Chris0nllyn
Well-Known Member
I just got rid of cable in favor of online streaming services. I'll try and document my experiences and any questions here and likely re-visit some things that have been discussed previously in other threads.
First step is to understand how things work. Services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc. stream some level of video, TV shows, or movies. You pay some monthly fee (based on the level of subscription you choose) to watch them. Streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, etc. are a "one stop shop" for your online streaming subscriptions and simply houses your subscriptions in one area. In some cases, your TV may be a "smart TV" and come with "apps" like Netflix, VUDU, etc. If your TV comes with your service, you may not need a streaming device.
I chose a Roku Streaming Stick as my streaming device because it's easy to use, cheap to buy (free to use), and has TONS of options for "apps" outside of the bigger name ones I mentioned above. I chose to go this route even though I have some smart TVs because my TVs didn't include all the streaming services I use. One nice things about the Roku (and maybe other devices) is that, unlike cable, you aren't charged any additional money for additional TVs.
Streaming services I chose (or already had) are Netflix, PrimeTV, and SlingTV. Netflix is primarily an "on-demand" movie and show streaming service. You pick and choose what tyou want to watch. Same with PrimeTV. Each has a collection of their "exclusive" or "original" series/movies. What about regular old TV stations? Here's where SlingTV comes in. They offer different TV "packages" that include about 20-25 channels or you can get the combo package for $40/month. SlingTV also has a current offer where if you pre-pay for two months of SlingTV, they send you a free Roku (another reason I went with Roku).
In all, I have 4 TVs. Bedroom, Living Room, Basement, and Shed (yes, shed). Roku offers different devices. Some include 4K, some include MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) wireless support, etc. I chose the Streaming Stick because it's basic (I don't need or subscribe to 4K streaming services) but does include TV volume and on/off control (limiting having to use two remotes). I bought 3 of them from Amazon during Cyber Week for 40% off ($30 ea.) and knew that I'd be getting another free one from Sling with their offer (note that the Roku Express comes with Sling. This doesn't offer volume or on/off control, but otherwise the same). The free Roku Express will be going in the shed.
Once the devices showed up, the next step was setup. The setup for Roku was incredibly easy. It plugs directly into the HDMI port and is powered by a USB connection. If your TV does not have a USB port (or that port does not have enough power to power the Roku), the Roku comes with a wall plug. Once plugged in, it'll ask you for WiFi login details. Once that's done it auto-detects the TV for volume control and auto-detects the display (1080p, 720p, etc). It then displays a code. Go online to Roku, set up an account (it's free) and link your device to your account. From this page you can also automatically select and sign-in to any apps you want like Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, PrimeTV, Pandora, etc. In all, 3 TVs took less than 30 minutes.
Now that my Rokus were up and running and all working, next step was to call my cable company. We had just gotten off our 2-year promotional deal and were stuck paying a bunch of money each month for TV and internet. Yes, you can haggle with them if you choose but I've done it for 4 years and am done with it. I had 150Mbs internet service with my old promotion and found it was overkill. Netflix recommends 5Mbs for HD quality video, for example, but you'll need to decide for yourself if your internet plan is enough. I ended up downgrading to a 60Mbs service and tested it playing Sling on one TV, Netflix on another, 2 cell phones using the internet, and a laptop. There have been only a few minor blips where Sling had to buffer, but not bad. If you have more people in your house or will use more devices at once, a faster service may be needed. You could always start off at a lower level of service and work your way up (or tell the kids to get off their devices if they're not working).
I found it incredibly easy to change my services. For all the grief Comcast (rightfully) gets, their customer service team seems leaps and bounds better than the last time I had the pleasure of calling them. I was able to change my service and downgrade my internet with minor fuss ("So why are you downgrading, if you don't mind me asking").
Previously, I was paying $195/mo. for internet and TV (with HBO), plus $11/mo. for Netflix and for most people PrimeTV would be $13/mo (I have Amazon Prime Business so it's different in my case) meaning that we were paying about $219/mo to watch TV.
The 60Mbs service is $75/mo (plus fees), Sling TV is $45/mo (Blue+Orange+Starz), and of course the $11 and $13/mo (for comparison sake) from Netflix and Prime, respectively, bringing the monthly total to $144. Round up to $160/mo (fees from cable) and we're saving about $60/mo or $720/year.
The main thing for us wasn't to cut things to bare minimum and save as much as we could, it was to pay for what we actually use. Way to often we found ourselves flipping through a thousand channels of nothing on. We got Starz because my wife like Outlander but could cancel it when the show isn't on. Same with HBO. We chose not to get it right now until Game of Thrones comes back.
For the sports fans out there, SlingTV gives you the local channels so you'll be able to watch the same games you normally would. Note that the seperate "Blue" and "Orange" Sling packages have different channels so you may not get ESPN, for example, on "Blue" (thus no MNF). You can also get sports package add-ons for a few bucks per month extra. That includes NFL RedZone, NHL Network, and some college channels.
All in all, the Roku is a bit slower to access content than cable. It's also subject to any obvious bandwidth issues. i.e. if your neighborhood is all at home on a snowy Saturday and using their internet, it may be slower for you but that largely depends on factors not in your control (though your internet provider may use it as a chance to up-sell your service). I have been surprised with how small the change has been and so far am happy with Roku and the services mentioned.
Helpful links:
Roku devices: https://www.roku.com/products/players
Sling channels: https://www.sling.com/service
Netflix speed recommendations: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306
Sling speed recommendations: https://help.sling.com/en/support/s...-what-do-i-need-to-get-started-with-sling-tv-
Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Hopefully that helps. I'm sure I missed something so if anyone has any specific questions, feel free to ask.
First step is to understand how things work. Services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc. stream some level of video, TV shows, or movies. You pay some monthly fee (based on the level of subscription you choose) to watch them. Streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, etc. are a "one stop shop" for your online streaming subscriptions and simply houses your subscriptions in one area. In some cases, your TV may be a "smart TV" and come with "apps" like Netflix, VUDU, etc. If your TV comes with your service, you may not need a streaming device.
I chose a Roku Streaming Stick as my streaming device because it's easy to use, cheap to buy (free to use), and has TONS of options for "apps" outside of the bigger name ones I mentioned above. I chose to go this route even though I have some smart TVs because my TVs didn't include all the streaming services I use. One nice things about the Roku (and maybe other devices) is that, unlike cable, you aren't charged any additional money for additional TVs.
Streaming services I chose (or already had) are Netflix, PrimeTV, and SlingTV. Netflix is primarily an "on-demand" movie and show streaming service. You pick and choose what tyou want to watch. Same with PrimeTV. Each has a collection of their "exclusive" or "original" series/movies. What about regular old TV stations? Here's where SlingTV comes in. They offer different TV "packages" that include about 20-25 channels or you can get the combo package for $40/month. SlingTV also has a current offer where if you pre-pay for two months of SlingTV, they send you a free Roku (another reason I went with Roku).
In all, I have 4 TVs. Bedroom, Living Room, Basement, and Shed (yes, shed). Roku offers different devices. Some include 4K, some include MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) wireless support, etc. I chose the Streaming Stick because it's basic (I don't need or subscribe to 4K streaming services) but does include TV volume and on/off control (limiting having to use two remotes). I bought 3 of them from Amazon during Cyber Week for 40% off ($30 ea.) and knew that I'd be getting another free one from Sling with their offer (note that the Roku Express comes with Sling. This doesn't offer volume or on/off control, but otherwise the same). The free Roku Express will be going in the shed.
Once the devices showed up, the next step was setup. The setup for Roku was incredibly easy. It plugs directly into the HDMI port and is powered by a USB connection. If your TV does not have a USB port (or that port does not have enough power to power the Roku), the Roku comes with a wall plug. Once plugged in, it'll ask you for WiFi login details. Once that's done it auto-detects the TV for volume control and auto-detects the display (1080p, 720p, etc). It then displays a code. Go online to Roku, set up an account (it's free) and link your device to your account. From this page you can also automatically select and sign-in to any apps you want like Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, PrimeTV, Pandora, etc. In all, 3 TVs took less than 30 minutes.
Now that my Rokus were up and running and all working, next step was to call my cable company. We had just gotten off our 2-year promotional deal and were stuck paying a bunch of money each month for TV and internet. Yes, you can haggle with them if you choose but I've done it for 4 years and am done with it. I had 150Mbs internet service with my old promotion and found it was overkill. Netflix recommends 5Mbs for HD quality video, for example, but you'll need to decide for yourself if your internet plan is enough. I ended up downgrading to a 60Mbs service and tested it playing Sling on one TV, Netflix on another, 2 cell phones using the internet, and a laptop. There have been only a few minor blips where Sling had to buffer, but not bad. If you have more people in your house or will use more devices at once, a faster service may be needed. You could always start off at a lower level of service and work your way up (or tell the kids to get off their devices if they're not working).
I found it incredibly easy to change my services. For all the grief Comcast (rightfully) gets, their customer service team seems leaps and bounds better than the last time I had the pleasure of calling them. I was able to change my service and downgrade my internet with minor fuss ("So why are you downgrading, if you don't mind me asking").
Previously, I was paying $195/mo. for internet and TV (with HBO), plus $11/mo. for Netflix and for most people PrimeTV would be $13/mo (I have Amazon Prime Business so it's different in my case) meaning that we were paying about $219/mo to watch TV.
The 60Mbs service is $75/mo (plus fees), Sling TV is $45/mo (Blue+Orange+Starz), and of course the $11 and $13/mo (for comparison sake) from Netflix and Prime, respectively, bringing the monthly total to $144. Round up to $160/mo (fees from cable) and we're saving about $60/mo or $720/year.
The main thing for us wasn't to cut things to bare minimum and save as much as we could, it was to pay for what we actually use. Way to often we found ourselves flipping through a thousand channels of nothing on. We got Starz because my wife like Outlander but could cancel it when the show isn't on. Same with HBO. We chose not to get it right now until Game of Thrones comes back.
For the sports fans out there, SlingTV gives you the local channels so you'll be able to watch the same games you normally would. Note that the seperate "Blue" and "Orange" Sling packages have different channels so you may not get ESPN, for example, on "Blue" (thus no MNF). You can also get sports package add-ons for a few bucks per month extra. That includes NFL RedZone, NHL Network, and some college channels.
All in all, the Roku is a bit slower to access content than cable. It's also subject to any obvious bandwidth issues. i.e. if your neighborhood is all at home on a snowy Saturday and using their internet, it may be slower for you but that largely depends on factors not in your control (though your internet provider may use it as a chance to up-sell your service). I have been surprised with how small the change has been and so far am happy with Roku and the services mentioned.
Helpful links:
Roku devices: https://www.roku.com/products/players
Sling channels: https://www.sling.com/service
Netflix speed recommendations: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306
Sling speed recommendations: https://help.sling.com/en/support/s...-what-do-i-need-to-get-started-with-sling-tv-
Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Hopefully that helps. I'm sure I missed something so if anyone has any specific questions, feel free to ask.
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