OT - CORD CUTTING

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

I know there was a thread discussing a little while ago, but am probably going to cut the cord ASAP. For those who have cut, I have a few questions:

What device did you use?
I'm looking into Roku Ultra for main and sticks for the other tvs. Does this make sense?
Has anyone subscribed to Hulu Live Tv?
Any horror stories?

 

[HuskAir]

I'm using a Playstation 4 (not required for Vue) to stream PS Vue. I love it, have had minimal problems, and I get just about all of the sports channels I could want (except PAC 12 network).

I can't speak in regards to your specific questions about the Roku Ultra or Hulu Live TV, though I'm sure someone here has had experiences with them.

 

[TheBeav815]

We're trying out DirecTV Now and I think it sucks. The DVR is just terrible.

I liked PS Vue when I tried it. Our TV is a Roku, I dig it. Haven't hooked up the Fire Stick I got a while back because I haven't been struck with the urge to climb through mouse **** in the attic and string the ethernet cable.

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

We're trying out DirecTV Now and I think it sucks. The DVR is just terrible.

I liked PS Vue when I tried it. Our TV is a Roku, I dig it. Haven't hooked up the Fire Stick I got a while back because I haven't been struck with the urge to climb through mouse **** in the attic and string the ethernet cable.

Thank for the info. All of our TV's are smart, but it seems that I have to get a stick or box to get Hulu Live Tv. We get Hulu, but can't seem to figure out how to get the Live part.

 

[Suh is King_rivals270016]

I have been a pseudo cord cutter for about 4yrs. Running Netflix/Firestick outside of football season then going to Cox for month to month during football season. Worked fine other than the inconvenience of setting up and returning the box I would need for the DVR. Plus I HATE cox customer support. So this yr I am doing YouTube TV. I am now 2 weeks (ish) into it and really like the service. I stream it through a roku express. Some smart TV's are setup to use it without a device but I have heard that buffering is a problem many time without a roku or other capatable device.

YouTube TV Cost $42/mo
Channels depend on your market.
In Omaha I have all the local networks live without any added blackout restrictions. Also have ESPN, FOX SPORTS, and BTN among others live without any added blackout restrictions. Additionally the service includes unlimited cloud DVR.
Only "downside" is that NFL Network is not available, but that is of no great concern to me. I can live without preseason NFL coverage....

 

[timnsun]

We just started Hulu live tv, no commercial plan for $44 a month... but minus the $13 a month we already pay for Hulu it amounts to a difference of $31 a month more. We stream it from our tv, seems fine, and so far I would say definitely worth it. Live tv at times is a bit choppy, maybe it would be better on a roku or firestick, I don’t know...

 

[TheBeav815]

Thank for the info. All of our TV's are smart, but it seems that I have to get a stick or box to get Hulu Live Tv. We get Hulu, but can't seem to figure out how to get the Live part.

We were on the beta of Hulu Live for a very brief time and I wouldn't recommend it over PS Vue.

 

[TFC2001]

I have tried seemingly everything from PSVue to Hulu with Live TV to DirecTV Now. I use Google Chromecast and have finally settled back in to Hulu. It seems to be MUCH better than when it first debuted...haven't had really any buffering issues with it at all. (We have Cox 100mb/s plan).

 

[o_h3]

Have YouTubeTv and get all the locals, all the ESPNs, Fox Sports, CBS Sports for less than $40 on original pricing. Dont care about NFL so I'm fine with watching the local games. Use Roku sticks on three Tvs and stream thru the Samsung on the other. Suggest hard wiring if you can. Has mad a difference with buffering. Will watch the first two Husker game on antenna because the lag is around 40 seconds when I timed it.

 

[TheBeav815]

Have YouTubeTv and get all the locals, all the ESPNs, Fox Sports, CBS Sports for less than $40 on original pricing. Dont care about NFL so I'm fine with watching the local games. Use Roku sticks on three Tvs and stream thru the Samsung on the other. Suggest hard wiring if you can. Has mad a difference with buffering. Will watch the first two Husker game on antenna because the lag is around 40 seconds when I timed it.

Agree on wired internet connection, definitely faster buffering and higher video quality.

