Streaming TV service advice needed | Page 2 | The Boneyard

Streaming TV service advice needed

Hoophound

Hoophound

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Mods, please give this one a little time here before moving it. It’s a hot topic and it’s the offseason.

We are downsizing and I’m debating going to YouTube TV or similar at the new house. We’ve had Comcast for internet and cable for 20+ years and I love the reliability, speed etc. However, with just my wife and one kid (part time because she’s a frosh in college) left in the house, it seems like streaming might make more sense. My wife and my daughter only watch cable when they are watching with me and it is usually for football or basketball games. We have 9 TV’s in our house now. That number is going to drop to 4-5, with one of those TV’s being outside and one being in an unoccupied guest room. I have a Verizon 5G home internet modem from a rental property that I am going to either cancel or put in the new house. It got me thinking about trying the Verizon 5G and a streaming TV service rather than bringing Comcast and the $250/per month bill to the new house.

Given this, what do you guys recommend based on experience? Feel free to tell me I’m nuts and to just pay for Comcast. I just want good advice. I will say, the 5G modem works very well here so I wouldn’t be too concerned with that factor. It is nowhere near as fast as my wired Comcast service, but it is more than adequate. My only experience is with YouTube TV. Is something else better? Sports and UConn access are a concern. I barely missed a game with Comcast other than the oddball Peacock games.
 
jibsey said:
As a retired Yankee fan I always need advice on this because it’s always changing and Red Sox and Mets fans have different situations.
Right now I bounce between Florida and Connecticut winter and summer. In Florida I have TMobile with free MLB and YouTube Tv and I always have Comcast internet only in Connecticut which allows use of Ring cameras to monitor things when not there. Comcast gave me a deal for around $45 when I threatened to leave. When I come to Connecticut I plan on suspending YouTube Tv for 3-4 months and go to FUBO Essential for $ 84.99 per month until the playoffs . Prime has a number of Yankee games but I am trying to wean myself from Amazon usage for personal reasons.
To my knowledge this is my only option because YES by itself monthly is expensive. One thing is that Comcast in Ct. has lately negotiated better deals with customers where those people have other options and threaten to leave. TMobile streaming internet only is cheap where available but not in either place for me.
There are many many people who find negotiating in this landscape too much of a pain and and allow Comcast or Spectrum for its ease along with nearly $300 monthly bills. I do understand this but the difference can be $1500 per year.
I have not even addressed the phone plan options because it vocab be dizzying going to 2 different locations.
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I get a separate MLB subscription to watch the Yankees in PA. It’s like $120 for the season for all games for every team. I think it’s a little bit cheaper if you subscribe JUST to Yankee games but not by much. Mrs @StllH8L8ner is a Mets fan so she will watch those games as well with the all teams package.
 
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NJHusky said:
I switched from Hulu to YT mostly because of buffering issues. Nine with YT At first I didn’t like the YT interface as much, now that I’m accustomed to it, works fine.
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It is kinda crappy, to be fair. Which is wild since the same cable / satellite UI has been around forever. The lack of a channel up / down option is stupefying. Or the easy ability to navigate the guide that doesn't default to the top of the list every other time would be nice.
 
Hoophound said:
Mods, please give this one a little time here before moving it. It’s a hot topic and it’s the offseason.

We are downsizing and I’m debating going to YouTube TV or similar at the new house. We’ve had Comcast for internet and cable for 20+ years and I love the reliability, speed etc. However, with just my wife and one kid (part time because she’s a frosh in college) left in the house, it seems like streaming might make more sense. My wife and my daughter only watch cable when they are watching with me and it is usually for football or basketball games. We have 9 TV’s in our house now. That number is going to drop to 4-5, with one of those TV’s being outside and one being in an unoccupied guest room. I have a Verizon 5G home internet modem from a rental property that I am going to either cancel or put in the new house. It got me thinking about trying the Verizon 5G and a streaming TV service rather than bringing Comcast and the $250/per month bill to the new house.

Given this, what do you guys recommend based on experience? Feel free to tell me I’m nuts and to just pay for Comcast. I just want good advice. I will say, the 5G modem works very well here so I wouldn’t be too concerned with that factor. It is nowhere near as fast as my wired Comcast service, but it is more than adequate. My only experience is with YouTube TV. Is something else better? Sports and UConn access are a concern. I barely missed a game with Comcast other than the oddball Peacock games.
Expand ...

YouTubeTV would be fine.

You have unlimited streams at home and three if you’re out of the house, so you and your nine freaking TVs would be fine. If I remember, Hulu was capped at three at home.
 
DRBackup said:
It is kinda crappy, to be fair. Which is wild since the same cable / satellite UI has been around forever. The lack of a channel up / down option is stupefying. Or the easy ability to navigate the guide that doesn't default to the top of the list every other time would be nice.
Expand ...

You can reorder the guide.

But the company that figures out how to make app switching as easy as changing the channel should get a prize of some sort.

