbs. All local channels, plus premium and all sports including Big 10 network (comcast just dropped Big 10) 200 hours of cloud DVR storage and unlimited devices.

Not sure how much longer the major satellite and cable providers can stay in business once more and more customers switch to streaming.

The cable providers are providing your internet access. Why would they go out of business?

[villagetinker]

Does anyone know if any of the streaming services offer NHL hockey games, we are big hockey fans, and this is a must have, even if an additional cost.

[Dan9871]

Does anyone know if any of the streaming services offer NHL hockey games, we are big hockey fans, and this is a must have, even if an additional cost.

DirectvNow has NHL network.

Stream TV, Watch Live Television Online | DIRECTV NOW (https://www.directvnow.com/)

[retiredguy123]

The cable companies in most cases own the internet that the streaming is delivered to you on. I’m not an expert but my guess is I can see them increasing the cost of the internet when cable subscriptions fall off more than they have.
The cable companies don't have a monopoly on internet service. Internet service can be delivered by satellite, phone lines (DSL), cell towers, wifi hotspots, etc.

[CWGUY]

I posted this 5 days ago on another thread:

The other site had a story 2 days ago about the VHA putting on an encore presentation of "Cutting the Cord from Cable TV Providers". They are going to do it 3 more times and places in Aug.(this month)

Last time they turned people away for lack of seating space. This will be the same as last time - first come - first served. You have to be a VHA member also.


Learn from experts about the evolving marketplace for entertainment alternatives (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Huku, Roku and others), what equipment you need to access them, and a host of related topics like television set options and antenna options.

The programs will be offered at:

• 1 p.m. Sat. Aug. 25 at Paradise Rec. Center

• 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 30 at Mulberry Grove Rec. Center

• 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 31 at La Hacienda Rec. Center

:ho:

[eweissenbach]

I have YouTube TV at $45 per month. I got rid of Spectrum cable two months ago. I have homes in Kansas City and TV, and it gives me total flexibility to use at either location. Since I signed up in KC, I get KC local channels in TV, which is my preference. I also get the Fox Sports Kansas City channel which gives me the KC Royals games in TV. If I need local Orlando channels I can get a power antenna for about $30 which will do the trick.

[Nevinmann]

Has anyone successfully cut the cable cord and now use YouTubeTV, Sling TV, etc? What was your experience? Dish TV is about to almost double my monthly charge.
Have pretty much same experience as Biker1. Use Roku, subscribe to YouTube TV for stations, have Netflix and Amazon Prime for additional programming. Check out Sling Blue and Orange. Do a search on your browser for Jared Newman and Cordcutter Weekly.This is a great resource. Also, there is a cord cutting group forming in TV. Keep looking for announcements this fall.

[daca55]

I cut the cord last winter. I use Roku to get HULU. My HULU subscription is the $39.99/mo plan. With that I get all the major networks i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN etc. You can see all the Chanel's you will get at HULU.com. I use Century Link in TV and Comcast in NH for Internet. Century link is $55/mo for 80mbps. So with HULU I pay a total of about $95/mo and I am very happy with service. The only thing with streaming is you want to get a fast internet service. 25mbps to me is the minimum. I found the faster the Internet the better the streaming when watching live TV. That's why I went to 80. Century link will only garantee you 80% of what you are paying for. So for 80 I can expect 60mbps. Comcast offers 400mbps in NH and I have very little problems with that speed. With Century Link I get buffering at times and if I am getting less than 60mbps as shown when I do speed test I end up calling them to fix speed. Bottom line is the faster the speed of the Internet the less problems you will have. I strongly recommend both Hulu and Roku.

[Dick Gromacki]

Go to directvnow.com, it's easy to do yourself and works great. You just need a good internet connection with a strong wi-fi signal. We did it about a month ago and are saving $75 per month compared to our previous service cost. They have a free 7 day trial and multiple packages to choose from plus, there is NO CONTRACT!

[KathyR55]

Who provides your internet and how much?

Hi! I've been using YouTubeTV for about a year now and I really love it. I originally had a Comcast TV basic package, which had a very minimal download speed. I found that there was a lot of buffering when I played a game on my iPad and watched TV at the same time.

I called Comcast to inquire about upgrading my speed and they gave me a price that would increase my bill by about $40!!!!!! I told them that was not acceptable and I would look elsewhere for a better price. The tech immediately transferred me to customer service. Fancy that!

Customer service gave me a 1 year deal that increased my bill by $10... The catch is that I'll have to call in a year and renegotiate.

I can live with that and if negotiations don't go my way in 2019, I'll find someone else to offer a "deal."

BOTTOM LINE: I'm in a love-hate relationship with internet service provider, but I'm willing to stay in as long as rates don't double.

[jimbo2012]

We had Direct TV, just had an alert the price increased to $185 w/o Internet. We have comcast for Internet 150mbps.

last week canceled Direct, called comcast to up our speed to 250Mbps.
Ordered the new Roku.

:popcorn:

[Kahuna32162]

We had Direct TV, just had an alert the price increased to $185 w/o Internet. We have comcast for Internet 150mbps.

last week canceled Direct, called comcast to up our speed to 250Mbps.
Ordered the new Roku.

:popcorn:

Hi Jim, not sure why you need 250, we just cancelled DISH and went with HULU. Works great on 2 smart TV's and a fire stick with 150. Comcast has a special right now, 150mbs for 59.99 for a year.

[jimbo2012]

Hi Jim, not sure why you need 250, we just cancelled DISH and went with HULU. Works great on 2 smart TV's and a fire stick with 150. Comcast has a special right now, 150mbs for 59.99 for a year.

I got the 250 for less$$, I wanted that speed because I up/download monster files for business.

can't hurt for entertainment.

.

[edsmn]

Can you say a little more about your antenna? What kind, where bought, who installed, installed in attic or outside, etc? We are in Virginia Trace. What Villages are people in that get good reception? Are you getting Orlando or Ocala stations? Any advice will be appreciated.

[midtee9]

Lynne, If I may....... who provides your internet and the approx cost/mo
Thanks

[jaocala]

We did recently. Using Directv Now since they have DVR capabilities. Everything working fine.

