Cutting the cord
 

Xfinity has gotten out of control for monthly costs. Would like to cut the cord…either Hulu tv or YouTube tv? Would welcome any thoughts or experiences and difference in costs. Also how difficult is it to install? Install in more than one room? Can you still record programs? Thanks!

We use Spectrum internet with our smart TV. We pay for Netflix and have Amazon Prime. Much cheaper.

You can do this without a smart TV if you add an inexpensive Roku or Firestick.

If you are a sports nut, you will have to add those pay channels, but its much cheaper than the whole cable bill.

I tried both. I have YouTube TV now.

It is hard to comment on the channels offered - its been a while since I had Live Hulu

What I like about YouTubeTV is I can use it in various zip codes as much as I want. Hulu only allows 2 or 3 zip code changes a year.
So, my kids both share our YouTube TV. We use it in TV as well as home.

Cutting the cord ? You mean cutting the TV programming, you still need the cord for internet .

How accessible are the local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS)
Where a large percent of evening programming is located (that we prefer).

Recording capability is a must as well.

YouTube is great.

Very easy to sign-up & download.

Plus......it travels with you.
Where ever you go, it goes.
I have one child on it in Colorado & it's free to her.

You can customized the channel line-up.

Free recording.

High quality picture.

Good Luck.

Cutting the Cord
 

:icon_wink:First thing I did was get T-Mobile Home Internet.Look here Unlimited High-Speed 5G Home Internet Service Plans | T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
$50.00 includes tax / month

:icon_wink:Next I purchased a ROKU Streaming device on Amazon Amazon.com
$29.00 one time (if you have a smart TV you may not need ROKU just go to the App store and download an APP. I got the device because the remote works everything and is easy to understand how to use it.


:icon_wink:Then I got youtube TV $64.99 / month for 85+ channels for the base added ALL the premium channels for about $50.00 / month.I also have Prime, Netflix & Britbox. (Important note: ROKU does not have the Youtube TV app. You have to go to Youtube then go left & down to the bottom to find YouTube TV.

YouTube TV - Watch & DVR Live Sports, Shows & News

:icon_wink:There are other services available like Sling, Hulu, Fubu and others. I have been told FUBU is the best for sports.

:)Finally, I did all this about 2 weeks before I cancelled Xfinity. I wanted to make sure everything worked before I turned in all the Xfinity stuff. We have been using this set up for about 2 months with no problems. I only have installed on 2 of 5 TVs. I will do the others eventually.

Good service or bad service I’m staying with direct tv as long as they have the NFL ticket

Go to supposetv.com. it compares most streaming services and shows what channels are listed. I found that YouTube tv had the most channels that I wanted.

I use Direct TV Now, or AT&T TV streaming (whatever they're calling it this week). I get a discount since I bundle it with by cell service. I added HBO Max for $5/month, added Netflix (share Hulu with one of the kids, who glom onto my Netflix) and have Amazon Prime (included with Amazon Prime)

I use Spectrum as my internet service.

The TV is hooked up using an Amazon Firestick, and everything else is WiFi, as well. The Spectrum router reaches everywhere (even the garage), but when I get around to it, I'll replace it with a better NetGear router, to save the monthly rental...

Been on You Tube for 2 weeks. $100 per month cheaper than my cable bill. Smart tv, no problem. Dumb tv needs Amazon Firestick. $39. Both easy to set up. Picture cuts out for 2 seconds about once an hour. Can live with it. Able to record but must get use to replay procedures. Snowbirds so will eliminate another $160 when I move YouTube back and forth to Indiana. Cost $100 for two Fire Sticks. Save $260 per month.

There is a learning curve.

I have no idea what your talking about lol

record playback using youtube
 

I cannot figure out how utube record and playback works
, lots more difficult than comcast.

currently my Xfinity bill is $133 a month for tons of channels, dvr, and internet. so for me, I don't see a lot of cost savings cutting cord vs convenience of Xfinity. come up for new contract in April so will see if they will continue it.

Information about youtube tv ------- YouTube TV: What You Need to Know

Information about youtube --------------- What is Youtube? | Webopedia


Youtube tv is a streaming service offering what most of us would call everyday TV ABC---NBC--- CBS----FOX---ESPN---

Youtube is a free streaming service where you can search categories of you choice and receive video input on those categories. Everything that you can think of. For a monthly fee you will receive ad free programing.

Youtube and Youtube TV are two separate things. They are both owned by Google. I use both and enjoy them.

Many people are missing a lot by not using youtube on your TV it is very informative and entertaining. I watch concerts---sports information---documentaries and so much more all there for no cost. Just search your area of interest. Also a lot of information about The Villages.

I've been using YouTubeTV for a year instead of cable TV or satellite TV. I love it because:
- Has all the local channels
- Has all the other channels typically found on cable TV
- Unlimited recording capability that's easy to use
- Can put on all the TVs in the house for nothing extra
- Can use from other locations on the one account (great for snowbirds)
- Can let family members in save viewing area use same account
- $65 / month with no contract
- Installation is very easy -- modern TVs probably include the app. Older TVs need a Amazon firestick or Roku which is a one time purchase for less than $40. It's just an app, so there's no other hardware or cables.
- Extra channel options for a price similar to what cable TV offers

Note that you still need internet capability from any provider you choose.

You search for the title and "+" it to add to your library. Then, future episodes will appear in your library.

Youtube tv vs hulu comparison

YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live: Which Streaming Service Is Better? - Clark Howard

Yet you're able to post on the innertubes... :1rotfl:

Yeah, I did get a bit geeky back there...

