Back to Cable

[Darrell KSR]

Saving $100 per month with an improvement of internet speed from "up to" 18 Mbps to "up to" 60 Mbps.

We'll see how I like it in practice. Almost every day we had a brief outage...usually no more than 2 or 3 minutes, but irritating when you were watching a TV show, for example.

[KSRBEvans]

Back to cable from...what? DirectTV? Etc.?

This time of year really tempts me to give up my cord-cutting ways and go back to some form of cable/satellite TV. New TV season, NFL, college football, college bball upcoming. I'll probably go back to SlingTV so I can get the UK bball games on the WatchESPN app. SlingTV itself isn't really ready for prime time IMHO.

[Darrell KSR]

U-Verse.

My plans are to give this a year and possibly do the cord cutting after that, assuming that the internet speed is solid and reliable.

Maybe in a year Sling TV etc. will be better, too.

[KSRBEvans]

^Ah, Uverse. We had Uverse for a little over 2 years (switched from Time Warner). Great deal for Year 1. Called back and renegotiated a deal for Year 2 that was about a $20/month increase. When I called back for Year 3, I was going to have to take about a $30/month additional increase but get DirecTV. No, for 2 reasons:

1. We didn't want DirecTV in the 1st place or we would've signed up with them from the beginning (low Spousal Acceptance Factor for the satellite dish);
2. It was going to be $50/month more than the deal we'd had just 2 years before.

So no thanks. We cut the cord, which has been a little disappointing. But the good news, we've missed all of the 2016 election stuff on the cable channels, so my blood pressure is a lot lower. :D

We're supposed to be getting Google Fiber and Google TV in Louisville eventually (although it might not happen now (http://www.wdrb.com/story/32762944/report-google-fiber-rethinking-expansion-plans-in-louisville-and-other-cities)), so I might look at it again once it goes live.

[Darrell KSR]

Uverse was ok. We actually cut the cord for a brief period before Uverse, and it hurt Dad worse than kids, so we went from cable to Uverse. Had Uverse for a long time; and the prices had jumped, increased, etc. to the point where I really didn't think we were getting value for our money. Well over $200 per month, and thought that was too much for internet that was supposed to be "up to" 18 Mbps that never really approached that number, and had slight glitches almost daily. Nothing horrible; it did a good job of keeping service in storms, and I can't remember missing more than 5 minutes of a TV show when it went out, although I know it was out for longer periods at time.

Cable in our area has made an aggressive comeback from the days when I had it. Of course, when I had it, I had it so long ago that it did not provide internet, and I had AT&T DSL service before, during and after cable. So it was a natural for me to move everything to AT&T, including TV.

So we'll see. Preliminary test speeds show, at times, it approaching the promised 60 Mbps, and at times, being not that close to it (but still faster than anything Uverse ever provided). That's a good thing.

The price is less; almost $100 less. That's a good thing.

I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but we did not have HD service through U-verse. Didn't know what I was missing. Have it now through Charter Cable. Have a soccer match on TV in the den, and when I walked through, I was amazed at how clearly you can see the ball on such a huge field (slightly larger than a football field). You can really follow the game. TV shows in HD just look "clearer," and crisper. Of course, everybody in America knows that, except me.

So that's a good thing.

In a year, the price will go up $20 for the next 12 months. I don't have to continue. In fact, I don't have to continue even now; no contracts, which I also found nice. In year 3, it will go up $40 (total, or another $20). Still $50 cheaper than U-verse even at that, but somewhere in the next 12-24 months I may cut the cord and just go with the best internet I can, and grab whatever else is available. We'll see.

[CitizenBBN]

Not just you D. My mother doesn't have HD.

Though that is just the two of you that I know about...

[badrose]

D, you need to get a 4K TV. You'd be amazed.

[Darrell KSR]

D, you need to get a 4K TV. You'd be amazed.
I will. Probably when everybody else has a 400k TV :).

[Darrell KSR]

OK, I am now into the 2nd year, lost the 1st year promotion. Price increased about $40 a month.

I'm going to see if I can get an idea from everybody in my family on what TV stations they watch, make a list, and see if there's another alternative. This is still "promotional pricing," just 2nd year promotional pricing, so it supposedly is still "cheap." We don't watch *that* much TV, but I'm sure if I start cutting things, it will be something somebody "has" to have.

I may be looking for suggestions soon.

[badrose]

I have Dish with the complete package for $250 and TWC for internet at 340-355 mbps for around $75. The latter is lightning fast on my PC and the wifi works quite well. Once in a blue moon I have to reboot the modem/router but that's it. It's hardwired to my TV so streaming is seamless.

