Sling TV question

[NuttinItUp]

I just like the ease of turning on the tv and the receiver and having all my channels right there. Just glancing at the sling website it looks like several of the channels I watch are not available or I would have to tack on ALL of their add ons ( except the spanish language channels ), plus still have to go elsewhere for other channels. IT just is not worth it to me, but I am also not into tech  like others are either.

For live tv, I just care about the sports channels, and specifically football, so this type of thing is perfect for me. (WatchESPN access is great.)

I don't mind using Hulu Plus for non-live streaming tv show viewing. If I have to wait till the next day to stream a tv show it doesn't really bother me. (plus at around $2-$3/month if I buy a 6 or 12 month code on eBay, it is well-worth the cost)

Obviously, everyone is different. Satellite and cable works better for some people. I am just glad that options like this are starting to exist for people like me.

[hogsanity]

.

Sorry... thought you worked for Cox.

No problem. Cox did end up with most of the systems we had.

[Biggus Piggus]

Gawd, I can't stand the cable TV channel guide. Cannot be customized, cannot remove garbage channels, loaded with noisy crap. Heaven help you if you start searching for a program in front of your family - most likely once you enter a couple of letters, a bunch of porn movies will pop up there regardless of whether you have them blocked. Nothing is easy and convenient about cable and satellite TV. I have used Cox, Adelphia, Time-Warner, Comcast, U-verse, DirecTV, DISH -- all crap.

[HighcountryHog]

Does anyone have experience using the Roku Stick, and what performance is like in comparison to the Roku 2?

So far, my best outcome  has been to use either the Android or OS X app and use HDMI from my tower to the the TV(computer is in living room with media console).  About the same quality as using WatchESPN.

The true test will be the coming weeks with the flood of users logging in only for the ESPN stuff.

[PLHawg]

I have DirecTv, but am getting ready to cut the cord.  I pay $120 a month, and come February, my contract anniversary, I'm sure it's going to go up another $5 - $10 a month.  Half the channels on there are infomercial channels.  We have 3 teenage boys who only watch Netflix, or play Xbox, so my wife and I are the only ones that watch Directv.  We essentially watch about 10 channels (including local), so it's just not worth it.  We've had a Roku 3 for a couple of years, and bought a Roku tv back a few months ago.  In addition I bought a Mohu Leaf antenna for $40, that gets all the local channels clearer and crisper than Directv.  I did the trial for the Sling, and the main issue I had wasn't buffering or anything like that, but the volume on some of the channels.  I figure some of the bugs with Sling will get worked out over time.  So I'm not including the cost of Netflix, since we've had it for years, but adding Hulu at $8 a month, plus $20 for Sling Tv and we're looking at saving approximately $100 a month.  In addition, we already have Amazon Prime as well, as we order a lot of stuff off Amazon. Between Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and Amazon Prime that's a whole lot of content.  One other thing I'll add, watching ESPN on Sling, you can't tell any difference between it and Directv.  I guess I can see the argument of the upfront cost in some of the equipment (Roku player, antenna) decreases any savings on the front end, but you'll recover the cost in probably 2 or 3 months.  I'm no cheapskate, but this is a slam-dunk way to save a whole lot of $.

[Inhogswetrust]

Awesome, thanks for the help guys. Im thinking 25 bucks a month for sling + my netflix account we already have for my daughter, will be more than enough for us. Our directv bill is just getting outrageous. I love the service, but its just not practical anymore.

I was having flashbacks to the snowy channels and my pops making me scale the roof to adjust the antenna   haha

Good to know thats not the case anymore

You're doing exactly what we are. Got a digital antenna and have great picture for local channels. We live close to Memphis and their transmitters though. There is a website you can use to check what signal strength you would get based on location.

[hogsanity]

For live tv, I just care about the sports channels, and specifically football, so this type of thing is perfect for me. (WatchESPN access is great.)

I don't mind using Hulu Plus for non-live streaming tv show viewing. If I have to wait till the next day to stream a tv show it doesn't really bother me. (plus at around $2-$3/month if I buy a 6 or 12 month code on eBay, it is well-worth the cost)

Obviously, everyone is different. Satellite and cable works better for some people. I am just glad that options like this are starting to exist for people like me.

I find the options interesting, I just do not want to have to keep track of what channels I get from which source. Maybe I am just lazy.

