Posted on 11/27/2015 10:52:41 AM PST by 867V309
Bfl
Any idea if channels such as TCM can be watched without a cable provider? That is one channel I do enjoy, other than that, I can do without most of the carp on TV. I do like that channel
When they dropped the EXercise workout shows with all the babes.. It was time to move on.
It is a sad day when Disney ABC and ESPN now represent the height of inflamed self-importance at the risk of a sane culture for all.
No way Vince,
Then who would pay for all the shopping networks, religious shows, liberal propaganda and all the other worthless crap no one watches?
you won’t regret it .. may take a week to adjust then you will be just fine.
Recently signed up for Slingtv at sling.com. It has nearly everything my wife and I care about - irionically, including ESPN and ESPN2. Only thing lacking is Big 10 Network, but decided paying probably $50.00 more a month for BTN was not worth it.
I've tried all three so I can give you one of the more informed opinions here on FR about that.
First, skip the Chromecast. It's garbage. Seriously. I don't have a single good thing to say about it. Bought the original, aside from a handful of streaming apps that were written for it, it never really took off. Second Chromecast isn't any better.
Apple TV: overpriced for what you get. Unless you have other Apple products in your house and want one provider "for everything" move along. That's not to say Apple TV isn't a solid device -- it is. It's just over-priced for what it is.
Roku: I bought the original Roku and liked it quite a bit, and bought the Roku 2, then Roku 3. The Roku 2 had over-heading problems which I was able to fix myself. I purchased the Roku 4 last Saturday and it's an OUTSTANDING device. Very fast on the WiFi, even faster on my Gig-E Ethernet. Supports 4k streaming which I've already streamed 4k content with. Honestly, this is THE BEST streaming device hands-down.
The best thing about having a Roku device: when I registered it online under my Roku ID, it sync'd up all my streaming channels for me. It was absolutely seamless.
Roku keeps my devices firmware updated automatically, all streaming "channels" are automatically synchronized across my devices and everything "just works."
We kicked DirecTV out of our home over four and a half years ago and with the exception of missing Chicago Blackhawks Hockey, I really don't think about going back to satellite or cable. Yes, some sporting events I wish I could see, but for those I can go to the local pub and watch over a few beers.
As for which streaming device to go with, Roku is the way to go. The Roku Stick is a popular choice as an entry level device, but the wifi range on it isn't very good. If your wifi router is near/in the same room as the TV you're going to use it with then the Roku Stick is a good device. If you want 4K video streaming capabilities and all the "toys" then the Roku 4 is the way to go.
I also bought a new Samsung 4K curved TV along with my Roku 4 --- absolutely beautiful picture while streaming. Cannot tell the difference between over the air/HD and streaming.
Think of a smart phone. You have hardware (the TV and Apple TV, Roku or whatever), a service like Verizon or AT&T providing the phone line (your interent provider providing service to the TV), and Apps like Yelp or ebay (Hulu or Netflix).
I like Apple products so I am going with Apple TV. My needs are all local channels including PBS, plus Bravo for my wife and as many sports channels as I can get inexpensively. So my plan is to get a digital antenna for local channels, have wifey buy Bravo shows on iTunes, and use a service called Sling TV for ESPN. Right now they are not compatible with Apple TV, but there is a workaround and I won't need ESPN will next football season.
I'll also need a DVR to record broadcast shows for later viewing. There's a fair amount of upfront cost, but I'm spending about $2,000 a year on TV now.
I have COX. The sound constantly drops out, and the costs are way too high.
I’m an Apple guy, so having all devices on the same platform has value to me. Plus, I don’t see Apple TV significantly higher than Roku 4.
Roku streams from the internet. Chromecast streams from the browser.
Plex when added to a wifi enabled lap top streams video from a hard drive to Plex. Roku and Plex are made for each other.
Apple is Apple
I have Roku on two tv’s and it works well.
BTW...... Roku is on sale today. Black Friday
(??)
There is more kids programming than you can shake a stick at on netflix. As for hockey, several providers of streamed NHL content. Just google it.
Cable is not only supporting our enemies, its fundamentally limiting to the same old garbage content.
Yip tv has One America News, lots of sports and it’s FREE.
Basic internet will probably cost you far less. You can get essentially free internet phone through multiple providers. Netflix is $9.99 and you can stream essentally anything else you would want on yip tv, which is free.
https://willmckinley.wordpress.com/2015/06/19/tcm-without-cable-or-satellite-on-sling-tv/
So, you can get it on sling tv. Plus a lot of other stuff. $25 a month. Beats the hell out of what DISH charges. You can probably find it or an equivalent even cheaper.
You’re welcome :-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.