Fire stick and you tube tv!!!

[Clemson]

I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.

[roob1]

Depending on the age of the smart tv's, a Firestick may be better. The pic may improve and it may run faster using the Firestick than with the Smart function of the TV. I found this to be true w/ my 2018 Sony smart TV. Local channels are available on YouTube TV.


I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.

[billethkid]

If interested in an alternative....Check T-Mobile 5G internet for availability and pricing.
If available at your address, it will most likely be less money than Infinity.

After months of research and hesitation I finally dropped Xfinity (after 18 years!!!). Using T-Mobile 5G internet and Direct TV Stream......plus all the other apps i.e. Amazon/Netflix/et al.
$100 less per month than Xfinity.

The only complaint I ever had with Xfinity is their on-going, continual price increases. They could not compete to save an 18 year customer!!

_________________________________________________

:censored:

[retiredguy123]

Depending on the age of the smart tv's, a Firestick may be better. The pic may improve and it may run faster using the Firestick than with the Smart function of the TV. I found this to be true w/ my 2018 Sony smart TV. Local channels are available on YouTube TV.
I have 3 smart TVs, but I still have a Roku stick attached to each one. In my opinion, the Roku stick has a better user interface than the built-in smart TV interface or the Firestick. If you look for sales, you can usually buy a Roku stick for about $30.

[Bill14564]

Depending on the age of the smart tv's, a Firestick may be better. The pic may improve and it may run faster using the Firestick than with the Smart function of the TV. I found this to be true w/ my 2018 Sony smart TV. Local channels are available on YouTube TV.

The above plus...

The Smart TV may not have applications for the newer streaming services like Hulu, Paramount+, Disney+, Peacock, etc. The Firestick, and likely the Roku box, does support all of those.

[Clemson]

Thank you. I will look into that. I doubt it with T mobile it seems where I live the whole neighborhood had fiber and xfinity boxes on the outside of their homes

[Clemson]

Good information. Thank you….What about internet ??? I currently have xfinity internet and Wi-Fi

[Bill14564]

Thank you. I will look into that. I doubt it with T mobile it seems where I live the whole neighborhood had fiber and xfinity boxes on the outside of their homes

T-Mobile 5G internet does not require a connection to your house. Their box works over the cellular system so all you need is a good T-Mobile signal. Their signup page will check your address to let you know if the signal will be good enough.

My father has T-Mobile 5G internet and it works well for him. He lives out in the country with few neighbors and no cable available. Others have had problems with T-Mobile in more populated areas. Their system can only support so many people on a single tower and if it is getting busy then performance could decrease.

The last I checked, it was pretty easy to return the T-Mobile equipment if it didn't work for you. It might be worth the money to give it a try.

[Papa_lecki]

If smart tv has the YouTube tv app, no other devices needed.
You get local stations

[smurphy]

You mentioned that you have multiple smart TV's. Unless you bought the identical model at the same time, it is likely that they each have different interfaces and remotes.

If you put a Roku on each on the TVs, you will have the same user interface, menus and capabilities.

Also, Roku's tend to get updated more frequently for new services, much faster than the smarts in a TV.

[retiredguy123]

You also need to verify if the smart TVs that you have will allow you to update the YouTubeTV app, and if they will allow you to add additional streaming apps from the Internet. Roku sticks are extremely flexible for adding and updating apps.

[Garywt]

We cut the cord but kept internet. We had Roku TVs but one that wasn’t which we bought a Roku box for. We do not have an antenna so we don’t get local stations but we pay for Philo, Frndly and the Hulu Bundle. We also watch the free apps Tubi and Pluto. So far so good and saving up $300 a month total for 2 locations.

[Bill1701]

'Their box works over the cellular system so all you need is a good T-Mobile signal.' There's the rub. We had to have Verizon send us a box that sits by the window and resends the signal to the rest of the house.

[Bill14564]

'Their box works over the cellular system so all you need is a good T-Mobile signal.' There's the rub. We had to have Verizon send us a box that sits by the window and resends the signal to the rest of the house.

