Cutting the cord

[Bclark]

Dumped direct tv! That’s the good news. Got a fire stick from the fire stick tvguy at market of Marion. Had 2 weeks, been inoperable for over a week! Don’t waste your money. What a headache.

[retiredguy123]

I think the Roku streaming device is one of the best ones to buy.

[Carla B]

And Roku is legitimate; not sure about the one from the guy at Marion Market.

[Martian]

We use Apple TV and have for years. Very happy with it. Not as flexible as Roku, but works for us.

[retiredguy123]

And Roku is legitimate; not sure about the one from the guy at Marion Market.
I agree. Not to suggest that this thread is about illegal streaming, but some people who would never even think about shoplifting, will use certain streaming devices to steal video content. I don't know anything about the Marion market guy either, but there are merchants selling devices to enable people to steal video content.

[CWGUY]

:ohdear: It's called a "jailbroken fire stick"

:ho: Google it......:police:

[tagjr1]

You bought an electronic device at the Marion Flea Market and expected it to perform as advertised? PT Barnum was right!

[Nucky]

One of my friends has a couple of these Jail Broken Sticks See? I can't remember his name! I don't know where he lives See! I can't imagine someone at a Flea Market would be involved in something Shady See!

Roku is The Bomb! It constantly gives you more choices. There is so much good stuff on I'm losing my tan! Book 'Em Danno! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[dewilson58]

I had Roku with an antenna.


Now I'm doing YouTube TV.
YT TV just raised their price to $50/mth.
Add that to your internet fee, pretty cheap for TV access.

Good Luck.

[mermaids]

So did you go back to direct tv or find a better service? We have direct tv cause we take boxes back and forth. Just wondering if you found a better service? Thanks for sharing this.

[Madelaine Amee]

We have been thinking of streaming for a long time, but have not so far had the guts to jump into it. However, we have just spent a couple of weeks with our son in southern NH who got rid of his cable TV company. He now brings broadband/WiFi into the house through a phone cable, he then added Hulu and gets everything they want through Hulu and a couple of other smaller aps. He is in the tech industry so for him it was a no brainer. I am not a techni, so I have been consulting with "STTEVE" (352)250-4571 whose business is all things technical.

I am still nervous about dropping Direct which I have had for many years to learn a whole new system. For me, it needs to be much much cheaper than what I am paying now to make me learn something new.:)

[JoelJohnson]

It's easy to "jail break" to Fire Stick, just go to www.troypoint.com" and follow his video along with his written directions.

If "jail-breaking" was illegal, then Amazon (that makes the Fire Stick) could send down a update that would stop it. They don't.

[Martian]

I am still nervous about dropping Direct which I have had for many years to learn a whole new system. For me, it needs to be much much cheaper than what I am paying now to make me learn something new.:)

I understand completely.

Cord cutting can be cheaper and can be more expensive, it depends on what you want. If you need access to everything (100's of channels, sports, etc.) it all adds up.

For us it is cheaper since we watch only a couple things and several of them come with our Amazon prime.

To us the BIG advantage is we watch what we want when we want. We no longer have to be at the TV when our favorite show comes on.

Good Luck

[Marathon Man]

It's easy to "jail break" to Fire Stick, just go to www.troypoint.com" and follow his video along with his written directions.

If "jail-breaking" was illegal, then Amazon (that makes the Fire Stick) could send down a update that would stop it. They don't.

I don't see how that is evidence of legality. Amazon is not doing the jailbreak. Ford does nothing to prevent speeding.

[billethkid]

We rely on the DVR. We record everything and anything we intend to watch. Hence we view at our convenience and not have to endure commercials.
Some programming now has what they call smart resume. You hit fast forward and it starts again after the commercials.

Until streaming gets more convenient (a relative term) with suitable DVR capability we choose to pay a little more for the convenience.

I believe streaming is still in it's early evolution and will operate similar to today's packaged providers at some point. And yes the price will go up along with the convenience.

IMHO.

[Martian]

We rely on the DVR. We record everything and anything we intend to watch. Hence we view at our convenience and not have to endure commercials.
Some programming now has what they call smart resume. You hit fast forward and it starts again after the commercials.

Until streaming gets more convenient (a relative term) with suitable DVR capability we choose to pay a little more for the convenience.

I believe streaming is still in it's early evolution and will operate similar to today's packaged providers at some point. And yes the price will go up along with the convenience.

IMHO.


Interesting, everything you pointed out as negative does not happen with us at all. I guess we all have different experiences.

1. We have a DVR, but never use it any more since we can go back and watch anything we want on demand from the original streamer or one of the many other sites offering shows 2 or 3 years old. I am a geek, and I do have a media server (computer) that is dedicated to being a DVR and storage for all the movies we might ever want to see (400 or 500 at this point), but we mostly just stream them from Apple, or other sites, our DVR is very lonely at this point.

2. I don't think I have seen more than a commercial or two in 10 years of streaming. I don't know what you have streamed with commercials. The last commercial I watched was on HULU years ago and a simple increase from $10/mth to $12 or $15 per month (I don't recall) eliminated those.

One thing that may explain the difference is we watch almost NO first run commercial TV shows from networks like ABC, NBC, CBS. Fox, etc. Most of what we watch is from Prime, Netflix, HULU and HBO, Showtime and BritBox.

Again, we watch very little TV anyway - maybe 2 to 3 hours some nights just before bed. I have no interest in Sports, and 99% of commercial TV is boring to me.

[biker1]

Some of the streaming services, such a YouTube TV, have both DVR capabilities and a program guide with the look and feel of the programming guide from cable/statellite providers. Regarding cost, YouTube TV is $50/month for about 70 channels with no contract.

We rely on the DVR. We record everything and anything we intend to watch. Hence we view at our convenience and not have to endure commercials.
Some programming now has what they call smart resume. You hit fast forward and it starts again after the commercials.

Until streaming gets more convenient (a relative term) with suitable DVR capability we choose to pay a little more for the convenience.

I believe streaming is still in it's early evolution and will operate similar to today's packaged providers at some point. And yes the price will go up along with the convenience.

IMHO.

[Two Bills]

We use a VPN in USA to watch all UK tv programmes live and Catchup when in US from our laptop when over wintering at TV's
Also have Amazon firestick with a download called Smart IPTV which enables us to watch pretty much any channel in the world.
Funny thing is we are not avid TV watchers, but its good for all Sports channels, and I do like PD Live!!

[seoulbrooks]

Simple. YouTube TV ………..Good coverage...includes local news....has a great DVR feature. I think it is up to 5 or 6 tvs on one account. We are using on 4 tvs in the home now. Would never go back to Direct TV with AT&T.

[billethkid]

Simple. YouTube TV ………..Good coverage...includes local news....has a great DVR feature. I think it is up to 5 or 6 tvs on one account. We are using on 4 tvs in the home now. Would never go back to Direct TV with AT&T.

On their web site they make it sound oh so simple. Even calling it "...intuitive...".

On a scale of 1-10 techie ability I would rate myself a 6.

Is it really as simple as presented?

And if the offering is as capable and easy as advertised for a significant reduction in cost.....why are there not more responding with their satisfaction.

[dewilson58]

On their web site they make it sound oh so simple. Even calling it "...intuitive...".

On a scale of 1-10 techie ability I would rate myself a 6.

Is it really as simple as presented?

And if the offering is as capable and easy as advertised for a significant reduction in cost.....why are there not more responding with their satisfaction.


Kid, you will rock it.

I have it on a smart TV & thru Roku on the dumb ones.

It reminds me of cable TV with the menu & guide.

They offer a free trial period.
No cost.
I think it's 14 days.

As they say, "Nothing to lose".

Good luck.


Addition to post: And it trails with you.............if you travel.

[CWGUY]

:icon_wink: AS I told Nucky months ago..... I have a hard time setting the clock on the microwave. I decided to give streaming a try because I disliked Comcast. Did the FREE streaming for a couple weeks before cutting the cable. Sort of like working with a net under you for safety. Worked out the bugs and cut the cord. At first went with DirecTVNow (ATTNow). They cut channels and raised price..... said good bye to them too. Have YouTubeTV and love it. Also have Prime with my Amazon acct. and Netflix. Netflix is very reasonable. We have 3 SMART TVs so don't use any sticks. If I can do it.... anyone can! :coolsmiley:

[Nucky]

:icon_wink: AS I told Nucky months ago..... I have a hard time setting the clock on the microwave. I decided to give streaming a try because I disliked Comcast. Did the FREE streaming for a couple weeks before cutting the cable. Sort of like working with a net under you for safety. Worked out the bugs and cut the cord. At first went with DirecTVNow (ATTNow). They cut channels and raised price..... said good bye to them too. Have YouTubeTV and love it. Also have Prime with my Amazon acct. and Netflix. Netflix is very reasonable. We have 3 SMART TVs so don't use any sticks. If I can do it.... anyone can! :coolsmiley:

Couldn't be happier with Roku & YouTube TV with History Channel, Discovery Go, The Munster Channel, Crackle Prime TV. Many Other that are all free. The only charge is YTTV = $53 all in, taxes, everything.

CWGUY gave me the push to try it and I can see the point of paying for the convenience of DirecTV up till the point they were bought out. It really is not an inconvenience at all to Stream. It was easy.

