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moneypitfeeder
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# Posted: 1 Dec 2020 07:14pm
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We just got at our main house (not cabin) a fiber optic internet connection only and can ditch our cable! The cable was holding us "hostage" in that it was cheaper to pay for basic cable plus internet than internet (of the speed we were used to) alone. We were able to increase our speed a little, and cut our bill by over half, win, win. We already had an antenna that gets all our local "basic" channels, so the cable tv part wasn't ever needed.
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paulz
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# Posted: 1 Dec 2020 08:58pm - Edited by: paulz
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Congrats mpf. I have the same setup, unlimited fiber internet and a roof antenna for local broadcasting. We have Sling TV for History, Discovery, sports, movie channels, etc., though now Amazon, Google and others offer streaming TV.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 2 Dec 2020 05:39am
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We use cable internet and I have the coax from the pole plugged into the TV. We get all the local channels. I have to call every year and threaten to cancel...then they find some deal.
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Nobadays
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# Posted: 2 Dec 2020 09:06am
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We cut the cord at the city house two years ago. We just have regular broadband but it's fast enough to stream TV no problem. Too far from Phoenix to get stations with an antenna but with Sling (maybe it's Prime) we could download a couple local news feeds and then you can watch just about anything that is on the major networks anyway on demand. We have Prime as well, have had from when it was all free 1-2 day shipping, that seems to have gone away but we stream a lot of content off there. Our only b#tch is we can't get Cardinals football up here in Colorado... we are not in the local broadcast area, determined by our internet connection. We thought about getting IP Vanish VPN then setting our server to one in Phoenix to make us "look" local.... just don't want to spend the money. Besides, later in the week we can stream the game as a rebroadcast. Here with satellite internet it is a bit spendy... $120 for 100gb unlimited... meaning after 100gb the can throttle you down... though they never have yet when we dipped over. In the city we get 250gb at 50mgb for $32/month, plenty for us. We got on a special plan after dropping cable and internet because they just kept raising the price. We were headed up here for the summer so the gal told us to just shut it all off and when we come back in the fall there are always great deals for signing up. We got a good deal at $32 but the caveat is if we ever want to change it, add TV or more GB, all bets are off and we would pay regular prices. I think they give screaming deals just figuring you'll want more and then they have you! They figured wrong!
We got on a very similar deal with Verizon. Stopped in at our locally owned cell phone place and asked him about a screaming deal I'd heard about, he hadn't so asked if he could pretend to be me and call Verizon... no problem. They didn't have the other deal, expired, but offered another deal. $78/month, 2 lines, unlimited free text and calls including long distance, Canada and Mexico, 10gb of data... with unused rolling over to the next month. We never use 10gb of data so roll over 7-9gb every month. Same thing, if we ever want to change it we lose all and have to take what ever plan at whatever price they ask then. The local guy was flabbergasted and recommended we jump on it. I suppose in big cities there are better deals but for a nation wide service that works well in rural areas all over the country, this was pretty good. We are happy with it. Now if we could just get cell coverage up at the cabin!
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 2 Dec 2020 10:46am
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I happily remember back at our first cabin build in 1983-84, and thereafter, being out of comm and and broadcasts but a few radio stations. I could get NPR with Prairie Home Companion and such pretty well but we only had radio on a little. It was nice not hearing all the junk all the time even if on the way home we found out some disaster had taken place. Seems we couldnt fix any of it anyway even if we had known.....
At this new one it is similar, a portable dvd player has been fun and the radio gets more stations but we rarely have it on.
I kinda like it this way, the cabin is our getaway from this now abnormal 'normal world.
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jhp
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# Posted: 2 Dec 2020 11:06am
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I just cut the cord a couple months ago, switched from cable to YouTube TV. YouTube TV is one of the higher priced options out there (had to go this route to get some channels the rest of the family wanted), but for me I'm still saving a boatload over cable prices. I even get my local channels right from the menu.
Just the "fees and taxes" crap was like $20 a month from the cable company. Add on a couple of DVRs at like $8 a piece.
My total savings, even after getting a couple of subscriptions for Netflix and Hulu is still around $70 a month.
