topic Re: STEAMING 101 in Electronics

STREAMING 101

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:48:16 GMT

My Spectrum cable just jumped in cost $84 and I'm considering streaming, although I still have much to learn, including why people think it's better than satellite or cable.

From some of the comments here, I'm guessing that you can't just sign up for one streaming service ... and there is also additional equipment you need to buy.

After talking to a Spectrum CS person yesterday, they said I could save money by dropping my 300mg to 100mg, but I honestly have no idea what I actually need.

Do you need more than one streaming service to see regular channels like ABC, CBS, etc?

I guess I need to see if there's a book Streaming For Dummies!

All feedback and suggestions are VERY welcome.

Re: STEAMING 101

Kachina624 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:46:53 GMT

@Tinkrbl44. Go to "search forums and blogs" above and enter "cutting the cord". It should answer most of your questions then come back here to ask more.

Re: STEAMING 101

Icegoddess — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:50:37 GMT

I don't know that much about streaming, but you should be able to get ABC, NBC, & CBS using your local affiliate and an over-the-air antenna, if you live close enough. Otherwise, I see no reason to have more than one streaming service if you get something like Youtube TV, Sling, etc that carry most or many of the channels you're already getting on your cable service vs services like Paramount, Peacock, Netflix, etc.

You may need to buy equipment, and make sure the tvs/devices are compatible. For example, I have a 2014 Samsung Smart TV. That is too old for any of the streaming services. So, it's not just the brand, it's how old the device is.

My other gripe is there doesn't seem to be a way to get in touch with a real person to discuss these things. I was considering possibly Sling at one time, but I'd really like to talk to one of their reps to see if there's a way to work with my TV.

Re: STEAMING 101

Marilyn30031 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:13:31 GMT

@Icegoddess While your current tv may not be 'smart' enough for streaming by itself, check if it has a HDMI port. If you have the capacity for wifi in your home, and there is a HDMI port on your tv, you can connect a Firestick, a Roku or a Chromecast device to your tv and stream Sling or YouTube TV through the device.

Re: STEAMING 101

Mz iMac — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:22:07 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:

You may need to buy equipment, and make sure the tvs/devices are compatible. For example, I have a 2014 Samsung Smart TV. That is too old for any of the streaming services. So, it's not just the brand, it's how old the device is.

My other gripe is there doesn't seem to be a way to get in touch with a real person to discuss these things. I was considering possibly Sling at one time, but I'd really like to talk to one of their reps to see if there's a way to work with my TV.

@Icegoddess Interesting about your 2014 smart tv. I have a 30+ yr old Toshiba dumb (non-smart) TV in my bedroom that is hooked up to a Firestick 3rd generation which works flawlessly. The 2nd generation died on me after 3 or 4 yrs for some strange reason.

A Firestick should work on your tv on a HDMI port/slot.

If you want to speak w/a real person, all streaming servics have message boards monitored & answered by streaming service "staff" Add, most if not all have FB pages which are public.

Re: STREAMING 101

kaydee50 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:27:33 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 Have you called Spectrum and asked for their "customer retention department"??? It has worked for me with RCN/Astound. I am VERY reluctant to give up cable because I am technology illiterate and just want to turn on the TV and see a listing of channels. Do not want to keep track of "streaming" services and have no idea how to access them. Watching TV used to be simple--LOL!!

Re: STEAMING 101

SilleeMee — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:39:32 GMT

How much speed you need, in mbps, mostly depends on how many devices will be connected to your wifi. If you have 300 mbps now and are only using a few devices on your wifi, I would drop down to 100 and save a bunch. With 100 mbps you can stream most video (including 4K), use your laptop(s) and also have a few other smart devices connected all at once w/o issues.

No smart TV? Then you will need to purchase a streaming device like Roku or Firestick and some others also. Those devices need to be connected to the back of your TV in a HDMI port.

You do not need to subscribe to more than one streaming service unless what you want to watch is premium or exclusive. Most streaming services get you the major networks and many of the other 'cable' channels without spending extra.

Re: STREAMING 101

bargainsgirl — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:49:57 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
My Spectrum cable just jumped in cost $84 and I'm considering streaming, although I still have much to learn, including why people think it's better than satellite or cable.

From some of the comments here, I'm guessing that you can't just sign up for one streaming service ... and there is also additional equipment you need to buy.

After talking to a Spectrum CS person yesterday, they said I could save money by dropping my 300mg to 100mg, but I honestly have no idea what I actually need.

Do you need more than one streaming service to see regular channels like ABC, CBS, etc?

I guess I need to see if there's a book Streaming For Dummies!