I feel like Apple and Google are close but not there yet.
 
jibsey said:
As a retired Yankee fan I always need advice on this because it’s always changing and Red Sox and Mets fans have different situations.
Right now I bounce between Florida and Connecticut winter and summer. In Florida I have TMobile with free MLB and YouTube Tv and I always have Comcast internet only in Connecticut which allows use of Ring cameras to monitor things when not there. Comcast gave me a deal for around $45 when I threatened to leave. When I come to Connecticut I plan on suspending YouTube Tv for 3-4 months and go to FUBO Essential for $ 84.99 per month until the playoffs . Prime has a number of Yankee games but I am trying to wean myself from Amazon usage for personal reasons.
To my knowledge this is my only option because YES by itself monthly is expensive. One thing is that Comcast in Ct. has lately negotiated better deals with customers where those people have other options and threaten to leave. TMobile streaming internet only is cheap where available but not in either place for me.
There are many many people who find negotiating in this landscape too much of a pain and and allow Comcast or Spectrum for its ease along with nearly $300 monthly bills. I do understand this but the difference can be $1500 per year.
I have not even addressed the phone plan options because it vocab be dizzying going to 2 different locations.
Expand ...
As for the phone. Just drop the landline and use your cell. That’s what we did when we started splitting time. Easy peasy
 
I think I had better performance with YT but I switched to Hulu because of the constant price increases. Better bundling options as well. But i liked the YT interface better. I think I more or less just got pissed every time YT raised the rates. But either way the best thing is , being out of the New England market, I pretty much still could watch every Husky game I wanted to with either. What do I miss? Locally I cant get the networks that show WIld, Wolves,Twins games with either.
 

AI help - Comparison: Streaming Services vs. Cable TV​

AspectStreaming ServicesCable TV
Delivery MethodContent is delivered over the internet, requiring a stable connection (at least 10 Mbps).Content is broadcast through dedicated coaxial or fiber-optic cables.
CostTypically cheaper, starting at $6.99–$25/month for on-demand (e.g., Netflix, Philo). Live TV streaming (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV) ranges from $40–$83/month. Multiple subscriptions can add up.More expensive, with packages ranging from $35–$100+/month, plus fees for equipment ($10–$20/month), installation, and premium channels.
ContractsUsually month-to-month, no long-term commitment (except DirecTV Stream). Easy to cancel without penalties.Often requires 1–2 year contracts, with early termination fees. Some providers offer no-contract options at a higher cost.
Channel SelectionFewer channels (30–100+ for live TV streaming like Sling TV, YouTube TV). On-demand services focus on original content and libraries. Limited local and sports channels.More channels (100–400+), including extensive local, sports, and news options. Better for regional sports networks (RSNs).
Content FlexibilityOn-demand viewing, allowing you to watch anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices. Live TV streaming offers DVR and some scheduled programming.Primarily live TV with fixed schedules. On-demand options available for an extra fee. DVR capabilities included but may cost extra.
Video QualityUp to 1080p or 4K for on-demand; live streaming often limited to 720p. Quality depends on internet speed, with potential buffering.Consistent 1080p or 4K, less prone to interruptions since it doesn’t rely on internet.
Device CompatibilityAccessible on smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, and streaming devices (e.g., Roku, Firestick).Requires a cable box or set-top device, though some providers offer apps for mobile streaming (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum).
Sports CoverageLimited RSNs and inconsistent sports channels (e.g., Hulu + Live TV lacks NBA TV). YouTube TV has NFL Sunday Ticket.Superior for sports fans, with more RSNs and comprehensive sports channel lineups.
BundlingLimited bundling (e.g., Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ for $10–$15/month). Internet cost is separate.Often bundled with internet and phone for discounts, but unbundling may raise costs.

Pros and Cons​

Streaming Services​

Pros:
Cons:

Cable TV​

Pros:
Cons:

Which Is Best for You?​

  • Choose Streaming If:
    • You value flexibility and on-demand content.
    • You’re comfortable with technology and have reliable internet (10+ Mbps).
    • You want to avoid contracts and hidden fees.
    • You’re on a budget and only need specific content (e.g., Netflix for originals, Sling TV for live channels).
    • Example: A young household with diverse tastes might spend $40/month on Netflix ($12), Disney+/Hulu bundle ($13), and Philo ($25) for a tailored experience.
  • Choose Cable If:
    • You prioritize live sports, local news, or a wide channel selection.
    • You live in an area with unreliable internet or prefer consistent video quality.
    • You’re comfortable with contracts and value a simple, all-in-one interface.
    • You can benefit from bundling with internet/phone.
    • Example: Sports fans or older viewers might prefer Xfinity’s 185+ channel plan ($80/month) for RSNs and local channels.
      https://www.move.org/cable-or-streaming-service/

Key Considerations​

Conclusion​

Streaming is generally better for flexibility, cost savings, and on-demand content, making it ideal for tech-savvy users or those with specific viewing preferences. Cable excels in channel variety, sports coverage, and reliability, suiting sports fans, traditional viewers, or those with poor internet. To decide, assess your budget, must-have channels, and internet quality. For a hybrid approach, consider live TV streaming (e.g., Hulu + Live TV) for a cable-like experience without contracts.
 
