Cutting the Cord Streaming Discussion
 

Most are probably not aware, but in speaking to some of the Quantum Fiber techs recently, they are working "overtime", connecting people to fiber internert. I'm not sure why the significant increase but a lot of it has to do with the new fiber being installed in the Bonita and Liberty Park areas and in new areas outside the Villages and the increase in cable bills and buffering with cable systems.

That said, I thought it would be useful to for those who have moved from traditional cable to streaming, no matter which internet provider they are using to give some experience, good or bad on which streaming service they have tried and are now using and why.

I know everyone likes to talk about the cheapest service but I want to focus on ease of transition and usability. Especially to gain some experience for those only used to using cable and now want to make the transition to streaming.

What I'm finding is "many" Villagers are using YouTube TV. This is all good but I find a lot of Villagers find it a huge transition to go with a service like this even though, at a high level, the interface is similar to what they had with cable. When I help someone "cut the cord" I usually recommend using a Roku 4K streaming stick with Voice and the long range wifi. Yesterday, I discovered while in YouTube TV you can use the Voice Remote on the Roku to search for channels.

Please post your experience and any "tips" you can share.

Yesterday our TV and internet service with Quantum and UTube TV was set up with the invaluable help of John (Jrref).

I do not think we could have done this without him. Very different from xfinity and we will have some growing pains but we were able to watch a few programs on Utube last night without much difficulty.

We made this change due to the constant price increases from xfinity. Returned the equipment Tuesday and yesterday received a phone call from xfinity offering a coupon deal to reduce the price.

Typically the coupon lasts a few months and they will hope that the coupon expires and people go back to paying the higher price. After a few minutes told the guy your ship has sailed away and is not coming back.

What hardware are you using (smartTV, firestick, Roku, etc)?

I've had a firestick for many years. I plan to try the Roku the next time I need to replace or upgrade a firestick. I was very unimpressed with the performance of smartTV interfaces but that was at least six years ago and I would hope technology has improved.

ROKU as specified by John.

I have 4 smart TVs, but I have a Roku stick plugged into every TV. The Roku stick is far superior to the built-in smart TV functions. Note that the Roku stick operates through your wifi system, so you don't need to point the remote at the stick to use streaming functions that are activated from the stick. You may need to point at the TV and other devices that are not activated by the Roku stick.

We switched from Spectrum TV to YouTube TV and it is much better in every way even at $90 a month plus $65 for internet we are saving a bunch of money.

We got fiber when we moved to TV a few years ago. We use Roku for streaming as we have older tvs. We only use free streaming and an outdoor antenna for free OTA television. The link in my signature has various information about television.

PS
We use HD Homerun so we can watch and DVR the OTA channels throughout the home.

When I had Quantum Fiber installed, it was done by the Quantum Techs. Did they stop doing this?

They still do the install. What Stu is talking about is many here in the Villages need help understanding if it makes sense to switch from cable to fiber and streaming and need help executing the process. As many know, I don't have a business but I worked for Verizon for 30 years and am a Villager who can help sign you up, go over all the options to place the wifi equipment for optimal coverage ahead of time and get all the pre wiring done if necessary. Most importantly, then install all the streaming devices and help get the people started with the basics of using the Roku and Youtube TV if that's what they want to use.

I also can help those who have a pre-installed wifi system done by a professional or a home with a complex Smart Home system installed. Some of these Villagers are reluctant to make the switch due to the complexity of their existing systems installed.

Stu, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.

When we moved here, our options for internet were satellite (hell no), CenturyLink at a whopping 2 (yes, two) mpbs, or Xfinity. We've been Xfinity cable customers for many years, so we picked that, and cut the cord and got a Roku stick. That was 7 years ago, I connected it all myself because it really isn't hard to do at all. Then we picked YouTubeTV after we settled into living here a few months later, which was also simple to do.

I have the same router and modem that I bought at Staples when we closed on the house in 2018. Everything works fine. Xfinity internet went up $10 this year, but I'm now paying $60/month for some stupidly large amount like 600mbps. YouTubeTV raised its prices in January but I yelled at them and they lowered it back down. This month it was supposed to go up to the increased price, but the notice had a coupon to give me the lowered price for another 6 months.

If it ever becomes more expensive than Hulu+TV, I'll switch to that. But for now I'm good.

My wife and I switched to YouTube TV a couple years ago and love it. It does come with a little learning curve, since it is a little different than what most people are used to. We love it for the unlimited cloud DVR and being able to arrange the order your channels appear in the guide for live tv. We have a smart tv, but use Roku since their remote is easy to use. Before YouTube TV we had Hulu with live tv and it just got expensive and didn’t have unlimited DVR. Lots of choices out there and I believe most allow you to do a free trial.

We “cut the cord” two years ago… and havent looked back. We opted for a “roku” stick, and smart TV’s. We have 3 in our house, and rentals with 3 more. We have leaned to naviagate with YouTube.tv, voice commands, prioritizing your channel list, adding new channels as we think of it…and our favorite is being able to record anything we want and it stays with your for 9 months and you can watch it on any tv in your house, and we share this with our daughter as well, I think its up to 5 connections. Its great. We had Netflix but when it went up to 19.00 per month, I cancelled it. Then a couple weeks later I got an invite back for $8.00 for the next year. I haven't resubscribed as of yet will wait til fall. We have Prime video with our Amazon, and with our Verizon account we get a pretty big discount if we sign up for Netflix plus something else, and another discount for disney etc. We haven't done all that as we only really watch YouTube. However, we are considering it when we return in the fall. YouTube is easy to navigate, and if you travel for the summer, you can bring it with you which is another added feature. We do seasonal rate with Xfinity which reduces it to 20 bucks for the summer months. All said, I would never go back to cable services. Our xfinity rate includes the modem. One question, someone said they talked with YouTube TV. What is their customer service number as I havent ever found it and wanted to speak to someone as well. Can anyone supply me with that? I have searched it out but not been successful… thanks.

Do you?
 

WE use Silicon Dust (HD Homerun) also. As well as original and Gen4 Tablo OTA.
Have you tried the Tablos?

The Gen4 has over a hundred streaming channels as well as the OTA recording, NICE.

Also, with 4 HDMI inputs on Tv, we have a Roku, a Firestick, and a ONN. All are great, ONN is "home" capable and we can view our Wyze cams on the big screen.

Available channels
 

I’ve had cable forever and love all the local channels ABC etc and many of the other non premium channels. What streaming systems are available that meet my needs and what is the cost. I currently spend $180.00 a month for internet and tv on one tv. I have firesticks in 3 others and watch Xfinity streaming on them. Thanks