[catmanjack]

I keep hearing there is a way to stream tv shows, trying to figure out how would like to lose this $150 a month bill! HELP ME! Lol

[Doc]

I keep hearing there is a way to stream tv shows, trying to figure out how would like to lose this $150 a month bill! HELP ME! Lol

I use a RVeal box. Streams live tv plus movies and sports, ppv, movie channels (hbo, cinemax, showtime, etc) and any tv show you evr wanted. Cost was $300 and nothing else, no monthly fees. Only need wifi or ethernet.connection and a hdmi input on TV.

[badrose]

I use a RVeal box. Streams live tv plus movies and sports, ppv, movie channels (hbo, cinemax, showtime, etc) and any tv show you evr wanted. Cost was $300 and nothing else, no monthly fees. Only need wifi or ethernet.connection and a hdmi input on TV.

Can you record? Also does it feed to all tv's in the house?

[catmanjack]

Doc thanks

[Doc]

Can you record? Also does it feed to all tv's in the house?

No but is no need other than sports. I can watch any tv show at any time, either live or past. For example, last night I was watching season 2 of Ink Master (2012). Any movie you can think of is on it, even one in theater now although sometimes the new releases have quality issues. Only two negatives are you get buffering on occasion (if watching live sports program I find an alternate feed, or if regular show I reload or clear cache) and no record option. I also have comcast and DTV for that. One box per TV. It plugs into the wall outlet and the hdmi port on tv, thats all there is. Can also surf the net, etc...is just a android so anything you can do on phone you can do on it. Has a mini keyboar

The advantages are 4k feed and is wireless, plus thousands of options. There us literally no TV show I cant find and watch

[Darrell KSR]

I'm not even sure this is relevant, but can you get local stations?

Any issues in bad weather or is it OK if you have good Internet?

[Doc]

I'm not even sure this is relevant, but can you get local stations?

Any issues in bad weather or is it OK if you have good Internet?

Its 100% internet driven so weather only if it affect internet. no local station but you get literally many non-local local stations. So I get local San Francisco stations, Maimi stations, Chicago stations, etc.... but if you have basic cable, or an antenna then you get those as well.

one other advantage is that it is portable. You can take from room to room...or even if travelling, take it to a hotel...so long as you have wifi, power and an HDMI input. Need adequate download speed (min of 10 MB but realistically 20MB)

[Darrell KSR]

Thanks, Doc. That's very intriguing.

[KSRBEvans]

I guess I'll ask the obvious question: how is it not piracy?

[Darrell KSR]

Not an answer to your question, but it is sold at Amazon and Walmart.

I'd like to think they wouldn't sell something that would be used in an illegal manner. I don't know how, either, however.

But I know I have DroidTV app, and it's not the same thing, but a lot of people thought it was illegal, too. I read the cases, and their explanation, and came to the conclusion they were fine operating as a personal DVR service (after the shows are broadcast, their suppliers drop the shows to the service and if you choose to downloan the show, it goes to your own device.)

[KentuckyWildcat]

I had plans to cut the cord. But Comcast charges me $79 for internet....but offered to bundle me all 3 (phone, tv, internet) for $99 for 2 more years....I don't even have a phone in my house, but it is cheaper to get all 3 services....

[Darrell KSR]

I guess I'll ask the obvious question: how is it not piracy?

From their website:

Q. Is it legal to use Rveal?

The Rveal Streaming Media Player, like a cell phone or computer, is just the hardware that allows you to access and stream all of your favorite programs from the internet. This content is already available on the web and provided by 3rd-party apps inside the Google Play Store and Kodi. Since there is no file-sharing, storing, copying or in essence "taking possession of the content", Rveal and other similar devices are perfectly legal. Streaming has been around for decades and continues to grow in popularity everyday.

[KentuckyWildcat]

So Doc, you can stream CNN and Fox News live 24/7?

Also, it seems like Kodi on a Raspberry is similar. I may build one soon to see.

[Doc]

So Doc, you can stream CNN and Fox News live 24/7?

Also, it seems like Kodi on a Raspberry is similar. I may build one soon to see.

Yes

[KentuckyWildcat]

http://www.wkyc.com/mobile/article/news/local/verify/verify-is-it-illegal-to-download-kodi-on-your-amazon-fire-stick/456193971

[Darrell KSR]

So it's another year, and no, I didn't change anything. Momentum can be a bad thing.

The price is scheduled to go up again, but I can save $50 a month and double the Internet speed from 100mbps to 200mbps. I have to accept a crappy selection of channels, and 10 more of my choosing.