All feedback and suggestions are VERY welcome.

Spectrum increases all the time! We are going to switch to Youtube tv. $75/mo and you get local channels and MANY other good ones too. I know several families who use it and love it. Good luck! You just need a Roku or FIre stick if you do not have a smart tv.

Re: STEAMING 101

Icegoddess — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:04:36 GMT

@Marilyn30031 wrote:
@Icegoddess While your current tv may not be 'smart' enough for streaming by itself, check if it has a HDMI port. If you have the capacity for wifi in your home, and there is a HDMI port on your tv, you can connect a Firestick, a Roku or a Chromecast device to your tv and stream Sling or YouTube TV through the device.

@Marilyn30031 Thanks, that's basically what I wanted to know for sure. The websites don't tell you that, just that the TV needs to be at least a certain year. We do currently have a Firestick, although that might also be too old. We never quite figured out how to use that either. It was a pain since we had to change the TV over to that port which was a different remote. We didn't know how to find stuff which I found frustrating.

Re: STEAMING 101

Icegoddess — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:08:23 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@Icegoddess wrote:

You may need to buy equipment, and make sure the tvs/devices are compatible. For example, I have a 2014 Samsung Smart TV. That is too old for any of the streaming services. So, it's not just the brand, it's how old the device is.

My other gripe is there doesn't seem to be a way to get in touch with a real person to discuss these things. I was considering possibly Sling at one time, but I'd really like to talk to one of their reps to see if there's a way to work with my TV.
@Icegoddess Interesting about your 2014 smart tv. I have a 30+ yr old Toshiba dumb (non-smart) TV in my bedroom that is hooked up to a Firestick 3rd generation which works flawlessly. The 2nd generation died on me after 3 or 4 yrs for some strange reason.
A Firestick should work on your tv on a HDMI port/slot.

If you want to speak w/a real person, all streaming servics have message boards monitored & answered by streaming service "staff" Add, most if not all have FB pages which are public.

@Mz iMac Thanks, I'll look into the Facebook pages. My husband wants to do it more than I do, but he hasn't even bothered to look at what is offered. I'm kinda picky in that I like to watch college football and am adamant that I get Reelz Live so I can watch On Patrol Live when it's Live. I have friends who have Sling, but they only have the very basic and use an antenna for the local stations. I'm also a recorder, so the number of hours of recordings available is another biggie for me.

Re: STEAMING 101

SilleeMee — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:19:20 GMT

If you want to still have the 'cable experience' in a streaming service, Directv Stream offers their own streaming device and it comes with a remote control that is top-notch. Using their remote is almost like using a regular remote with numbers to take you directly to the channel you want to watch. Most other streaming remotes requires going through a guide and then looking for your channel. This one is not that. There is no satellite dish. Watch TV using the internet instead.

This is Directv Stream remote control...different from all the others:

This is the Directv Stream device, "Gemini":

Re: STEAMING 101

Mz iMac — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:19:04 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@Icegoddess wrote:

You may need to buy equipment, and make sure the tvs/devices are compatible. For example, I have a 2014 Samsung Smart TV. That is too old for any of the streaming services. So, it's not just the brand, it's how old the device is.

My other gripe is there doesn't seem to be a way to get in touch with a real person to discuss these things. I was considering possibly Sling at one time, but I'd really like to talk to one of their reps to see if there's a way to work with my TV.
@Icegoddess Interesting about your 2014 smart tv. I have a 30+ yr old Toshiba dumb (non-smart) TV in my bedroom that is hooked up to a Firestick 3rd generation which works flawlessly. The 2nd generation died on me after 3 or 4 yrs for some strange reason.
A Firestick should work on your tv on a HDMI port/slot.

If you want to speak w/a real person, all streaming servics have message boards monitored & answered by streaming service "staff" Add, most if not all have FB pages which are public.
@Mz iMac Thanks, I'll look into the Facebook pages. My husband wants to do it more than I do, but he hasn't even bothered to look at what is offered. I'm kinda picky in that I like to watch college football and am adamant that I get Reelz Live so I can watch On Patrol Live when it's Live. I have friends who have Sling, but they only have the very basic and use an antenna for the local stations. I'm also a recorder, so the number of hours of recordings available is another biggie for me.

@Icegoddess Then YouTube TV is right up your alley. Unlimited storage for recordings. Record till the next ice age.

I have movie recordings I recorded 2 yrs ago because I like to watch them from time to time..

Re: STEAMING 101

Mz iMac — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:21:46 GMT

@SilleeMee Everytime I see the pigeon commercial about DirectTV I think of you.