My "Smart TV" up north was REALLY slow, so it improved with a firestick.

The new TV I purchased last Spring must have an insanely faster processor, since the TV itself works faster than if I hook up a 4K firestick...

Didn't realize that when I bought it...

But, I'll just save it for when I bring down another TV for one of the BRs or the Lanai...

With YoutubeTV you get all the local broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS. You get pretty much everything you had with any cable provider.

I’ve been streaming for about 5 years now, here in Florida and at my Rochester NY area home.

You also have built in Recording/DVR capability.

you see what you want to record, select it and press add to library feature.
Stores everything in the cloud for 9 months or so.
No cable box, or dvr fees per room.

get ready to change. Nfl contract up after this season.
Believe new one will go out to the streaming services especially youtube tv which is owned by google.
Deep pockets usually win.

Amen to using suppose.tv. For instance, I like VICE channel but can not get it on Youtube.

Use free trials for Youtube and HULU at a minimum.

They are very different. The best one depends on your viewing habits.

HULU with all the options is the most expensive but it has features that no other streaming service offers.

In most cases shows are able to be replayed after 24 hours of first run. Most programs have the ability to be started at the beginning if you join it late. And it is best for selections of on demand shows.

Downside of HULU, is that the fast forward is very slow and the navigation takes a while to master.

If you go to YouTube there are endless reviews on cost and which services that will fit your needs.

What is best about cutting the cord is you get to create your own package.
Your monthly bill will be higher or lower on the size of the options you want.

Fire stick $25/mo....has over 7000 channels!

I'd like to know more about how this works. I can see a firestick for a non-smart TV, but exactly how does firestick access 7,000 channels for free? I'd love a basic explanation on this as I'm considering options

We switched to YouTube TV from Hulu Live - I’m a TV junkie - YouTube is less expensive here by a few dollars because of the fees Hulu tacks on, and the DVR recording is much better. To get maximum recording capacity with Hulu, there is an upcharge (at least there used to be). Canceled Xfinity when the promotional period ended. Saved about $100/month.

I stream with smart Tv and have slingTV, sling is 40 a month plus comcast internet 60.00
4 TVs plus computer works fine

So you're stealing from You Tube.

Cutting the cord is the way to go. The only downside that it can cost almost more when/if you start getting too many different "bundles" ie Hulu, Prime, YouTubeTV, etc. If you can get the old rabbit ears to work for you, it can at least allow you to catch some local TV (if you want). We have Spectrum for internet and simply stream everything else on SmartTV and Firestick.
Good luck

We cut last year. We still use Xfinity for internet but stream the Disney + bundle and got a home antenna. Works great!

Who is stealing?

(Important note: ROKU does not have the Youtube TV app. You have to go to Youtube then go left & down to the bottom to find YouTube TV.

Is this for new Roku customers? We have had YouTube TV on our Roku Sticks for many years. We used the YouTube TV app, Sat., Nov 6.

There is a dispute between Google and Roku. The YouTubeTV app is no longer available from the Roku App Store but the app will continue to work for those who installed it before the dispute. Stay tuned ...

I have a service that gives you over 3000 channels. Very reasonable, about 20 dollars a month

Tvalternatives99@yahoo.com

better option:
1st you don't need a smart tv to use firestick. Just a tv with a HDMI input (most tv's from last 5-7 years have this).

Service call is $35 for 1st 30 minutes, then $17.50 each 15 minutes. email or text me for fee schedule. any other questions feel free to call or email or text me.

Normal installation for 2 tv's and firestick runs between 1.5 to 2 hours or $140.00 flat rate for 2 tv's. If router needs to be setup that would be an additional $70.00.

Things to do before I arrive.

1. know your wi-fi password and network name (should be what your currently connected to)

2. know your Amazon login and password

3. Know your cable company login and password.

Thanks for the inquiry.

After startup expenses you will only be paying for your wi-fi and $25.00/mth for your streaming service. Firestick streaming service has live tv, movies, tv series, all cable channels, all sports channels and over 3,000 channels total.
Here are some things that will speed things up.
1. Do you own your own router and is it compatible with your internet company? I recommend you purchase your own router instead of renting from cable company for $12-15/mth.. The netgear c7000 v2 works very well with xfinity. I have 1 left for $140.00
2. Do you have a 4-K firestick, You will need a 4-K firestick for each TV you want hooked up. you don't need the new Amazon Fire Stick 4K max, but do need the 3rd-Gen Fire TV Stick, now on sale for 27.99
Amazon.com Page Not Found
3. You will need passwords for the following; Amazon account, your cable provider, your own internet network
4. Make sure your tv has a HDMI input. (most do since 2004)
Dalton Consulting Services
757-748-6060

In reading youtube's rules I understood a child had to live under the same roof as the manager. Is that not true and how do you add the child that lives in a distant city.

Ohiobuckeye
 

If you think Xfinity is expensive, everything thing will eventually be expensive after 5 yrs. Spend $50. & get an antenna, TV say no antenna’s allowed, which I think they police it enough because when you drive around you see lots of antenna’s. I put mine in the attic above my garage & I got 50 channel’s with a $20. Booster. About 15 of those channels were Spanish speaking, just so you know, & I watched my favorite College Football team every Sat. Spectrum I was paying $165. month after 8 yrs.

How Much?
 

I may be missing something, but adding all this up comes to just under $200. That's 20% more than I pay now (Xfinity) and I don't have enough time to watch what I have. What happens if you need service, with Xfinity it's one call and the internet provider can't blame the other three servers or vice a versa. :shocked: