Cutting the cord for cable.

[Five Seasons]

I have Apple TV, it's fantastic. But you have to have internet for it

 

you're going to need internet for anything unless you just want an antenna and the 5 basic.

[moog5050]

So I have been annoyed with cable costs for a while and this thread prompted me to finally give streaming a try.  Went with a mofu antenna for local, and the roku 3 plus sling with HBO for the rest.  Already subscribe to Netflix and amazon prime.  Called yesterday and cancelled cable.  Should save over $100/mo.  Let's see how it works out.

 

Gotta admit, I will miss the rest of the season of Homeland on SHO, but they seem to post it later on Netlfix so I can catch it at some point.

Edited October 13, 2015 by moog5050

[jrm]

When you asked the question, I bet you never realized there were so many options.

It can be pretty confusing to keep up with everything. I'm no expert - actually just wrapping my head around all of this. My guess is that in 5-10 years, the entire TV watching landscape will be completely different.

People have mentioned devices like Roku, Sling and Apple TV. Others have mentioned "Smart" TVs. These are all essential the same thing, although features may vary.

Basically, these devices run "apps" just like a smartphone. There are apps for Netflix, Vudu, Amazon and many others. The various devices have different interfaces, and some have "apps" that others do not. Before you purchase a device, make sure it can stream the content you are interested in.

There is also Google Chromecast. This is a cheap device you plug into your TV (compatible TV needed). Amazon has a similar device. This may be an option.

If you have a Playstation (3 or 4) or Xbox, they can do much of what an Apple TV or Roku does. Many current standalone Blu-Ray players also offer all the apps of a "smart" TV or separate box. Some people already have one or more of these devices and don't realize they already have the functionality of a breakout box.

One other thing to consider is internet speed. I used to have Cablevision. When their service slowed, I went with Verizon FIOS. Over the years, their service has slowed. Both offer "upgraded" tiers of internet speed for additional cost.

If you have that big screen, you will want a HD quality picture on it. Internet speed MAY be a factor. FWIW, I have the "basic" speed for PISO and have used Amazon Prime a few times without any issue.

In the future, however, that may change. As more people "cut the cord" the cable providers will look to protect their revenue stream. From their viewpoint, they used to make money selling you HBO every month and now they are streaming it to you for free via the same wire. It is only a matter of time before they figure out a way to charge you for that data stream and maintain their income stream.

[WNYBuckHunter]

For internet, you dont need as much as youd think. I have a 16mbps down/1mbps up connection through Time Warner. I stream everything, surf the web, run home automation stuff, use the wifi for my phone and my daughter watches youtube, etc on her ipad, and I have no bandwidth issues.

[jrm]

For internet, you dont need as much as youd think. I have a 16mbps down/1mbps up connection through Time Warner. I stream everything, surf the web, run home automation stuff, use the wifi for my phone and my daughter watches youtube, etc on her ipad, and I have no bandwidth issues.

True. (Downstream is all that matter here). Keep in mind that all the items you listed are realtively low-bandwidth applications. Even YouTube.

Downloading/watching an HD movie requires a much bigger pipe. Even with compression, you are still looking at several gigabytes for a feature length movie. I'm not claiming it can't be done (many are doing it right now). However, if you and a few neighbors are all hitting up HBO at the same time to watch this week's "Game of Thrones" in 1080p, there are potential issues. Especially when the internet provider wants to sell you a faster speed. What I am saying is that as more people go this route, the internet providers will find a way to cap your speed (some already do) or charge more for the bandwidth you use.

I recall reading accounts of people using Apple TV and complaining about the time to download some HD movies. Don't know if that has been fixed or if movie rentals/purchases through other services have or had the same issue.

On the subject of compression, not all providers are created equal. There are differences between Cablevision, FIOS, Dish, Direct TV, TWC, etc. I imagine there are also differences between online content services (for example, YouTube is famous for over compressing video content). This may or may not be a factor to consider. The level of picture quality expected could be important, depending on one's situation.

[WNYBuckHunter]

True. (Downstream is all that matter here). Keep in mind that all the items you listed are realtively low-bandwidth applications. Even YouTube.

Downloading/watching an HD movie requires a much bigger pipe. Even with compression, you are still looking at several gigabytes for a feature length movie. I'm not claiming it can't be done (many are doing it right now). However, if you and a few neighbors are all hitting up HBO at the same time to watch this week's "Game of Thrones" in 1080p, there are potential issues. Especially when the internet provider wants to sell you a faster speed. What I am saying is that as more people go this route, the internet providers will find a way to cap your speed (some already do) or charge more for the bandwidth you use.

I recall reading accounts of people using Apple TV and complaining about the time to download some HD movies. Don't know if that has been fixed or if movie rentals/purchases through other services have or had the same issue.

On the subject of compression, not all providers are created equal. There are differences between Cablevision, FIOS, Dish, Direct TV, TWC, etc. I imagine there are also differences between online content services (for example, YouTube is famous for over compressing video content). This may or may not be a factor to consider. The level of picture quality expected could be important, depending on one's situation.

 

Did you not read that I stream everything lol. Im not watching much that isnt HD.

 

Im a network admin, running the network of a large company with 350+ seats in our HQ office. You know what size pipe we have? 20mb. As long as things are running normally, and we arent having some type of issue with our log capturing, or we arent pounding things doing vulnerability or pen testing, things run very smooth, and we dont normally go over 10mbps. Youll see a few spikes here and there. Granted, this is a dedicated fiber connection, but as long as you have a solid connection at home, you dont need the most expensive bandwidth package available.

 

One hint, if you have any tech savy, is to buy your own cable modem/router if your company allows you to. The average cable modem is a pile of crap, you can spend a few bucks and get a much better one. It will pay off for you in speed and stability, plus youll have access to it, be able to make sure firmware updates are done, etc. Youll also save a few bucks on your service fees.

 

[moog5050]

Thanks to First light for starting this thread and the advice provided by all.  I finally cut the cord and am thrilled with it.  Much easy that I thought and saving approx. $80/mo with access to most of the same stations.  Last step is to install my own router and nock another $8/mo from roadrunner.  Thanks for the kick in the pants.

 

For those on the fence, give it a try.  I really like it.  It also cures you from mindless channel surfing since you need to pick a program and actually watch it.