For those of you who haven't seen this yet, check out these two options:
Pluto.tv is both web and app based free TV content. It does have commercials but is 100% free and no sign up required. Plus I mean there are whole channels devoted to nothing but playing 24x7 Baywatch and American Gladiators. What else do you need really? Check it out on the web, or download the app
https://pluto.tv/live-tv/
Peacock is NBC's streaming channel - there are two options, one is free and there is a premium for like $5 a month. While you do have to sign up with your email, the free version has a ton of great content to watch:
https://www.peacocktv.com/
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paulz
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# Posted: 3 Dec 2020 10:21am
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While we're on the subject, one thing missing from Over the Air broadcast is the ability to pause or record, which I have gotten quite accustomed to on streaming TV.
I'd like a way to do this. I looked into DVRs a few years ago but they all had to be hooked to Dish network or some such. What's the deal now, is there something I can use?
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jhp
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# Posted: 3 Dec 2020 10:43am - Edited by: jhp
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A couple options whether you want plug-and-play or roll-your-own:
You could use Plex.
https://www.plex.tv/tv/
Basically you find or build a relatively low-end PC, install a tuner and antenna and Plex will do all the timeshift and DVR functions for you using your OTA antenna. Plex is also capable of streaming your own media on your local network (or remotely if you have Plex Pass.) I've converted hundreds of my DVDs to MP4s and Plex serves them up to all my devices. You could also use it to serve up music, photos and other stuff. It runs on damn near anything, you only need to think about a high-end PC if you're going to transcode on the fly.
Plex Pass goes on sale about 2x a year, probably again before Christmas for $75 for the lifetime license. So for $75 and another maybe $75 for a beater PC you can go this route and you should be set for a few years.
There is also HDHomerun
https://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/
I don't have much experience with this myself but I've heard great things. Basically you pay up-front for a hardware device and plug it into your antenna and it does the rest for you. They have a number of devices based on what you want to do and how many streams at once you want to watch. The DVR ready models go for about $200 and the license is $35 a year for DVR access.
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paulz
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# Posted: 3 Dec 2020 01:38pm - Edited by: paulz
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Thanks jhp, I forgot you're the redident tech guru. I had a look at Plex briefly. Is there a Plex and a Plex pass, separate things?
I do have an old desktop with Windows 7 kicking around. So for basic pause or record OTA, it only kicks in when you want it to or does all broadcast run into the PC, which must be on and ready all the time? Does the $75 include the tuner and remote?
On the HDHomerun, I see all the options. I need the $200 DVR one to do what I want?
Sorry to have to ask, these web sites aren't easily understood for an old rabbit ears guy.
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jhp
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# Posted: 3 Dec 2020 05:10pm
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The Plex app is free, you can install it and use it to stream your own media library at no cost. Plex Pass is all of the advanced features which includes DVR and ability to plug into your OTA antenna. It's either $5 a month (I think) or you buy the lifetime subscription which is like $125. The lifetime goes on sale a couple times a year for $75.
That is just the Plex software with the advanced features. You'd still need a TV tuner to plug into your PC. They run anywhere between $25 and $200 depending on features you want. This is the list of "officially supported" devices:
https://support.plex.tv/articles/225877427-supported-dvr-tuners-and-antennas/
Plex is a media server that runs on one computer and streams media to multiple other devices in your house, including your phones and tablets, smart TVs, etc. You can also watch your media through any web browser on your local network. Plex Pass extends this functionality to let you view your content from any device anywhere. So you can watch your media on your home server, streamed from your home PC to your phone wherever you are.
Plex is intended to run as a media server that is running 24x7. Functionally it's just an application that runs under Windows, its simple to install and administer, it's not very complex.
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Bottom line: The HDHomerun basically gives you all the hardware you need, but you are stuck with the $35 yearly charge.
Plex is capable of doing a hell of a lot more bang for the buck-wise but is a bunch more messing around. HDHomerun is a simpler solution.
HDHomerun's "ScribeDuo" gives you 2 tuners and 150 hours of DVR space for $180 (current price on Walmart.com, Best Buy has it at $199). Tack on the $35 a year for the service and you're done.
This might explain better than I do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hllF-kNo9E
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paulz
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# Posted: 3 Dec 2020 07:35pm - Edited by: paulz
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Yes, thanks, looks indeed like the Scribe Duo is the simpler solution, I'll have to decide if I want to spend the money.
