[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.

Originally Posted by 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.

[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!!

_________________________________________________

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by 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 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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?