 

[tpmcg_rivals137159]

Thank for the info. All of our TV's are smart, but it seems that I have to get a stick or box to get Hulu Live Tv. We get Hulu, but can't seem to figure out how to get the Live part.

i want to say there is a link up the right hand corner of the hulu site...its been awhile, but i remember it being a somewhat odd location.
if you can, download the 'youtube tv' app . i find its the best. i think there is a work around for firestick, if you get that.
otherwise, i had great experience with 'directv now'. it went up in price quite a bit, so i won't use it.
'fubotv' didnt have a lot of channels, but it worked really well.
ps vue was fine. just didnt like it as well as the others.
sling was ok.

and really, do the free trials for as long as you can of each one. i got thru a huge chunk of last season for free.i think some services work well in some places and blow elsewhere.

i don't dvr anything, so i'm not a good reference for that.

 

[SeaOfRed75]

Stream through Xbox one. Hulu live. Have had no issues. Only drawback is two simeltaneous streams. Can pay more for more screens if needed though. Brother does PSVue on Roku. Likes it too.

If you have a good (100mbps or better) internet connection there is no reason to not stream imo. Cable boxes will be going the way of the dodo.

 

[BigRedPimp]

Just cut the cord a few months ago. Went from DirecTV to Hulu Live. Have Allo (300MB option) here in Lincoln. No issues with buffering. Stream Netflix and Hulu simultaneously on 3 TV’s without issues. Get BTN and all local channels as well. Hulu Live with commercials is $40/month compared to $150/month with DirecTV. Time Warner cable modem was $80/month for 100MB. Allo 300MB is $65/month.

Allo 1GB option is $90/month but that’s overkill for our house.

Edit: Stream on 3 smart TV’s and Roku stick on another.

 

[BigRedPimp]

Thank for the info. All of our TV's are smart, but it seems that I have to get a stick or box to get Hulu Live Tv. We get Hulu, but can't seem to figure out how to get the Live part.

Check the link for what devices you can watch Hulu Live tv.

https://help.hulu.com/en-us/supported-devices

 

[jedihusker]

I had PS Vue a couple years ago and liked it. It ran great on PS4, interface was a little choppy and slow on 1st Generation Fire Stick, but 2nd Gen Fire Stick was great.

Got a good bundle deal and went back to cable for a little bit, but got rid of it again. DirecTV Now currently has a deal if you use code REALDEAL you get $30 off for 3 months, making the cheapest package that has BTN, which is normally $55, $25 a month. As of last night, the code was still working even though it's not listed on their website anymore.

 

[SkerInCo]

Cut the cord about 7 years ago and haven't looked back. Started with Roku but they got buggy and crapped out. No issues with Chromecast for some time now. Subscribe to Netflix and HBO. Use my brothers Dirctv login for Husker games. Also have an antenna for the main channels for Broncos and when we don't want to commit to putting on a series.

 

[Baxter48_rivals204143]

We're trying out DirecTV Now and I think it sucks. The DVR is just terrible.

I liked PS Vue when I tried it. Our TV is a Roku, I dig it. Haven't hooked up the Fire Stick I got a while back because I haven't been struck with the urge to climb through mouse **** in the attic and string the ethernet cable.

We have dish not a fan the hopper is way over priced and your very seldom get to use it unless you wait 8 days to watch a show. I'd go back to direct tv but my wife vetos the idea. Neither salespersons are truthful make sure you get a written contract and read carefully. But that's about all you can get out in the country internet service is slow not really fast for downloading and watching simultaneously

 

[Jimmy Frank]

FireTV
Plex
Sabnzb
Sonarr
Couchpotato

 

[ThrowBones92]

FireTV
Plex
Sabnzb
Sonarr
Couchpotato

What are the things you listed after Fire TV? Sorry, I'm ignorant to a lot of this. And I think I was actually ahead of the curve when I canceled my cable in 2013 and set up the rabbit ears in our condo. I ran out and got a chromecast the day the first CFP started so I could watch the games on ESPN via a friends DirecTV sign in. But I haven't kept up with the changes since.

 

[ThrowBones92]

I know there was a thread discussing a little while ago, but am probably going to cut the cord ASAP. For those who have cut, I have a few questions:

What device did you use?
I'm looking into Roku Ultra for main and sticks for the other tvs. Does this make sense?
Has anyone subscribed to Hulu Live Tv?
Any horror stories?

I have a Chromecast. It's probably the most simple, but know that if you use a Chromecast, the AmazonPrime video app will not work on Chromecast.

My wife and I watch a lot of AmazonPrime, and we have to haul out her laptop and connect it to the chromecast, which is a lot more of a pain when you dealing with powercords, and keeping the screen open in a dark room, etc. So if you are a AmazonPrime video watching, something other than the Chromecast is what I would recommend.

