Cutting the cord? It's time...

[SLUPSU]

The free app that came with my Firestick.

Which is not the same as youtube's TV streaming service, firestick will be a supported device later in 2019.

From youtubetv/google's website....
https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129767?hl=en&ref_topic=7071745#

Notice that Amazon Fire Stick is not listed as a supported device.

You can stream YouTube TV to your TV using:

• Chromecast devices. Note: If you're using a first generation Chromecast
  
  , you may experience a higher rate of errors. It may also take up to 30 seconds to load.
• TVs with Chromecast built-in (e.g., Android TV)
• AirPlay for Apple TV
• Google Smart Displays

You can also download the YouTube TV app on select devices to watch YouTube TV on your TV.

Our TV app is available on:

• Android TV
• All Vizio SmartCast TVs
• Samsung & LG smart TVs (2016 models and newer)
• HiSense TVs (models: MTK5658, MTK5659, MSD6586)
• Apple TV (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K
• Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X
• Roku: All Roku TVs, Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Streaming Stick (3800x, 3600x), Roku Express/Express+ (3910x, 3900x, 3710x, 3700x), Roku Premiere+, Roku Premiere, Roku 4, Roku 3 (4200x, 4230x), and Roku 2 (4210x).

 

[tboyer]

Don't feel sorry for me, I'm satisfied with paying $20/mo for 100 mbps service

Wow, you are in the lucky few. The poor folks served only by Comcast -- they cheapest broadband they can get (after the teaser rate) is typically $90 a month for 60 megabits. Comcast's strategy for discouraging cord-cutting is to charge almost as much for internet as it does for internet + tv.

 

[SLUPSU]

Wow, you are in the lucky few. The poor folks served only by Comcast -- they cheapest broadband they can get (after the teaser rate) is typically $90 a month for 60 megabits. Comcast's strategy for discouraging cord-cutting is to charge almost as much for internet as it does for internet + tv.

I currently have a one year $20/mo discount with ATT. When that discount goes away I can always go to Spectrum if I want to, their new customer rate is $45/mo for 200 mbps service, unlimited data, free modem, and that rate is locked for 2 years. So yes.... I have good choices.

 

[Psualum2007]

I can switch to Hulu with the Roku 4K plus stick and save $78 per month.

I plan on making the switch this week.

 

[step.eng69]

Go here and key in your zip code.

https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/

Holy shit, they charge $13 for a modem rental? Why doesn't your dad buy his own? They can be had for less than $75.

Are there any streaming conversions on the market I can purchase for my 50" Sony tv? Talking to my son who lives on the other side of the continent recommended I start with Amazon Fire TV, add PSVUE & Netflix. Can't seem go make this work. Help needed.

 

[MJG-90]

Are there any streaming conversations on the market I can purchase for my 50" Sony tv?

I don’t understand the question. Conversations?

Your son’s recommendation is solid. Just need to make it work. What’s the issue?

EDIT: just hit me that your video shows an old TV. Probably doesn’t have inputs. So you need a piece to convert HDMI to whatever inputs are on your TV.

 

[step.eng69]

I don’t understand the question. Conversations?

Your son’s recommendation is solid. Just need to make it work. What’s the issue?

Conversion...

 

[MJG-90]

Conversion...

I figured that out two seconds after I hit post. What inputs does your tv have? Just old RCA inputs?

HDMI to RCA, HDMI to AV, VILCOME 1080P HDMI to 3RCA CVBS AV Composite Video Audio Converter Adapter Supports PAL/NTSC with USB Charge Cable for PC Laptop HDTV DVD (Black) Amazon product ASIN B07CXT1LBP

 

[step.eng69]

I figured that out two seconds after I hit post. What inputs does your tv have? Just old RCA inputs?

