Chromecast, Airtime or Roku HDMI
#42
Burning Brakes
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.
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.
#43
My first ricer
iTrader: (4)
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.
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.
The following users liked this post:
justnspace (01-07-2015)
#45
Race Director
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.
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.
#47
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
Premium != sports though. And sports is what it's all about.
#49
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 40
Posts: 63,308
Received 2,811 Likes
on
1,991 Posts
#50
Burning Brakes
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.
#52
My first ricer
iTrader: (4)
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.
#53
Team Owner
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?
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?
#54
Race Director
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.
So buy a legit Roku or FireTV.
#55
Team Owner
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)
Also, what NetFlix package do you guys have? The $7.99 (Basic) $8.99 (Standard) or the $11.99 (premium)
#56
Race Director
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.
ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Disney Channel, ABC Family, CNN, El Rey Network, Maker, Galavision, AMC (coming soon)
#58
Race Director
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.
That + Netflix + Amazon Prime and you're set.
#59
Team Owner
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
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
Last edited by Doom878; 02-19-2015 at 12:39 PM.
#60
Team Owner
iTrader: (15)
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
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
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.
#61
Race Director
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.
#64
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
And that's the way a LOT of people feel. Thus #cutthecord
#67
Team Owner
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
Sony's Vue Streaming Service Sure Is Slick?And Pricey | WIRED
#71
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
#72
Team Owner
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.
#73
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
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.
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.
#75
Senior Moderator
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.
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.
#76
Q('.')=O
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..
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..
#77
Team Owner
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.
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.
#78
Senior Moderator
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.
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.
#79
Senior Moderator
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?
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?
#80
Senior Moderator
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.
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.