Cutting The Cord -- How to leave cable companies?

Mighty AC · March 20, 2014

Even if you're not planning on cutting the cord it may be worth adding Tomato firmware to your existing router. Check out this Lifehacker article.
Turn Your $60 Router into a User Friendly Super-Router with Tomato

Mighty AC · March 20, 2014

Still trying to get live streams to work. Hopefully such tech is available by football season.

What do you use to stream football? Gamepass?

Boges · March 20, 2014

Game passes aren't free. I can get many of the games I want through traditional channels. I'm only really interested in one team so I stream from frontrowsports.eu the games I can't watch on network TV or cable. The popup ads are a chore to get through though.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Boges

Boges · March 25, 2014

I recently got a chance to fool around with an Apple TV/Airplay.

It's good that Airplay exists because the Apple TV UI is kaka. It's like a Wii. You'd need a bluetooth keyboard to have any enjoyment using Apps like Youtube. Even the Netflix App is pretty lame. The App selection is impressive though.

Now Airplay is pretty nifty but I did have serious lag issues. Googling "Airplay Lag" gets several complaints about this. I've never used a Roku but if it's anything like Apple TV, I'm glad I invested in a Chromecast.

Now Chromcast is almost instantaneous with it's integration with Netflix and Youtube. I can understand why it's Youtube integration is slick cuz they're both owned by the same company. What's cool about being able to use your mobile device to control your TV experience is that you can easily multi-task.

The idea of being able to control your internet media through a mobile device really is the way to go from here forward. Samsung's Galaxy S4 has the ability to control your cable box through it.

The smartphone/table really is becoming the one stop location for all entertainment needs.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Boges

Mighty AC · March 26, 2014

I'm looking forward to the arrival of my Chromecast which apparently has been lost in transit. However, the XBox and Roku already allow me to stream content from tabs and phones via DLNA. Netflix and YouTube streaming works flawlessly. I can also stream stored media content. It is nice to browse and search on my phone or tab vs the crappy remote interface on the Roku. The nice part about the Roku though, is that I can still use the remote if my phone or tab aren't in the room at the time. Additionally, I can start streaming a show from my phone, but then get up and leave with it and allow the show to keep playing on the Roku for others in the room. Is this possible with the Chromecast or does the streaming device always have to stay within range?

The reason I still want a Chromecast is to stream any browser content, not just from apps like Netflix and YouTube.

Boges · March 26, 2014

Regarding Xbox, are you referring to the App Smartglass? I could never get that App to work properly and just opted for the Xbox remote instead.

I'm letting my Xbox Live membership lapse because it's $70 and I don't really play online games anymore. The only way to use Netflix on a 360 is to have the Gold membership. That was the impetus for getting the Chromecast in the first place.

I never used the Youtube integration of my Xbox. But the Youtube integration on the Chromecast is great.

Mighty AC · March 26, 2014

With the XBox, I am annoyed by the requirement of a membership to use features like Netflix, Skype, YouTube, etc. Though, I do prefer using Skype on a big screen from my couch.

YouTube and Netflix integration on the Roku is also great. The advantage being a phone or tab is not required but can still be used to improve the experience. The disadvantage being they cost just over twice as much. I don't have my Chromecast yet, but I expect I can't leave the room with my tab or phone and still have the show continue.

Boges · March 26, 2014

With the XBox, I am annoyed by the requirement of a membership to use features like Netflix, Skype, YouTube, etc. Though, I do prefer using Skype on a big screen from my couch.

YouTube and Netflix integration on the Roku is also great. The advantage being a phone or tab is not required but can still be used to improve the experience. The disadvantage being they cost just over twice as much. I don't have my Chromecast yet, but I expect I can't leave the room with my tab or phone and still have the show continue.

Yes you can. You're not actually streaming from the phone. It's on the network. I had Songza on while doing housework throughout the house but it still worked fine.

eyeball · March 26, 2014

Are there any issues using an HDMI/VGA converter with Chromcast so I could use it on an older TV?