One point of interest. YOUTUBE TV can be shared by 6 households not, just 6 television sets. We have two of our sons on our account up north so they pay Zippety Do Da and I pay the bill just like the old days. They found a way back onto the payroll! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bclark]

We did direct tv for the same reason, back and forth to Indy. For the last year the 5 minute zip code change call took over and hour! Then they made a $700 mistake on our August bill and 3 hours on the phone would not correct it. I reported them to our bank as fraud and got our money back.

[Bclark]

Just beware of “fire stick tv guy” at market of marion. Server is still down now. If isn’t fixed soon I’ll be paying them a visit all day Saturday and Sunday with a “ask me about my service” sign! Don’t fool around with us retired guys....we got all day!

[JoelJohnson]

I don't see how that is evidence of legality. Amazon is not doing the jailbreak. Ford does nothing to prevent speeding.

Speeding doesn't affect Ford's bottom line, watching Amazon shows without paying for them affects theirs.

[Martian]

It's easy to "jail break" to Fire Stick, just go to www.troypoint.com" and follow his video along with his written directions.

If "jail-breaking" was illegal, then Amazon (that makes the Fire Stick) could send down a update that would stop it. They don't.

IANAL but, the DCMA specifically makes it illegal to modify a computer system for uses they were not intended for. So, jail-breaking iPhones, Fire Sticks, whatever could be illegal technically. The problem is it is not worth it to Apple or Amazon or Microsoft or whoever is being hacked to take legal action.

That does not make it right or moral.

Personally, I don't have a problem with jail-breaking devices, it is what people then do with the device that bothers me. Kind of like guns, I don't care if you own a basement for of guns, rockets, and bombs. It's what you do with them that concerns me.

If the purpose of jail breaking a device is to allow the user to view media without paying for it (which is often the purpose - done with a wink wink - nod nod), that is illegal and immoral.

As a professional photographer I actively protect my copyrighted materials. When someone copies a photograph I sold them they are stealing from ME and my children. When someone watches a movie they did not pay for they are stealing from the copyright holders.

Maybe they will get away with it, and maybe they smooth over their morals by thinking thinking the "big business" deserves it.

But it is still stealing and immoral.

If on the other hand you jail break a device to make a use of it you could not have done without the jail break, and that use does not involve stealing, then I see no harm and no foul in the jail break.

[Martian]

Speeding doesn't affect Ford's bottom line, watching Amazon shows without paying for them affects theirs.

The law does not care if Amazons bottom line is affected or not. This is NOT a Tort law where one must show damages to have standing to sue.

The law is the copyright law and it is illegal and punishable by up to $25,000 per incident to copy, distribute or view movies and tv shows without paying for them.

As a professional photographer many people believe that once they pay me for the prints they get they can do what ever they want with them. That is NOT true. I own the copyright, (Amazon owns the copyright on their productions/creations). If someone. copies or even displays publicly a photograph I sold them - I can and do sue for breach of copyright.

Whether or not it is "worth it"' is another question entirely, but make no mistake it is stealing and immoral.

[Bosoxfan]

One of my friends has a couple of these Jail Broken Sticks See? I can't remember his name! I don't know where he lives See! I can't imagine someone at a Flea Market would be involved in something Shady See!

Roku is The Bomb! It constantly gives you more choices. There is so much good stuff on I'm losing my tan! Book 'Em Danno! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Not Enough sports....your friend😁😁😎...see?

[Bosoxfan]

Just beware of “fire stick tv guy” at market of marion. Server is still down now. If isn’t fixed soon I’ll be paying them a visit all day Saturday and Sunday with a “ask me about my service” sign! Don’t fool around with us retired guys....we got all day!

I have Brian's number...352-801-0785

[Nucky]

Not Enough sports....your friend������������������...see?

You are a Funny Guy! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: I still can't remember the guy's name!

[CWGUY]

We rely on the DVR. We record everything and anything we intend to watch. Hence we view at our convenience and not have to endure commercials.
Some programming now has what they call smart resume. You hit fast forward and it starts again after the commercials.

Until streaming gets more convenient (a relative term) with suitable DVR capability we choose to pay a little more for the convenience.

I believe streaming is still in it's early evolution and will operate similar to today's packaged providers at some point. And yes the price will go up along with the convenience.

IMHO.

:ho: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/clubs-villages-76/connected-villager-workshop-298524/

[Ben Franklin]

We've been using Roku for about 6 years now, and are very happy with it. We can stream many different "networks" from it, such as Amazon Prime - free, if you're already a Prime member, HULU, Netflix, YouTube (although, I don't know if that's the same one people get as their primary device. There are probably many other just as good or even better, but once you start using a system, many become lazy and don't research other devices

[Bosoxfan]

DO NOT BUY from The Firestick Guy Brian at the market of Marion. Remain part has been down almost 2 weeks. I call or text Brian and I get responses that are very rude. Live and learn

[Mleeja]

DO NOT BUY from The Firestick Guy Brian at the market of Marion. Remain part has been down almost 2 weeks. I call or text Brian and I get responses that are very rude. Live and learn

In Europe, authorities shut down a service called Xtream Codes. It is not a IPTV Service, but rather a front end system used by the IPTV services. This has caused many of the services to go off line. The shut down occurred about two weeks ago. This most likely why the “Firestick Guy” services are down.