[justjim]

With a number of people going to streaming (especially millennials) and cutting the cable cord, I’m afraid that will only drive the cable costs higher. The whole idea of no regulations is to drive costs down from competition in the market place. Well, that has worked out well!

[Doublejoy2]

Yes, two years ago, went to Apple TV. Love It!
Only pay internet bill of $45. A month with Century Link.
I also have NetFlick

[alncon2]

I am a former Comcast customer who has successfully cut the cable. First I chose Century Link as my internet provider. They provided me with service of 40 Mbps for a fixed price for life of $40. The reason I chose them is that their service in my area of The Villages in fiber optic which is very fast and less prone to speed fluctuations. I also chose to buy and use my own router ($125 one time expense). Next I looked at all of the available packages including YTTV, Sling, Hulu, etc., and chose YTTV ($40/month) because of local channel availability, cloud based DVR, and most if not all the channels I watched before with the exception of HGTV, National Geographic, Discovery and a few others. I use a Google Chromecast device and my smart phone to change channels, but if I were to do it again I would choose a Roku device that ranges from $35 to $89 depending on your needs (shop Amazon). This choice provides you with a dedicate remote control much like a cable service provider. YTTV allows you to have up to 4 TV's in use at your home but each TV will require a Chrome or Roku devise connected to it. If the missing channels are a must Philo TV provides you with these missing channels at a cost of $16 per month. I was the first to cut the cable amongst a large group of our friends. There have been at least 20 of our friends who have now followed suit. I hope this helps you.

[VIN574]

Does anyone know if any of the streaming services offer NHL hockey games, we are big hockey fans, and this is a must have, even if an additional cost.

I looked into this. So far I found a few of these streaming services will have local sports channels that carry mostly baseball and very little hockey, but you have to be in that area to view them. My son and I share the cost for NHL.TV (https://www.nhl.com/subscribe) to view our home team and any other game of interest.

Best

[biker1]

A couple of comments on the required bandwidths for streaming. I have been using Roku boxes for 7 years to stream sources such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and most recently YouTubeTV. Services such as Netflix are adaptive; the resolution they send you is based on the achievable download bandwidth so that you won't see buffering delays. 1080p Hi-Def with Netflix consumes about 5 megabits per second of bandwidth on average. We have, in the past, had no issues with streaming 1080p Hi-Def Netflix to two different sets with a 10 megabit per second nominal download internet service. From the download statistics on my router, YouTubeTV appears to consume a similar amount of bandwidth for Hi-Def. We currently have 40 megabits per second nominal download from CenturyLink (a sweet spot in our grandfathered CenturyLink pricing and I was occasionally moving 50 gigabyte tarballs around so the extra bandwidth was welcome). Essentially, you don't need much in the way of bandwidth for Hi-Def streaming; about 5 megabits per second per stream will work just fine. I believe most people pay for more bandwidth than they need. Once you have sufficient bandwidth for Hi-Def, additional, unused bandwidth will not result in a better picture. If you have a 4K TV and want to access 4K material, you will consume about 20 megabits per second of bandwidth per stream.

I cut the cord last winter. I use Roku to get HULU. My HULU subscription is the $39.99/mo plan. With that I get all the major networks i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN etc. You can see all the Chanel's you will get at HULU.com. I use Century Link in TV and Comcast in NH for Internet. Century link is $55/mo for 80mbps. So with HULU I pay a total of about $95/mo and I am very happy with service. The only thing with streaming is you want to get a fast internet service. 25mbps to me is the minimum. I found the faster the Internet the better the streaming when watching live TV. That's why I went to 80. Century link will only garantee you 80% of what you are paying for. So for 80 I can expect 60mbps. Comcast offers 400mbps in NH and I have very little problems with that speed. With Century Link I get buffering at times and if I am getting less than 60mbps as shown when I do speed test I end up calling them to fix speed. Bottom line is the faster the speed of the Internet the less problems you will have. I strongly recommend both Hulu and Roku.

[JanBrown]

I've been "TV free" for over 20 years now. Used to watch Netflix on my computer. Now I enjoy it - and Amazon Prime streaming - on my big screen in the LR. However...I have my internet/phone svc thru Comcast/Xfinity that just jumped $30/month ($39.99 to $69.99) plus fees, modem rental, taxes that bring it to about $85/mo. Just for internet & home phone. I left Century Link a year ago due to lots of issues and I never felt their on-site techs knew what they were doing and felt I got the run-around. Someone here posted: Century link has "a $45 a month for life at 25mbps which we started on." That's what I think I paid with them before, includ'g phone, but before calling them I have to ask: Are people really happy with Century Link now??

[biker1]

CenturyLink has been extremely reliable but I have fiber optic to the house. Those in areas serviced by the older DSL technology (phone and internet over copper) instead of fiber may have different experiences.

I've been "TV free" for over 20 years now. Used to watch Netflix on my computer. Now I enjoy it - and Amazon Prime streaming - on my big screen in the LR. However...I have my internet/phone svc thru Comcast/Xfinity that just jumped $30/month ($39.99 to $69.99) plus fees, modem rental, taxes that bring it to about $85/mo. Just for internet & home phone. I left Century Link a year ago due to lots of issues and I never felt their on-site techs knew what they were doing and felt I got the run-around. Someone here posted: Century link has "a $45 a month for life at 25mbps which we started on." That's what I think I paid with them before, includ'g phone, but before calling them I have to ask: Are people really happy with Century Link now??

[Nucky]

My CenturyLink was great for two years. The day after I upgraded the service they cut the service by mistake and told me it would be 4 days before someone could come out to supply service again.

I'm now with Comcast for internet only. Time will tell. I already know the end of the story but am hopeful that I pay the bill and they provide the service and I stay off the phone with them.

I really don't want an antenna but am almost convinced to stream, almost.

[logdog]

My CenturyLink was great for two years. The day after I upgraded the service they cut the service by mistake and told me it would be 4 days before someone could come out to supply service again.

