OT...Sorry Amazon Fire Stick

[Dove]

I have to get moms off cable and the $190/month. She isn't rich.

I am focused on getting the Amazon Fire Stick (via BY access portal). I get she'll be able to see the streaming services when set up but what about channels we all get on cable like NatGeo Wild, or AMC? And what about the local stations like WFSB and WTNH?

Does she need internet access to use it? Or can she just turn on the tube and start watching?

 

[Lynyrd]

I know the WFSB app can be downloaded for free

 

[formerlurker]

I have to get moms off cable and the $190/month. She isn't rich.

I am focused on getting the Amazon Fire Stick (via BY access portal). I get she'll be able to see the streaming services when set up but what about channels we all get on cable like NatGeo Wild, or AMC? And what about the local stations like WFSB and WTNH?

Does she need internet access to use it? Or can she just turn on the tube and start watching?

Dove, she needs internet. And I bought like 7 of them a few years ago as stocking stuffers for my family. Ended up having an extra one that's been sitting in a cabinet ever since. PM me your address and I'll send it out to you for Mom.

 

[formerlurker]

 

[Rico444]

I have to get moms off cable and the $190/month. She isn't rich.

I am focused on getting the Amazon Fire Stick (via BY access portal). I get she'll be able to see the streaming services when set up but what about channels we all get on cable like NatGeo Wild, or AMC? And what about the local stations like WFSB and WTNH?

Does she need internet access to use it? Or can she just turn on the tube and start watching?

She will definitely need internet access. It should be fast enough to support streaming live TV; I'll let the experts advise to there, but when I had Frontier 90 MBPS internet it would lag and freeze on me from time to time. Since I switched to Comcast 250 MBPS, I haven't had any lagging or freezing issues.

 

[Dove]

Dove, she needs internet. And I bought like 7 of them a few years ago as stocking stuffers for my family. Ended up having an extra one that's been sitting in a cabinet ever since. PM me your address and I'll send it out to you for Mom.

You would do this for a guy like me?!?! And a woman like my moms?!?

There is a place in my Top 5 Fave Yarders, 'lurker!! I think you will bump @mauconnfan

 

[Dove]

She will definitely need internet access. It should be fast enough to support streaming live TV; I'll let the experts advise to there, but when I had Frontier 90 MBPS internet it would lag and freeze on me from time to time. Since I switched to Comcast 250 MBPS, I haven't had any lagging or freezing issues.

Okay, so she'll still need Comcast for the internet. At least we can ditch the excessive cable cost and the box.

 

[formerlurker]

I've got a 10:30 tee time but send me the address and it will go out Monday. It's got the voice control remote which my parents seem to appreciate.

 

[UConnTrumbull]

The fire stick is great, especially the talk button. Easier than clicking through apps.

 

[Dove]

The fire stick is great, especially the talk button. Easier than clicking through apps.

I can see my moms pressing a talk button and saying, "hello?"

 

[M.S.G.]

Fire Stick is too slow and clunky IMO, I'm a Roku honk for life.

We have 4 TCL Roku TVs in the house, can't imagine doing it another way.

 

[Waquoit]

Does she need internet access to use it? Or can she just turn on the tube and start watching?

You are going to have to choose an streaming service like YouTubeTV or Sling for the cable channels. They all have different menus so it will take some research to make sure you get what you need. For instance, YouTubeTV has the local network channels but others are missing ABC.

 

[Waquoit]

Fire Stick is too slow and clunky IMO, I'm a Roku honk for life.

Truth

 

[HuskyHoosier]

agree. Roku > fire stick. Like appletv most but that is also more expensive

 

[M.S.G.]

You are going to have to choose an streaming service like YouTubeTV or Sling for the cable channels. They all have different menus so it will take some research to make sure you get what you need. For instance, YouTubeTV has the local network channels but others are missing ABC.

Not necessarily.. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get local channels on the LoCast app.

PlutoTV is a great alternative as well. People are too quick to run to YouTubeTV or Sling without trying to rough it.

 

[Chin Diesel]

You are going to have to choose an streaming service like YouTubeTV or Sling for the cable channels. They all have different menus so it will take some research to make sure you get what you need. For instance, YouTubeTV has the local network channels but others are missing ABC.

This

You can get an indoor or outdoor antenna for local channels for $75 or less. It's a one-time cost. And then mom is going to need the TV remote to switch between the inputs of your FireStick and OTA signals. Not the hardest process but it is something to consider.

If for whatever reason the antenna can't pick up the signal you'll need a streaming service.

As much as I despise YouTube TV for upping rates again, I get all my local stations on the app along with everything else. To me it is still the best streaming service. You pay $65/mo and can watch in ever room and have unlimited recording space

 

[huskyrob1]

She will definitely need internet access. It should be fast enough to support streaming live TV; I'll let the experts advise to there, but when I had Frontier 90 MBPS internet it would lag and freeze on me from time to time. Since I switched to Comcast 250 MBPS, I haven't had any lagging or freezing issues.

Where is your modem located? We have Frontier 90MBPS and the modem is in the basement (not ideal) and we have no problem even upstairs. We have six TV's and three computers, all over the house, only difference is the TV's all have built in Roku's, no Firestick's.

 

[Rico444]

Where is your modem located? We have Frontier 90MBPS and the modem is in the basement (not ideal) and we have no problem even upstairs. We have six TV's and three computers, all over the house, only difference is the TV's all have built in Roku's, no Firestick's.

The modem was in the same room as the TV. Maybe the fire stick was the problem.

 

[noeynox]

Over the air antenna for locals. Philo TV is cheapest streaming service and offers AMC and the like.

 

[husky429]

Slightly related--but what is going to be the best way to see our away games (and probably home games) this season? I just got rid of cable, so I've never had to consider it before. I think we will have games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, CBS, CBSSN, Fox, FS1. I'd also like to get NBC Sports Boston and NBA TV for the celtics if possible.

 

[ZenConn]

You can get local channels by using the locast app. It's like $5 a month. Otherwise, get a good antenna with a good line of sight to the broadcast towers. Trees and weather may affect that. Downside is that you won't get dvr. I have the fire recast.

 

[Devland]

Don't forget to ask about senior discounts for internet providers

 

[StllH8L8ner]

Fire Stick is too slow and clunky IMO, I'm a Roku honk for life.

We have 4 TCL Roku TVs in the house, can't imagine doing it another way.

Yeah I started out with the Firestick but switched over to Roku a few month ago. I like it much better.

 

[Waquoit]

Yeah I started out with the Firestick but switched over to Roku a few month ago. I like it much better.

Same here, they also make it a lot easier to turn on and turn off different services.

 

[uconnfan68]

Fire Stick is too slow and clunky IMO, I'm a Roku honk for life.

We have 4 TCL Roku TVs in the house, can't imagine doing it another way.

Which tcl series? What differences do you notice? I’ve had a 65” series 6 in mind. A little concerned about sports getting blurry in action. Series 8 would fix that... only $1200 more.

 

[Dean Wormer]

I have to get moms off cable and the $190/month. She isn't rich.

I am focused on getting the Amazon Fire Stick (via BY access portal). I get she'll be able to see the streaming services when set up but what about channels we all get on cable like NatGeo Wild, or AMC? And what about the local stations like WFSB and WTNH?

Does she need internet access to use it? Or can she just turn on the tube and start watching?

I swore off cable a couple of years ago & never looked back. Firestick is good, and after trying Sling TV for awhile I switched to YouTube TV which gives me more bang for my buck at around $55 monthly and includes Espn, cbss, nfl, nba, mlb, BTN, SECN, ACCN, plus all the other channels your mom probably likes. For me, as long as i can get all the sports channels, I’m good.

 

[dogpause]

Stop service for a week, then go online and signup for their latest/greatest offer. You'll be good for two years, then you'll have to rinse and repeat. Or, simply reduce her cable plan to the lowest minimum service, wait a week and go online to again find the latest and greatest. Then, just call them. It's a PIA, but it's worth it.

 

[NJHusky]

Stop service for a week, then go online and signup for their latest/greatest offer. You'll be good for two years, then you'll have to rinse and repeat. Or, simply reduce her cable plan to the lowest minimum service, wait a week and go online to again find the latest and greatest. Then, just call them. It's a PIA, but it's worth it.

Or just put the service in your name and switch back to hers when your deal expires. Do that with my wife and i every 2 years.

 

[formerlurker]

@Dove , if you don't know your mail-person well........you're about to.

 

[Mano]

Slightly related--but what is going to be the best way to see our away games (and probably home games) this season? I just got rid of cable, so I've never had to consider it before. I think we will have games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, CBS, CBSSN, Fox, FS1. I'd also like to get NBC Sports Boston and NBA TV for the celtics if possible.

YouTubeTV covers all those. Every last one.