Boges · March 26, 2014

Are there any issues using an HDMI/VGA converter with Chromcast so I could use it on an older TV?

I've read in comment sections that it does work. It would need to be powered externally though.

Mighty AC · March 26, 2014

Yes you can. You're not actually streaming from the phone. It's on the network. I had Songza on while doing housework throughout the house but it still worked fine.

Sweet!

cybercoma · March 26, 2014

I recently got a chance to fool around with an Apple TV/Airplay.

It's good that Airplay exists because the Apple TV UI is kaka. It's like a Wii. You'd need a bluetooth keyboard to have any enjoyment using Apps like Youtube. Even the Netflix App is pretty lame. The App selection is impressive though.

Now Airplay is pretty nifty but I did have serious lag issues. Googling "Airplay Lag" gets several complaints about this. I've never used a Roku but if it's anything like Apple TV, I'm glad I invested in a Chromecast.

Now Chromcast is almost instantaneous with it's integration with Netflix and Youtube. I can understand why it's Youtube integration is slick cuz they're both owned by the same company. What's cool about being able to use your mobile device to control your TV experience is that you can easily multi-task.

The idea of being able to control your internet media through a mobile device really is the way to go from here forward. Samsung's Galaxy S4 has the ability to control your cable box through it.

The smartphone/table really is becoming the one stop location for all entertainment needs.

You're right about the apps. Apple requires the companies to streamline the UI. I prefer the Netflix app on the PS3. I have a first gen PS3 though, so the wireless adapter is garbage. I've never had a problem with lag using AIrPlay, so I can't say anything about that.

Mighty AC · April 4, 2014

Well, it's too late for me. There's really not much at all for Roku right now.

I have a Roku 3. If you are going that route I recommend buying one in the US with the US firmware. It is fast and has some decent features but the Canadian content is weak, you're really just limited to Netflix and YouTube. The US device will allow you to use Hulu+ and Amazon.

As it turns out, the articles suggesting that Roku devices are fixed with regional (US/Can/UK) firmware are wrong. I have now connected my Roku box to a US WiFi signal and created a new Roku account. Now, I have access to all of the US Roku options including Hulu+, Amazon Prime, Target Ticket, HBO Go (if you also subscribe to HBO), Disney Channel options, ESPN, multiple live news options, internet radio options like Pandora, etc. It's a very useful device now.

Mighty AC · April 4, 2014

I've dabble with multiple setup options for cable free media but I found the two router system works the best. I have my my router broadcasting a regular internet signal and a guest option. I then installed DD-WRT on a second router, installed the Private Internet Access VPN on it, connected it to router number 1 and it now broadcasts a US signal on a separate channel. I connect my media devices to the US signal and my computers to the Canadian. If need be, tabs, phones and laptops can switch between signals in seconds.

I have Netflix and Hulu+ accounts which run $8/month. Netflix for movies and past TV seasons and Hulu for current TV. Some people prefer Amazon Prime or Google Play but I don't think they measure up to the two I've chosen at the moment. I also use the Private Internet Access VPN service which has been great and works out to be less than $4 per month. There are pros and cons to cutting the cord, but I now have way more viewing options than I did with cable and I'm saving near $60 per month.

Boges · April 4, 2014

Not for live sports, which is a deal breaker for most.

Also you'd have to go to bittorrent route to watch Game of Thrones this Sunday unless you choose to pay for it.

Mighty AC · April 4, 2014

There are pros and cons for sure. I didn't subscribe to HBO even when I had cable so I did go the torrent route for GOT anyway. In general I try not to download. If HBO ever offers a paid streaming option for those without cable I will use it during GOT season. At least the VPN I use makes my downloading anonymous.

As for live sports, I do also have a $20 HD antenna. I get several local channels including a CBC feed for Hockey Night in Canada. It works well for news and hockey. I also stream some games online, though the quality isn't great. I have an annoying work around for NHL Gamecenter on a PC that allows me to watch any game, but I will probably pay the US price for the service next season. Americans get a decent discount.