I'm now with Comcast for internet only. Time will tell. I already know the end of the story but am hopeful that I pay the bill and they provide the service and I stay off the phone with them.

I really don't want an antenna but am almost convinced to stream, almost.

When Comcast cut my internet service by mistake a few years ago, it took a week to restore.

[Fast Freddy]

Research Ooma VOIP landline telephone service. After purchase of the machine at Costco, etc., watch for sales maybe $100 to $129. The monthly cost for all your land line phones are only taxes, maybe $4.00 for all U.S. calls including a few additional benefits plus free tech. assistance.
We have more than paid for our original purchase; any speed internet will do. And can utilize our fax machine with no problems.

We dropped Direct TV after much effort but feel such relief. Using Roku stick and paying nothing in fees.

[OhioViper]

Is there a company/individual in the Villages that can analyze the tv options for our specific property? We are located near Spanish Springs and have tried, with no success, an antenna and currently have Comcast. our current service works fine but, we are not full time and would love a less expensive alternative.
Thanks in advance for any helpful information.

[CWGUY]

:read: Maybe go and ask the question at a meeting.:popcorn:



I posted this 5 days ago on another thread:

The other site had a story 2 days ago about the VHA putting on an encore presentation of "Cutting the Cord from Cable TV Providers". They are going to do it 3 more times and places in Aug.(this month)

Last time they turned people away for lack of seating space. This will be the same as last time - first come - first served. You have to be a VHA member also.


Learn from experts about the evolving marketplace for entertainment alternatives (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Huku, Roku and others), what equipment you need to access them, and a host of related topics like television set options and antenna options.

The programs will be offered at:

• 1 p.m. Sat. Aug. 25 at Paradise Rec. Center

• 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 30 at Mulberry Grove Rec. Center

• 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 31 at La Hacienda Rec. Center

:ho:

Is there a company/individual in the Villages that can analyze the tv options for our specific property? We are located near Spanish Springs and have tried, with no success, an antenna and currently have Comcast. our current service works fine but, we are not full time and would love a less expensive alternative.
Thanks in advance for any helpful information.

[Darlene Lansing]

Yes !
We CUT THE CORD ,
We went with ‘Direct TV NOW’( streaming )$40 a month )
Learned about it at the ATT store .
We are EXTREMELY HAPPY

[photo1902]

Yes !
We CUT THE CORD ,
We went with ‘Direct TV NOW’( streaming )$40 a month )
Learned about it at the ATT store .
We are EXTREMELY HAPPY

That's all well and good, but if you "cut the cord" how are you getting internet access, which of course is needed for DirecTV Now?

[biker1]

Cord-cutting - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cord-cutting)


That's all well and good, but if you "cut the cord" how are you getting internet access, which of course is needed for DirecTV Now?

[Darlene Lansing]

We bought our Roku at the ATT store in Sumter Landing . They did a demonstration for us .
We went home and had no problem hooking it up .

[photo1902]

Cord-cutting - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cord-cutting)

It’s on Wiki, so it must be true. When someone says they can watch tv for $40 a month, they need to also include how much they’re paying for internet access so as not to confuse all those desperate to pinch pennies. It’s a personal choice, of course, but when I see the lengths people are going to (including jail broken devices which amount to piracy) in order to watch their shows, it amazes me. I’ll happily pay the $170 a month for my bundle, and cut costs elsewhere.

[biker1]

"Cutting the cord" has always referred to cancelling paid programming from traditional sources such as "cable TV" and has never referred to not having internet access. I know many people who have cut their costs by over $100 a month and still watch what they want. Other people just like to overpay and the "cable" companies just love those kinds of customers. The "lengths" you refer to involves buying an HDMI stick, hopping on Wi-Fi and signing up for a service or just using an over-the-air antenna. Hardly a lot of work. And by the way, Wikipedia is a pretty good source of info.

It’s on Wiki, so it must be true. When someone says they can watch tv for $40 a month, they need to also include how much they’re paying for internet access so as not to confuse all those desperate to pinch pennies. It’s a personal choice, of course, but when I see the lengths people are going to (including jail broken devices which amount to piracy) in order to watch their shows, it amazes me. I’ll happily pay the $170 a month for my bundle, and cut costs elsewhere.

[photo1902]

"Cutting the cord" has always referred to cancelling paid programming from traditional sources such as "cable TV" and has never referred to not having internet access. I know many people who have cut their costs by over $100 a month and still watch what they want. Other people just like to overpay and the "cable" companies just love those kinds of customers. The "lengths" you refer to involves buying an HDMI stick, hopping on Wi-Fi and signing up for a service or just using an over-the-air antenna. Hardly a lot of work. And by the way, Wikipedia is a pretty good source of info.

Yes. I’m well aware. And most offer no recording ability, or the ability to watch network channels. An HDMI stick is fine for some, not so good for others. Good luck, and I hope you save a good amount of money. As far as “like to overpay” the old adage you get what you pay for comes to mind. I enjoy the convenience, so I don’t appreciate your snarky remark.

[biker1]

Sigh ... I guess a little education is called for here. YouTubeTV offers the network channels, has a DVR (recording capability), and is just as convenient as any "cable" service since it has a programming guide that is the equivalent of what "cable" provides. Other services such as Netflix don't need a DVR since they are "on-demand". Netflix has an excellent user interface with search capabilities and preferences. An HDMI stick is all you need as long as you have a TV with an HDMI port. For those with an older set, a Roku box with composite video is available. I am happy that you enjoy overpaying.

Yes. I’m well aware. And most offer no recording ability, or the ability to watch network channels. An HDMI stick is fine for some, not so good for others. Good luck, and I hope you save a good amount of money. As far as “like to overpay” the old adage you get what you pay for comes to mind. I enjoy the convenience, so I don’t appreciate your snarky remark.

[eweissenbach]

It’s on Wiki, so it must be true. When someone says they can watch tv for $40 a month, they need to also include how much they’re paying for internet access so as not to confuse all those desperate to pinch pennies. It’s a personal choice, of course, but when I see the lengths people are going to (including jail broken devices which amount to piracy) in order to watch their shows, it amazes me. I’ll happily pay the $170 a month for my bundle, and cut costs elsewhere.