[The NewEra]

I still have the Dish w/Hopper.  One of the things I love is being able to record multiple games and all Razorback Games for immediate or later playback.  How do you guys record the content you receive off of the setups you mentioned earlier in this thread?

Thx!

[Biggus Piggus]

Tablo works as a household DVR for broadcast HDTV, and you can use Roku with it.

[WorfHog]

I still have the Dish w/Hopper.  One of the things I love is being able to record multiple games and all Razorback Games for immediate or later playback.  How do you guys record the content you receive off of the setups you mentioned earlier in this thread?

Thx!

It's pretty easy to find the games on youtube or Espn 3 the next day.  I prefer youtube since the uploader usually cuts out the commercial breaks. You just don't need to record them.

[Peter Porker]

I have a roku and sling tv and love it. I'm a track guy and being able to watch the iaaf championships on universal sports was great. I was able to go back several days and watch anything I wanted on the channel. Not all channels allow you to do this though. I totally recommend it.

[woodrow hog call]

I have DirecTv, but am getting ready to cut the cord.  I pay $120 a month, and come February, my contract anniversary, I'm sure it's going to go up another $5 - $10 a month.  Half the channels on there are infomercial channels.  We have 3 teenage boys who only watch Netflix, or play Xbox, so my wife and I are the only ones that watch Directv.  We essentially watch about 10 channels (including local), so it's just not worth it.  We've had a Roku 3 for a couple of years, and bought a Roku tv back a few months ago.  In addition I bought a Mohu Leaf antenna for $40, that gets all the local channels clearer and crisper than Directv.  I did the trial for the Sling, and the main issue I had wasn't buffering or anything like that, but the volume on some of the channels.  I figure some of the bugs with Sling will get worked out over time.  So I'm not including the cost of Netflix, since we've had it for years, but adding Hulu at $8 a month, plus $20 for Sling Tv and we're looking at saving approximately $100 a month.  In addition, we already have Amazon Prime as well, as we order a lot of stuff off Amazon. Between Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and Amazon Prime that's a whole lot of content.  One other thing I'll add, watching ESPN on Sling, you can't tell any difference between it and Directv.  I guess I can see the argument of the upfront cost in some of the equipment (Roku player, antenna) decreases any savings on the front end, but you'll recover the cost in probably 2 or 3 months.  I'm no cheapskate, but this is a slam-dunk way to save a whole lot of $.

I'm right there with you as well, I had changed my package to a lower cost plan, but with football season here I had to go back to my original plan.

My problem is, I'm on satellite internet also, my plan allows for 10 gig per month I'm pretty sure. I don't think that's enough for TV watching, but I have no idea what would be enough?
Or is there a reasonable priced satellite internet plan with unlimited usage?

[PLHawg]

I'm right there with you as well, I had changed my package to a lower cost plan, but with football season here I had to go back to my original plan.

My problem is, I'm on satellite internet also, my plan allows for 10 gig per month I'm pretty sure. I don't think that's enough for TV watching, but I have no idea what would be enough?
Or is there a reasonable priced satellite internet plan with unlimited usage?

Assuming your internet is bundled with your satellite tv?  I'm not that familiar with the satellite internet options, except for HughesNet.  I do believe if you find satellite internet that's not bundled, it would be worth it to go with a higher bandwidth plan if you plan on streaming.  You'd still save a lot of money over the cost of satellite tv/cable.

[woodrow hog call]

It's not actually bundled, but it is Hughes Net/ Excede, I think I pay around $60 per month for it. What speed rate of download is required for good quaility live streaming of HD?

I know very little about that kind of stuff, trying to educate myself a little.

[PLHawg]

It's not actually bundled, but it is Hughes Net/ Excede, I think I pay around $60 per month for it. What speed rate of download is required for good quaility live streaming of HD?

I know very little about that kind of stuff, trying to educate myself a little.

For HD streaming you'll need 5Mbps.  If you're paying $60 per month, you should have at least 10 Mbps, so you should be in good shape.

[intoxhog]

Does anyone have experience using the Roku Stick, and what performance is like in comparison to the Roku 2?

So far, my best outcome  has been to use either (800) 522-2922 Android or OS X app and use HDMI from my tower to the the TV(computer is in living room with media console).  About the same quality as using WatchESPN.