It would require me to do without SEC Network and ESPNU.

So I was looking for that streaming device Doc mentioned, and now I can't find it on Amazon.

Doc, are they still in business? Does it still work OK?

[MickintheHam]

I'm not even sure this is relevant, but can you get local stations?

Any issues in bad weather or is it OK if you have good Internet?

You can get a cheap antenna at Walmart.

[Doc]

I had to replace my reveal box. Transformer went bad and I replaced it with a 12 V rather than a 5 V. Fried the insides. Got the next generation and its way better. $275 and thats it. Plug and play. the new box has zero buffering. the old one Id get movies that did not load but not with this one. I love it because it has NFL package, MLB package, NHL package, NBA package, college football PPV, college basketball PPV.....plus every channel you can imaging (including adult ones, for those interested) all the movie networks (east and west coast feeds), local feeds from every city you can think of, plus every TV show and movie you can think of on demand.

Its less than 2 months what I pay for with Direct TV and get way more.

[Darrell KSR]

I had to replace my reveal box. Transformer went bad and I replaced it with a 12 V rather than a 5 V. Fried the insides. Got the next generation and its way better. $275 and thats it. Plug and play. the new box has zero buffering. the old one Id get movies that did not load but not with this one. I love it because it has NFL package, MLB package, NHL package, NBA package, college football PPV, college basketball PPV.....plus every channel you can imaging (including adult ones, for those interested) all the movie networks (east and west coast feeds), local feeds from every city you can think of, plus every TV show and movie you can think of on demand.

So...if I reduce my cable package to this local + crappy + 10 package, and get a Rveal, I can get SEC Network, ESPNU, etc.?

I saw the Rveal 2 on Newegg for $275, and that sounds like the way to go. I'd recoup that money in about 4 months of savings and then save money from then on.

[Doc]

yes. we have basic cable with our HOA. 3 regular TV broadcasts are free. we have 6 TVs, 3 with HD..cost 23.00 a month. Then the reveal box. cost is 0 per month. Also have Direct TV for the living room b/c shawn cant deal with the box (at $204 per month but that includes $60 for att internet)..but once we move that is gone. You will miss NOTHING. RVeal sells thru newegg so you buy there but is shipped from RVeal. The new box loads in about 30 sec from power on to watching whatever you want. I use for sports, movies and old TV shows.

and you want reveal2. Comes with mini keyboard. Thats a nice feature as you can surf the web on the box. Plus the feed for TV is 4K

[Darrell KSR]

Thanks, Doc. Appreciate your patience answering my dumb questions.

[catmanjack]

Thanks I have those same questions, how to get cheap cable and not lose access to UK games as they are on so many different channels. Would accept internet alone if you were able to stream the games live.

[Doc]

Thanks I have those same questions, how to get cheap cable and not lose access to UK games as they are on so many different channels. Would accept internet alone if you were able to stream the games live.

Yes, you stream them live. You also get SECN, ESPN, ESPN U. ESPN GRIDIRON, HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, PLAYBOY, ABC (about 50 feeds), NBC (about 50 feeds), CBS (about 50 feeds), FOX (about 50 feeds) plus all the Fox sports, etc.... its has multiple programs that allow you to watch TV live. Is a TV channel guide and you just click on it and bang...its there.

[MickintheHam]

Thanks, Doc. Appreciate your patience answering my dumb questions.
Darrell to be anecdotal for a minute, it seems to me the Spectrum service in Bham is relatively trouble free. I monitor two neighborhood facebook groups and the complaints about Uverse, Dish, and Direct are frequent topics and usually have double digit comments. Price is always an issue with Spectrum, but I seem to have my monthly bill at a level I can handle and get far more programming than I need.

[Darrell KSR]

Darrell to be anecdotal for a minute, it seems to me the Spectrum service in Bham is relatively trouble free. I monitor two neighborhood facebook groups and the complaints about Uverse, Dish, and Direct are frequent topics and usually have double digit comments. Price is always an issue with Spectrum, but I seem to have my monthly bill at a level I can handle and get far more programming than I need.

My Spectrum has not gone out since I've had it, maybe except for a blip or something that I don't even remember. I have issues with internet speed, but the plan they have proposed would double my internet speed with them, which should make it very good.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to drop down to a basic plan--all local channels plus some crappy channels they select, and then 10 more of our choosing, and get the Rveal box and give that a try. But sticking with Spectrum. This would save me about $50-60 per month or more, though.