Good for you. On the other hand I paid for the internet either way, so I save about $100 by switching to YouTube TV and dropping first Direct TV then Spectrum. I also can use my YouTube TV account at both my Kansas City home and my Villages home and get stellar reception. So, it appears, we're both happy.

[photo1902]

Sigh ... I guess a little education is called for here. YouTubeTV offers the network channels, has a DVR (recording capability), and is just as convenient as any "cable" service since it has a programming guide that is the equivalent of what "cable" provides. Other services such as Netflix don't need a DVR since they are "on-demand". Netflix has an excellent user interface with search capabilities and preferences. An HDMI stick is all you need as long as you have a TV with an HDMI port. For those with an older set, a Roku box with composite video is available. I am happy that you enjoy overpaying.

Again, I'm well aware of all that. Bottom line, what is your monthly cost for YouTubeTV and internet?

[photo1902]

Good for you. On the other hand I paid for the internet either way, so I save about $100 by switching to YouTube TV and dropping first Direct TV then Spectrum. I also can use my YouTube TV account at both my Kansas City home and my Villages home and get stellar reception. So, it appears, we're both happy.

:coolsmiley:

[JoelJohnson]

Like anything else, you can save money by doing it yourself, or pay someone to do it for you. Cutting the cord IS work, it's not for everyone, it takes time to find everything you want to watch. That includes an outside antenna, Firestick, Roku, or other devices and services. Then there is the problem of the internet isn't as reliable as cable (sometimes I get buffering), BUT, I am save $100 a month and, over time, I will use that money to go back up north to see my kids and granddaughter and many other FUN things.

[Legalhempgirl]

We just have internet and a modified Firestick. They sell them at market of Marion and we have two apps for live tv and two apps for on demand all free other then internet and the Firestick. Spot A-249 The Fire stick guy

[JanBrown]

I have a Smart TV - does that mean I can use ROKU on it WITHOUT HAVING COMCAST AND IT'S WIFI MODEM?

[B-flat]

We just have internet and a modified Firestick. They sell them at market of Marion and we have two apps for live tv and two apps for on demand all free other then internet and the Firestick. Spot A-249 The Fire stick guy

I’ve been by that spot, he’s doing a very brisk business by the looks of things. Are you happy with the modified Firestick?

[Kahuna32162]

In our on going quest to "cut the cord", we tried Hulu for 1 month and kept running into buffering issues (even on the main TV that is wired directly into the router) Decided to stay with Dish and called to cancel our pending cancellation. Retention specialist offered us a great deal that locks our Dish account at $94 a month for 2 years and included the sports add in pack for free. This is the same price that we were scheduled to pay for Hulu.

What I learned from the whole experience is that is a good idea to test out any new service before actually switching. And, always speak to someone who has the authority to make deals and lower your price.

[retiredguy123]

I have a Smart TV - does that mean I can use ROKU on it WITHOUT HAVING COMCAST AND IT'S WIFI MODEM?
No. A smart TV will allow you to connect the TV directly to your wifi signal and use whatever apps are installed on the TV, that could include Roku. If the apps installed on your TV do not include Roku, then you may need to also connect a Roku device to the TV. But, you still need an internet service and a wifi modem to deliver the wireless signal to the TV.

[Truncap]

I use an over the air antenna and I have a Smart TV for netflix amazon youtube etc. It works perfectly for me.
ptnh

[particle]

Get Sling...can get HGTV.

[JoelJohnson]

Cutting the cord is like moving out west in the early days of the country. A few people have been there, but not in the same place at the same time, so everyone's experience was different.

In cutting the cord you have to decide what you want to do, save money, get better options, something in between?

Cutting the cord is not ready for prime time, you are a pioneer, and you can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs.

[CWGUY]

:ho: "The Villages Magazine" (Sept. issue) came with today's "Daily Sun" and has a nice article in it on STREAMING.

[biker1]

This is not true. We cut the cord 7 years ago with an over-the-antenna and some streaming services accessed via Roku boxes. It was ready for prime time 7 years ago which is why we did it. Today we actually use YouTubeTV for the local channels, and many others, and have stopped using the over-the-air antenna. You would be hard pressed to notice any real differences between "cable" and streaming via the internet, except for the fact that we have a lot more choices at a much lower cost. I know several "technically challenged" folks who had no trouble cutting the cord.



Cutting the cord is not ready for prime time, you are a pioneer, and you can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs.

[CWGUY]

This is not true. We cut the cord 7 years ago with an over-the-antenna and some streaming services accessed via Roku boxes. It was ready for prime time 7 years ago which is why we did it. Today we actually use YouTubeTV for the local channels, and many others, and have stopped using the over-the-air antenna. You would be hard pressed to notice any real differences between "cable" and streaming via the internet, except for the fact that we have a lot more choices at a much lower cost.

:agree: I agree 100% - I don't know why we waited as long as we did..... maybe the last rate increase drove us to it. We cut the cord 3 months ago and didn't look back. We went "cold turkey". After the fiber optics was hooked up to the house and we had faster wifi from Century link I took all the cable equip. back and got a receipt. Downloaded DTVNow to try and still have it. Also have Netflix and Prime. :icon_wink: This is all from a guy who can't set the clock on the microwave!:1rotfl: If I can do it anyone can.

[photo1902]

Cutting the cord is like moving out west in the early days of the country. A few people have been there, but not in the same place at the same time, so everyone's experience was different.

In cutting the cord you have to decide what you want to do, save money, get better options, something in between?

Cutting the cord is not ready for prime time, you are a pioneer, and you can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs.

Bingo!

[CWGUY]

Cutting the cord is like moving out west in the early days of the country. A few people have been there, but not in the same place at the same time, so everyone's experience was different.

In cutting the cord you have to decide what you want to do, save money, get better options, something in between?

Cutting the cord is not ready for prime time, you are a pioneer, and you can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs.