One other thing, Sling, which I have, has an over the air option, using something called AirTV mini. Ever heard of that? It also hooks to the antenna and computer. But in my area code, the over the air channels Sling lists, Fox and NBC, are already in my Sling lineup. What I can't figure out is: Fox for example, is channel 2.1 over the air. But there is also 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 for movies, games shows or whatever, broadcast by the same station (KTVU). Would these channels also be there on the AirTV, any idea? They are not in the regular Sling lineup.
We also have a Roku box hooked to our big Sony flat screen and wifi, it Sling and a bunch of apps on it I have never looked at.
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jhp
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 08:47am - Edited by: jhp
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I just looked up the AirTV mini, I wasn't familiar with them.
Chances are no, those other channels won't be on the Sling lineup because those channels don't pay to be included. Typically you only see the big networks sign up for that due to the cost.
You can probably pull in several "local" channels that can only be viewed with an OTA antenna, that's just sort of how it is. If you're not sure what you COULD be getting OTA with the best possible antenna setup, check out a site like this that tells you how far you are from the broadcast:
https://www.antennasdirect.com/transmitter-locator.html
The Roku is a media box that lets you install apps like YouTube, YouTube TV, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Showtime, etc, all these different streaming services. It basically makes a dumb TV into a smart TV, but you still need to subscribe to those services, then sign into each one on the Roku.
There's a few free services you can get with it (like Pluto.TV, Peacock, and those types) but for the most part it's just a box to let you watch your subscription services on any TV. I have like four of them, they provide a good interface for a pretty low price point.
Mostly I use them for the Plex app, so I can stream movies and music to any TV in the house.
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Nobadays
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 09:43am
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JP, any luck with Kodi on the firestick?
We used one for awhile, without a VPN, but were underwhelmed really. Seemed like content was there one day and gone the next. As I said earlier, we use Sling and Prime mostly and find them more reliable but hate the commercials. With Kodi you avoid them pretty much.
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paulz
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 09:49am
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Thanks again JHP for researching. I agree with you on the AirTV mini, will only bring in the main networks, not the sub channels, which is really what I am after.
Isn't there a device similar to an old tape VCR that just hooks up to the antenna and TV, no internet. A DVR I guess, but I seem to remember it was unlawful to record OTA or something.
I do still have a VCR and tapes, but you can't pause live TV for a run to the fridge.
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jhp
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 09:58am
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I've never run Kodi on a firestick but I do run a "vanilla" version on a Raspberry Pi to stream my own media via USB drives when I'm offline.
Kodi itself is just a generic media player - what has happened in the last couple years is people have written plugins to Kodi that scrape various Bittorrent trackers looking for content and when they find something you want, it streams automatically to your device just like a Netflix or Hulu or whatever.
The issue with this is that (in the US at least) what is happening in the background is you're participating in peer-to-peer file sharing that in most cases violates copyright law. It's not so much the downloading but Bittorrent protcol by design, automatically has you uploading (sharing) the bits of the file you already have with the rest of the participants and that's the violation per the letter of the law.
Now I personally won't get into the pros/cons of copyright law but the net effect here is running these plugins on Kodi will potentially expose you to copyright lawsuits, depending on what you're downloading.
If you've never done so just google "copyright troll" and do some research. It's died down in the past few years but there are still some very big production houses that will aggressively defend their copyright and go after you for thousands of dollars. There are/were whole industries built around the concept of releasing content to the Bittorrent community as a honeypot and then going after anyone who downloaded it with threats of lawsuits to generate quick cash.
That's why the VPN is entirely necessary - to hide your real IP address and prevent anyone from associating your downloading activity with your personal details. Without it, best-case scenario a copyright holder might send your ISP a request to tell you to stop. Worst-case scenario they will subpeona your customer details from your ISP based on your IP address and timestamps and you potentially have a real legal problem on your hands.
As far as the quality of the service goes - well thats sort of the nature of the beast. Most pirates provide fantastic content - high quality rips, no commercials, and seamless transcodes but the content available being hit and miss just depends on who is sharing what at any given time.
Anyway, IDGAF if you want to pirate stuff, I'm not judging. But please understand the technology and be careful - technology these days is doing a great job at hiding what is happening in the background. Average Joe is just trying to watch some show that he heard about, and all of a sudden he's getting sued in court for $25,000.
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jhp
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 10:02am
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Quoting: paulz Isn't there a device similar to an old tape VCR
The HDHomerun is about as close as it gets. Think of it this way - the 1TB hard drive in there costs about $50. The TV Tuner costs another $50. They marked it up 100% and sell it to you for $200.