Yep.

Back in MD we had an AT&T microcell; here in FL our phones typically use Wi-Fi calling.

Verizon also has a 5G internet offering but if the signal is that weak then it won't be a viable option either.

My dad's home seems to be just at the edge of the T-Mobile cell. He has enough signal that it works but his neighbor across the street probably would not.

[Clemson]

It seems like when I turn on the tv it says apps have been updated . Through the cable and the boxes. But I would need to check with the original tv remote??? As xfinity is running the apps through the remote?

[Nevinator]

I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.
I have smart TV’s and Firesticks on some other televisions. I also subscribe to YouTubeTV. While either the smart TV, or the Firestick will provide you access to YouTube TV, I prefer the Firestick. The reason being is that with a fire stick you can link the Firestick to an Alexa device if you have one. Once you have linked the Alexa device to the Fire TV, you can verbally control the fire TV. You can do things like turn on and off the television remotely, search for various programs, change channels using verbal commands, and also pause and resume shows that are in progress.

[retiredguy123]

It seems like when I turn on the tv it says apps have been updated . Through the cable and the boxes. But I would need to check with the original tv remote??? As xfinity is running the apps through the remote?
If you have an Xfinity cable TV box, there are some apps that are delivered through the cable and not directly through the Internet service. So, you can access these apps without even having an Internet service, and no streaming is required.

[Worldseries27]

if interested in an alternative....check t-mobile 5g internet for availability and pricing.
If available at your address, it will most likely be less money than infinity.

After months of research and hesitation i finally dropped xfinity (after 18 years!!!). Using t-mobile 5g internet and direct tv stream......plus all the other apps i.e. Amazon/netflix/et al.
$100 less per month than xfinity.

The only complaint i ever had with xfinity is their on-going, continual price increases. They could not compete to save an 18 year customer!!

_________________________________________________

:censored:
ditto last paragraph and add 100 dollar penalty for going over data limit
sayanora xfinity to the moon and beyond
thanks gc

[srctink]

We cut the cord 3years ago. We had a friend program firesticks for us. We get local tv channels and movie channels,and all sports channels, for less than $25.00 monthly.

[Blackbird45]

We have 5 TVs in the house, none of them are smart TVs. Chromecast on each of the 5, my own modem and mess router. I switched from Xfinity to You Tube TV, am more than satisfied and major yearly saving on equipment rental alone. Cutting the cable is easier than you think.

[HJBeck]

We cut the cord 2 years ago and were not happy with the fire stick or roku. Finally got the chromecast device which seems to work the best with youtube tv. We get many local TV stations (live).

[wwwson]

Good information. Thank you….What about internet ??? I currently have xfinity internet and Wi-Fi

I would suggest looking into Quantum Fiber..... $65 per month with the price locked for life. We have had it for over 6 months now and it is great.

[Travilinggal]

If smart tv has the YouTube tv app, no other devices needed.
You get local stations

Would you explain that?

[retiredguy123]

Would you explain that?
Assuming you have Internet service, turn on your smart TV and open the YouTubeTV app. Click on start free trial. You will be able to stream more than 100 channels which will include the local channels. After the free trial is over, it will cost you $72.99 per month.

[Odale123]

I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.


I use you tube tv and it’s great and easy to use. You tube tv is an “app” and the app is either on your smart tv already or…..the app is loaded on a Firestick or a roku device. If the app isn’t on your smart tv you can try to to add it. If you can’t add it on your smart tv just use either of the 2 devices you mentioned. I got a deal with Spectrum a couple of months ago here in The Villages-$25 per month for 1 year then it goes up to the normal price(same as Infinity). Also, you can sign up for You Tube Tv online. No more customer service people and waiting on the phone!

[PoolBrews]

You will always be better off using either a Firestick or a Roku than the TV app. The TV manufacturer is selling a TV, not apps, so they don't always spend a lot of time on optimizing and debugging their apps. The app on the TV (unless it is a FireTV or Roku) is NOT the same as the app on a FireTV or Roku.