More than ready! Should have done it years ago. Another example of this type of thinking..... the last 2 years I have paid for a landline that was not plugged into the wall because of the nuisance calls and sales calls. I plugged it in if I wanted to use it and don't remember doing that. We each have a cell phone. When we went to fiber optic and "streaming" had the phone removed too. Results - faster internet, better wifi, and lower bill. Don't miss the phone! Don't miss cable!:coolsmiley:

[VIN574]

We have no regrets and are happy without cable. I do agree it may not satisfy all, especially those who don't understand the basics.

I found this site of help with that.

The Beginners Guide to Cord Cutting (https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/the-beginners-guide-to-cord-cutting-updated-august-2018/)

There are others out there too.

[jebartle]

When checking Webcam from beginners guide, result 0 channels from our area, soooo does that mean I have no options? I'm more interested in this then "the ole boy" because I'm the one dealing with Com-cuss", so any help would be appreciated. I still think that somewhere in this cord cutting interest there is a business for those of us NOT techy!

[Nucky]

:agree: I agree 100% - I don't know why we waited as long as we did..... maybe the last rate increase drove us to it. We cut the cord 3 months ago and didn't look back. We went "cold turkey". After the fiber optics was hooked up to the house and we had faster wifi from Century link I took all the cable equip. back and got a receipt. Downloaded DTVNow to try and still have it. Also have Netflix and Prime. :icon_wink: This is all from a guy who can't set the clock on the microwave!:1rotfl: If I can do it anyone can.

CWGUY, can you try all these new Streaming Services while the DirecTv equipment is still hooked up. Your post has inspired me to give it a shot. I know just enough about all this technical garbage to get me into trouble. :1rotfl: I think I like the YouTube TV the best from what my kids have told me. The oldest boy who is almost 40 years old pays $240 a month for his Comcast Bundle. It was very hard to be still when he told me that. Instead of attacking him I told him we paid $40 for internet and $77 for Directv.

I will miss Direct but since they are tied in with AT&T it doesn't work for me anymore because of the constant billing mistakes and follow up phone calls. I just want to use a service at a reasonable price and pay my bill and not be friends with the customer service department.

[biker1]

What do you mean by "0 channels from our area"? If you are referring to the local ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates out of Orlando then they are all available via an antenna or streaming service such as HuluTV to YouTubeTV.

When checking Webcam from beginners guide, result 0 channels from our area, soooo does that mean I have no options? I'm more interested in this then "the ole boy" because I'm the one dealing with Com-cuss", so any help would be appreciated. I still think that somewhere in this cord cutting interest there is a business for those of us NOT techy!

[CWGUY]

CWGUY, can you try all these new Streaming Services while the DirecTv equipment is still hooked up. Your post has inspired me to give it a shot. I know just enough about all this technical garbage to get me into trouble. :1rotfl: I think I like the YouTube TV the best from what my kids have told me. The oldest boy who is almost 40 years old pays $240 a month for his Comcast Bundle. It was very hard to be still when he told me that. Instead of attacking him I told him we paid $40 for internet and $77 for Directv.

I will miss Direct but since they are tied in with AT&T it doesn't work for me anymore because of the constant billing mistakes and follow up phone calls. I just want to use a service at a reasonable price and pay my bill and not be friends with the customer service department.

:ho: AMAC Foundation (https://amacfoundation.org/event/life-cableentertainment-alternatives-repeat-session-3/)

[Indy-Guy]

I hope you find the links below interesting.

How are many of you coming with your cutting the cord experience?


Cord Cutters News - All the news cord cutters need about cord cutting! Covering, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Netflix, Hulu, & More! (https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/)


The Beginners Guide to Cord Cutting (Updated: September 2018) - Cord Cutters News (https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/the-beginners-guide-to-cord-cutting-updated-september-2018/)

[junemarie]

Thank you so much

[Dan9871]

CWGUY, can you try all these new Streaming Services while the DirecTv equipment is still hooked up. .

Yes you can. Streaming and DirecTv are completely separate.

That's exactly what we did when we switched to DirectvNow. We kept Directv for about two weeks while we compared it to DirectvNow. Then we returned our DirectTv boxes and haven't looked back

We had already been using Amazon Prime and Netflix along with Directv for years before switching to DirectvNow.

[Madelaine Amee]

When checking Webcam from beginners guide, result 0 channels from our area, soooo does that mean I have no options? I'm more interested in this then "the ole boy" because I'm the one dealing with Com-cuss", so any help would be appreciated. I still think that somewhere in this cord cutting interest there is a business for those of us NOT techy!

I agree with you 100%. I've got ROKU hooked up and ready to go and cannot work it, and I am no dummy when it comes to computers etc., but this cable cutting is a pain in my head. I sit here with three remotes and have no idea what to do and when I finally do something I end up with a snow storm on the TV. I need someone to come and show me how while I write it all down and then I'd be fine! No help from the otherhalf, he won't even answer the cell phone!!!

[juneroses]

Madelaine Amee: You didn't mention which Roku device you have, but if it's the streaming stick, the video below walks you through the set up. Since you mentioned "snow", recheck to be sure you set your TV to the same input that you used for your stick (see video).

How to set up the Roku Streaming Stick (model 3600) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrxq0iyP6s)

Gook luck, June

[roggie49]

THREE REMOTES!!??
We cut cable about 3 months ago. We have YouTube-TV which includes the golf channel and some others that we wanted. We bought a Roku streaming stick (just sticks into the TV) for each TV. AND....best of all....the ROKU is small and is THE ONLY remote we need to use for anything other than if we play a DVD. Be sure to get the Roku stick with the volume button on the right side....otherwise you WILL need to use another remote.
We have Xfinity for our internet which also gives us all of the music channels and Showtime automatically. We are very happy with our combo. We now pay less than $100/mo and have many more choices. Between YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Xfinity and the Roku Channel we have more than we could ever want. We have never had a problem with the picture being pixelated even though we have the lowest internet speed....and we are usually on our phones while watching too. The picture is crystal clear on all TVs. And You Tube gives you UNLIMITED cloud DVR recordings and they keep them for 9 months!

I would highly recommend this move away from cable. Best of all....ONE tiny remote does it all!!
Good luck!

