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Post by LuisV on Apr 25, 2019 20:58:03 GMT -5
Have you looked into an HDHomeRun? No PC needed, dual and quad tuners available. You can run their app or use Plex for the guide and DVR functionality.    |
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Post by jlafrenz on Apr 25, 2019 21:26:40 GMT -5
What device are you using to communicate back with the HD Home Run?
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Post by LuisV on Apr 25, 2019 21:29:31 GMT -5
Any device that can run their app or Plex; I use an Nvidia shield at the TV. For setup, it's a simple web interface that you can connect to from your phone, PC, tablet, etc. Plex... well, they support numerous devices.
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Post by jlafrenz on Apr 25, 2019 21:33:47 GMT -5
I don't have first hand experience with Tablo, but it is getting some good press. www.tablotv.com |
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Post by LuisV on Apr 25, 2019 21:47:08 GMT -5
Seems like a similar device to stream OTA content; appears to be a little bit more expensive than the HDHomeRun. Plex provides the guide and DVR functions, and my NAS acts as the storage device for recordings, so there's no need to subscribe to those features with the Tablo or HDHomeRun.
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Post by LuisV on Apr 25, 2019 21:53:13 GMT -5
Here's a pretty spot on comparrision between the two: www.cordcutters.com/hdhomerun-vs-tabloI went with the HDHomeRun as it was cheaper, on sale, and since we use Plex, everyone in the house can basically record what they want and retain it for as long as they want without the fear of running out of space. Plex TV Guide is not a subscription; it only comes with Plex Pass which has a fee. I opted for one time $99 lifetme or maybe less, I think they had a sale, as it's the least I can do for the developers as Plex is a great app with many useful features. Tablo is a subscription for their TV guide service, or a lifetime fee. HDHomeRun's TV guide is free, but very clunky. I think Plex's TV Guide is rather easy to use, here's more details. support.plex.tv/articles/225877387-program-guide/ |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 26, 2019 7:26:07 GMT -5
I did, but my OTA needs are very simple...watching my local PBS. Hulu Live has all the rest + a DVR option. So, I'm just going to use an antenna. I might watch more local with the antenna to avoid bothering w/Roku/Hulu Live. Also, there are a lot of separate tuner devices popping up now that I search. Here's one: -->CLICK HERE<---Mark |
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Post by lotaz on Apr 26, 2019 11:39:25 GMT -5
I dropped Directv NOW due to they kept increasing their prices. In one year I went from $30 a month to $50 a month. I was fed up. They offered to "grandfather" me in and give me a discount for 6 months but that seemed like a band aid. They just a ton of subscribers, and I am sure more to come by May. Seems like their price increase has bit them in the rear from the news stories I have read.
Quote from CNET "There were some other trouble spots in the company's earnings report, as its video service DirecTV Now lost 83,000 subscribers in the quarter, which follows a loss of 267,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2018".
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 26, 2019 12:32:21 GMT -5
I dropped Directv NOW due to they kept increasing their prices. In one year I went from $30 a month to $50 a month. I was fed up. They offered to "grandfather" me in and give me a discount for 6 months but that seemed like a band aid. They just a ton of subscribers, and I am sure more to come by May. Seems like their price increase has bit them in the rear from the news stories I have read. Quote from CNET "There were some other trouble spots in the company's earnings report, as its video service DirecTV Now lost 83,000 subscribers in the quarter, which follows a loss of 267,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2018". I don't like to wish bad business results on anyone, but...I left them for many reasons years ago. Lousy customer service and tech support were #1 and #2. Mark |
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Post by klinemj on Apr 28, 2019 12:38:51 GMT -5
Friday, my 2 new Roku Ultra's arrived just in time for me to leave for the weekend camping with my Scouts. So, I had to wait until today to get home and hook 1 up.
I've only had it hooked up for about 15 minutes, but I am already watching Premier League Soccer on Hulu Live. The Roku Ultra was easy to set up, and it was very easy to change our current Hulu subscription to Hulu Live.
Picture quality is great so far (hardwired ethernet), and it was GREAT to be able to change our subscription on Hulu to Hulu Live just by going to the Hulu website and clicking a couple buttons. With all Cable/Satellite systems to date, I always dreaded calling in to change a subscription. First, there was the gauntlet of the "press 1 for..." that took several minutes to get to what I wanted. Second, there was the wait to talk to someone. Third, there was always unlimited explanation of options and trying to sell me up to something else. And fourth...there was the fact that when I was done, what they said would happen with the bill never came out like I thought.
With this? click, click...done.
At this point, we have our Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu Live set up on Roku just to try out the Roku Ultra and Hulu Live. Assuming we like it (so far so good), we'll add in options...unlimited streaming, HBO, a couple other channels we want to add in and can via Roku's system. And, then I will add the 2nd Roku Ultra (and maybe a 3rd). The new local antenna will arrive in a week or so.
I have feeling I'll be calling TWC/Spectrum within 3 days and saying "cut my system back to internet only".
