Streaming services

[dadika13]

@dadika13 ... how long have you had youtubeTV now, and are you still happy with it?

I've had it for almost a year to the day and I love it. I don't miss any channels and it's saved me about $70/mo from cable. 90% of what I watch is sports and you've got ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNews/FS1/Golf etc. etc.

The one thing I'll add is get the highest speed internet your cable company offers. It's going to cut into your savings a bit off cable, but well worth it when you're streaming.

 

[TarHeelMark]

I've had it for almost a year to the day and I love it. I don't miss any channels and it's saved me about $70/mo from cable. 90% of what I watch is sports and you've got ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNews/FS1/Golf etc. etc.

The one thing I'll add is get the highest speed internet your cable company offers. It's going to cut into your savings a bit off cable, but well worth it when you're streaming.

I'm gonna sign up for the free trial this weekend, but I've pretty much decided this is where I'm going. Like you, I will save about $65 / month on my current cable bill and won't be losing any channels that I really even watch. And yes I already have the fastest internet available, so hopefully no issues there. Thanks

 

[Raising Heel]

I'm gonna sign up for the free trial this weekend, but I've pretty much decided this is where I'm going. Like you, I will save about $65 / month on my current cable bill and won't be losing any channels that I really even watch. And yes I already have the fastest internet available, so hopefully no issues there. Thanks

I switched to YouTubeTV from Sling at the start of football season because they had the ACC Network. I like it better so far for a handful of reasons:

• The interface is cleaner (but not as good as Hulu according to @UNC '92)
• Far fewer issues with buffering
• Local channels are included (no need to use an antenna)
• DVR with unlimited storage is included with the cost
• All sports channels are included (no need to sign up for an additional package)

The only downside is that Sling is the only streaming service with the NFL Network, at least to my knowledge.

 

[TarHeelMark]

I switched to YouTubeTV from Sling at the start of football season because they had the ACC Network. I like it better so far for a handful of reasons:

• The interface is cleaner (but not as good as Hulu according to @UNC '92)
• Far fewer issues with buffering
• Local channels are included (no need to use an antenna)
• DVR with unlimited storage is included with the cost
• All sports channels are included (no need to sign up for an additional package)

The only downside is that Sling is the only streaming service with the NFL Network, at least to my knowledge.

Good info.
Yeah the only channels I'm losing that I occasionally watch are NFL network and espn classic. But to save $65 / month, unlimited DVR*, ability to stream from any device is too good compared to what I have now.

I pay over $20 a month for the damn DVR with my current provider. F that.

 

[dadika13]

Good info.
Yeah the only channels I'm losing that I occasionally watch are NFL network and espn classic. But to save $65 / month, unlimited DVR*, ability to stream from any device is too good compared to what I have now.

I pay over $20 a month for the damn DVR with my current provider. F that.

I'd bet they have the NFL Network within 2 years also.

 

[TarHeelMark]

I'd bet they have the NFL Network within 2 years also.

And the only thing I watch on espn classic is old Tar Heel games but there is some dude that has them out on his YouTube site anyway, so I dont really need it.

 

[tarheel0910]

And the only thing I watch on espn classic is old Tar Heel games but there is some dude that has them out on his YouTube site anyway, so I dont really need it.

I haven't checked yet, but there are probably a lot of those old games on the ACCN streaming platform.

 

[UNC '92]

I switched to YouTubeTV from Sling at the start of football season because they had the ACC Network. I like it better so far for a handful of reasons:

• The interface is cleaner (but not as good as Hulu according to @UNC '92)
• Far fewer issues with buffering
• Local channels are included (no need to use an antenna)
• DVR with unlimited storage is included with the cost
• All sports channels are included (no need to sign up for an additional package)

The only downside is that Sling is the only streaming service with the NFL Network, at least to my knowledge.

There isn't much difference between Hulu + Live TV and YouTubeTV except I like the Hulu interface better.

Both services offer roughly the same channels and the costs are pretty much identical. I'd recommend either one.

 

[sctarheel30]

My directv bill has gone up over $60 in just two months time for a change here too.

 

[sctarheel30]

It recently went up from about $40 a month to $55 a month because they added some networks. HBO NOW app is about $15 a month so I’m paying $70 a month compared to $200 plus a month I was paying for DirectTV. I basically have the same programming I had before.

The $55 a month is that for multiple TVs or just login on others TVs with no problems? I’m paying over $150 a month with directv for three TVs now. The only things I like about them is I dvr service on all TVs (cable charges for each box) and what I record I can watch on all TVs. Lose reception when a cloud comes along.

 

[TarHeelMark]

The $55 a month is that for multiple TVs or just login on others TVs with no problems? I’m paying over $150 a month with directv for three TVs now. The only things I like about them is I dvr service on all TVs (cable charges for each box) and what I record I can watch on all TVs. Lose reception when a cloud comes along.