 

[TheBeav815]

You really don't need 100mbps speed for streaming video unless other people are also using your internet while you're watching. Usually what slows you down is a cheap WiFi router more than your actual internet service. Hence the reason I'm big on wired connections. We're like 40 or 50 mbps down rate and it's no problem. BUT, if you're streaming on multiple devices and you have a bunch of other things like cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. sneaking background bandwidth you might notice it.

 

[Nebraska Fan]

just got hulu and watching on my fire stick. I like the sports selection best on hulu.

I think there are 50 hours of record time included so I set the record by team and selected Nebraska

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

just got hulu and watching on my fire stick. I like the sports selection best on hulu.

I think there are 50 hours of record time included so I set the record by team and selected Nebraska

Yeah , this is why I went with Hulu. They have a good sports package. Went with Roku Ultra and a stick and cut the cord. We will see how it goes. I'm glad to be gone from cable.

 

[tpmcg_rivals137159]

You really don't need 100mbps speed for streaming video unless other people are also using your internet while you're watching. Usually what slows you down is a cheap WiFi router more than your actual internet service. Hence the reason I'm big on wired connections. We're like 40 or 50 mbps down rate and it's no problem. BUT, if you're streaming on multiple devices and you have a bunch of other things like cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. sneaking background bandwidth you might notice it.

to be fair about my current isp, we can have a tv or two, an ipad or two, a laptop or two, and up to 4 cells surfing and streaming the web, simultaneously. with only 4 people.
we love technology.
which wifi router do you recommend for grins...?

 

[SeaOfRed75]

to be fair about my current isp, we can have a tv or two, an ipad or two, a laptop or two, and up to 4 cells surfing and streaming the web, simultaneously. with only 4 people.
we love technology.
which wifi router do you recommend for grins...?

Either the one Allo gives you or an expensive one. Seriously you go cheap youll pay for it. If your house is very large consider mesh networking like Netgear Orbi.

 

[TheBeav815]

to be fair about my current isp, we can have a tv or two, an ipad or two, a laptop or two, and up to 4 cells surfing and streaming the web, simultaneously. with only 4 people.
we love technology.
which wifi router do you recommend for grins...?

A lot of ISPs give you a pretty fast WiFi router with your subscription now. If you need an additional and you are really heavy on them, I'd recommend something rated for gaming like the Nighthawk. But what I like best is to have a wired connection wherever possible. Always fast and never drops the connection.

 

[tpmcg_rivals137159]

Either the one Allo gives you or an expensive one. Seriously you go cheap youll pay for it. If your house is very large consider mesh networking like Netgear Orbi.

'the one Allo gives you...' i'm not sure what you mean? but i have considered a mesh...

 

[tpmcg_rivals137159]

A lot of ISPs give you a pretty fast WiFi router with your subscription now. If you need an additional and you are really heavy on them, I'd recommend something rated for gaming like the Nighthawk. But what I like best is to have a wired connection wherever possible. Always fast and never drops the connection.

i know i need to check into a better router. thanks!
hardwired with coax to your router?

 

[bmb81664]

I had PS Vue a couple years ago and liked it. It ran great on PS4, interface was a little choppy and slow on 1st Generation Fire Stick, but 2nd Gen Fire Stick was great.

Got a good bundle deal and went back to cable for a little bit, but got rid of it again. DirecTV Now currently has a deal if you use code REALDEAL you get $30 off for 3 months, making the cheapest package that has BTN, which is normally $55, $25 a month. As of last night, the code was still working even though it's not listed on their website anymore.

That deal has ended. I was going to do it and waited too long.

 

[ridge22]

I have wrestled with this idea for a while, and just can not cut the cord and go to some type of streaming service. We have Dish and it runs us about $83 a month. Basically all of the sports channels I want. I am a big time channel surfer, how do the streaming services work for channel flipping for like 3-4 games?
Also, if you subscribe to like 2 services aren't you paying about the same as a dish or cable after you upgrade your internet?

 

[SeaOfRed75]

'the one Allo gives you...' i'm not sure what you mean? but i have considered a mesh...

Allo. ISP in Lincoln that uses fiber optic lines. Gives a pretty damn fast wifi router with service as you can get up to 1Gbps service through them.

I would only consider a mesh system if you have a house that is quite large and would be a pain to wire with network cable. Though even with hardwiring it has its drawbacks as well. Biggest being many devices dont even have network jacks these days.