Both Firesticks and Rokus are specifically sold to run apps - that is their primary purpose. These companies spend a great deal of time to optimize and debug the apps that are used to ensure a great user experience.

You are far more likely to experience slow response, stuttering, or freezing on a TV app.

[cphague]

If you only want to watch YouTube TV and can get those on your smart TV's (as you stated), start out that way with only your Internet and the TV's.

That will get you going, save you money and make you comfortable with the concept of streaming.

If, in the future, you decide you want other streaming services and your smart TV does not offer them or your TV does not update the apps for some reason, purchase a Fire Stick or a Roku.

I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.

[mikeycereal]

I have a smart TV but after several months of the same annoying commercials I am starting to go back to just internet and connecting computer to the TV for the large monitor. I tried white listing through my router but the commercials are still there. My adblocker works better on the computer and I don't know that it works as well for a smart tv. I now only watch Disney channel on the smart tv and deal with the commercials but those seem to be a lot less annoying. (not counting that whiney red bull bird one)

[JGibson]

Two things.

1. Do not go with T-Mobile they just had yet another data breach. This is about the 4th data breach in a year. I got a $25 check and lifetime credit monitoring for them leaking my social security number to the highest bidder.

The sad thing is it’s their own employees that are giving access to customers' personal information. I wouldn't trust this company with my library card number nevertheless my social security number.

2. If you get YouTube TV get the $30 Google TV stick as it works best with Google products.
Chromecast with Google TV - Google Store (https://store.google.com/us/product/chromecast_google_tv?hl=en-US)

[airstreamingypsy]

I have 7 smart TVs, and a Firestick in each one of them. Why? I find smart TV remotes to be ridiculous. Firestick remotes do everything I need a remote to do, and with way fewer buttons.

[PJackpot]

Good information. Thank you….What about internet ??? I currently have xfinity internet and Wi-Fi
Spectrum has a better deal. I've had them for a couple years now and very happy. Also, they do not add the usual fees.

[Battlebasset]

We have Xfinity internet only. Paying $55 per month now for 800 MB. Plenty for streaming and computer needs.

If you have Xfinity, they will give you their Flex streaming box for free. I got it, but really don't use it because I have Roku TVs. They will give you access to their Peacock Premium app as well. Many first run movies and other exclusive things. It's free, so no reason to not get it and check it out to see if it works for you.

[cphague]

YouTubeTv includes local network channels is what was meant. ABC, NBC, CBS, CW.

Would you explain that?

[Wondering]

I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.
Buy a Roku - cheaper and better for streaming apps like You Tube TV

[MidWestIA]

I have the same as you use mainly you tube tv and a couple addons and just use the Sony remote

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=billethkid;2213426]If interested in an alternative....Check T-Mobile 5G internet for availability and pricing.
If available at your address, it will most likely be less money than Infinity.

After months of research and hesitation I finally dropped Xfinity (after 18 years!!!). Using T-Mobile 5G internet and Direct TV Stream......plus all the other apps i.e. Amazon/Netflix/et al.
$100 less per month than Xfinity.

The only complaint I ever had with Xfinity is their on-going, continual price increases. They could not compete to save an 18 year customer!!

We went through the same decision making, price gathering, and yes 18 years with Xfinity (although when our home was first completed, our TV service was The Villages, it was about $36 and excellent range of stations (for that time) but it was sold to Comcast, and from the time the letter arrived, the prices went up at least every quarter and it's never stopped ! We were told if we take ONLY internet service, it would be $92 a month ! ! So we just kept all of it, for now at least !

[Roron123]

Try Quantum Fiber optics for your internet $65/month. Very fast

[Bill14564]

We went through the same decision making, price gathering, and yes 18 years with Xfinity (although when our home was first completed, our TV service was The Villages, it was about $36 and excellent range of stations (for that time) but it was sold to Comcast, and from the time the letter arrived, the prices went up at least every quarter and it's never stopped ! We were told if we take ONLY internet service, it would be $92 a month ! ! So we just kept all of it, for now at least !