You can set up 6 accounts, and stream on 3 devices at once. Also you get unlimited storage for your recorded programs.

I signed up for the 5 day free trial yesterday and watched college football all day switching from using my phone, laptop, tablet; and also cast from my tablet to the tv. Didn't have any issues and quality looked great.

The only minor complaint is not a YT problem, but that I wasn't able to load the YouTube app on my tv, so I'll have to cast to my tv instead. But that's pretty easy enough.

 

[WhatTheHeel?]

You can set up 6 accounts, and stream on 3 devices at once. Also you get unlimited storage for your recorded programs.

I signed up for the 5 day free trial yesterday and watched college football all day switching from using my phone, laptop, tablet; and also cast from my tablet to the tv. Didn't have any issues and quality looked great.

The only minor complaint is not a YT problem, but that I wasn't able to load the YouTube app on my tv, so I'll have to cast to my tv instead. But that's pretty easy enough.

You could probably get a cheap Roku to use YouTube on your TV?

 

[TarHeelMark]

You could probably get a cheap Roku to use YouTube on your TV?

Thanks, I'm going to check into that. My TV is supposedly a smart tv but it's a few years old now and apparently doesn't update certain apps anymore, so my brother-in-law mentioned getting roku (or maybe firestick?) as an option to make the youtube tv app accessible from my tv.

 

[Raising Heel]

Thanks, I'm going to check into that. My TV is supposedly a smart tv but it's a few years old now and apparently doesn't update certain apps anymore, so my brother-in-law mentioned getting roku (or maybe firestick?) as an option to make the youtube tv app accessible from my tv.

Yes, either Roku or Firestick would work.

 

[UNC '92]

Yes, either Roku or Firestick would work.

Chromecast will also work.

 

[dadika13]

You can set up 6 accounts, and stream on 3 devices at once. Also you get unlimited storage for your recorded programs.

I signed up for the 5 day free trial yesterday and watched college football all day switching from using my phone, laptop, tablet; and also cast from my tablet to the tv. Didn't have any issues and quality looked great.

The only minor complaint is not a YT problem, but that I wasn't able to load the YouTube app on my tv, so I'll have to cast to my tv instead. But that's pretty easy enough.

Is it a Samsung? Mine isn't there either and I have to run it through a Roku.

This is a year old Samsung Smart TV and they don't have the YT TV app, makes no sense to me.

 

[TarHeelMark]

Is it a Samsung? Mine isn't there either and I have to run it through a Roku.

This is a year old Samsung Smart TV and they don't have the YT TV app, makes no sense to me.

Yep! Its about 3, 4 year old Samsung. Originally I had youtube app on there but they obviously don't update certain apps, as it was removed a few years ago.

Any suggestions regarding which roku device to use would be appreciated. TIA

 

[dadika13]

Yep! Its about 3, 4 year old Samsung. Originally I had youtube app on there but they obviously don't update certain apps, as it was removed a few years ago.

Any suggestions regarding which roku device to use would be appreciated. TIA

https://www.roku.com/products/roku-premiere

I have this and it works great. It has every app I need and the interface is very user friendly.

 

[TarHeelMark]

https://www.roku.com/products/roku-premiere

I have this and it works great. It has every app I need and the interface is very user friendly.

Cool. Thanks dadika.

I think I'm gonna be loving the hell outta this new setup, and especially saving ~ $800 annually. I kick my own arse for dragging my feet on making this change, but had to convince Mrs. THM it was the way to go.

 

[tarheel0910]

Is it a Samsung? Mine isn't there either and I have to run it through a Roku.

This is a year old Samsung Smart TV and they don't have the YT TV app, makes no sense to me.

I don't think it's limited to Samsung. I do all of my streaming through my PS4 and despite the fact it has a YouTube app, it doesn't have a YouTube TV app. Same thing with Hulu. There's an app for non live TV, but it won't play live TV. It's weird.

 

[TarHeelMark]

I don't think it's limited to Samsung. I do all of my streaming through my PS4 and despite the fact it has a YouTube app, it doesn't have a YouTube TV app. Same thing with Hulu. There's an app for non live TV, but it won't play live TV. It's weird.

Yeah my daughter said the same re ps4. YouTube tv has been around for a few years now, you'd think ps4 would support it. Looks like she'll have to cast it or get roku as well.

 

[uncboy10]

There’s very little incentive for companies to do software updates on smart TVs. Most people stream through either a gaming device or a fire stick / ROKU. The quality of a TV is determined by pixel density, color accuracy and frame rate. My smart TV isn’t even connected to my WiFi.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I just got off a chat with someone at Sling TV.

He claims that they DO have the ACCN under their Sports package (Orange plan plus Sports addon = $35).

When I pointed out that the ACCN isn't listed on the page describing the Sports package, he double-checked and insisted that it really was available, and that the page listing was in error.

Can anyone verify that the Sling Orange+Sports plan does give ACCN?