[JoelJohnson]

I have been off of cable at my home here in Florida and in Rochester NY area for three years now. I use centurylink internet here in Florida and Spectrum/TimeWarner at my NY home.

I have the same commercial grade over the air antenna at both locations. I use a Roku device to navigate. I also use Sony's PlayStation Vue for our streaming package. It has slightly more content than YouTubeTV and the other streaming packages. It costs $45 per month and the Internet costs us $45 per month. PlayStation Vue has all of the Broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS). Also has all the Sports you can get on cable.

We never think about going back. It works very well. Our price never changes. And I don't have to spend hours talking to reps to fix pricing issues. Also, on the over the air antenna, the picture quality is superior by far to cable.


Could tell me more about the antenna you have?

[JoelJohnson]

Go to SUPPOSE.TV
You pick and choose which services you want and the chart will show you your options and for what price.

[JoelJohnson]

Best Buy has a free In Home Assessment (IHA) person that will come to your house to help you.

[bob47]

You need high speed internet even if you cut the cord, and we would like to keep land line phone service.

Has anybody found a good monthly rate on high speed internet with voice service that is NOT a teaser 1 year rate that you have to argue about every year at renewal time? I don't care if it's cable with Comcast or DSL with Century Link.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[biker1]

Phone service with an ISP is a bad deal. Look into the various voice-over-ip services available. For example, Ooma is less than $5.00 per month.


You need high speed internet even if you cut the cord, and we would like to keep land line phone service.

Has anybody found a good monthly rate on high speed internet with voice service that is NOT a teaser 1 year rate that you have to argue about every year at renewal time? I don't care if it's cable with Comcast or DSL with Century Link.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[biker1]

Do your own research.

Best Buy has a free In Home Assessment (IHA) person that will come to your house to help you.

[Madelaine Amee]

Best Buy has a free In Home Assessment (IHA) person that will come to your house to help you.

Thank you, I would pay someone to come and teach me what I need to know and I am surprised some enterprising techie from the Computer Club is not doing this, or maybe there is someone, I will call the club this coming week. This would also be a great way for a high school-er to make some pocket money ....... I knew nothing about my cell phone until my granddaughter taught me!

Very much appreciate your post.

[JoelJohnson]

Most of the solutions that Best Buy suggests are easy to use. My wife liked Sling TV the best, it was easy and worked like cable did.

[Indy-Guy]

5G (fifth generation) is coming to our area and it is the future of TV and Cell service. Most cell services will be offering home internet service at a much faster speed than is available now. When this is available here the cable companies will be out of business quickly. I hope we get 5 G soon. I can't find anything stating when it will come to the Orlando area.

5 G is now available from Verizon in Houston, Indianapolis, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

Day two at Mobile World Congress Americas – Sign up to be “First on 5G” | About Verizon (https://www.verizon.com/about/news/day-two-mobile-world-congress-americas--sign-be-first-5g)

5G Ultra Wideband Wireless Home Network | Verizon Wireless (https://www.verizonwireless.com/5g/home/)

FirstOn5G.com is open for business! | About Verizon (https://www.verizon.com/about/news/firston5gcom-open-business)

[biker1]

Out of business quickly? No they won't. The market will continue to evolve.

5G (fifth generation) is coming to our area and it is the future of TV and Cell service. Most cell services will be offering home internet service at a much faster speed than is available now. When this is available here the cable companies will be out of business quickly. I hope we get 5 G soon. I can't find anything stating when it will come to the Orlando area.

5 G is now available from Verizon in Houston, Indianapolis, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

Day two at Mobile World Congress Americas – Sign up to be “First on 5G” | About Verizon (https://www.verizon.com/about/news/day-two-mobile-world-congress-americas--sign-be-first-5g)

5G Ultra Wideband Wireless Home Network | Verizon Wireless (https://www.verizonwireless.com/5g/home/)

FirstOn5G.com is open for business! | About Verizon (https://www.verizon.com/about/news/firston5gcom-open-business)

[JoelJohnson]

You will need new phones to use 5g.

[larcha]

Has anyone successfully cut the cable cord and now use YouTubeTV, Sling TV, etc? What was your experience? Dish TV is about to almost double my monthly charge.

We use Directv Now, Stream TV, Watch Live Television Online | DIRECTV NOW (https://www.directvnow.com/), on an AppleTV plus an antenna with a Tivo Roamio OTA DVR. You should subscribe to Cord Cutters News, Cord Cutters News - All the news cord cutters need about cord cutting! Covering, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Netflix, Hulu, & More! (https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/). They have a daily newsletter that has up to date info and suggestions.

[lyndastahl]

We just dropped direct tv and now have PlayStation vue. 59..99 plus tax a month.

[Nucky]

It is a miracle. I went to Sam's and picked up the Roku Streaming Stick +. It took about 10 minutes to hook it up and then I signed into YouTube TV. Total about a half hour. Thanks to everyone who posted here otherwise I wouldn't have even considered doing it. I only did one TV so more work to come but the thing about the Roku I got is that you can talk into it for what you want.

It is going to be a process to set up all the channels and once I do that then the rest of the TV'S should pick up the channels I put in my library, I hope? If I sign into the same account it sounds logical, now I'm a Geekster! Thanks Again.

[biker1]

Congrats and job well done. We started using Roku boxes 7 years ago and never looked back and I am sure you won't either. They make a good product and you have many choices for streaming services. We also use YouTubeTV.

It is a miracle. I went to Sam's and picked up the Roku Streaming Stick +. It took about 10 minutes to hook it up and then I signed into YouTube TV. Total about a half hour. Thanks to everyone who posted here otherwise I wouldn't have even considered doing it. I only did one TV so more work to come but the thing about the Roku I got is that you can talk into it for what you want.

It is going to be a process to set up all the channels and once I do that then the rest of the TV'S should pick up the channels I put in my library, I hope? If I sign into the same account it sounds logical, now I'm a Geekster! Thanks Again.

[jerseyvillager]

NO!

