Doom878

^Yes. An alternative to cable

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

I think that Sling option is by Dish. If it would include SEC network, I'd go for it. It has ESPN and ESPN2, but missing SEC. I doubt they will include it since SEC is so damn expensive, but I'd drop cable in a heartbeat if I could get that. I have a cable bill soley for college football, and it's not worth the hassle of canceling service when football isn't on.

Hell, if the networks ever get smart and go DIRECT - that will disrupt cable tv big time. If they can deliver me it IP, why have cable at all? I'll pay ESPN direct for theirs, TNT, USA, etc. They could probably charge a tad more vs. what they charge the cable provider as well. Then again, they don't have the infrastructure, ec.

350

iTrader: (4)

Find a friend to share their logon for Comcast/Fios etc and use the Watch ESPN app. I use my dad's password for ESPN and HBO, all the ESPN stuff is live and streams fine.

Doom878

Dish is pretty ballsy doing this. ESPN alone charges like $6 per customer to them while the other networks charge less than $1.50. Plus they'll cannibalize their subscriber base.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

They want to be the first to offer sports "a la carte". Either a really good move or a really bad one.

Reading around on the Sling thing revealed there will be limitations though. That's why I want to see the specifics.

If I could have get ESPN and AMC real time, I would drop cable tonight.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

who ever does "a la carte" first, i'm jumping aboard.

lookin like HBO

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

Premium != sports though. And sports is what it's all about.

Doom878

Exactly. Sports is really hard to not know who wins in this day and age. You can avoid show spoilers but if you're a sports fan and don't have a DVR, you're toast.

Mizouse

wait sling box got bought out by Dish? damn when did that happen?

been meaning to pick up one of those.

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

I really want a 10 ft UI that is designed properly. Do any of the TV boxes support Watch ESPN? I know I can get it on Android, but Android/Google TV still seems a tad half baked. I have an MK808 that I gave my dad so he can connect to my Plex server to watch shows he doesn't get. I may consider this if the UI improves a bit.

Doom878

I'm not touching a Google/Android box until they get there shit together. Chromecast is fine but for a box Roku is pretty badass channels-wise. I believe they have WatchESPN also.

350

iTrader: (4)

Amazon Fire has ESPN also but I haven't tried it yet to see if it works any smoother. Really the only difference I notice is that it doesn't play all of the commercials, it'll go to a gray screen saying commercials in progress, then back tot he show, I guess if they don't pay extra for it to be on there too.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

So bringing this topic back up.

Decided to finally get NetFlix, yes I know, pretty late. Trying to eliminate my cable bill. First my TV is not a Smart TV, I believe I bought my TV right before the Samsung Smart TV came out. I was going to use Netflix from my Xbox 360, but I have the older version (don't play video games anymore) and that would require the wireless adapter. Have a blu-ray but heard that it's kind lame on the blu-ray because you have to go on your computer and add things to "queue"

So I'm looking into a dongle.
- ChromeCast
- Roku
- Amazon Fire - Fire TV stick (?)

It will be mainly used for Netflix, and since I have a toddler maybe like the Dinsey app. Once I get the whole Netflix thing down I may eliminate my TV bill or at least drop my package down.

Would a Chromecast fit my needs or should I go for the Roku?

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

If you are replacing cable my recommendation would be to avoid a "stick". Spend a little more for a lot more horsepower.

So buy a legit Roku or FireTV.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

I may get the Amazon Fire TV. Can anyone confirm that has the Amazon Fire, are you able to use the apps if you don't have a cable provider? Was talking to a coworker and he was saying with his Roku 2, he can't watch ESPN, because he does not have cable at his home.

Also, what NetFlix package do you guys have? The $7.99 (Basic) $8.99 (Standard) or the $11.99 (premium)

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

ESPN? No. Sports is primarily all that is holding cable afloat. The big new thing that just came out is the Sling.tv service which has ESPN included. That app is coming very soon to the FireTV. $20 a month for like a dozen channels including Disney and ESPN.

I prefer the FireTV over the others but some people like the diversity in content the Roku brings to the table.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Oh shit. I may have to go ahead and get that then.

It seems like Disney and HGTV is included in that. That's probably the only things that come on our TV currently.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

Yea man it's a pretty solid lineup. Especially if/when they ever add AMC.

That + Netflix + Amazon Prime and you're set.

Doom878

Flipster, does it have to be a dongle? Just buy a really long HDMI cable and connect your laptop to the TV. I haven't had cable for 2 years and have used that unless it's on Netflix via my PS3. The sling.tv service will fill your sports needs but be forewarned you can only use it one source at a time with each subscription but you didn't mention anything about add'l TV's.

Yes many of the apps don't imply free service. I have a Roku in the kids' room so that they can watch Disney XD but I use their mom's login since she has cable. Most network providers (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS) will show the last few episodes free with no subsciption required.

Oh and if you want to Fire or Stick $50 off

https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.ht...cId=1002997141

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

I've thought about doing the HDMI cable too. I've done it in the past for some show that didn't record on my DvR. Maybe I'll use the HDMI cable for a little bit while I decide on what I want to do.

I'm not so worried about the sports, I could always have my friends log in info. I'll probably just have it on my living room TV, bedroom TV, and playroom TV.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

Let's be honest...no one wants to hookup a laptop or PC. These boxes are $100 or less for much more enjoyable experience.

Doom878

^Way to generalize. Just throwing out the option since budget is the main factor, thus cutting cable.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

I just feel that I'm paying too much for only watching 3 channels.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

And that's the way a LOT of people feel. Thus #cutthecord

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Yea, I've realized i'm the only one not on Netflix in my unit.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

So after doing some reviews for the past 3 hours.

I've decided to go with the Roku 3 for the main living room and get a chromecast for the bedroom. Thanks for everyone's input.

Doom878

If you have a PS4 or PS3 another cable alternative is Vue. Pretty pricy at $50/month but more options than Sling but no ESPN/ABC. Coming to iPad soon.

Sony's Vue Streaming Service Sure Is Slick?And Pricey | WIRED

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the shield set top box looks interesting too.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Update:

I love these things...

Roku 4 is supposedly coming out now too, so the 3 is even cheaper.

Doom878

Anyone mess with Kodi, formerly XBMC?

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

That's what I am running on my rooted FireTV. What's up?

Doom878

I had XBMC a few months ago and was using Mashup which is dead now. Do I have to redownload the software or will XMBC update? Which plug-ins are you running? And how fast do they upload after being broadcast? I Looooooove Popcorn Time but it takes a day to see new episodes.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure I follow. You will need to update to Kodi manually.

I've never used any of those plugins. I download everything I watch and then archive. I can usually grab things minutes after they have aired. Sometimes even before. But I have no idea about Mashup.

The only real reason I use XBMC is for the eye candy it can provide easily with meta data. If that wasn't there I would literally go back to a Western Digital TV.

Doom878

Yeah I don't care for manually downloading torrents so using the Plug Ins in XBMC or Popcorn Time make it more "just click to play". The quality is fine and I don't care to keep the shows.

thoiboi

Also for those asking Sling.tv is NOT equal to Sling devices (aka slingbox etc..)

I learned that misconception today. Sling.com is sling.tv, slingbox.com is slingdevices.

Two different companies that just happen to use a similar name :/ And now they don't inter-operate either.

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

Alrighty, my turn to ask.

We currently have Uverse and our subscription expires in a a few weeks. We had the discounted deal for the first year but the second year we are paying about $200/month for all our stuff.

I'm looking at getting internet only + Sling TV (+ sports package). We already have a Roku... plus Sling is giving a Roku stick for free if you sign up. The $20/month no contract sounds great. It does have a bunch of channels we watch but I also hope it had a few others ie: USA, NBCSN.

Anyone have reviews with their Sling TV experience? And to get local channels I heard the best thing to do would be to get a new antenna.. and we should even be able to get them in HD.

Also, if I have the Roku on one TV and the Roku stick in a second TV, can we watch different Sling TV channels at the same time? I think I saw on here you can't if you are using the same account..

Doom878

You might be limited on number of TV's using Sling. Not sure how lax they are.

As for antennas, I'd probably buy a few and just keep the one that works best for each room.

Lastly, if you go to cancel Uverse they'll probably cut you a good deal anyways if you speak to their retention dept.

thoiboi

Don't think you can simultaneously watch two shows at the same time using Sling.

As logn as you have one of the newer TV's with built in digital tuner, a regular antenna will be more than enough for regular HD digital OTA channels.

oo7spy

I'm looking for the most cost effective way to stream movies from iTunes to a TV. Using Handbrake, I have ripped all of the kids' DVDs onto the MacBook Air and imported them to iTunes. Since it's an Air, I would have to spend money on the HDMI adapter to plug in, and I really don't like the computer being within reach of the kids. That has me looking for an alternative to plugging in.

For those of you who have used the Chromecast, would that cover my needs? I assume I would be playing the movie on the computer and streaming the screen to the Chromecast? Is there a better alternative for less than $50?

thoiboi

It's tough from iTunes/a computer. I used to have good luck opening (.mkv files from legally obtained websites of course :rollseyes in Chrome then casting the tab to Chromecast.


AppleTV would be the most seamless option since they are in iTunes to be honest.. I got a used one a months back for 50 bucks though.