I signed up for Sling each of the last 2 years and it worked for me, so if they do have the ACCN I'll save a few buck and grab Sling.

 

[TarHeelMark]

https://www.roku.com/products/roku-premiere

I have this and it works great. It has every app I need and the interface is very user friendly.

Just got my roku streaming stick installed and set up w/ the youtube TV. Pretty simple and quick setup.

Time to call cable provider and tell them to get their over-priced hardware outta my house... woohoo!

 

[tarheel0910]

I just got off a chat with someone at Sling TV.

He claims that they DO have the ACCN under their Sports package (Orange plan plus Sports addon = $35).

When I pointed out that the ACCN isn't listed on the page describing the Sports package, he double-checked and insisted that it really was available, and that the page listing was in error.

Can anyone verify that the Sling Orange+Sports plan does give ACCN?

I signed up for Sling each of the last 2 years and it worked for me, so if they do have the ACCN I'll save a few buck and grab Sling.

A list of providers is listed here. It says sling, but doesn't specify which package.

https://promo.espn.com/espn/accn/faq

 

[dadika13]

Just got my roku streaming stick installed and set up w/ the youtube TV. Pretty simple and quick setup.

Time to call cable provider and tell them to get their over-priced hardware outta my house... woohoo!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Just got my roku streaming stick installed and set up w/ the youtube TV. Pretty simple and quick setup.

Time to call cable provider and tell them to get their over-priced hardware outta my house... woohoo!

Next step is to sign up for free trials of all the main services to see who does the best job.

They aren't all equal on streaming quality, although I don't know why. Be sure to watch live sports to see if there are problems with buffering, downgrading from HD, or stuttering/freezing.

 

[TarHeelMark]

Next step is to sign up for free trials of all the main services to see who does the best job.

They aren't all equal on streaming quality, although I don't know why. Be sure to watch live sports to see if there are problems with buffering, downgrading from HD, or stuttering/freezing.

Yeah, I'm going with youtube tv currently. So far it's been great. And I'll be saving over $60/month for the same content.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Yeah, I'm going with youtube tv currently. So far it's been great. And I'll be saving over $60/month for the same content.

I'm doing the Hulu Live free trial at the moment.

At first I was getting buffering problems, but after rebooting my modem and router things seem to be working fine.

Which reminds me, I need to switch to sports to see if there are any problems.

 

[Raising Heel]

I just got off a chat with someone at Sling TV.

He claims that they DO have the ACCN under their Sports package (Orange plan plus Sports addon = $35).

When I pointed out that the ACCN isn't listed on the page describing the Sports package, he double-checked and insisted that it really was available, and that the page listing was in error.

Can anyone verify that the Sling Orange+Sports plan does give ACCN?

I signed up for Sling each of the last 2 years and it worked for me, so if they do have the ACCN I'll save a few buck and grab Sling.

Confirmed, Sling does have ACC Network. When I cancelled with them, I still had service until the end of the billing cycle a couple weeks later. During that time, I gave @Hark_The_Sound_2010 my login info so he could watch the Miami-UNC football game which was on ACCN.

 

[uncboy10]

Next step is to sign up for free trials of all the main services to see who does the best job.

They aren't all equal on streaming quality, although I don't know why. Be sure to watch live sports to see if there are problems with buffering, downgrading from HD, or stuttering/freezing.

I would guess it’s because of differences in their servers. If their servers can’t handle the traffic then the quality will drop and it will buffer more

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I would guess it’s because of differences in their servers. If their servers can’t handle the traffic then the quality will drop and it will buffer more

That seems to make sense.

 

[dadika13]

Yeah, I'm going with youtube tv currently. So far it's been great. And I'll be saving over $60/month for the same content.

FYI - I’ve never had an issue at all with buffering or anything of lower quality than cable with live sports.

The only thing I’ll say - you’re behind about 30 seconds from cable TV with streaming. So just don’t refresh Twitter or check your phone on a last second UNC play.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

Confirmed, Sling does have ACC Network. When I cancelled with them, I still had service until the end of the billing cycle a couple weeks later. During that time, I gave @Hark_The_Sound_2010 my login info so he could watch the Miami-UNC football game which was on ACCN.

Yes, thanks again.

The only thing I’ll say - you’re behind about 30 seconds from cable TV with streaming. So just don’t refresh Twitter or check your phone on a last second UNC play.

Agreed. Or don't poast in a game thread with @toophly1124 as he was kind enough to give me the play by play on the aforementioned Miami game about 30 seconds before I saw it myself.

 

[toophly1124]

Yes, thanks again.



Agreed. Or don't poast in a game thread with @toophly1124 as he was kind enough to give me the play by play on the aforementioned Miami game about 30 seconds before I saw it myself.

You should’ve been watching the game instead of fiddling on your phone. But I was at the Miami game so that wasn’t me that game. Maybe another one tho.