[jerseyvillager]

I agree with you 100%. I've got ROKU hooked up and ready to go and cannot work it, and I am no dummy when it comes to computers etc., but this cable cutting is a pain in my head. I sit here with three remotes and have no idea what to do and when I finally do something I end up with a snow storm on the TV. I need someone to come and show me how while I write it all down and then I'd be fine! No help from the otherhalf, he won't even answer the cell phone!!!


Your right about the business aspect. I have been encouraged by several friends and neighbors to offer my services. Truth is I don't want a "job." Send me a personal message and I'll see if I can't help you a little.

[Nucky]

Here is an added update. Getting connected to streaming was simple. Youtube TV is wonderful. The amount of data that Comcast allows is limited every month. We have gone over already as of 10/24. They do offer an unlimited plan for $50 EXTRA per month. This is on top of your regular monthly charge. It may be in the paperwork but never verbally mentioned when we signed up. Life has taught me about Comcast yet I keep going back to the well looking for a different outcome. Shame on me, shame on them. Have to look for a fair unlimited solution.

[biker1]

We stream also and use CenturyLink for internet access. We typically average about 20 gigabytes per day and have not had any issues with this amount of data. If CenturyLink has a data cap we haven't reached it yet. Our all time high was close to 1 terabyte in a month.

Here is an added update. Getting connected to streaming was simple. Youtube TV is wonderful. The amount of data that Comcast allows is limited every month. We have gone over already as of 10/24. They do offer an unlimited plan for $50 EXTRA per month. This is on top of your regular monthly charge. It may be in the paperwork but never verbally mentioned when we signed up. Life has taught me about Comcast yet I keep going back to the well looking for a different outcome. Shame on me, shame on them. Have to look for a fair unlimited solution.

[Nucky]

We stream also and use CenturyLink for internet access. We typically average about 20 gigabytes per day and have not had any issues with this amount of data. If CenturyLink has a data cap we haven't reached it yet. Our all time high was close to 1 terabyte in a month.

I had to schedule a call with Comcast to speak about technical issues which I already figured out via the internet searches and TOTV information. It took three days for the call.

The problem is Data overage. The solution is to put the Roku back to the home page then turn the TV off otherwise it is streaming all day and night. Also lowering the MBPS'S in the Roku from 12 MBPS to 3.5 MBPS and changing the definition on the "convenience" televisions to 720 DPI from 1080 DPI should lower the total usage next month.

Never once during the entire conversation did they offer any of this information. They offered for a limited time Unlimited Data for $25 a month marked down from $50 a month. I said that sounded very fair and was getting ready to do it but then asked is this on top of the regular bill and the answer was yes. Deceptive, Non-Communicative, Garbage. But a necessary evil if you want to stream. I'm not giving up, we really like the Variety of shows on YouTube Tv. :blahblahblah:

We are at 1400 Jiggawatts of usage as of October 29th. We don't watch that much TV. You get 2 months of being over for free. The limit is 1024 MBPS. Then $10 for every 50 MBPS after. Pretty expensive.

[juneroses]

We received the same "surprise" message from Comcast as you did, Nucky. We're already at 90% of our monthly cap. Huh...cap? Nobody mentioned that limitation. I did go a little wild adding shows to the cloud DVR (in the interim I found I still preferred to read a good book) but had already stopped that before The Message arrived. We also left the Roku set on the channel rather than returning to home base so we're changing that M.O.

Streaming is still preferable to Comcast, however. We're happy with YouTubeTV and find some decent movies on Tubi (an advantage of not being movies buffs, since so many of the old ones are still new to us!).

[Carla B]

Is this "Data Cap" something new with Comcast? We've been streaming with a Roku device since 2015 and have never encountered that with Comcast.

[pheffner]

If you're looking for a nice all-in-one solution (DVR for over-the-air combined with a long list of streaming apps including Alexa integration) you might want to have a look at the TiVo Bolt OTA. It uses your antenna to get the network content to fill your DVR drive. (Other folks here have recommended some better grade antennas to put in your attic which sounds good to me). For other rooms you can get a TiVo mini which sources from your master TiVo over the home LAN wiring. The apps have all the usual suspects (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon video, etc...) and you can even do voice searches with the remote. The only downside for some folks is the 6.99/Month fee for the TiVo service (69/yr) which provides the channel and program listing data.

I use a TiVo Bolt with CableCard on Comcast cable and I don't need anything else, I can watch Netflix, Amazon and the huge collection of recorded stuff on the 2TB hard disk. The search function goes across all the services so it will locate a program/movie wherever it is found and show you where to watch it or schedule it to record for subsequent watching. Their season pass program recording does a great job of getting all your episodes even when they move the time slot. You can schedule recordings on the web or mobile apps. The DVR has plenty of patented features you won't find on the cheesy offerings from your cable or sat provider.

Disclosure: I don't work for Tivo but I have several coworker friends working there in San Jose, but I've been a delighted TiVo user since the early 00's.

[Carla B]

I'm answering my own question re: Comcast data. When I researched our account while paying the Comcast bill just now I discovered that there is a data cap of 1,024 gigabytes per month. Our normal usage is about 160. Our streaming activity is about 3 hours in the evening; if we're watching something in the daytime, it's usually Over the Air with the antenna.

I don't understand the part about having to return Roku to the Home Page before turning off the TV set. We usually leave it on the Netflix channel before turning it off. Maybe it's something about the later Roku devices.

[rustyp]

I had to schedule a call with Comcast to speak about technical issues which I already figured out via the internet searches and TOTV information. It took three days for the call.

The problem is Data overage. The solution is to put the Roku back to the home page then turn the TV off otherwise it is streaming all day and night. Also lowering the MBPS'S in the Roku from 12 MBPS to 3.5 MBPS and changing the definition on the "convenience" televisions to 720 DPI from 1080 DPI should lower the total usage next month.

Never once during the entire conversation did they offer any of this information. They offered for a limited time Unlimited Data for $25 a month marked down from $50 a month. I said that sounded very fair and was getting ready to do it but then asked is this on top of the regular bill and the answer was yes. Deceptive, Non-Communicative, Garbage. But a necessary evil if you want to stream. I'm not giving up, we really like the Variety of shows on YouTube Tv. :blahblahblah:

We are at 1400 Jiggawatts of usage as of October 29th. We don't watch that much TV. You get 2 months of being over for free. The limit is 1024 MBPS. Then $10 for every 50 MBPS after. Pretty expensive.