[karostay]

Whats worth watching Perhaps repeat of the screen test pattern from the 60's

[Bosoxfan]

In Europe, authorities shut down a service called Xtream Codes. It is not a IPTV Service, but rather a front end system used by the IPTV services. This has caused many of the services to go off line. The shut down occurred about two weeks ago. This most likely why the “Firestick Guy” services are down.

What does this mean? Do you think the services will be restored?

[PrudentLifer]

There is no such thing as a free lunch?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ben Franklin]

When we lived in southwest, Florida, we cut the cable and got Roku, and an HD antenna as the reception was good, and we got about 18-20 channels off the air. We kept basic internet only. Crapcast says it's 50 Mbps at $49 but in reality it's only about half of that. That's OK, as one only needs 5 Mbps for streaming video. But here in TV we didn't have much luck with antenna reception, so we went back to Crapcast, but kept our Roku, which we use more than regular TV. I would recommend Roku.

We did, at one time, have DirecTV, but every time it rained, we lost our picture. That was about 8 years ago. Maybe they improved it, but I don't know.

[ckcapaul]

Ditched Directv, put up an antenna, roku plus smart tv's
Hulu just offered 1.99 a month for 12 months. And Netflix and prime. Too much to watch

[seoulbrooks]

It is not wrong to jail break a device. The problem is doing the jail break to install copyrighted programs or shows. Example, NFL live broadcast which clearly states during the program it is illegal to copy. The jail breakers will claim you have thousands of programs and sports to watch, better hope none have copyrights. Very expensive hobby if caught.

Many of the IPTV providers are finding themselves in hot water over all of this right now.

[John_W]

The jail breakers will claim you have thousands of programs and sports to watch, better hope none have copyrights. Very expensive hobby if caught.

Many of the IPTV providers are finding themselves in hot water over all of this right now.

Tadpole's Bar in Brandon, just east of Tampa, decided not to pay the annual $1,600 licensing fee for music rights. They hired a band to play on a special occasion and received a bill from BMI for over $300,000. As it were, BMI sent bills to 25 bars and restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. They settled with 11 bars for a total of $342,000. Tadpoles got a lawyer and fought the case and was offered a settlement of $30,000. Tadpole's closed because they could not afford the amount and stay open.

Tampa Bay businesses are sued for playing copyrighted music without paying fees (https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tampa-bay-businesses-are-sued-for-playing-copyrighted-music-without-paying/2282346/)

https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/333808/2011/06/raw/7145594ff251d5993584fdb73fd81df2.jpg

[Mleeja]

On their web site they make it sound oh so simple. Even calling it "...intuitive...".

On a scale of 1-10 techie ability I would rate myself a 6.

Is it really as simple as presented?

And if the offering is as capable and easy as advertised for a significant reduction in cost.....why are there not more responding with their satisfaction.

I have been trying the free trial of you tube tv. It is very good. “Intuitive”? Yep. I like watching news in the morning on Fox 35. Except on Saturday their news does not start until 8:00 am. When I brought up You Tube TV this morning at 7:30 am it suggested Channel 2 news!

Alas, after adding up all the cost for You Tube TV, Internet service and Ooma phone service, it was only about $10.00 less than my Comcast service, including all their silly fees... I am going to stay with Comcast for awhile longer. Let the streaming services shakeout.

[Kerry Azz]

I have used Roku and Apple, recently Amazon had the fire stick on sale at half price so I decided to buy a couple of the 4K fire sticks. After receiving them I decided to jailbreak them and I must say I am absolutely amazed that it took me this long to make this decision, I have the ability if they so desired to watch movies that are currently at the movie theaters not saying I do that but I also have a virtual private network that does not show my actual Internet number. These things are very simple to use 100% legal most young peopleDo not subscribe to cable I always thought it was foolish that they did that but now I know It’s a great idea. The cable companies have gotten greedy over the years and you’ll see more and more people cutting the cord. I don’t think I’d buy a ElectronIc Device from the flea market but that’s just me if you’re on the fence do what I did I kept my cable until I was comfortable enough to use streaming not to mention I’m saving $125 a month the whole process is easier than you think it scared me as well but give it a chance I think you’ll love it the picture quality is much better and if you want to DVR theyre available in the cloud.