The true test will be the coming weeks with the flood of users logging in only for the ESPN stuff.

Roku 2 2015 version blows the stick away, a lot of people that have complained about not liking sling more than likely had slower processing streaming devises.

Also if anyone ever has a problem watching games on sling you can also access espn3 with sling subscription.

another little know thing is that this year the nfl has a steaming app that you can watch any nfl game that's an hour old. Done with cable.

[jabohog]

4 mega bits/sec is the best my ADLS will do. I live in a rural area. I can watch netflix, amazon, etc. but not sure about Sling. Would definitely have to upgrade the roku. Also have an old flat screen, would have to upgrade that since getting the local channels over the air requires digital receiver. The newer ones have that built in. I have read you need about 25 Mbs internet for the newer 4k tvs. I would like to drop DirecTV and pick up Sling, and maybe Hulu plus. Just not sure if it would load, guess I can try the free trials before I drop anything. I also read you could buy any DVR and use it in this setup? What do the experts think?

[GolfnHog]

Roku 2 2015 version blows the stick away, a lot of people that have complained about not liking sling more than likely had slower processing streaming devises.

Also if anyone ever has a problem watching games on sling you can also access espn3 with sling subscription.

Think you answered my question for me then. I have the Roku 3 in the family room but was wondering about the difference in the stick or the Roku 2's for the bedrooms. Is it true you can only stream 1 device at a time from the Sling app?

[intoxhog]

Think you answered my question for me then. I have the Roku 3 in the family room but was wondering about the difference in the stick or the Roku 2's for the bedrooms. Is it true you can only stream 1 device at a time from the Sling app?

when it first started yes but lately we have been able to do 2 at once , don't know why or if it's a glitch.

[PLHawg]

Think you answered my question for me then. I have the Roku 3 in the family room but was wondering about the difference in the stick or the Roku 2's for the bedrooms. Is it true you can only stream 1 device at a time from the Sling app?

Yeah, only one device per sling account at a time.  Doesn't make much difference for us because teenagers, when they're home, only watch Netflix or play Xbox.  I have the Roku 3 and it works great, hardly ever buffers.  We also replaced our old living room tv with the TCL Roku Tv and it is great tv, and very reasonably priced.  What's going to be interesting is what cable/satellite tv is going to look like 5 yrs out or so, because I can guarantee you that today's teenagers will not be paying $100+ per month for tv when they get out on their own.

[hog1984]

Just asking, by the time you get an antennae, sling subscription, roku, chromecast, etc ( all the subscriptions and equipment you need to piece together all the services to get all the channels, how much does it really end up costing per month?

You have a valid point on the equipment investment. A Roku streaming stick is $39 on sale. The Roku 2 is $69. The 3 month SlingTV deal with a $50 Roku 3 is a good deal. The Roku Stick is free with the SlingTV 3 month deal. Then you need an internet connection good for at least 5 mbs. The antenna, mount / pole, and lead coax plus a booster if you are in a fringe area. Figure in the $300 range for all of this, including the Roku boxes.

I also have two Tivo boxes for OTA DVR. One has a lifetime subscription, the other is $12.99 / mo. I have a 5 mbs DSL service. It can stream two Roku streams at a time. One stream is usually Netflix, the other is USTVNow. You can get USTVNow for $29 / mo, or pay $10 more for unlimited online DVR capability. USTVNow has 29 cable / local channels. It streams reliably. Most important to me it has FNC.

Another service I have is Playon and PlayLater. you can Google them for more info, but they also work through the Roku box.

I calculated that Directv would average $88 / month over 24 months, including a $150 PPD Visa spiff. My subscriptions for my internet content will average about $50/mo. over a year. The nice thing about all of the internet content, is there is no obligation for me next month if I run short or don't watch that content anymore. Granted the 5 tuner Directv Genie DVR is much nicer, but it comes with a price. (My Tivos have 6 tuners total)

One other point, the SlingTV only allows one stream at a time per account. Most channels will not pause or rewind, although two or three channels have some on demand content (History/H2/Epix, etc). USTVNow allows 3 streams per account at the same time. You can pause live tv, but it is limited to a few minutes. The DVR service can pause indefinitely, because it is an on demand stream.