Mark
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Post by LuisV on Apr 28, 2019 13:05:11 GMT -5
I have feeling I'll be calling TWC/Spectrum within 3 days and saying "cut my system back to internet only". Mark Glad to hear you're happy with your choices this far! Keep in mind that bundle pricing might save you money; however, make sure you can return the set top boxes and router to avoid those monthly fees. |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 28, 2019 15:35:52 GMT -5
I have feeling I'll be calling TWC/Spectrum within 3 days and saying "cut my system back to internet only". Mark Glad to hear you're happy with your choices this far! Keep in mind that bundle pricing might save you money; however, make sure you can return the set top boxes and router to avoid those monthly fees. So far, even if I take Hulu Live + 1 bundle (extra entertainment bundle) + HBO + a couple key additional channels we want to get, we'll be saving over $100/month vs. the best bundle we could get w/Spectrum. The only thing lacking with Hulu Live is the current guide, but I knew I would find that lacking before I tried it. Reports say that this "spring" they are launching changes that should resolve any issues I have with that. Hopefully, they hold to that and it's sooner rather than later in "spring". Other than the guide, I'm only finding "learning curve" issues, and overall the system seems pretty intuitive so learning isn't that hard. I also learned that my main watching TV is actually 4K capable. I honestly had no idea. When I bought it, I just wanted a decent ~40"-ish TV for my wife in an area she wanted to have a TV, and it fit the price and size I wanted. Mark |
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Post by audiobill on Apr 28, 2019 15:59:25 GMT -5
Now we're talking!! Years ago, getting speed was your challenge, and it's come to this!!!
"I have feeling I'll be calling TWC/Spectrum within 3 days and saying "cut my system back to internet only".
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 28, 2019 16:11:32 GMT -5
Now we're talking!! Years ago, getting speed was your challenge, and it's come to this!!! "I have feeling I'll be calling TWC/Spectrum within 3 days and saying "cut my system back to internet only". Exactly...and there's the irony. With DirecTV in my area, all I could get was dial-up speeds. I documented my challenges getting Spectrum to hook me up so I could get high speed on the Lounge. (It took over 4 months, but I was able to get them to connect me) Now, a few years later, the fact that I have nice high speed internet is what is allowing me to ditch TWC/Spectrum. Of course, at this point, I now have Cinci Bell begging me to try their FIOS system - which didn't exist in my area when I was trying to get away from DirectTV and get high speed internet. Call that "a day late and a dollar short" Mark |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 28, 2019 16:31:40 GMT -5
One other comment on the Roku Ultra...overall, I like the remote. It automatically paired with my TV and controls power on/off and volume. So, unless I want to switch the TV from the input corresponding to the Roku, all I need is the Roku remote. To switch to the BluRay player, I need to TV's remote. But, we normally don't watch a Blu Ray on this TV or the other one I will hook up to Roku.
My only real complaint about the Roku remote is that the volume control is on the side. That makes it easy to use if I hold the remote in my left hand but harder if I hold it in my right. Luckily, I can use both hands equally well despite being right handed (thanks to having crushed a finger over 30 years ago and having to learn how to us my left hand for about 9 months due to inability to use my right hand). Aside from long term effects of the injury, the bonus is that I can use the remote with my left hand while holding a drink in my right.
Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 29, 2019 13:02:31 GMT -5
I have been looking into when the new guide is coming. It looks great. -->SEE IT HERE<---. I just wish it were here now. I chatted with Hulu Chat and the agent hadn't even heard of it, but after some research found they are working to set a date to publicly announce it is coming. And, she didn't even know the date they would formally announce it. Has anyone heard anything themselves from any source about the release date? Mark |
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Post by jmasterj on Apr 30, 2019 10:27:33 GMT -5
So I had been thinking about cutting the cable. I'm currently with Cox my current bill is $204.46 up from last months $184.69. I called them yesterday and canceled the tv, and phone at the end of this billing cycle which is on May 5th. That was one hard decision. I thought about it all night and I have decided to call them back today and cancel the internet as well. The new bill for internet only would be $125.69 Century Link has 80M for $55.00 a month so I'm going with them I don't stream music or movies so speed is not that important I also decided to go over the air on the antenna back to the old rabbit ears we used when I was a child, gonna miss the NBA, Tennis, Nascar, and Football that's not on local but enough is enough!
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Post by jmasterj on Apr 30, 2019 10:59:37 GMT -5
Just to follow up I just called Cox the phone wait was six minutes they had an unusual amount of calls they were understandably disappointed when I canceled the internet service too. I've been a loyal customer for nine years they tried to offer me lower slower internet for $80.00 I said no thanks when I can go low and slow for $55.00. I feel like a burden has been lifted.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 30, 2019 14:09:15 GMT -5
After a few days use, I got my wife to agree to cut the cable. She kept reverting to just watching cable instead of trying the new system, and I finally forced her to try it. There is definitely a learning curve, and the guide is pretty lame for Hulu Live (until they deliver the upgrade that they showed at CES). But, she's OK with it. I actually prefer the Roku Ultra with Hulu Live. Despite the bad guide, I am finding it easier to find something I want to watch.
So, I ordered a 3rd Roku Ultra and a Roku Streaming Stick + for our last 2 TV's. So, we'll have 3 hardwired Ultra's and one wireless Streaming Stick +.
Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 30, 2019 20:35:35 GMT -5
I got the "picture frame antenna", and it looks great and works great! Nice option. I'll try to post a picture once I add a photo in the frame. Mark |
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