My wife was showing me something last night on "Nextdoor Neighborhood" where there were probably a double digit number of people who had trouble with AT&T/DirecTV in our area, mainly over billing/equipment type issues. The "neighborhood" is a lot bigger than just my neighborhood, but I thought that was an astoudning number of people who had problems with them.

[Doc]

I have tons of problems with Direct TV, ever since I got my "free upgrade" on equipment. **** didnt work so I had to replace it, out of my pocket and keep the 2 year agreement. Thats when I researched alternatives, and saw the RVeal box. Liked it so much that I went ahead and got it for my man cave figuring the cost of the NFL package covered the cost, plus I get the NHL package, NBA package, MLB package, NCAA football and basketball plus english soccer, darts, snooker..even get sumo wrestling. Even after frying my first box, I had no issue buying a replacement

[bigsky]

I have Dish with the complete package for $250 and TWC for internet at 340-355 mbps for around $75. The latter is lightning fast on my PC and the wifi works quite well. Once in a blue moon I have to reboot the modem/router but that's it. It's hardwired to my TV so streaming is seamless.
No way around it that I’ve found.

[CGWildcat]

I just cut Directv 2 weeks ago. Went with Roku, plus netflix, hulu, and a bunch of others. I miss Judge Judy though. I need to research this Reveal character.

[KeithKSR]

I wouldn't mind going with something different, but our internet options are nonexistent. We either have to with a satellite based internet, or cell based internet. In a $/GB analysis the cell service won out. We get 10 GB for the hotspot and 22 GB per phone, and since we have AT&T and DIRECTV we can stream on the directv app without using data.

[Darrell KSR]

I have putzed around and not bought anything yet. I wonder if Black Friday may have a deal on Rveal 2. I just got an email from NewEgg about watching my inbox for Thursday and Friday, so at this point, I guess it's worth waiting?

[catmanjack]

Keep the updates coming on Rveal, interested myself.

[catmanjack]

Currently without cable and probably not going to waste the money but would like to watch the games so revisiting this topic again if there are any updates feel free to fill me in.

[catmanjack]

Does a Roku stick work as well as the reveal 2?
What are the differences?

[catmanjack]

Did not realize there is also a fee to activate the Roku stick either 49 or 79 dollar fee.

[Darrell KSR]

I don't think the Roku stick does the same thing as the Rveal, but I could be wrong.

[catmanjack]

I think you are correct, tried to go cheaper and highly disappointed and will return.
Think it’s the reveal 2 all the way.

[Crazy4Blue]

If you cut the cord, give PS Vue a shot (but don't use Roku...it's clunky and slow) with Amazon Fire. I love it, but get occasional buffering...but not so much that I would go back to Cable or Direct TV. PS Vue $40 a month, plus Netflix and Amazon Pride.

[CitizenBBN]

Looked at the rveal2 and tried to get up to speed on this area. Everyone recommends the NVidia box over the others for performance, but if you go that way you have to install a lot of the software yourself to get you to what the Rveal box does. I can do it but not sure I"m up for it, so think I may just get the rveal box.

The thing is there's a lot of gray in all of this, and even some virus/malware issues. It's not quite a trip down the dark web, but it's definitely a tech rabbit hole of apps and sites and such. Rveal kinda bundles all that into a box pre-done, which may be worth the sacrifice in hardware b/c the NVidia is far superior in terms of performance.

They're all android boxes running apps to stream stuff. Some is legal, like signing up for SlingTV or HBO (and you then pay for those), some is gray like apps that comb other areas to find things, and some is legal and free (like ad supported streaming sites).

I spent a couple of hours figuring it out one night and stopped, didn't have time to spend on more of it, but it's a whole world of options.

[catmanjack]

What I am finding even with the fire stick you have to pay premium for like Hulu and amazon to stream even ESPN is the reveal 2 the same way? The whole purpose is to do away with the expensive cable and expensive monthly payment.

[CitizenBBN]

that's the irony to me. Everyone says cut the cable and lower their cost, then subscribe to 3-5 services all at $10-$30 a month and you're right back to a decent bill every month.

I still haven't gotten a 100% handle on Rveal2. it seems to operate more in gray areas, not sure if it's streaming straight from torrent sites and such, but it sure seems more gray than just getting another android box and connecting to your netflix account.

Google something called "Kodi". Kodi is the open source software that seems to drive most of these boxes, at least the gray area parts. For example Nvidia Shield doesn't have Kodi but you can put kodi on it, then you get to choose all these sites and sub-apps you can run that will connect to different content.

From what I can tell the rveal2 box uses Kodi and it's pre-installed. Or some version of the same thing.