[hogsanity]

You have a valid point on the equipment investment. A Roku streaming stick is $39 on sale. The Roku 2 is $69. The 3 month SlingTV deal with a $50 Roku 3 is a good deal. The Roku Stick is free with the SlingTV 3 month deal. Then you need an internet connection good for at least 5 mbs. The antenna, mount / pole, and lead coax plus a booster if you are in a fringe area. Figure in the $300 range for all of this, including the Roku boxes.

I also have two Tivo boxes for OTA DVR. One has a lifetime subscription, the other is $12.99 / mo. I have a 5 mbs DSL service. It can stream two Roku streams at a time. One stream is usually Netflix, the other is USTVNow. You can get USTVNow for $29 / mo, or pay $10 more for unlimited online DVR capability. USTVNow has 29 cable / local channels. It streams reliably. Most important to me it has FNC.

Another service I have is Playon and PlayLater. you can Google them for more info, but they also work through the Roku box.

I calculated that Directv would average $88 / month over 24 months, including a $150 PPD Visa spiff. My subscriptions for my internet content will average about $50/mo. over a year. The nice thing about all of the internet content, is there is no obligation for me next month if I run short or don't watch that content anymore. Granted the 5 tuner Directv Genie DVR is much nicer, but it comes with a price. (My Tivos have 6 tuners total)

One other point, the SlingTV only allows one stream at a time per account. Most channels will not pause or rewind, although two or three channels have some on demand content (History/H2/Epix, etc). USTVNow allows 3 streams per account at the same time. You can pause live tv, but it is limited to a few minutes. The DVR service can pause indefinitely, because it is an on demand stream.

Thanks for the details. We just switched to Cox from Uverse. Had dish for several years. With 4 people in the home, it was just easier right now, plus the speed I get with the internet is important to my 17 yr old, he games and streams. I am sure I could get close to what we have for less $, but I figure for the 2 years he has left at home, might as well keep everyone happy.

[NuttinItUp]

The 3 month SlingTV deal with a $50 Roku 3 is a good deal. The Roku Stick is free with the SlingTV 3 month deal.

Oh wow! I didn't even realize they were running this promotion until I saw your post.

https://www.sling.com/devices/roku

Basically like $50 worth of free (either $50 off a Roku 3 or a $50 Roku stick for free) to pre-pay for 3 months. I was going to get 3 months anyway for football season, so this is perfect!

Thanks for the heads up!

[HAM ELLIOT]

Just switched from Uverse to Directv.  We tend to switch about every two years so that we can get those cheap prices for a year.  Loved Uverse but after the first year it went up to over $200 a month which is what we were trying to get away from.  We will be saving about $130 per month switching our tv to Directv and keeping our internet thru ATT.

I may lower it to the lowest plan after a year, and give sling tv a shot.  Theres only a handful of channels I even watch!  About all I would be missing switching to Sling tv would be Discovery and FX...

[Laughing Hog]

laughingHog, you and I are cut of the same cloth! The key to the change is get someone that is computer/technology literate and have them over for a beer and installation!!

I have the Roku 3, slingTV and everything that comes with the Roku 3. I've yet to get the HD antenna for the local channels but I'm on the road during the week so I'm not too worried about it until a week or so before the Hogs play on CBS then I'll be ready.

Can someone give me the "Ned and the reader" version about the CBSsports.com and how that works so I have a mental midget understanding of what I need to do to either add it to my smart phone or tablet or do I just need to go get the HD antenna and hope that the local CBS channel comes in crystal clear?

I've got the Sling TV app figured out and it works great along w/ the Netflix, Crackle etc... 

Sounds like this may be something I need to have a conversation with you over a round of 18 (it may take me that long to piece it all together  ). Or, maybe I should start dating someone that has a teenage kid and have them over for dinner!

[razCzar]

I'm all in with Sling TV and Roku.

Bye, bye Bundle... short video and articles:
https://www.yahoo.com/katiecouric/now-i-get-it-cord-cutting-its-official-americans-127808699393.html
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/07/12/cutting-the-cord-tcl-roku-tv/29856879/

[Mick Hogger]

I dropped DirectTv last night after years of service. I told them they had finally just gotten too greedy for what I get in return and I'm cutting the cord. I am really just going to bundle my already $75 internet with 140 channels for $15 more and some additional fees, etc. But I'm still going to be saving almost $100 a month.