 

[SeaOfRed75]

I have wrestled with this idea for a while, and just can not cut the cord and go to some type of streaming service. We have Dish and it runs us about $83 a month. Basically all of the sports channels I want. I am a big time channel surfer, how do the streaming services work for channel flipping for like 3-4 games?
Also, if you subscribe to like 2 services aren't you paying about the same as a dish or cable after you upgrade your internet?

Dont channel flip. Have one game streaming on your TV, one on your phone, one on a tablet, one on a computer. There now you can cut the cord and get gigabit internet.

 

[Jimmy Frank]

Yeah

What are the things you listed after Fire TV? Sorry, I'm ignorant to a lot of this. And I think I was actually ahead of the curve when I canceled my cable in 2013 and set up the rabbit ears in our condo. I ran out and got a chromecast the day the first CFP started so I could watch the games on ESPN via a friends DirecTV sign in. But I haven't kept up with the changes since.

https://unraid.net/
https://sonarr.tv/
https://sabnzbd.org/
https://couchpota.to/

Messing around with emby a bit too.
https://emby.media/

 

[ThereIsNoPlace_rivals38755]

.

I have wrestled with this idea for a while, and just can not cut the cord and go to some type of streaming service. We have Dish and it runs us about $83 a month. Basically all of the sports channels I want. I am a big time channel surfer, how do the streaming services work for channel flipping for like 3-4 games?
Also, if you subscribe to like 2 services aren't you paying about the same as a dish or cable after you upgrade your internet?

Ha! Aren't you cute? Trying to talk sense with cord culters.

 

[tpmcg_rivals137159]

Allo. ISP in Lincoln that uses fiber optic lines. Gives a pretty damn fast wifi router with service as you can get up to 1Gbps service through them.

I would only consider a mesh system if you have a house that is quite large and would be a pain to wire with network cable. Though even with hardwiring it has its drawbacks as well. Biggest being many devices dont even have network jacks these days.

lucky! we dont have gb service available in my area and it might be awhile. we don't have a huge house, but i'm probably not rewiring. we have coax, but no cat 5/6 network cabling...

i am curious what they charge you for your gb service...?

 

[SeaOfRed75]

lucky! we dont have gb service available in my area and it might be awhile. we don't have a huge house, but i'm probably not rewiring. we have coax, but no cat 5/6 network cabling...

i am curious what they charge you for your gb service...?

I believe the gigabit is 90 or 95. 300mbps for 65. And that is fast enough for 95% of people.

 

[BigRedPimp]

I believe the gigabit is 90 or 95. 300mbps for 65. And that is fast enough for 95% of people.

Correct. $90/month for 1GB or $65/month for 300MB. 300 is plenty. Don’t wanna know how much porn someone is watching to need 1GB for residential Winking

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

I have wrestled with this idea for a while, and just can not cut the cord and go to some type of streaming service. We have Dish and it runs us about $83 a month. Basically all of the sports channels I want. I am a big time channel surfer, how do the streaming services work for channel flipping for like 3-4 games?
Also, if you subscribe to like 2 services aren't you paying about the same as a dish or cable after you upgrade your internet?

For us it was the fact that we watch like 15 channels with 10 of them being sports channels. My wife watches Bravo, E, and the local channels. For us Hulu live made sense because we got all of those and our total bill is going to go down by $100 bucks a month. Two days in, and we love it.

 

[21Husker1984]

I have been a pseudo cord cutter for about 4yrs. Running Netflix/Firestick outside of football season then going to Cox for month to month during football season. Worked fine other than the inconvenience of setting up and returning the box I would need for the DVR. Plus I HATE cox customer support. So this yr I am doing YouTube TV. I am now 2 weeks (ish) into it and really like the service. I stream it through a roku express. Some smart TV's are setup to use it without a device but I have heard that buffering is a problem many time without a roku or other capatable device.

YouTube TV Cost $42/mo
Channels depend on your market.
In Omaha I have all the local networks live without any added blackout restrictions. Also have ESPN, FOX SPORTS, and BTN among others live without any added blackout restrictions. Additionally the service includes unlimited cloud DVR.
Only "downside" is that NFL Network is not available, but that is of no great concern to me. I can live without preseason NFL coverage....

I love Cox. Not just football season but any season I can’t get enough Cox. My wife is also a huge fan of Cox. We made the switch after my wife saw what my neighbors Cox package offered and haven’t looked back. I thought going over to Cox would take me some time to get used to but I really took right to it.

 

[nudan92]

Nvidia Shield, Kodi, and a good VPN.

But you didn't hear that from me.