I pay about $60 for Xfinity internet only and they included their Flex box and a Peacock subscription. I don't have 800Mbps and I don't need 800Mbps. I believe I have 50Mbps right now which is more than enough for two televisions and two tablets working at the same time.

Live channels through either Hulu or YouTubeTV will cost about $75/month

With just that, at about $135/month, you have something equivalent to cable programming, Peacock for some good movies and TV series, plus an internet connection for your home.

If you want to add on movie channels then Netflix, Disney, Paramount, HBO, Showtime, and others are all available. Netflix, Hulu, and HBO are each in the neighborhood of $18/month while Disney is more like $10/month. I believe these all are available on a month-to-month basis so turn it on when you want to watch and cancel at the end of the month if you like.


One thing to be careful of if you are thinking of switching internet providers: HuluLive has not worked well with T-Mobile 5G internet and I imagine it would have a problem with Verizon 5G as well. HuluLive does work with Xfinity (I have that now). YouTube TV does not seem to have the same problems but I haven't tried it myself.

[dpmers]

I’m wanting to cut the cord on cable with xfinity and keep the xfinity internet. I have 2 smart tv with you tube tv. Do I really need a fire stick? If signing up for you tube tv will I be able to still get the local tv channels???

So much info on line I just need it to be simple and easy.

Thank you.

Smart tv"s do not need a firestick. Youtube tv includes all the local network channels out of Orlando.
We've had youtube tv for 4 years, never had any problems. We also have centurylink internet service at 970 M/B, never had an issue there either. Price is $65 mo, all included and it's guaranteed for life.

[BEETHOVENMIKEY]

We had been a Comcast customer for over 30 years. But their last price increase was taking it over $240/month and we did not have their dads internet and no add-ons. Their customer service didn't even want to talk to retain us and get a better price. Even if we dropped TV service, Comcast was going to charge $175/m just for internet!
Thankfully, here on the north side, we had Quantum Fiber (Century Link). We got QF 200mbps and findvit is excellent to run a 65" smart TV, 2 computers, 2 cell phones and a tablet, even with all running the Aamer time...and no buffering. And, for $49/month!
I developed a spreadsheet and listed all the channels we watched on Comcast and started comparing all services, i.e. Dish, Direct, YouTubeTV, Roku, Firestick, etc. DirectTV had the best coverage, but price was nearly $200. Ultimately, we went with YouTubeTV. It has 98% of what we watched, plus local. We are already Prime members and with all the TV apps provided with our smart TV, we get more than we need.
All total, $130/month for superior internet and TV coverage.

[rsmurano]

I use Apple TV 4K boxes to run all my apps like YouTube tv, YouTube, philo, Apple TV+, paramount, and allows me to stream music from my servers and each Apple TV device is an end point for Roon streaming.
For internet, I think you will have less problems with a wired service vs a wireless internet. But the internet is only part of the picture, if you don’t have a good wireless signal in your house (most villagers use wireless to all of their TVs) then you can have problems streaming hidef shows

[Jcore]

For what it’s worth, I spent last month comparing(I have 2 72” 2017 Samsung smart tvs):

Peacock (live sports, no recording, limited replay)
Sling tv (blue/orange, sports add on, news add on) - 720 p resolution, good record/replay, no local channels no customer service. Can easily add antenna to tv for HDTV for local channels.
DirectTV (live outside TV). 1080i resolution local channels, decent customer service .

As a hockey and golf fan, resolution quality and ability to record and replay for later watching and fast forward through ads are main considerations. Well price important too!

My situation I’ll stick with DirectTV assuming they’ll renegotiate monthly fees back down to $100-$130/month. This is versus sling tv which would be $70/month but no local and only720p resolution which would be fine for iPad viewing but not 72” smart tvs.

FYI hope it helps….

[wamley]

I bought a ROKU, signed up Xfinity Fast Internet for $80 a mth. Pay for SLING $40 mth. Roku offers a lot and so does Sling. Don't know if it fits your TV diet. Xfinit was $210 a month. You can watch almost other streaming offer by the month if you see something you want to watch. I know some that signed up for HBO and in two months watched all episodes of the Game of Thrones than cancelled their subscription.

[Clemson]

Well thanks to everyone response !!! I will stick with xfinity internet but what speeds considering I have basically 12-13 devises running through wifi….

[SeaCros]

The advantage to using a FireStick or Roku will give you more flexibility than what is offered by just the Smart TVs. Plus it's cheaper to update the external device instead of buying a new TV. When you truly cut the cord and just have high speed internet you can use FuboTV or YouTubeTV to gain access to some local channels.

[Bill14564]

Well thanks to everyone response !!! I will stick with xfinity internet but what speeds considering I have basically 12-13 devises running through wifi….

I have a 75Mbps service with 27 active devices (firesticks, iphones, tablets, laptop, camera, smart devices). I feel 25Mbps would be sufficient but I don't know if that is even offered anymore.

[Doro22]

Totally agree. We did the same. We also have ROKU.

[Professor]

Agree with you on Roku. I tried one firestick, and still use it, but all my other T.V.'s, including the Smart T.V.'s, have a Roku on them. Interface is seamless and very responsive.

[LizzieBorden]

I too, after 18 years decided to cut the cord with Xfinity Cable/Telephone. I no longer need the land line for sure, and after experimenting with a fire stick, I am pretty sure I can survive without it.. I called yesterday to disconnect effective tomorrow. I will be returning all the equipment and maintaining only the wifi with tax $107 in stead of 260 per month. They offered to reduce my bill by 11 dollars if I stayed, I guess that was their “save” tactic but it wasnt enough for me. I may end up with U-tube TV and my fire stick, but it will annually save me at least a thousand dollars…. It took courage as I like to record my shows, and on U tube TV its unlimited recording….but I will start with just my fire stick and see how it goes. I can always add utube later. Anyway… be brave, cut the cord and figure it out. The cable company has no compassion for the customer in my opinion. They havent tried to come out with offers to keep their customer base so candidly I dont think they care either. Good luck to you all…

[Dbraisted]

How much does it cost for XFINITY internet only in the Villages?

[Get real]

I wouldn't trust this company with my library card number nevertheless my social security number.



What is a library card? :confused:

[JGibson]

What is a library card? :confused:

In some states it's a legit form of ID so don't make fun of it. lol.

[Clemson]

13 plus devices on wi fi not running at the same time…. What up load and download speed would suffice for xfinity….

Thank you

[Andyb]

Roku better, and yes on local channels

[Hans53]

agree on xfinity price increases and about to drop after more than 20 years as found them very un cooperative with contracts pricing

[Hans53]

i like to record and fast forward through commercials. what service does that??

[retiredguy123]

i like to record and fast forward through commercials. what service does that??
YouTubeTV. Here is a good article by Clark Howard about YouTubeTV.

4 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for YouTube TV (https://clark.com/technology/tvsatellite-cable/4-things-to-know-before-you-sign-up-for-youtube-tv/)

[tuccillo]

You haven't provided much information about what you are doing but a few typical numbers may help you. Probably, your largest user of download bandwidth will be video streaming. Typically, 1080p Hi-Def will consume about 5 megabits per second of download bandwidth, per active stream. 2160p (aka 4K) will consume about 20 megabits per second of download bandwidth, per stream. Unless you are typically moving around large files (for example, 50 gigabytes), the amount of bandwidth you require is probably a lot less than you think.

There will be a "sweet spot" in the pricing that may very well provide much more bandwidth than you need. For example, I have 200 megabits per second upload and download with Quantum Fiber for $30 per month. This is their lowest cost offering and represents about 10 times more bandwidth than I can utilize.

13 plus devices on wi fi not running at the same time…. What up load and download speed would suffice for xfinity….

Thank you