They are all on YouTube in case you have not see those commercials.

Re: STREAMING 101

Etoile308 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:28:54 GMT

@Tinkrbl44, getting local over the air channels like CBS, ABC, Fox, CW, NBC, PBS is as easy as disconnecting your cable and inserting an antenna to the coaxial port. I have an interior antenna and live in a valley with hills all around and still I pick up 65 over the air channels. Many of these channels are sub channels of your major local stations. For example my PBS station has three additional stations. One devoted to cooking/gardening/crafts, one children's programming, and another that rebroadcasts their older content.

And as mentioned, you don't need a smart TV to stream as long as you have Wi-Fi and your TV has a HDMI port. Having a smart TV makes it easier since many streaming services are easily accessed by pre installed streaming app icons on the TV.

When it comes to streaming there are two different types.

There is live streaming, which is watching shows that are currently showing per a schedule and can be found through a smart TV or by using a Firestick, or Roku type devices that are hooked up to your TV's HDMI port.

Then there is on demand streaming. That's when you go to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu and so many more that you subscribe to, to watch at that time the specific programs you want to watch.

I probably explained it as clear as mud.

You need to decide which cable programs you currently want to continue watching, and the best way to access those channels.

Re: STEAMING 101

Icegoddess — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:34:14 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@Icegoddess wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@Icegoddess wrote:

You may need to buy equipment, and make sure the tvs/devices are compatible. For example, I have a 2014 Samsung Smart TV. That is too old for any of the streaming services. So, it's not just the brand, it's how old the device is.

My other gripe is there doesn't seem to be a way to get in touch with a real person to discuss these things. I was considering possibly Sling at one time, but I'd really like to talk to one of their reps to see if there's a way to work with my TV.
@Icegoddess Interesting about your 2014 smart tv. I have a 30+ yr old Toshiba dumb (non-smart) TV in my bedroom that is hooked up to a Firestick 3rd generation which works flawlessly. The 2nd generation died on me after 3 or 4 yrs for some strange reason.
A Firestick should work on your tv on a HDMI port/slot.

If you want to speak w/a real person, all streaming servics have message boards monitored & answered by streaming service "staff" Add, most if not all have FB pages which are public.
@Mz iMac Thanks, I'll look into the Facebook pages. My husband wants to do it more than I do, but he hasn't even bothered to look at what is offered. I'm kinda picky in that I like to watch college football and am adamant that I get Reelz Live so I can watch On Patrol Live when it's Live. I have friends who have Sling, but they only have the very basic and use an antenna for the local stations. I'm also a recorder, so the number of hours of recordings available is another biggie for me.
@Icegoddess   Then YouTube TV is right up your alley. Unlimited storage for recordings. Record till the next ice age.
I have movie recordings I recorded 2 yrs ago because I like to watch them from time to time..

@Mz iMac I don't think YouTubeTV has REELZ.

Re: STEAMING 101

Mz iMac — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:36:36 GMT

@Icegoddess Live sports YES

Reelz NOPE!

**NOTE: Youtube tv channels are also based on your zip code. Have you checked your zip code regarding live sports?

Re: STEAMING 101

SilleeMee — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:48:26 GMT

@Icegoddess

Directv Stream has REELZ.

Re: STEAMING 101

Icegoddess — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:59:54 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@Icegoddess Live sports YES
Reelz NOPE!

**NOTE: Youtube tv channels are also based on your zip code. Have you checked your zip code regarding live sports?

@Mz iMac I corrected my comment to remove the Live Sports.

Re: STEAMING 101

Twins Mom — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:33:27 GMT

I need simplicity and the Firestick has worked well for us the past few months. U-Tube works well for local and Hallmark. I do know that certain sport shows etc pick other streaming services. DD says many shows appear for a few months on one service (ex. Prime) and then goes to another. Personally I think I am ok with the lack of cable. Cost was too high. One of our TVs is newer and one in pretty old. Works in both.

Re: STREAMING 101

gardenman — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:37:15 GMT

If you opt for an antenna for local channels, try a cheap one first to see what kind of reception you get. After moving to my new apartment (about three miles from my old house and closer to the broadcast towers) I went from 93 channels on a scan with about seventy of them very watchable to about 35 channels on a scan with none of them watchable. My new building is something like a Faraday cage and TV signals just don't get in here for some reason. And I've tried every trick there is to get a better signal, but nothing works. I get good phone reception though, so there's that. I've tried three different antennas all with the same result. And I've tried three different TVs also, so it's not the TV tuners. We have a cellular tower on the roof that could be playing a role in some way.