topic Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv? in Electronics

Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

SnowKita — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:16:42 GMT

Hello, we would like to get rid of cable due to lack of use and wasting money. We rarely watch tv, but we don't want to loose the few things we do watch: live sporting events (on major networks & ESPN etc.), a few primetime shows on major 3 networks (which we don't really need to see live--usu. DVDr and watch later), and some kids channels (sprout, nick jr.). I have apps for a few networks and can plug in the cable code to watch on ipad/phone. As far as I can tell, the apps only offer some of the content and are offered for a limited time only, so limits when you are able to view.) So, can we get rid of cable and still watch live tv? If we get rid of it, we will no longer have the codes to plug into the apps to that content. I have been researching appletv, roku, amazon fire, etc. but don't quite 'get it.' I have searched for the answer elsewhere, but the tech. talk lost me. TIA for any assistance ~smiles, SnowKita

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Nuttmeg — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 02:35:13 GMT

This is one article on cord cutting. http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2015/02/22/nerdwallet-alternatives-to-cable/23599657/

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Lotus — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 02:59:41 GMT

I'm not to electronically savvy.

Are you asking if you can live stream from a device onto your TV?

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

lovescats — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 03:00:03 GMT

If you want to watch live tv you need an antenna. Espn is not an over the air channel. Indoor antennas work pretty good if you are within 25 miles of your broadcast towers. Amazon sells them. you can check your address here http://www.antennaweb.org/ and at http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 to see what stations you might be able to get.

I have a roku3 on one tv and an amazon fire tv on the other. Hulu+ and netflix charge monthly fees. Amazon prime is the yearly fee. Some people use smart tvs that already have the hulu+, netflix and amazon apps on them but you still have to pay the fees.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

glb613 — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 03:00:27 GMT

Some of what you want to watch can be seen using an antenna IF you live within 30 miles of the broadcast towers. So, if you live in a big city, you may get the broadcast networks and PBS channels in better HD than cable. Most of the sports you watch through apps, like ESPN, are pay services if you don't subscribe to cable or satellite TV. There is Netflix and other streaming services that you can subscribe for a monthly fee

Many cable channels have full episodes you can watch via the internet a day or two after it's broadcasted. There are ways to connect your computer to your TV and watch them on a bigger screen.

If enough people stop cable perhaps the companies will offer an ala cart version where you pick and only pay for the channels you want.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Lotus — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 03:03:54 GMT

I have something called Chromecast....got it at Best Buy...but I think you can get them online too.

You plug it into an HDMI outlet on your TV and you can live stream from you phone/tablet or laptop!

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Rabid1 — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 05:14:37 GMT

There is no simple solution to cut the cord. with a PC, tablet, or streaming device you can cover most your bases for about $30 a month. That is using Amazon Prime Video, Hulu +, and Netflix. For another $20 you can sign up for Slingtv. It has CNN, Food Network with ESPN coming soon.

For streaming devices you have the 3 big ones Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast.

Roku are heavily underpowered and really only stream, but they do that well. People often rave about the selection of "channels" (streaming applications) but reality is the vast majority are junk. $45-99

Chromecast requires a second device, like a PC or tablet, to control it but it does the actual streaming itself so once the content start you are free to use your control device. $40

Fire TV is Amazon's set top Android device. It is by far the most powerful and versatile of the bunch. It streams, web browses, and play games very well. $89-99

I have all 3 and the Chromecast gets used the least. One trick ponies that need a separate device to actually use them are kind of a waste for me.

There are also Smart TVs that remove the need for one of these devices. Hisense makes and Android TV that is just short of amazing for under $600. There are several companies that make Tvs with Roku built in as well.

With some kind of streaming device and a few services you can have huge content to draw from, some next day streams after the first broadcast for around $30 to $50 a month, not including hardware. Each network has it's own streaming app so you can cover major networks.

One thing to avoid is streaming media boxes that claim free movies and TV. They may be great hardware but they are ALL using illegal streams.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

3blackdogs — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 05:27:44 GMT

You can use your smartphone with chromecast if you don't have a tablet or laptop..

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Lynnj — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 07:20:12 GMT

You basically still need to codes. Those devices don't let you watch anything live without it. Just like you are doing now woth your phone and pad, these devices are the same. So if you find you need the code for what you are watching now, a streaming device will be no different.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Rabid1 — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:44:36 GMT

On 2/23/2015 Lynnj said: You basically still need to codes. Those devices don't let you watch anything live without it. Just like you are doing now woth your phone and pad, these devices are the same. So if you find you need the code for what you are watching now, a streaming device will be no different.

This is not entirely correct. CBS has a live TV app, but at a fee for same night for live free for next day. Sling TV mentioned above lets you watch live, no providers or codes. The basic bundle has ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel, ABC Family, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, TNT, CNN, TBS, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim. There are 3 more addon packages. Both ABC and NBC are working on apps that do not require provider accounts. Many local stations broadcast news live on their websites.

Since the OP's only concern was live sports, which they can do without cable, through a paid app like Sling TV the apps that can broacast new shows the day after air , without a cable or satellite provider, would work fine.