Boges · April 4, 2014

Most sports is on cable now. Every single Blue Jays game, Every Raptors game, Every CFL game.

In the US, the Final Four will be exclusively on cable channels instead of on CBS. Monday Night Football has been on cable for years now. I'm not even close to being the level of sports fan that needs to have online access to every game for a single sport.

BUT having the Sportsnet and TSN channels plus the US Networks work fine for me.

You can actually stream TSN from it's app now, but like with many streaming options, it seems, you have to be able to prove you already pay for cable which makes it rather pointless.

cybercoma · April 4, 2014

There are pros and cons for sure. I didn't subscribe to HBO even when I had cable so I did go the torrent route for GOT anyway. In general I try not to download. If HBO ever offers a paid streaming option for those without cable I will use it during GOT season.

This is my biggest complaint with HBO as well. I've paid for GoT. Will continue to pay for it, but god damn if they aren't trying really hard to get me to pirate it even though I can't be bothered.

Netflix has shown that if there is a convenient, affordable, and legal way to get media entertainment, people will go that route. HBO doesn't seem to get it yet.

Boges · April 4, 2014

HBO doesn't seem to be hurting. There was news that their mobile app actually crashed due to the Finale of True Detective last month.

Clearly people are sharing their username and password like people do with Netflix.

I think HBO prefers customers to do that, than diluting their business model by offering a lower cost option.

In Canada the HBO experience is completely different because it's programming is shown through a TMN package. There is only an iPad/iPhone app no Android option, which is completely assinine.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Boges

cybercoma · April 4, 2014

HBO doesn't seem to be hurting? They've been complaining incessantly about people illegally downloading Game of Thrones. The mobile app crashed is not evidence that people are sharing their username and passwords either.

In any case, there's never going to be ZERO piracy. Everyone's well aware of that. The point is that an easy and affordable way to do things legally works. Netflix is profitable as a result and they've shown that the number of illegal downloads drops when people get access to their services.

Boges · April 4, 2014

Anyone is going to bitch about piracy. That's not surprising but HBO is still quite popular.

Netflix offers older programming (except for the original content) that came from a TV channel that showed commercials. HBO has refused to allow its programming to be shown on Netflix. Showtime, which is another premium cable outlet in the US some shows on Netflix.

I think the quality of HBO programming is due to the fact that it's relatively expensive to subscribe, therefore the quality of programming is generally better.

cybercoma · April 4, 2014

Well, just think. They could have MORE money, but refuse to take it.

Boges · April 4, 2014

Well, just think. They could have MORE money, but refuse to take it.

I don't know about that. If you already pay the $20/month and HBO comes out with an online only option that was, say $10/month.

If I paid the $20/month option I'd much rather go for the online option and use the savings to upgrade my internet.

Also this is a moot people here in Canada as HBO is packaged with TMN and the CW Super Channels. So HBO's policy is irrelevant unless you go AC's Proxy route.

In the US Netflix's subscription used to included DVD rental through the mail, they ended up raising the price for both options.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Boges

Mighty AC · April 4, 2014

My gut feeling is more downloaders would pay to stream content than the number of current subscribers that would drop down to the online option. HBO execs are sticking with their seemingly out of date model though. I guess they either feel differently about the potential number of streamers or they think their content is good enough to demand adherence to an old but more profitable model.

Bryan · April 5, 2014

Netflix is profitable as a result and they've shown that the number of illegal downloads drops when people get access to their services.

I don't mean to negate your point, but that's not really true. It's more of a "yes/and" situation than an "either/or". That is, the people who pirate the most are ALSO the ones who pay for the most content. The most prolific music pirates buy the most CDs, movie pirates buy the most DVD/Blurays, TV pirates have the biggest cable packages.

Your conclusion is still right: give people a convenient and reasonably priced way to pay you for your content, and they absolutely will do it. Make it a pain in the butt, and they'll just download it.