The market is shifting rapidly to streaming-only and DVR even will be a thing of the past. There are now shows out there that aren't even "live" anymore. The shot a whole season of the show and just stream out one episode a week, instead of shooting and releasing one show a week.
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Nobadays
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 10:58am
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Jhp... yep, aware of possible copyright issues. Didn't realize Kodi plugins were accessing BitTorrents though. Hmmm... makes sense but most of the obvious BitTorrent sites have been shut down for several years... Pirate Bay, Mininova, KickassTorrent...of course I'm sure that content is still out there floating from one url to another.
We lived in China for years and the only way to get English language TV or movies were to buy Pirated DVDs off the street or download via BitTorrents... nobody tracked what you were doing there and we always used a VPN over there anyway. Moved back to the states and it wasn't a week until our ISP shut us off! Called them and was informed we were caught downloading illegal content via peer to peer sharing! We immediately stopped and they turned us back on.
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RiverCabin
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 11:48am
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Quoting: paulz Isn't there a device similar to an old tape VCR that just hooks up to the antenna and TV, no internet.
A few years ago there were some great options for this but most now require internet. If you happen to find a Channelmaster DVR+ used, grab it. That's what I use and they are great.
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-HOMEWORX-HW130STB-Converter-Recording/dp/B01EW098XS /ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=ota+dvr&qid=1607100230&sr=8-6
This above is not perfect but the price is right and it does not require internet.
https://www.avsforum.com/forums/hdtv-recorders.42/
This forum discusses all the options regarding OTA DVRs. You may find some other options there.
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jhp
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 12:41pm
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Quoting: Nobadays Kodi plugins
Yeah it really depends on the plugin. Some of them are scraping public content, like the stuff you'd find on Crackle or YouTube or some other site for free so they may be legit.
If you're watching some big budget movie or recent series you'd find on an HBO/Showtime/Cinemax/AMC/CBS/NBC/Whatever it's almost certainly Bittorrent backed.
"Popcorn Time" was real popular maybe a year or two ago, at the time everyone was raving about it but nobody knew how it worked...then all of a sudden people were getting hit with copyright infringement notices.
Pirate Bay and all those sites, all they do is aggregate the users who are sharing content and content...they don't host anything themselves which is how they avoid getting taken down. Pirate Bay specifically has always been the #1 target but they're even still up and running.
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Nobadays
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 06:00pm
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Didn't know Pirate Bay was still around. When we were overseas I remember having to keep up on where the BitTorrent sites were.... they moved quite often. Yes, from my understanding you are right that Pirate Bay and many of the others didn't actually store content on their servers but they were/are the middle man who helps catalog and connect users to content... still making them a target for the copyrights police. Rightfully so... Overseas we had a choice, by discs Pirated by someone else or just download ourselves, either way Pirated.
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ICC
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2020 09:34pm
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Quoting: paulz Isn't there a device similar to an old tape VCR that just hooks up to the antenna and TV, no internet.
I use a PC with a TV tuner card (Hauppauge). They also make a USB plugin tuner. That lets me tune in any OTA stations.
Then I use software called NextPVR
Along with NextPVR I subscribe to a TV schedule service that works with NextPVR to let me set channels to record at a future time.
I personally do not condone using any system that gives one access to shows of any kind that are basically pirated from anywhere. If you didn't pay for it, and it is from a pay-per-view service you are a thief.
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paulz
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2020 09:28am
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Somewhere along the line this thread switched to a language I don't understand..
Some good options on OTA recording but after going over them I think I've decided to just use OTA as it comes over the wire and miss what I miss. If I didn't have Sling for streaming and recording maybe..
I watch too much TV anyway.
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justincasei812
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# Posted: 11 Dec 2020 10:10am
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Congrats!! We cut the cord about 5-6 years ago and happy we did. We never watch tv in the summer and when we did it was just a relaxation at bed time. We have an antenna for local channels and we have a few fire sticks around the house. We have Hulu and use an app called Mobdro on the fire stick plus a few more that we never use. Mobdro gives you 100+ channels from most of your cable and movie channels to other channels over the world so you get tv from Germany, France, Italy, etc. as well. The quality isn't the greatest but it will do. Usually 460 or 720 for most channels.
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