Are you sure the comcast limit is 1024 MBPS. That's pretty low. A Terabyte is one million megabytes. 1024 megabytes equals a terabyte. I have centurylink and their monthly cap is one terabyte. That is equivalent to streaming a program in HD on one device for 24 hrs/day for 30 days. I suspect anyone hitting a data limit streaming TV is probably turning off the TV without going back home on the streaming device. Although the TV is off in essence the device keeps running and downloading.

[Nucky]

Are you sure the comcast limit is 1024 MBPS. That's pretty low. A Terabyte is one million megabytes. 1024 megabytes equals a terabyte. I have centurylink and their monthly cap is one terabyte. That is equivalent to streaming a program in HD on one device for 24 hrs/day for 30 days. I suspect anyone hitting a data limit streaming TV is probably turning off the TV without going back home on the streaming device. Although the TV is off in essence the device keeps running and downloading.

Megabytes, Terabytes, MBPS? I'll admit I may be a bit off base with the terminology but they mentioned no limit when I bought back into Comcast and the way I had the Roku set and we never turned off the computers or brought the Roku to the home position made us go over the 1024 limit. All Tv'S were at 1080 not 720. I just want to figure this out before I go over again.
I'm trying. We do not watch that much TV. We get a Terabyte with Comcast.

Streaming is great and I just want to stay off the phone with them. I learning and feel confident we'll be ok. :coolsmiley:

[rustyp]

Megabytes, Terabytes, MBPS? I'll admit I may be a bit off base with the terminology but they mentioned no limit when I bought back into Comcast and the way I had the Roku set and we never turned off the computers or brought the Roku to the home position made us go over the 1024 limit. All Tv'S were at 1080 not 720. I just want to figure this out before I go over again.
I'm trying. We do not watch that much TV. We get a Terabyte with Comcast.

Streaming is great and I just want to stay off the phone with them. I learning and feel confident we'll be ok. :coolsmiley:

I do suspect you have terabyte limit. Learning to put Roku home will most likely solve your limit problem. I have switched to DirecTV now (stream)VS DirecTV(satellite) at a savings of $100/month. It takes some leaning and the industry is growing fast but still has some hiccups. All in all I'm leaning to love it. Hi resolution, watch what I want to watch on my schedule, oh and I can take it with me wherever I go. Great for a person with two homes. Switching from 1080 to 720 will help and probably not noticeable on a 32 inch or less TV but as you get into the larger screens the resolution will become quite noticeable. Good luck - no doubt in my mind this is the next wave in TV. No more equipment like boxes and dishes required, portability, much lower cost, state of the art picture quality. Another little factoid is you can have as many TV as you want. Just buy another Roku for $30. The limitation for DirecTV Now is two TV at once playing not how many are hooked up. You can add another TV for $5/month. It's coming fast.

[seoulbrooks]

Yes, just make sure you put your ROKU on home page prior to turning off your tv. You can also set your resolution lower maybe 1080 instead of 4K. These steps will greatly reduce your data usage.... approximately 3G per hour for 1080 and 7G per hour for 4k resolution.

[bob47]

We stream also and use CenturyLink for internet access. We typically average about 20 gigabytes per day and have not had any issues with this amount of data. If CenturyLink has a data cap we haven't reached it yet. Our all time high was close to 1 terabyte in a month.

May I ask what your CenturyLink internet speed is? We live north of CR466 and have a fiber optic connection so I can up the speed to at least 25M and perhaps as high as 80M.

Thinking of streaming TV and VOIP phone, and would like to stay with CenturyLink because we already bought their router which works well. Glad to hear you find their high speed internet reliable.

[Nucky]

There is a usage gauge for Comcast. I would think it will reset at midnight. I'm all over it. I appreciate the help people have given on this thread.

Someone pointed out the other day that switching during this time makes us pioneers and that there is an advantage to the old way because if you don't want to go thru all this monkey business paying a little bit more is worth it. Time will tell if thats accurate for me.

I have Youtube TV and had to add Hulu because of one show. Gold Rush.

[seoulbrooks]

yea, the xfinity internet page gives you a usage tool. Great for tracking what devices are using your data.....

[Hacker1]

We cut the cable last Spring, and are currently using just an antenna in the attic. Works well most of the time, but not 100%. Just subscribed to Hulu (7-day free trial, then $39.99/month). However, we can't get live TV! After trying all afternoon, and 2 chat sessions with Hulu Tech Support, they told us our TV DOES NOT Support Live TV! It's a brand new Samsung Smart TV, that already lists Hulu among the options along the bottom of the screens. It seems all the Hulu TV we can get are replays of certain shows previously broadcast. The last chat-person told us that if our TV does not have a browser option at top of the screen or a lightning bolt at one side of the screen it will not support live TV. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or is anyone reading this currently streaming live tv on a smart tv without a stick?

[BogeyBoy]

I also thought our Samsungs would support Hulu TV but they only support the original Hulu (two different icons on the TV but both seem to do the same thing). Although some literature says 2016 and newer Samsung TVs I believe it is only select models until you get a 2017 or 2018. Hulu TV worked well with both Amazon Fire Stick and Roku. My trial period ended, still shopping.

[Hacker1]

Our Samsung TV is a 2018.

[Nucky]

Our Samsung TV is a 2018.

I would love to pay it forward for once and advise you through my own trial and error to just go to YouTube TV it's $43.10 with tax and all the B.S. all in. You will love it. Between that and Showtime for $7 a month because of Ray Donovan, we have it made. Plenty of cool free channels thru our Roku.

I have a Fire Stick and its almost like the Roku. I bought 5 Roku's and you can play 3 TV'S at one time. Just be careful about your data usage. I learned and now into my second month, we have no problems. Another miracle is my wife :clap2: loves the new setup.

[seoulbrooks]

Will Cord Cutting Cost More Than Cable TV? - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=799TEUQ2dO4)