Cutting the cord

[CheezWizHed]

I'm looking forward to Starlink, too. My boss can't get internet at all and I have a max 3mb speed on a shoddy line. They're saying it'll be 15-50mb speed and starting to roll out in North America around the end of this year. More expensive for the box and the service but not prohibitively so.

 

Ordered it for my condo in Montana and we were told 80mb speeds initially, pushing towards 200 by the end of summer. Tech guy is hooking it up this week. I can report back then

 

Can I ask how much that costs?

[GAME05]

$500 for the box and $100/mo for the service. Definitely higher than your average service.

 

It was $100 just to get my name on the first-served list when it does come here.

[RobDeer 45]

That is expensive but such a game changer for so many people. I hope it works good enough for people to have legit internet.

[wallus]

My parents are on the waitlist for Starlink. They have to use a hotspot for their internet now which is a joke.

[CheezWizHed]

Well, I'm paying $50/month for 30mb (DSL), so double the cost for 2.5-6x the speed...

[HiAndTight]

Awesome, came over here to ask a question and it looks like you guys are on the topic.

 

I've got spectrum...and it sucks, but it's to be expected.

 

But I do have a high speed package and it seems like my internet is always slow.

That and the fact that I could cut my bill from about 100 to 60 by just buying my Modem and Router, I'm thinking about going that way.

Any suggestions on what I should get(or even IF I should) and is a combo router/modem in one better than getting each individual?

I'm assuming this SHOULD be pretty easy to hook up, right? Basically just take the existing modem, router, replace them and then call spectrum?

 

 

 

Any help would be appreciated. And if you could explain this to me like you were explaining why Braun shouldn't come back and play 3rd base for the Brewers to someone who doesn't follow baseball, ie, in child-like terms, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.

[CheezWizHed]

If you mean you want to stay with Spectrum but buy your own hardware, I'd check with Spectrum first (their website might have the instructions too). Normally there are HW requirements for the modem you get and they will need to send a service person out to set it up for you. They might have instructions for how you can do it yourself, but either way the new HW must be setup in their system to allow the new HW to login.

 

Personally, I would buy a separate modem and wifi for performance, but that does get more complicated for the tech setup. I ended up turning off the wifi from my DSL modem (which I still rent from them) and connecting my own. When my kids came home from school, we were always lagging on 20 mbps DSL. I ended up using Google WIFI. It has a main WIFI hub that you plug direct into the DSL modem ethernet port and two satellite extensions (mesh network technically) that allow better reception around my house. That actually allowed 4 kids, wife and myself (often with streaming TV on) to work on 20 mbps. Then when COVID hit, I had to bump up to 30 mbps since zoom calls where a bit more bandwidth hogish. But you can also purchase a simpler single WIFI setup that you would plug direct into the modem and follow their setup instructions. Replacing the WIFI alone won't save you the money, but it might fix the lag.

 

Do you know what WIFI version your modem supports (802.11x where x is b, g, n, or other letters)?

[RobDeer 45]

I reached out in a chat to YoutubeTV yesterday to ask when they were going to allow the unlimited logins from your house. They didn’t have an answer but I was blown away by customer service. They said they appreciated me reaching out and they value my feedback (standard customer service type line) and they’d like to comp me 2 free weeks of their service. I was blown away. Such a different experience than DTV. Thought I’d share because I really like their service and little things like this can make such a huge difference. Now when they rule the TV market, I’m sure they will tell me to go pound sand, but for now it’s great.

[nate82]

My uncle has DIRECT TV and his remotes stopped working. All of them all at the same time. The only thing that works on them is the guide button the up and down arrows and the channel buttons. Everything else doesn't work on them.

 

I tried reprogramming them for him no luck. Even the one he bought as a spare that is still in the bag it came in doesn't work and has the same issues. I am not saying this is a conspiracy but the evidence is pointing to it.

 

Anyways he called direct tv and they told him he would have to buy new ones or a technician could come out and replace his boxes and remotes. He did the tech thing had a date and time frame for them to come they never came. He calls them back and they tell him he is lying and there is no record of him calling in or scheduling a technician to come out. Though he did get confirmation and when he gave them the confirmation information they hang up on him.

 

He still insists that direct TV is still a good service. Sometimes I think people just enjoy the pain.

[stoutdude04]

That is one thing I will say, I really dislike Spectrum, but typically their customer service people are friendly enough. That reminds me, I really need to call and complain that my bill is too high. You would think these places would reward customers for sticking around instead of raising prices over and over.

[TURBO]

That is one thing I will say, I really dislike Spectrum, but typically their customer service people are friendly enough. That reminds me, I really need to call and complain that my bill is too high. You would think these places would reward customers for sticking around instead of raising prices over and over.

 

Good luck, the last two times I called to compalin, they basically said "too bad" and that was it.

 

They did not budge on their "new" pricing, and it was either take it or leave it.

 

If it works for you, please share your magic words...

[nodakfan17]

That is one thing I will say, I really dislike Spectrum, but typically their customer service people are friendly enough. That reminds me, I really need to call and complain that my bill is too high. You would think these places would reward customers for sticking around instead of raising prices over and over.

 

Good luck, the last two times I called to compalin, they basically said "too bad" and that was it.

 

They did not budge on their "new" pricing, and it was either take it or leave it.

 

If it works for you, please share your magic words...

My Spectrum internet bill has gone from $39 to $75 over the course of the last 6 years.

[LouisEly]

Awesome, came over here to ask a question and it looks like you guys are on the topic.

 

I've got spectrum...and it sucks, but it's to be expected.

 

But I do have a high speed package and it seems like my internet is always slow.

That and the fact that I could cut my bill from about 100 to 60 by just buying my Modem and Router, I'm thinking about going that way.

Any suggestions on what I should get(or even IF I should) and is a combo router/modem in one better than getting each individual?

I'm assuming this SHOULD be pretty easy to hook up, right? Basically just take the existing modem, router, replace them and then call spectrum?

 

 

 

Any help would be appreciated. And if you could explain this to me like you were explaining why Braun shouldn't come back and play 3rd base for the Brewers to someone who doesn't follow baseball, ie, in child-like terms, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.

Absolutely buy your own separate modem and router. They'll last for years. Go to Best Buy and the modems will say on the box which cable systems they are compatible with. For a router look for one with antennas as they will have more range. Dual band, as the 5Ghz wavelength has faster speeds. At least three antennas. Worth paying more for a good router.

 

Super easy to set up on your own, no need to have Charter come over.

[homer]

Make sure the modem is compatible with your internet provider. Xfinity (Comcast) has a list of the approved ones on their website. Check your provider's site to see if they have something similar.

 

Speaking of the internet, it's always a good idea to periodically change your plan or at least see the price difference if you want to change plans. I went in the other day and got 2x the speed of what we had for $16 less per month for the first year. Then it goes back up to where it is now.

[logan82]

My uncle has DIRECT TV and his remotes stopped working. All of them all at the same time. The only thing that works on them is the guide button the up and down arrows and the channel buttons. Everything else doesn't work on them.

 

I tried reprogramming them for him no luck. Even the one he bought as a spare that is still in the bag it came in doesn't work and has the same issues. I am not saying this is a conspiracy but the evidence is pointing to it.

 

Anyways he called direct tv and they told him he would have to buy new ones or a technician could come out and replace his boxes and remotes. He did the tech thing had a date and time frame for them to come they never came. He calls them back and they tell him he is lying and there is no record of him calling in or scheduling a technician to come out. Though he did get confirmation and when he gave them the confirmation information they hang up on him.

 

He still insists that direct TV is still a good service. Sometimes I think people just enjoy the pain.

My dad had the same thing happen with all his DirectTV a couple years ago. They used to work with his TVs as universal remotes but no longer do and have only limited functionality with the receivers. I wouldn't be shocked if something happened with DTV and the screwed the pooch but won't admit it.

[Sixtofan]

Can anyone give an update on Uzzu? Happy with it? I don’t really understand how they can do what they are doing - any insight?

[young guns]

Did anyone else get an email from roku saying they might not carry youtubetv anymore after negotiations broke down with google? I am concerned by this development. Not sure what I would do as I have a roku tv.

[JackNicholson1974]

I have 4 Roku TCLs. I would have to just quit YTTV. Said I would quit after the price hike to 65 (didn’t) and after they lost FSNs (didn’t) but this would be the final strike

[RobDeer 45]

Oh no. Seriously? Roku could do that? This would be a major bummer. I just bought two roku TVs! I’m not sure I got the email but I’ll have to go check. Any other information you have on it? I was curious why some apps like MLB weren’t on some smart TVs. Didn’t know there was negotiations going on for things like that.

[brewerfan82]

I got the email too. Here's what it said:

 

Dear Roku Customer,

 

We are sending this email to update you on the possibility that Google may take away your access to the YouTube TV channel on Roku. Recent negotiations with Google to carry YouTube TV have broken down because Roku cannot accept Google’s unfair terms as we believe they could harm our users.

 

Ensuring a great streaming experience at an exceptional value is the core of our business. We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google's unfair and anticompetitive requirements to manipulate your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more.

 

While we are deeply disappointed in Google’s decision to use their monopoly power to try and force terms that will directly harm streamers, we remain committed to reaching an agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, protects your data and ensures a level playing field for companies to compete. We encourage you to contact Google and urge them to reach an agreement to continue offering YouTube TV on Roku and to follow standard industry practices pledging not to require access to sensitive search data or to manipulate your search results.

 

Thank you,

Roku

[MrTPlush]

I have 4 Roku TCLs. I would have to just quit YTTV. Said I would quit after the price hike to 65 (didn’t) and after they lost FSNs (didn’t) but this would be the final strike

 

Would be kind of annoying. I bought one of those cheaper TCLs for this reason because I wouldn't need to waste money on an Apple TV or similar. I think I would just buy a cheap Apple TV to bridge to gap at that point I suppose. Don't think I feel like switching to Hulu as YTTV has a better line up for my tastes.

[Hopper]

People are streaming etc. because cable is so expensive, yet it seems that the costs to go the streaming route are equal to or more than cable.

Buying special tvs, paying for multiple streaming services, and the stress of trying to watch Brewers games that may or may not be there on any given day just isn't worth it to me.

I realize it's worth it to others, all that hassle, but all I do is turn on my tv, and there the Brewers are.

No scrambling to find a service, no switching services, no buying special equipment.

Just turn on the tv, like magic.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

People are streaming etc. because cable is so expensive, yet it seems that the costs to go the streaming route are equal to or more than cable.

Buying special tvs, paying for multiple streaming services, and the stress of trying to watch Brewers games that may or may not be there on any given day just isn't worth it to me.

I realize it's worth it to others, all that hassle, but all I do is turn on my tv, and there the Brewers are.

No scrambling to find a service, no switching services, no buying special equipment.

Just turn on the tv, like magic.

 

I think the key is that you typically aren't tied in to any sort of contract with a streaming service, so you can jump around. Like if you want to watch the Brewers, you can get AT&T TV April through September, then just drop it ... with no fuss. If you want to watch the new season of Ted Lasso in July, you can get Apple TV, watch what you want to watch, then drop it. I think people appreciate having the flexibility of not being tied down to a two-year contract. At least I do.

 

Yeah, right now I am paying for AT&T TV, Netflix and the Disney bundle (Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu). It's roughly $115, which is right around what I was paying for DISH Network a few years ago before I dropped it. But with kids, I'd probably still be paying for Netflix and the Disney stuff even if I was still with DISH, and I wouldn't have the Brewers (since DISH dropped the Fox Sports RSNs). So to me, while the price is a little higher right now, I'm still coming out ahead in the long run.

[Hopper]

I have spectrum, no contract.

If I want to drop it, I can drop it, no cost.

[MrTPlush]

People are streaming etc. because cable is so expensive, yet it seems that the costs to go the streaming route are equal to or more than cable.

Buying special tvs, paying for multiple streaming services, and the stress of trying to watch Brewers games that may or may not be there on any given day just isn't worth it to me.

I realize it's worth it to others, all that hassle, but all I do is turn on my tv, and there the Brewers are.

No scrambling to find a service, no switching services, no buying special equipment.

Just turn on the tv, like magic.

 

It isn't more expensive or even close in price in most cases.

 

You don't need a special TV...but most smart TVs have streaming apps already on them, thus no need for an external source. Smart TVs are cheap anyway and non smart TVs are increasingly rare. Even if you need an external box (an Apple TV) it would be a one time cost and you can probably get one for under $100. Way better than the cable scam of making you pay $10+ a month to rent a box.

 

People don't pay for multiple TV streaming services. People may have Netflix etc. too, but that is irrelevant. You either have YTTV/Hulu/etc. or cable/dish/etc. People with cable also juggle Netflix/Disney+ if they so choose.