Spud
Posts:525
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| 05/17/2016 02:20 PM |
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We're getting ready to cut the cord from our cable company. Looking at the Roku 3. Anyone use it? Any other devices your using out there. would appreciate any feedback. |
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6ix
Posts:485
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| 05/17/2016 03:02 PM |
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Been running Apple TV's for years and they work fine for the most part. As with anything, though, they aren't without their headaches from time to time.
The other thing you might want to snag for @$30 is a Chromecast so you can throw what's showing on your laptop to the TV screen. Apple does this using Airplay. It's not perfect but is decent. However, it's only for Apple products like ipad and iphone. Takes a few seconds for it to sync up.
The only reason we still pay ransom for cable TV is the ability to channel surf as mindless entertainment. I don't have to go searching through a bunch of crap only to wait for it to buffer. I want to NOT think. That's how my wife got me watching all the Real Housewives on Bravo. |
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SideBySide
Posts:444
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| 05/17/2016 03:44 PM |
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| You poor soul. My wife watches them and they are painful. I always end up yelling at the TV. Unfortunately that is why we are stuck with Comcast, she won't go without those shows. |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 05/17/2016 06:51 PM |
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Been doing Roku for nearly 3 years now. No issues. We pay for Amazon Prime and Netflix streaming.
We also get the over the air HD channels for the major networks which reinforces my glee at cutting the cable as the only thing worth watching are the PBS stations.
Ever tried watch network evening national news? Holy crap. What a waste of time - commercial after commercial with promises for upcoming news stories in between. They should be ashamed. Although not as ashamed as local newscasts ; )
The "Real" of anything is what has made The Donald so popular to us idiots. |
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Yo Mike
Posts:338
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| 05/17/2016 08:49 PM |
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We have 3 Rokus - the XS version, I think. No problems whatsoever. This version works wired or wireless.
We have Fios, but only for voice and data. Their 'content' does not interest me in the least.
I got out of the Cult of Apple years ago, and I'm never going back.
Get thee a powered internal or external HD antenna, and you'll be set.
You can duckduckgo (see what I did not say?) for where to point your antenna for your locale. |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2881
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| 05/18/2016 08:09 AM |
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| How do you get nbc sports network and Comedy Central? |
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Spud
Posts:525
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| 05/18/2016 08:42 AM |
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| Looks like the Roku has it. We've had Apple TV for awhile now, but not a big fan. Thanks for all this information. Sure did help. |
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Nick A
Posts:625
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| 05/18/2016 12:23 PM |
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We did that too. My kid is into gaming, and has a Sony PS4. We use the Netflix and Amazon Prime apps on that. Also have a HD antenna on the roof. I know someone with Roku, who raves about it.
Nick |
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smokey52
Posts:493
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| 05/18/2016 10:05 PM |
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| If you cut cable, where do you get your ISP to support Roku and other online services? In my area, it's a choice between one cable or phone DSL. The various WiFi hot spots are part of the cable service. |
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6ix
Posts:485
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| 05/19/2016 07:48 AM |
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"Cutting the cable" is a bit of a misnomer. It's really only TV that you're cutting the cable from and not internet. You'll need a fast connection. I'd suggest a service that can almost always provide 30 mbps so that rules out DSL.
Keep in mind that the cable gods have figured this strategy out so now are limiting data or throttling, thus trying to steer customers back to TV subscriptions.
Those wifi hot spots are scary. Think that's a Comcast thing, but basically if you use their modem they turn it into a wifi hot spot. Think about that for a second...your home wifi is suddenly a hot-spot for anyone to use. Not exactly very secure. |
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Nick A
Posts:625
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| 05/19/2016 10:26 AM |
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Yeah, what 6ix said. I had Comcast "lower end" TV, land line and Internet. With all of the fees, taxes, and other BS, it was like $150+ Now with only Internet, it's like $75. I don't miss the TV AT ALL, but occasionally miss the land line for rare faxing. But even with that, at least for sending, I can scan and use an online service. Yes, some places still use fax, not e-mail!
Nick |
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Nick A
Posts:625
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| 05/19/2016 10:27 AM |
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| PS, I seem to have a lot fewer problems with Internet than I ever did with TV. I also bought my own modem, instead of renting theirs. |
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Spud
Posts:525
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| 05/19/2016 12:11 PM |
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| Thanks for that clarification 6ix. We also purchased a modem Nick to avoid that fee. 6ix even with a password protected network, they can turn your modem into a hotspot? I'm not sure about that, but I'm going to check into it for sure. |
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smokey52
Posts:493
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| 05/19/2016 01:39 PM |
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| You need to differentiate modem and router unless they are integrated into a single unit. For me, I have a PW protected WiFi. |
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