Makes me wonder how these channel standoffs are going to happen in the future as subscriptions start dropping. People are fed up and taking the power back from these guys and they may be reacting too slow to stop it.

[woo.pig]

This is the future of pay TV. Sling is out front right now, but Sony Playstation Vue is starting to release in bigger cities. It has 50+ channels for $50.00 per month. Apple TV is next to develop. The Streaming TV is going to cause the cable and satellite companies to evolve and offer skinny bundles of channels people want watch to compete.

[Biggus Piggus]

It is going to be painful for cable to adapt. They will have to turn over all of their content contracts before they can budge. And that will be a bloodbath.

[Suidae Suis Scrofa]

My problem is, I'm on satellite internet also, my plan allows for 10 gig per month I'm pretty sure. I don't think that's enough for TV watching, but I have no idea what would be enough?
Or is there a reasonable priced satellite internet plan with unlimited usage?

Woodrow,

SlingTV and other streaming options are probably not good options if you have satellite internet.  A decent streamed HD signal will need about 3 Mbps (mega bits per second) and up to 5 Mbps for best quality.  So watching a streaming video for 1 hour requires 3 Mbps / 8 (bits per byte) x 3600 (seconds per hour) = 1.35 GBph (giga bytes per hour)  If your satellite is capped at 10 GBpm (giga bytes per month) then you'll hit your monthly limit in less than 7.5 hours.

This is an approximation of what you could do, in reality the amount of streaming you could watch would be lower due to signalling overhead and other background data used to transmit data.

Unless you can get an unlimited data plan I would recommend against using streaming video services on satellite.

-phil

[Suidae Suis Scrofa]

I still have the Dish w/Hopper.  One of the things I love is being able to record multiple games and all Razorback Games for immediate or later playback.  How do you guys record the content you receive off of the setups you mentioned earlier in this thread?

Thx!

IMO the easiest option for recording over-the-air TV is Tivo.  There are several models available and they'v been around for a while with a good user interface.  You have the option of buying a Tivo with lifetime service so there is no monthly cost, or getting the service for a monthly fee.

There are other DVRs out there as well such as the Tablo and one from ChannelMaster amongst others.

There is not easy way to record SlingTV that I am aware of.

-phil

[bulldog04]

I live in an area that doesn't have an internet company that is part of the ESPN networks where you can watch ESPN3.  I don't want to miss Hog baseball games.  How could I watch espn3?  That would be the only thing to keep me from switching.

[The NewEra]

Thanks for everyone that provided feedback.  I think my takeaway is that I really like the Dish w/Hopper setup I have.  I can record multiple games at the same time and I have a backup HD that I save them to.  That way I can always access any game I want at any time.  I pay a premium for few things but this is one that's important to me, so I'll stick with it.

It will be interesting to see how the satellite providers and others maneuver through these changes.  I think it will only benefit the consumers in the long run.

[NuttinItUp]

I live in an area that doesn't have an internet company that is part of the ESPN networks where you can watch ESPN3.  I don't want to miss Hog baseball games.  How could I watch espn3?  That would be the only thing to keep me from switching.

As stated earlier, a Sling TV subscription comes with WatchESPN access. That gives you access to ESPN3, along with ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, etc.

That is really the only way I watch it. (Through WatchESPN on my Roku.) I never really watch any of the other channels (TNT, etc.), and really don't even use the Sling TV app. Basically, I am just paying Sling TV so I can have access to the full slate of stuff on WatchESPN.

[Professor Psychosis]

It's pretty easy to find the games on youtube or Espn 3 the next day.  I prefer youtube since the uploader usually cuts out the commercial breaks. You just don't need to record them.

And you can download Youtube videos.  Just do a Google search for that.

I will be downloading all Razorback games that get uploaded, because last year's LSU and Ole Miss games are nowhere to be found, so I'll be getting them before the copyright police have them removed this year.

[NuttinItUp]

And you can download Youtube videos.  Just do a Google search for that.

I will be downloading all Razorback games that get uploaded, because last year's LSU and Ole Miss games are nowhere to be found, so I'll be getting them before the copyright police have them removed this year.

You can watch this replay from the Ark-LSU game though:
http://bustedcoverage.com/2014/11/17/lsu-fan-dentures-arkansas-video/

[PLHawg]

And you can download Youtube videos.  Just do a Google search for that.

I will be downloading all Razorback games that get uploaded, because last year's LSU and Ole Miss games are nowhere to be found, so I'll be getting them before the copyright police have them removed this year.

Download Plex on your computer (Windows or Mac), then you can download any videos from any source to your Plex account.  You can then watch them on your tv with the Plex app from your Roku. 

[Inhogswetrust]

I was thinking people would assume internet is required.

$50
$8
$25
-----
$83 (roughly $80)

The thing is MOST people already have internet anyway, therefore that cost would be there without the TV streaming, so that is a non-factor.

[hogsanity]

The thing is MOST people already have internet anyway, therefore that cost would be there without the TV streaming, so that is a non-factor.

Well, for me, take out the internet and phone ( i have all 3 bundled ) I am only paying about $80 month for my tv. I have it in 3 rooms, with whole home dvr. I do not have to have multiple sources for different channels either.

Too each their own. The new streaming services will bring about change throughout the industry, no doubt about that, but I just wonder how much people will end up saving when the numbers really get crunched.

[Inhogswetrust]

This is the future of pay TV. Sling is out front right now, but Sony Playstation Vue is starting to release in bigger cities. It has 50+ channels for $50.00 per month. Apple TV is next to develop. The Streaming TV is going to cause the cable and satellite companies to evolve and offer skinny bundles of channels people want watch to compete.

Still very few people I believe need or want 50+ channels. At some point ala carte will be the ruler and any form of lots of channels will not grow like it did in the past. There are other options now that means you don't have to pay a lot of money for a lot of channels. Changing tech and economics of pricing will rule the day. Demographically based bundles (your skinny type) at a lower cost will be the way to go. Most people would not pay $80 if IF they could get that internet, phone and and watch games for $20 instead. At some point that might happen. Specialization and targeted marketing with lower pricing will come more into play for more people just like it already has for me. 

[Inhogswetrust]

Well, for me, take out the internet and phone ( i have all 3 bundled ) I am only paying about $80 month for my tv. I have it in 3 rooms, with whole home dvr. I do not have to have multiple sources for different channels either.

Too each their own. The new streaming services will bring about change throughout the industry, no doubt about that, but I just wonder how much people will end up saving when the numbers really get crunched.

When technology makes it more and more viable economics of pricing will take over and people will save or the cable companies and their kin will have an outdated business model if they don't have already. People like us are cutting the cord in big numbers. I do think they will come up with something to compete better with streaming though and it will appeal to a certain number no matter what but the huge number they need to continue to operate as they do now will not be there in there future. Remember though that a LOT if not a majority of young folks don't even HAVE any type of upgraded TV service. They have computers and smartphones and play games and watch movies. I know some that don't even OWN a TV.

[hogsanity]

When technology makes it more and more viable economics of pricing will take over and people will save or the cable companies and their kin will have an outdated business model if they don't have already. People like us are cutting the cord in big numbers. I do think they will come up with something to compete better with streaming though and it will appeal to a certain number no matter what but the huge number they need to continue to operate as they do now will not be there in there future. Remember though that a LOT if not a majority of young folks don't even HAVE any type of upgraded TV service. They have computers and smartphones and play games and watch movies. I know some that don't even OWN a TV.

I see me and my wife as the in between generation when it comes to tv. We still remember the days of 4 channels, then cable started with about 13. We have been through the evolution and explosion of programming.

We also have such varying program demands in the house with a 17 yr old and a 12 yr old. I know we are just about done needing channels like Nick and Disney, so as time goes on ala carte will be more appealing to us.

Like I said earlier in the thread, I am just kind of lazy, and it is worth it to us right now to have everything all in one place, on one service. My sister's family has sling and uses netflix and hulu. But no one in the house is a sports fan, and her kids have outgrown the kiddie channels.

[Inhogswetrust]

I see me and my wife as the in between generation when it comes to tv. We still remember the days of 4 channels, then cable started with about 13. We have been through the evolution and explosion of programming.

We also have such varying program demands in the house with a 17 yr old and a 12 yr old. I know we are just about done needing channels like Nick and Disney, so as time goes on ala carte will be more appealing to us.

Like I said earlier in the thread, I am just kind of lazy, and it is worth it to us right now to have everything all in one place, on one service. My sister's family has sling and uses netflix and hulu. But no one in the house is a sports fan, and her kids have outgrown the kiddie channels.

I remember those days as well! Heck I go all the way back to Black and White TV's as a young kid. We didn't have a dang remote either. Demographics are and will be more important in the future and that will probably mean less "bundling" on a large scale.

[PLHawg]

When technology makes it more and more viable economics of pricing will take over and people will save or the cable companies and their kin will have an outdated business model if they don't have already. People like us are cutting the cord in big numbers. I do think they will come up with something to compete better with streaming though and it will appeal to a certain number no matter what but the huge number they need to continue to operate as they do now will not be there in there future. Remember though that a LOT if not a majority of young folks don't even HAVE any type of upgraded TV service. They have computers and smartphones and play games and watch movies. I know some that don't even OWN a TV.

Scrolling through the channel guide on Directv, and realizing how few of the actual channels on there we actually watched is what did it for me.  I mean half of it is crap - informercials, bs channels, ppv channels, etc.  My main concern cutting the cord was sports programming.  Using the antenna I get the local networks, Sling has ESPN, and the extra package on Sling ($5 per month) you get SEC Network, ESPNU, etc.  That covers probably 80% - 90% of any sports programming I'll ever watch.  My main adjustment for non-sports viewing is deciding on what to watch, because there's so much content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu.  That being said, I'll adjust to new viewing habits to save $100 a month.

[NuttinItUp]

Scrolling through the channel guide on Directv, and realizing how few of the actual channels on there we actually watched is what did it for me.  I mean half of it is crap - informercials, bs channels, ppv channels, etc.  My main concern cutting the cord was sports programming.  Using the antenna I get the local networks, Sling has ESPN, and the extra package on Sling ($5 per month) you get SEC Network, ESPNU, etc.  That covers probably 80% - 90% of any sports programming I'll ever watch.  My main adjustment for non-sports viewing is deciding on what to watch, because there's so much content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu.  That being said, I'll adjust to new viewing habits to save $100 a month.

Same thing for me. I envied the cord-cutters for a long time, but held on for sports. Now that I can get sports (football really), I am a cord cutter all the way. I always knew I could get the regular tv programming I get through Hulu or other sources for much cheaper but was held back until recently due to the sports which I now enjoy.

Goodbye cord.

[hawgrunner]

Scrolling through the channel guide on Directv, and realizing how few of the actual channels on there we actually watched is what did it for me.  I mean half of it is crap - informercials, bs channels, ppv channels, etc.  My main concern cutting the cord was sports programming.  Using the antenna I get the local networks, Sling has ESPN, and the extra package on Sling ($5 per month) you get SEC Network, ESPNU, etc.  That covers probably 80% - 90% of any sports programming I'll ever watch.  My main adjustment for non-sports viewing is deciding on what to watch, because there's so much content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu.  That being said, I'll adjust to new viewing habits to save $100 a month.

Netflix and Hulu Plus are pretty good but the Amazon Prime is a no go!

[HAWG MAFIA]

Do you still work for Cox?

This made me laugh

[lefty08]

How does the channel surfing thing work while streaming?  is there a load time every time?

[Inhogswetrust]

Scrolling through the channel guide on Directv, and realizing how few of the actual channels on there we actually watched is what did it for me.  I mean half of it is crap - informercials, bs channels, ppv channels, etc.  My main concern cutting the cord was sports programming.  Using the antenna I get the local networks, Sling has ESPN, and the extra package on Sling ($5 per month) you get SEC Network, ESPNU, etc.  That covers probably 80% - 90% of any sports programming I'll ever watch.  My main adjustment for non-sports viewing is deciding on what to watch, because there's so much content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu.  That being said, I'll adjust to new viewing habits to save $100 a month.

Same here. That's exactly why we cut the cord.................Too many channels of junk for too much money and then able to finally get sports without it. It was a no brainer for us.

[woo.pig]

How does the channel surfing thing work while streaming?  is there a load time every time?

There is a small load time between channels, mostly depends on your internet connection.

Sling TV offers 7-14 day free trials depending on the device. Download it and try it out first, easy to cancel if you don't like.

Netflix and Hulu you can get 30 day free trails on them too.