SnowKita Amazon is having a sale right now that if you sign up for 3 months of Sling TV you get a free fire TV stick, which is a smaller slightly less powerful version of the Fire TV. I also looked at sling TV and you can get additional sport packages for a fee.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

autumnnj — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:36:33 GMT

We are also looking to cut cable, good info--thanks!

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

adoreqvc — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:44:28 GMT

Roku is great and it does streaming very well, but we love it for all the channels you can access....some pay and some free.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

gonnab — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 14:54:26 GMT

Ironic that we once all had those huge antennas to watch TV. Then cable was invented to eliminate those pesty commercials (hah, that was a lie!),the antennas, and streamline our viewing. Now we are looking at using antennas again to eliminate the cable, the commercials, lower our costs, and streamline our viewing.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

shaggygirl — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:31:58 GMT

Article from a Ct tv site I just read:

(WTNH)– It can be expensive to pay for cable TV. But it seems like more people are moving to stream their favorite shows from the internet. Now cutting the cord may be the way to go.

Keith Atchinson, from the FUSION Interactive Group, joined GMCT to talk about the most popular streaming devices now.

Here is what he suggests:

1. Roku 3 ($100)
o More than 2,000 channels
o High Definition streaming
o Stream subscriptions services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Watch ESPN, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, or Showtime through the box
o You can use Pandora, YouTube, Ted and Vevo to watch shows, listen to music or watch videos
o You can even play some mobile apps through the device right through Google Play.
o Remote control comes with a headphone jack

2. Amazon Fire TV ($100)
o Amazon Prime provides you with a wide variety of TV shows, kid shows and movies to choose from.
o Amazon sells a separate video game controller to make playing apps easier.
o Very speedy interface
o Voice search feature

3. Apple TV ($100)
o A must for big Apple users
o All purchases from your other Apple devices will automatically share right to your Apple TV and are accessible immediately from the box.
o You can still stream the Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, etc.. through the AirPlay interface
o Video from your other devices and apps within the Apple TV come in super smooth and crisp.

4. Use one of the Sticks- Google Chrome, Fire TV Stick or Roku Stick ($35 – $50)
o Stream content right from your tablet or smartphone without the need for a box.
o Plugs right in to your HDMI port in your TV to connect with your mobile device.

What you need to know if you decide to cut the cord:

1. Do some research first. Cord-cutting is not for everyone. Make a list of all of the channels and shows that you can’t live without and make sure there is an option for streaming them from the web.

2. Make sure your internet speed is high enough to stream multiple shows at once. Especially if you are a family who will want to watch more than one show at once. Netflix suggests 5 Mbps (megabits per second) but that is only going to be good for one video to stream at a time. 10 Mbps would be ideal for most homes.Test your speed during peak usage times (6pm – 10pm at night. Call your internet provider to ask about the highest level of service in your area.

3. Get an HD antenna for your major networks (ABC, Fox, NBC and CBS). You may get a few other networks as well. This tool will help you decide what type of antenna you need.

4. Decide which streaming device you want to use.

5. Figure out which streaming services (Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, etc…) are best for you.

6. And for the most complete transition, get a Web TV service like Dish’s new Sling service to ensure you are getting all of the cable channels you love and are used to watching. Dish’s Sling offers TNT, TBS, HGTV, ESPN, ESPN2 and many more of the most watch cable networks.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Lotus — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:57:04 GMT

I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

ValuSkr — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:11:59 GMT

On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

They will charge more for internet to make up for lost TV revenue. I think they're already doing it in some markets - charging for internet based on your download volume.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Rabid1 — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:33:27 GMT

On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

Actually some are taking advantage of the trend.

On 2/24/2015 ValuSkr said:
On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

They will charge more for internet to make up for lost TV revenue. I think they're already doing it in some markets - charging for internet based on your download volume.

That is why people should avoid cable or cellular companies for internet service.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

glb613 — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 19:14:36 GMT

On 2/24/2015 Rabid1 said:
On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

Actually some are taking advantage of the trend.
On 2/24/2015 ValuSkr said:
On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

They will charge more for internet to make up for lost TV revenue. I think they're already doing it in some markets - charging for internet based on your download volume.

That is why people should avoid cable or cellular companies for internet service.

You can't be serious.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

lovescats — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:24:13 GMT

On 2/24/2015 gonnab said:
Ironic that we once all had those huge antennas to watch TV. Then cable was invented to eliminate those pesty commercials (hah, that was a lie!),the antennas, and streamline our viewing. Now we are looking at using antennas again to eliminate the cable, the commercials, lower our costs, and streamline our viewing.

I never heard cable was invented to get rid of commercials. It was to get a better signal and more channels.

Re: Can you help me with 'streaming' devices/cable tv?

Nuttmeg — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:40:45 GMT

On 2/24/2015 Rabid1 said:
On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

Actually some are taking advantage of the trend.
On 2/24/2015 ValuSkr said:
On 2/24/2015 Lotus~ said:
I'm sure it won't be long before the cable companies find a way to put an end to this.

They will charge more for internet to make up for lost TV revenue. I think they're already doing it in some markets - charging for internet based on your download volume.

That is why people should avoid cable or cellular companies for internet service.

I would like to know what type of internet service you are using.