OT Cordcutting alternative to Sling

[HooperScooper]

There's an article in the Boston Globe today going through all the options for cord cutters and the pros and cons of each.

There’s a dizzying array of video streaming services to choose from. In general, subscription services such as Hulu and Netflix make the most sense for those who watch a lot of shows and movies, and for fans of original series.

Here’s an overview of options:

Cutting the cable TV cord? Here are some options - The Boston Globe

Not sure if you need to be a Globe subscriber to access this but if you can't read it let me know and I can PM you the whole article.

 

[Jax Husky]

Another vote for PlayStation Vue. I'm paying $35/month and get ALL THE SPORTS CHANNELS. Even BeIN for soccer games which I can never watch.

The only channel I really miss is NESN. Here's hoping it shows up at some point.

+1 on Playstation Vue. It is awesome.

 

[CallMeBruce]

I've been using Vue for 3-4 months because of the same issues with Sling. It's 1000x better.

 

[boog204]

For the Vue guys, do you have issues with data consumption?

 

[CallMeBruce]

For the Vue guys, do you have issues with data consumption?

I have FiOS, so I haven't had any issues like that. Can't speak for the cable folks, though.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

For the Vue guys, do you have issues with data consumption?

I don't have a monthly cap on my data usage, and right now I'm at 214 GB. Though bear in mind, I also re-installed Windows on my laptop and re-downloaded a bunch of games, which probably contributed ~100 GB.

So... maybe?

 

[uconn1999]

Absolutely no problems with Sling, cannot comment on PSV.

 

[BlueMAB]

I have no problems with Sling. $45/month gets me Yes, FS1/2, NFL Network, Red Zone, a few ESPN (plus Watch ESPN and ESPN3), and a bunch of other lifestyle/entertainment channels (AMC, TBS, Nat Geo, Vice, etc, etc)

 

[Jax Husky]

I have no problems with Sling. $45/month gets me Yes, FS1/2, NFL Network, Red Zone, a few ESPN (plus Watch ESPN and ESPN3), and a bunch of other lifestyle/entertainment channels (AMC, TBS, Nat Geo, Vice, etc, etc)

I've just had issues with the quality of Sling's stream. Never had that issue with PS Vue. If it is working for ya, don't change though.

 

[CallMeBruce]

I've just had issues with the quality of Sling's stream. Never had that issue with PS Vue. If it is working for ya, don't change though.

Same, though my reason for switching was that Vue has a much better sports package.

 

[BlueMAB]

I've just had issues with the quality of Sling's stream. Never had that issue with PS Vue. If it is working for ya, don't change though.

Agreed. For those saving money a Firestick or Roku (or Chromecast) is also much cheaper than a PS4.

 

[Jax Husky]

Agreed. For those saving money a Firestick or Roku (or Chromecast) is also much cheaper than a PS4.

Are you talking about Vue? If so, it is available on Roku now.

 

[BlueMAB]

Are you talking about Vue? If so, it is available on Roku now.

oh wow, I didn't know that, I thought it was only available through the PlayStation.

 

[Jax Husky]

oh wow, I didn't know that, I thought it was only available through the PlayStation.

Yeah, Roku just got it about 3-4 months ago. Only other device I know of that has it are (Sony) smart TVs.

 

[IMind]

Haha, I wish I could help with that Boog. In general, I can help friends and family when someone is a new or previous subscriber and doing a triple play or quad (with home automation and home security). Especially on packages that include movies, I can usually get someone $40 or more discount per month and credits for switching over. I wish we had talked before you signed back up!

You aren't kidding... Our year long intro rate expired with Comcast, at the same time FIOS because available in my neighborhood. I just wanted Internet because I have DirecTV... called up Comcast and told them the intro offer from FIOS, they gave me a really great deal on the 150/10 plus basic cable for less than I was paying for just internet and less than I would have paid for FIOS. DirecTV is really just too expensive.

I may look at a combination of Vue (because I have two PS4s and a Roku) and the basic cable I get from Comcast now.

 

[Taco]

Kids got a PS4 for Xmas, so thinking about Vue instead of cable now. Maybe I'm an "off my lawn" guy, but from the PS4 unit, I don't see how to access. Also try Hd controller is a PITA - no way am I going to use that to move around.

Any suggestions - it can't be as difficult as I'm making it.

 

[temery]

Does Vue include any pay channels like HBO?

 

[Bezzz]

Does Vue include any pay channels like HBO?

I have the core slim option at $35 a month, no HBO or Showtime. You'd need the Ultra Slim option at $65 a month to get those. I do get YES but with the new agreement with Comcast I'll need to reconsider going all-in with Comcast.
Channels

 

[temery]

I have the core slim option at $35 a month, no HBO or Showtime. You'd need the Ultra Slim option at $65 a month to get those. I do get YES but with the new agreement with Comcast I'll need to reconsider going all-in with Comcast.
Channels

Is this similar to Netflix or Hulu, where you can stream at any time, or is it like Charter , and shows have to be watched when broadcast?

 

[Bezzz]

Is this similar to Netflix or Hulu, where you can stream at any time, or is it like Charter , and shows have to be watched when broadcast?

So far my experience with PSV is you get a schedule line-up and shows have to be watched when the are scheduled. There's no streaming of past shows, except they have added ABC and Fox on-demand for watching past shows. I don't know if streaming is available for HBO/Showtime since they're not in my package.

 

[Minicoop69]

did anyone sign up for the new directv now option. it is only available over the internet and have seen negative reviews about how the streaming buffers a lot. want to hear from you about it. I've been looking at the vue, sling, directv now just not sure what to do. need to get away from comcast

 

[jibsey]

I want to alert those who have a Directv that some of their 2 year commitments, the price changes after 1 year. Happened to me, went from $100 to 165 with HBO and sports package tv only. So it would cost $200 to buy out. I want YES, and all the UCONN channels plus HBO so maybe Sling is the way to go. These guys are pirates!

 

[Minicoop69]

I want to alert those who have a Directv that some of their 2 year commitments, the price changes after 1 year. Happened to me, went from $100 to 165 with HBO and sports package tv only. So it would cost $200 to buy out. I want YES, and all the UCONN channels plus HBO so maybe Sling is the way to go. These guys are pirates!

With directv now they have 100 channels for $35 plus HBO and Cinemax for $5 extra per month per channel. That $35 a month is for life if you sign up before monday.

 

[Jax Husky]

So far my experience with PSV is you get a schedule line-up and shows have to be watched when the are scheduled. There's no streaming of past shows, except they have added ABC and Fox on-demand for watching past shows. I don't know if streaming is available for HBO/Showtime since they're not in my package.

There is no "On demand" for past shows, but you can put shows in favorites and record them.

For HBO, just go sign up at HBO Now.

 

[upstater]

I tried the free trial of PSVue tonight and I can't find network live (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.). Urgh.