HDMI to RCA, HDMI to AV, VILCOME 1080P HDMI to 3RCA CVBS AV Composite Video Audio Converter Adapter Supports PAL/NTSC with USB Charge Cable for PC Laptop HDTV DVD (Black)

View embedded media

RCA...thank you much. This board is like the Red Green show, always someone here that know solutions with or without duct tape.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

RCA...thank you much. This board is like the Red Green show, always someone here that know solutions with or without duct tape.

Just a heads up: Your picture is going to look like shit if you try to turn a non-HDTV into a streaming TV. IMO, just go to Sams Club or Walmart and get a new TV. A surprisingly good TV can be had for less than $500.

 

[Judge Smails]

I’m all setup. Used my wife’s name to become a “new customer” to Verizon and drop internet wifi from $80 to $40. Youtube tv, my smart tvs all had the app. Dropped bill from $210 to around $95.

 

[81b&w]

I’m all setup. Used my wife’s name to become a “new customer” to Verizon and drop internet wifi from $80 to $40. Youtube tv, my smart tvs all had the app. Dropped bill from $210 to around $95.

Judge, did they question you at all being it was the same location and last name?

 

[Creek Side]

I’m all setup. Used my wife’s name to become a “new customer” to Verizon and drop internet wifi from $80 to $40. Youtube tv, my smart tvs all had the app. Dropped bill from $210 to around $95.

How long is your internet going to be at that $40 price?

 

[Judge Smails]

How long is your internet going to be at that $40 price?

1 year. Then $60. Signed up for it online. No one to ask questions.

 

[AvgUser]

100 is plenty fast

One gig is faster

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Judge, did they question you at all being it was the same location and last name?

It’s hard for them to question you if you do everything online. That’s what I did with Comcast. Assume you can do the same Verizon.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

I’m all setup. Used my wife’s name to become a “new customer” to Verizon and drop internet wifi from $80 to $40. Youtube tv, my smart tvs all had the app. Dropped bill from $210 to around $95.

Nice. I haven't looked back since I made the change.

 

[kijanacat]

I saw Comcast introduced Xfinity Instant Streaming TV. $18/ month to start. Don't know anything else at this time.

 

[pandaczar12]

I am willing to pay a little more for cable, my brother has PlayStation Vue and he said I would be frustrated with it as well

Amen. This is one area where I will pay a little more for convenience. I'm surprised that more of my fellow PSU grads aren't in a place in their life to do the same.

 

[Judge Smails]

Amen. This is one area where I will pay a little more for convenience. I'm surprised that more of my fellow PSU grads aren't in a place in their life to do the same.

LOL. We should just gift the cable company an extra $100 because we can? Cool. How about you venmo me $100, unless you are at a place in your life that you can't afford it.

 

[pandaczar12]

LOL. We should just gift the cable company an extra $100 because we can? Cool. How about you venmo me $100, unless you are at a place in your life that you can't afford it.

You can do whatever you want with your money and your time. If you really need $100, post your personal info (name, home address, year of graduation from PSU, etc.) and I will hook you up.

Why would you assume that your situation is directly applicable to others? When did I ever mention $100 a month or reply to a post where you mentioned $100 a month? I specifically replied to a post that discussed being "willing to pay a little more". I would never have a package that costs so much that cutting the cord would save $100 a month, I'd save $20, maybe $40 tops. Cutting the cord to save a few bucks a month just isn't worth the loss of convenience or the time spent making the switch.

 

[Judge Smails]

You can do whatever you want with your money and your time. If you really need $100, post your personal info (name, home address, year of graduation from PSU, etc.) and I will hook you up.

Why would you assume that your situation is directly applicable to others? When did I ever mention $100 a month or reply to a post where you mentioned $100 a month? I specifically replied to a post that discussed being "willing to pay a little more". I would never have a package that costs so much that cutting the cord would save $100 a month, I'd save $20, maybe $40 tops. Cutting the cord to save a few bucks a month just isn't worth the loss of convenience or the time spent making the switch.

"I will pay a little more for convenience. I'm surprised that more of my fellow PSU grads aren't in a place in their life to do the same."

Here you basically say anyone who wants to save money on their cable bill is poor. I look at it as being efficient.

If you know your way around technology it really isn't much of an inconvenience.

 

[pandaczar12]

"I will pay a little more for convenience. I'm surprised that more of my fellow PSU grads aren't in a place in their life to do the same."

Here you basically give me the Joe Pa treatment (with the benefit of hindsight) and ignore the first part where I say "I will pay a little more for convenience". For $20 a month savings it's not worth doing the research, buying the equipment, making the switch, teaching young children new technology... just to hope I like streaming content. It's not a stretch to assume that my fellow PSU grads could afford such a small luxury, especially if it makes watching their beloved Nittany Lions easier on Fall Saturdays.

Here you basically say anyone who wants to save money on their cable bill is poor. I look at it as being efficient.

Not sure what's going on in your life that you took it that way, but I hope it gets better soon.

If you know your way around technology it really isn't much of an inconvenience.

... and $20 a month isn't enough savings to worry about switching.

 

[MJG-90]

I saw Comcast introduced Xfinity Instant Streaming TV. $18/ month to start. Don't know anything else at this time.

I saw that too. I tried to look into it, went to the Xfinity link and it just circled me into my account and didn't show me any information on that product.

 

[tboyer]

Just helped someone close to me. 80 year old woman living on a small Social Security check and her cable bill was $160 a month!

She actually wasn't eating very well because her food budget was being squeezed by her ever-increasing Comcast bill.

It took her the better part of a year to get used to the idea that she really didn't need cable, but she finally got there. Returning all her Comcast equipment today!

First hurdle was phone. She uses her cell phone (on her son's plan) so she realized she no longer needed landline phone service.

We got her a Roku and helped her find streaming service that would give her what she was getting from cable. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon (yeah, some "password-sharing" to help her with the cost, I don't feel bad about that at all). For people who are into home and garden channels, Philo TV ($16 a month) is a really good alternative. She also wanted to be able to watch local news, so we found a local network station that puts most of its news segments up on a Roku app for streaming.

It helped a lot that Verizon offers service in her apartment -- so she got a $40-a-month Verizon internet plan. She's going to save close to $120/mo -- which means she can eat better and she doesn't have to worry so much about running the A/C in the summer.

I know for most of us cord cutting is about saving a few bucks and maybe watching a few less commercials. But for some people this is a much bigger deal -- it's money they really need for other things.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

"I will pay a little more for convenience. I'm surprised that more of my fellow PSU grads aren't in a place in their life to do the same."

Here you basically say anyone who wants to save money on their cable bill is poor. I look at it as being efficient.

If you know your way around technology it really isn't much of an inconvenience.

IPTV/streaming services aren't for everyone. There are headaches involved, and even though no one will defend cable company prices, cable generally "works" better than IPTV. It's a trade-off, and cable is more convenient. Plus, someone deciding to pay a cable company is simply a means of directing funds for entertainment. I think it's a waste, you think it's a waste, but it's not a waste for @pandaczar12, at least in his world. To us, it might be--but to each their own.

 

[Op2]

Just helped someone close to me. 80 year old woman living on a small Social Security check and her cable bill was $160 a month!

She actually wasn't eating very well because her food budget was being squeezed by her ever-increasing Comcast bill.

It took her the better part of a year to get used to the idea that she really didn't need cable, but she finally got there. Returning all her Comcast equipment today!

First hurdle was phone. She uses her cell phone (on her son's plan) so she realized she no longer needed landline phone service.

We got her a Roku and helped her find streaming service that would give her what she was getting from cable. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon (yeah, some "password-sharing" to help her with the cost, I don't feel bad about that at all). For people who are into home and garden channels, Philo TV ($16 a month) is a really good alternative. She also wanted to be able to watch local news, so we found a local network station that puts most of its news segments up on a Roku app for streaming.

It helped a lot that Verizon offers service in her apartment -- so she got a $40-a-month Verizon internet plan. She's going to save close to $120/mo -- which means she can eat better and she doesn't have to worry so much about running the A/C in the summer.

I know for most of us cord cutting is about saving a few bucks and maybe watching a few less commercials. But for some people this is a much bigger deal -- it's money they really need for other things.

Yes, the old folks are the ones that the cable companies really put the screws to. TV is a large part of their entertainment so they can't get rid of it so easily. They aren't tech savvy so it's hard for them to switch. And they're less likely to call and haggle a reduction in their bill and if you don't do that the cable company will keep raising and raising it. And of course they have to pay for all 80 channels to get the half dozen they actually watch.

 

[81b&w]

Yes, the old folks are the ones that the cable companies really put the screws to. TV is a large part of their entertainment so they can't get rid of it so easily. They aren't tech savvy so it's hard for them to switch. And they're less likely to call and haggle a reduction in their bill and if you don't do that the cable company will keep raising and raising it. And of course they have to pay for all 80 channels to get the half dozen they actually watch.

What gets me is people like my elderly mother who has been a customer for many, many years, pays three times as much as a new customer. My sister now controls her bill paying and because of this thread my sister will call this afternoon and try switching it into her name. I'll let you all know how it works out. And thanks Judge for the inspiration

 

[Judge Smails]

What gets me is people like my elderly mother who has been a customer for many, many years, pays three times as much as a new customer. My sister now controls her bill paying and because of this thread my sister will call this afternoon and try switching it into her name. I'll let you all know how it works out. And thanks Judge for the inspiration

This was the link I used to find internet options in my town....links led to online ordering.

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/

 

[LaJolla Lion]

"I will pay a little more for convenience. I'm surprised that more of my fellow PSU grads aren't in a place in their life to do the same."

Here you basically say anyone who wants to save money on their cable bill is poor. I look at it as being efficient.

If you know your way around technology it really isn't much of an inconvenience.

This is going to happen for everyone in time. Why are satellite companies and cable companies going to continue to pay for the overhead of technicians and equipment when they don't have to. You can see most of the major cable/satellite providers moving towards this. I payed $25 more for my bandwidth and still save over $90 a month. I could be a GD idiot and still pay for that I guess to make a point to someone I guess, but I don't see the benefit anymore.

 

[Judge Smails]

This is going to happen for everyone in time. Why are satellite companies and cable companies going to continue to pay for the overhead of technicians and equipment when they don't have to. You can see most of the major cable/satellite providers moving towards this. I payed $25 more for my bandwidth and still save over $90 a month. I could be a GD idiot and still pay for that I guess to make a point to someone I guess, but I don't see the benefit anymore.

Sorry to hear you are struggling in your life!

 

[RGWhirly]

I saw that too. I tried to look into it, went to the Xfinity link and it just circled me into my account and didn't show me any information on that product.

And that there is one of the many issues with Xfinity. They barely want to provide any information to you unless you call them, even on this "new" streaming product. I am going to be so happy to ditch the TV part here in about 2 days. Going to keep them for internet.

 

[Creek Side]

And that there is one of the many issues with Xfinity. They barely want to provide any information to you unless you call them, even on this "new" streaming product. I am going to be so happy to ditch the TV part here in about 2 days. Going to keep them for internet.

Here's the link. Simple to follow. Looks pretty good to me.

https://www.xfinity.com/learn/choice-doubleplay?CMP=KNC-43700031602897540-GOOGLE-261580723912-m-xfinity instant tv-e-RMKT_NCSCA_Streaming_BR_Exact_North&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwwZrmBRA7EiwA4iMzBDiG9U8ODAGZXY2hyXXNDDnMSvYE-7dDumGgYn16ZyinahstbsDhaRoCDoIQAvD_BwE

 

[Creek Side]

I've seen what the satellite co's offer and played with Hulu and Roku at friends homes. Xfinity X1 maybe more expensive than most, but is hands down the best product out there. Kind of like the difference between a high end car and an average car.

 

[gogolion]

How do these non-cable options work in terms of the speed of switching channels? I love switching channels with sports, especially on a Saturday when there are 6+ games on at a time. With cable, I can switch stations in about two seconds, so it is really easy for me to flip through 6 channels or flip back and forth between plays while I am watching two or three games late in the 4th qtr. Can I do this with the non-cable options or is it more cumbersome?

This is probably the primary reason I have NOT cut the cord. I know the comcast interface/remote and can switch channels very quickly and do so a LOT. I am a channel surfer, especially when it comes to sports. When my cable bill crept up to about $205/month I tried out some of the streaming services and changing channels sucked! (maybe there are better interfaces to the ones I tried). None the less, I was going to do it because over $200/month to watch TV is just ridiculous. When I called to cancel they lowered my bill to about $140/month (that is for internet and TV). I could probably save some money ($20 to $50/month maybe?) by cutting the cord, but I'm willing to spend that amount for the convenience and reliability.

 

[Op2]

This is probably the primary reason I have NOT cut the cord. I know the comcast interface/remote and can switch channels very quickly and do so a LOT. I am a channel surfer, especially when it comes to sports. When my cable bill crept up to about $205/month I tried out some of the streaming services and changing channels sucked! (maybe there are better interfaces to the ones I tried). None the less, I was going to do it because over $200/month to watch TV is just ridiculous. When I called to cancel they lowered my bill to about $140/month (that is for internet and TV). I could probably save some money ($20 to $50/month maybe?) by cutting the cord, but I'm willing to spend that amount for the convenience and reliability.

I've had Sling TV and the "pay $25 per month and get any 10 channels over the Internet" deal that Spectrum offers and both are very slow at changing channels, which frustrates me. This fall when football season comes I'll try Youtube TV to see if it's any better.

Digital cable was a lot faster but even it felt slow to me compared to the old days of analog cable. With analog cable you'd hit the button and bam, you're at the other channel immediately. Digital cable takes like 1-2 seconds, which I find annoying. Back when I had cable, I would never have switched from analog to digital had the cable company not basically forced me to.

 

[junior1]

Judge - I was able to get Comcast for $103 per month for internet and TV. I have my own modem and I get one DVR and one box that can watch anything I tape on the DVR and get on demand on another TV. I do not get the Big Ten and will upgrade right before the season to get it. I also have this with no contract. We go to Florida for 6 months in July(Don't ask why) and I will return the boxes and only pay for internet until I re up when we return. I think right now I have the 140 channel plan and it gets me everything I want except the Big Ten. I live in East Norriton.

You can put your Comcast services in a seasonal mode and pay a lot less when you’re gone to fl

 

[RGWhirly]

Here's the link. Simple to follow. Looks pretty good to me.

https://www.xfinity.com/learn/choice-doubleplay?CMP=KNC-43700031602897540-GOOGLE-261580723912-m-xfinity instant tv-e-RMKT_NCSCA_Streaming_BR_Exact_North&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwwZrmBRA7EiwA4iMzBDiG9U8ODAGZXY2hyXXNDDnMSvYE-7dDumGgYn16ZyinahstbsDhaRoCDoIQAvD_BwE

Maybe I am just missing it however where on their website do they list all of the channels available with that product?

 

[sigchip_a_yahoo.com]

You can put your Comcast services in a seasonal mode and pay a lot less when you’re gone to fl

I use to when I was on a contract but now I return the boxes and only pay for internet while gone, then pick up two boxes when we return to pa.

 

[sigchip_a_yahoo.com]

I use to when I was on a contract but now I return the boxes and only pay for internet while gone, then pick up two boxes when we return to pa.

They also do not allow vacation hold from pa like they do from Florida