Kodi doesn't actually provide any streaming services, but you then use it to connect to them. Some are legit (netflix, prime), some can be free and maybe ad supported (they have real thin content from what I've seen, B-movies and shows), and some are much more gray. That last one I haven't fully figured out, if it's torrent type stuff or something else.

[CitizenBBN]

Rveal2 sounds like it builds in a lot of those services automatically, and then you can just surf them. That's why no fees, they're either ad supported or gray area stuff.

It's gray b/c the laws deal with downloading, not really streaming but you don't save anything. At least as I understand it.

[catmanjack]

Super way to end the half

[Darrell KSR]

I think you have it right.
Rveal2 sounds like it builds in a lot of those services automatically, and then you can just surf them. That's why no fees, they're either ad supported or gray area stuff.

It's gray b/c the laws deal with downloading, not really streaming but you don't save anything. At least as I understand it.

[CitizenBBN]

I wouldn't take it to the bank. I have been in tech since before the first PC was released, 1978, and I'm having a hard time understanding some of what is going on with this stuff.

Mostly b/c the companies don't tell you, IMO clearly b/c they don't want to tell you, b/c some of it is gray. At least that part of it.

Now a box where you then download the play store app for Netflix, HBO, sure, that's simple enough. You're just buying and running a dedicated media streaming box, a computer dedicated to just that function. Easy.

But how this other stuff comes in, that's the gray part.

The "in crowd" techs don't even discuss the Rveal box much if at all, b/c as a box it's not that powerful. They love the Nvidia box, but then they go in and add KODI and all the various services that it can connect to and you get a performance 4K level box with all the rveal streaming options.

But it's also clearly a fair amount of installing and tweaking.

[Darrell KSR]

I still haven't bought mine because I don't want to "install" it lol. So you know I'm not going to get the one that requires you to put the programming in.
I wouldn't take it to the bank. I have been in tech since before the first PC was released, 1978, and I'm having a hard time understanding some of what is going on with this stuff.

Mostly b/c the companies don't tell you, IMO clearly b/c they don't want to tell you, b/c some of it is gray. At least that part of it.

Now a box where you then download the play store app for Netflix, HBO, sure, that's simple enough. You're just buying and running a dedicated media streaming box, a computer dedicated to just that function. Easy.

But how this other stuff comes in, that's the gray part.

The "in crowd" techs don't even discuss the Rveal box much if at all, b/c as a box it's not that powerful. They love the Nvidia box, but then they go in and add KODI and all the various services that it can connect to and you get a performance 4K level box with all the rveal streaming options.

But it's also clearly a fair amount of installing and tweaking.

[catmanjack]

So there is installing to the reveal 2? Not just simple screen loading?
Would like to have but not if there is a lot of trouble loading!

[Darrell KSR]

Plugging it up. But you don't know how bad I am.
So there is installing to the reveal 2? Not just simple screen loading?
Would like to have but not if there is a lot of trouble loading!

[catmanjack]

Heck I am worried about myself, Plug and go just do not go with me.

[Darrell KSR]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to at least try YouTube TV. Gave a friend a ride over to the soccer game in Georgia Friday night oh, and he was telling my wife and I are about him switching to YouTube TV. He's very discerning, but also didn't mind saving money, and it sounds like it has everything we need, and then some.

[catmanjack]

Keep us posted.

[KentuckyWildcat]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to at least try YouTube TV. Gave a friend a ride over to the soccer game in Georgia Friday night oh, and he was telling my wife and I are about him switching to YouTube TV. He's very discerning, but also didn't mind saving money, and it sounds like it has everything we need, and then some.I like YouTube TV. But they just jacked their price up to $50 per month. So I'm about to drop them. We didn't watch it enough for $40 much less $50. Nothing against them, this is more about us not watching TV.

Sling price is better for the amount we watch but no Fox News with that.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[Darrell KSR]

If they didn't increase it to $50 a month, we couldn't get it. The additional channels they are adding for the $10 are ones that my wife watches frequently. 7963

[KentuckyWildcat]

I'll miss it for sure. May get it again in the fall.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[KentuckyWildcat]

D, one complaint is DVR and ballgames. It often missed the first several minutes of a game. However, it did seem to improve by the end of basketball season.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[Darrell KSR]

D, one complaint is DVR and ballgames. It often missed the first several minutes of a game. However, it did seem to improve by the end of basketball season.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using TapatalkThat will stink. Not a complete killer, but disappointing.

[KentuckyWildcat]

That will stink. Not a complete killer, but disappointing.From February thru the last game I do not recall it missing any. So hopefully they got those bugs worked out?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk