Cutting The Cord on Cable/Satellite TV Service?

InsideTheParker

persists in error
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
40,371
Pioneer Valley
750k is gonna be rough for live TV. I'm surprised Netflix even works at that speed.

According to YouTube tv, they recommend 3mbps for SD content and 7mbps for HD.

Edit: just looked up Netflix and they require 5mbps for HD.
Thanks. We don't care about HD but are now looking into getting a better internet service, which probably means satellite. Put the cost of that together with the cost of YTTV, and it's almost as much as we pay for DirecTV, especially after the initial "deal" runs out. But we might do it anyway, once we lock down the details.
 

burstnbloom

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
2,761
Do you guys have trouble when there are more than two people watching something different? Our dsl is a little over 750 kbps. We know that's very slow, but it's good enough for Netflix and a lot of pre-taped stuff. That's not going to cut it for live TV, is it?
No. But I have 400 mbps internet to mitigate any lag. I would imagine your experience at that speed would be different.
 

Red Sox Physicist

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
296
Natick, MA
Thanks. We don't care about HD but are now looking into getting a better internet service, which probably means satellite. Put the cost of that together with the cost of YTTV, and it's almost as much as we pay for DirecTV, especially after the initial "deal" runs out. But we might do it anyway, once we lock down the details.
Satellite internet usually has pretty low data caps before they slow the connection down to slower than your DSL. A 3 Mbps SD video is about 1.3 GB/h. A 7 Mbps HD video is about 3.1 GB/h. Live TV will quickly burn through satellite data caps.
 

TimNJsoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 14, 2004
2,717
NW New Jersey
Voice synch has been an issue for me with Playstation Vue.... We have anywhere from 75-100mbs wifi and with some shows the voices are still off.
Is this something I might not experience with YTTV or is it internet speed issue?
 

Red Sox Physicist

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
296
Natick, MA
Voice synch has been an issue for me with Playstation Vue.... We have anywhere from 75-100mbs wifi and with some shows the voices are still off.
Is this something I might not experience with YTTV or is it internet speed issue?
Voice sync issues aren't related to internet speed. The audio streams interleaved with the video, not as a separate network channel. What kind of TV do you have, and do you use a soundbar or receiver? If so, how is it connected to the TV? What device are you using to stream PS Vue?
 

ctsoxfan5

Member
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Jan 13, 2004
809
I'm new to the "cord cutting" world. We're ready to cancel Xfinity and switch. There are a lot of options out there (Hulu, Vue, YouTube, etc.) and I've tried reading through this thread, but there is a lot of info here. One basic question - to get NESN, are the only options YouTube TV or Fubo TV? And if YouTube TV doesn't have some channels my wife and kids want, do we get both YouTube TV and a second option that does have those channels (like Philo)?

Even both of those plus a high speed internet provider would be less than we're paying now.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
 

cardiacs

Admires Neville Chamberlain
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
2,993
Milford, CT
Has anyone cut the cable on Optimum (ex-cablevision)? If so, any pointers?
I am looking for a compatible modem and router that will provide up to 1gb/s.
Also, is there any streaming option that provides Celtics games out of market? I am in New Haven county and get all Boston teams except them.
 

TimNJsoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 14, 2004
2,717
NW New Jersey
Voice sync issues aren't related to internet speed. The audio streams interleaved with the video, not as a separate network channel. What kind of TV do you have, and do you use a soundbar or receiver? If so, how is it connected to the TV? What device are you using to stream PS Vue?
Its a Samsung 4k tv, no soundbar or receiver and I am using a Fire Stick.

It happens on some channels and if I change to a different station it is fine. Usually when its out of synch, its only by a second or so but sometimes its so bad I cant deal with it and change the channel.
 

johnmd20

mad dog
Lifetime Member
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Dec 30, 2003
61,996
New York City
Has anyone cut the cable on Optimum (ex-cablevision)? If so, any pointers?
I am looking for a compatible modem and router that will provide up to 1gb/s.
Also, is there any streaming option that provides Celtics games out of market? I am in New Haven county and get all Boston teams except them.
I think you can get NBA League Pass online, which will allow you to watch every Celtic game that isn't nationally televised, assuming you're out of market.

Info
 

luckiestman

Son of the Harpy
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
32,617
I think you can get NBA League Pass online, which will allow you to watch every Celtic game that isn't nationally televised, assuming you're out of market.

Info
I get the Cs thru league pass in FFC.

Which reminds me. I like to watch Gorman and hate NBA TV broadcast. Do any of you use a relatives account out of market. I can get a RI Comcast (or whatever is in NPT) login.
 

Marceline

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Sep 9, 2002
6,441
Canton, MA
I get the Cs thru league pass in FFC.

Which reminds me. I like to watch Gorman and hate NBA TV broadcast. Do any of you use a relatives account out of market. I can get a RI Comcast (or whatever is in NPT) login.
I would give anything for NBA TV to not flatten the picture and screw up the aspect ratio just to fit the score ticker at the bottom. Drives me crazy.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,428
FYI, Fubo no longer accepts prepaid cc's (giftcards).

Only VUE is left to my knowledge for those that do.
 

HomeBrew1901

Has Season 1 of "Manimal" on Blu Ray
SoSH Member
So for the next few weeks until the Patriots start playing the 4PM and 8PM games I won't be able to watch them. Thoughts on how to get around this? Do I sign up for another YoutubeTV account with Massachusetts Zip Code? Is there a better service with more sports than YTTV?
 

Vinho Tinto

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 9, 2003
7,046
Auburn, MA
So for the next few weeks until the Patriots start playing the 4PM and 8PM games I won't be able to watch them. Thoughts on how to get around this? Do I sign up for another YoutubeTV account with Massachusetts Zip Code? Is there a better service with more sports than YTTV?
Fubo has a strong list of sports channels, but they are missing ABC/ESPN. The Patriots Thursday night is on FOX, so YT may be the best option since they will have the Monday game on 10/21. DTV Now is also an option.
 

bosockboy

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
19,861
St. Louis, MO
So for the next few weeks until the Patriots start playing the 4PM and 8PM games I won't be able to watch them. Thoughts on how to get around this? Do I sign up for another YoutubeTV account with Massachusetts Zip Code? Is there a better service with more sports than YTTV?
Hulu Live is really solid with sports.
 

HomeBrew1901

Has Season 1 of "Manimal" on Blu Ray
SoSH Member
Fubo has a strong list of sports channels, but they are missing ABC/ESPN. The Patriots Thursday night is on FOX, so YT may be the best option since they will have the Monday game on 10/21. DTV Now is also an option.
Blah. Signed up for Fubo using my old NH zip and it gave me Nesn plus but the local Harrisburg stations. Ah well
 

orgoman

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2005
226
Blah. Signed up for Fubo using my old NH zip and it gave me Nesn plus but the local Harrisburg stations. Ah well
HomeBrew,

Your problem was using the wrong device to stream Fubo. You need to use a device that does not allow the program to geolocate - it's among the many reasons why I love my Roku streaming device. If you allow Fubo to know where you are - by using a computer or something - it will change your ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX stations to wherever you currently are. If you use something that blocks this, it will default to the billing location.

Having said that, once your streaming service has geolocated you, it will eventually default to that location if you don't log into your service in Massachusetts. Usually it takes about a month or so, but you might end up losing NESN.

Hope that helps

Orgoman
 

scottyno

late Bloomer
SoSH Member
Dec 7, 2008
11,304
Not exactly cutting the cord, but related. Does anyone still use a slingbox to either watch remotely or share tv? They seem to be having a lot of trouble lately and have limited support since they're not being produced anymore, are there any alternatives to be able to watch a set top box remotely? I love mine, but it seems inevitable that it's going to stop working sometime in the not too distant future.
 

75cent bleacher seat

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
So for the next few weeks until the Patriots start playing the 4PM and 8PM games I won't be able to watch them. Thoughts on how to get around this? Do I sign up for another YoutubeTV account with Massachusetts Zip Code? Is there a better service with more sports than YTTV?
Would https://streamwoop.live suffice
 

Couperin47

Member
SoSH Member
Been using streamwoop for years, but some caveats these days as they have changed:

Do not even think of going near the site or their recommended connects without a very serious adblocker...ublock origin preferred.
Many of their links if you click directly on their "watch sd or hd" button now divert through dubious ad insertion and other malevolent sites (I'm seeing Eset and Webroot blocked connections on many). It's preferrable to go down a few lines and click on the direct connect url shown in blue. Many of these will act like they are not connecting, be patient, after 10-12 seconds the connect appears either in the tab or even the previous tab. NEVER EVER agree to 'join' any site or agree to any download of software of ANY kind.
 

johnmd20

mad dog
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 30, 2003
61,996
New York City
Not exactly cutting the cord, but related. Does anyone still use a slingbox to either watch remotely or share tv? They seem to be having a lot of trouble lately and have limited support since they're not being produced anymore, are there any alternatives to be able to watch a set top box remotely? I love mine, but it seems inevitable that it's going to stop working sometime in the not too distant future.
I still have a slingbox and use it rarely, but it still does work on my iPad. If you want to change a channel, it is VERY slow, but the picture has been very consistent overall.
 

scottyno

late Bloomer
SoSH Member
Dec 7, 2008
11,304
I still have a slingbox and use it rarely, but it still does work on my iPad. If you want to change a channel, it is VERY slow, but the picture has been very consistent overall.
Yeah, mine's working again so I don't have to worry about how to replace it quite yet. It seems like customer support and social media for them now is non-existent because they aren't actually produced anymore, but they at least still have someone working in tech to fix the network when it breaks.
 

Omar's Wacky Neighbor

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Jul 14, 2005
16,626
Leaving in a bit to the studio :)
Anyone else using FitzyTV (no, not that Fitzy)?

It's an android based app available in the official Google Play and Amazon apps stores that acts as a single source for all TV Anywhere networks/channels. But the real appeal to SOSHers might be that it includes a number of RSNs including NESN and NBC-S Boston/NewEngland. Everything I can find on it makes it sound like it's completely legal.

You're SUPPOSED to log in with your cable tv credentials, but they're not real sticklers for that. I'm in NJ, I used a burner gmail acct ( I had no idea who Fitzy is, so I was not about to give them my verizon logins), and I get a bunch of RSNs streaming in real time.

For comparison: my son gets SpectrumU at college, and the UI are rather similar, except FitzyTV seems to be MUCH faster going thru the channel list and when loading a selected channel.

(they say they're working on iOS and Roku versions of the app)
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,428
Those of you in S FLA, what's the best/cheapest way to get NBC SN Boston? (Celtics games and pre/post game shows). I think I'll have Comcast.
 

The Talented Allen Ripley

holden
Lifetime Member
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Oct 2, 2003
12,723
MetroWest, MA
PS Vue is shutting down.

Today Sony announced that PlayStation Vue is shutting down on January 30th, 2020. This news comes after it was reported that Sony had tried to find someone to buy the service earlier this year. Now it seems that Sony failed to secure a buyer and has decided to walk away and shut down PlayStation Vue.

“Today we are announcing that we will shut down the PlayStation Vue service on January 30, 2020. Unfortunately, the highly competitive Pay TV industry, with expensive content and network deals, has been slower to change than we expected,” Sony in a statement on their website. “Because of this, we have decided to remain focused on our core gaming business.”
I used it for a while when I first jumped into the cord-cutting pool, it was a decent service with a few more channels available than YTTV (including the NFL Network). Then they dropped NESN, which made it easy for me to jump to YTTV. Seems like they were having trouble negotiating network deals across the board, which may be a result of having only 500K subscribers (as opposed to YTTV, Hulu & Sling at 2 million apiece). Sony never really marketed it all that well, either, seems like they didn't know -- or care -- what to do with it.
 

Naehring11

New Member
Jul 14, 2005
431
PS Vue is shutting down.



I used it for a while when I first jumped into the cord-cutting pool, it was a decent service with a few more channels available than YTTV (including the NFL Network). Then they dropped NESN, which made it easy for me to jump to YTTV. Seems like they were having trouble negotiating network deals across the board, which may be a result of having only 500K subscribers (as opposed to YTTV, Hulu & Sling at 2 million apiece). Sony never really marketed it all that well, either, seems like they didn't know -- or care -- what to do with it.
I have PS Vue pretty much just to watch basketball and it's fine but I really don't understand why they branded it as PlayStation.

Anyways, I really only need NBC Sports, TNT, and I guess NBATV. Any input as to what the best way to get that now is?
 

Yummy O'Leary

Is good enough for me
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2006
178
Based on the current landscape, is any other service besides PSVue providing NFL Network, and more specifically, NFL Red Zone?
 

TallerThanPedroia

Civilly Disobedient
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
25,533
Boston
Been on Vue for a while, despite the price hikes. I'm not sure I'll replace it with anything though. It will depend on what ends up happening to Hulu in the near term.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,428
PS Vue is shutting down.



I used it for a while when I first jumped into the cord-cutting pool, it was a decent service with a few more channels available than YTTV (including the NFL Network). Then they dropped NESN, which made it easy for me to jump to YTTV. Seems like they were having trouble negotiating network deals across the board, which may be a result of having only 500K subscribers (as opposed to YTTV, Hulu & Sling at 2 million apiece). Sony never really marketed it all that well, either, seems like they didn't know -- or care -- what to do with it.
Was getting errors galore signing up for another free trial 1-2 weeks ago. Now I know why. I was the only one left AFAIK that you could still use gift/prepaid cards for.
 

Cesar Crespo

79
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2002
21,588
PS Vue is shutting down.



I used it for a while when I first jumped into the cord-cutting pool, it was a decent service with a few more channels available than YTTV (including the NFL Network). Then they dropped NESN, which made it easy for me to jump to YTTV. Seems like they were having trouble negotiating network deals across the board, which may be a result of having only 500K subscribers (as opposed to YTTV, Hulu & Sling at 2 million apiece). Sony never really marketed it all that well, either, seems like they didn't know -- or care -- what to do with it.
Hulu has 28 million.
 

mostman

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 3, 2003
18,738
Based on the thread in Omar, I decided to finally turn on YT TV. It’s incredible. Watched the Celtics on there tonight and now watching the WS. Love the interface. I’ll need to also do Sling, unfortunately, to get back RedZone. So I won’t end up saving any money, but the flexibility to just add and remove what I need when I need it is really refreshing.

I turned off a bunch of stuff on my FIOS account but I couldn’t totally remove myself. I need them for internet and for a land line (alarm) and so it’s actually cheaper to keep some basic TV and bundle all 3. Once I move my house alarm to cell, I’ll be able to boot them for all but internet.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,428
Anyone know when Comcast and ACC Network will end their beef? Would like to see ACCN on Comcast soon.
 

bosockboy

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
19,861
St. Louis, MO
I recently dumped Hulu Live TV for YTTV, due to massive streaming errors. It was $5 less per month but not worth it. Noticed today Hulu is raising price $10 per month to $54.99 so $5 higher than YTTV. That will be a huge mistake. Brazen considering their tech issues.
 

NortheasternPJ

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 16, 2004
19,271
Not on Fire but on my LG TV. It’s ok? At least on the LG version I can’t use the numbers on the remote to change a channel and there’s no last channel button on the remote so everything is menu and guide driven which is annoying. It’s be fine for a secondTV to save on the box money but not as a first IMO
 

the1andonly3003

New Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,371
Chicago
Not on Fire but on my LG TV. It’s ok? At least on the LG version I can’t use the numbers on the remote to change a channel and there’s no last channel button on the remote so everything is menu and guide driven which is annoying. It’s be fine for a secondTV to save on the box money but not as a first IMO
hm, I just got an Amazon Fire smart TV, and the only way I can leverage my Xfinity account is downloading individual network apps and authenticate an XFinity account. Anyone have an easier way? I guess I should have bought the Roku TV version since it supposedly has the Xfinity Stream app compatible.
 

gtmtnbiker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
1,723
anyone try to use XFinity Stream on Amazon Fire TV?
I don't have Xfinity but I suppose that I could try my parent's account as a test later. Have you tried doing something like this:
https://firestickblog.com/xfinity-stream-firestick/

On a different subject, my contract with Verizon FIOS is up in a month. Perusing the deals, it seems that it has gone up since 2 years ago such that the DVR is no longer discounted. I'm thinking of just getting internet and then Youtube TV. However, paying $50 for 3 streams is a bit too much.

Is there anyone who would be interested in sharing a Youtube TV subscription with me? I would like to get two people at $17 each, each person with 1 stream and 2 accounts. Send me a PM if you're interested.
 

gtmtnbiker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
1,723
is this site legit?
I have no idea. I did look through the instructions and they do make sense. There are a few comments from people who tried it on the 4K stock but it did not work. Seems that your mileage will vary. I would also see if there are other posts out on the web about people trying to get the xfinity app to work on the fire stick. I’ll try myself later this weekend.