I’ve had YoutubeTV for years now. I love it. No issues whatsoever and for me it has everything I watch on TV. They do keep increasing the price. At one point I was only paying $50 a month for it.
 
One thing incorrect in that chart is it stating that cable broadcasts in 1080p. Because of bandwidth issues cable companies broadcast in 1080i. 1080p would send all the pixels at once. 1080i alternates sending half the pixels then the other half quicker than the human eye can detect. TV's are 1080p capible but it used to be the only thing that showed in 1080p would be something done locally like a DVD.
 
Hulu Live has an unlimited screen option. We got that. If you pay for Disney+ and ESPN+ that cost would go away. Seems like @Hoophound has some of the same problem I did with cable. Cable Box fees. If you've got 3-4+ TVs the cable box fees get ridiculous. If either Fios or Xfinity came out with a legitimate app that let you get functionality on par with cable (or at least Hulu/YTTV) then I think Cable would be an option again.

The only real downside is that there's some time lag on streaming. Just a few seconds, but if you are on the chat here you may notice it. Channel surfing isn't as good, but is fine.

Every one of the TV replacement streaming services has some drawback. Some channel or group of channels it doesn't have or increased cost. Compare Hulu + Live, YTTV, Fubo and Direct TV streaming. There are handy charts online.
 
HuskyHawk said:
Hulu Live has an unlimited screen option. We got that. If you pay for Disney+ and ESPN+ that cost would go away. Seems like @Hoophound has some of the same problem I did with cable. Cable Box fees. If you've got 3-4+ TVs the cable box fees get ridiculous. If either Fios or Xfinity came out with a legitimate app that let you get functionality on par with cable (or at least Hulu/YTTV) then I think Cable would be an option again.

The only real downside is that there's some time lag on streaming. Just a few seconds, but if you are on the chat here you may notice it. Channel surfing isn't as good, but is fine.

Every one of the TV replacement streaming services has some drawback. Some channel or group of channels it doesn't have or increased cost. Compare Hulu + Live, YTTV, Fubo and Direct TV streaming. There are handy charts online.
Expand ...
I notice the lag all the time in the chat and I’m watching cable. I’m not sure what causes lag but I am lagging as much as 40 seconds much of the time. Only a couple of times have I been ahead of many of you in the chat.
 
Hoophound said:
I notice the lag all the time in the chat and I’m watching cable. I’m not sure what causes lag but I am lagging as much as 40 seconds much of the time. Only a couple of times have I been ahead of many of you in the chat.
Expand ...
Then it probably won't be any different. The most annoying thing for me is if I join a live event a little late, it starts at the beginning. A couple times I was a few minutes behind and didn't realize I wasn't "live".

FUBO is missing the Turner stations which is a killer for the NCAA tournament and NBA playoffs. Direct TV has most everything but is expensive. YTTV and Hulu are similar in what they cover and price, but Hulu was cheaper with unlimited screens and especially if you'd pay for Disney+ anyway.
 
Hoophound said:
I notice the lag all the time in the chat and I’m watching cable. I’m not sure what causes lag but I am lagging as much as 40 seconds much of the time. Only a couple of times have I been ahead of many of you in the chat.
Expand ...
I watch any games, or any TV for that matter, that I can get with an antenna with the antenna. I have noticed the antenna is way ahead of the rest of the chat. In that case I try to remain quiet or at least delay my response. If things aren't going well I get off the chat completely. I got this crazy idea that me being on the chat affects the teams play.
 
Fishy said:
YouTubeTV would be fine.

You have unlimited streams at home and three if you’re out of the house, so you and your nine freaking TVs would be fine. If I remember, Hulu was capped at three at home.
Expand ...
With the standard YouTube TV plan, you can stream on up to three devices simultaneously. This includes any combination of devices like phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. However, the 4K Plus add-on allows for unlimited concurrent streams within your home Wi-Fi network.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
  • Base Plan: You can stream on three devices at the same time.

  • 4K Plus Add-on: This add-on grants you unlimited simultaneous streams on your home Wi-Fi.

  • Device Limit: While you can have the YouTube TV app installed on multiple devices, only three can stream content concurrently unless you have the 4K Plus add-on.

    • Family Sharing: YouTube TV allows for multiple user profiles, but the standard three-device limit still applies unless you have the 4K Plus add-on.

It is 3 period no matter if at home or not.
 
Devland said:
I watch any games, or any TV for that matter, that I can get with an antenna with the antenna. I have noticed the antenna is way ahead of the rest of the chat. In that case I try to remain quiet or at least delay my response. If things aren't going well I get off the chat completely. I got this crazy idea that me being on the chat affects the teams play.
Expand ...
Yeah doing Antenna or even Cable is going to put you in front of us streamers. That is the downside to streaming live tv.
 
3rdbass said:
Yeah doing Antenna or even Cable is going to put you in front of us streamers. That is the downside to streaming live tv.
Expand ...
The antenna works great for speed, but streamers aren’t necessarily behind cable. I’ve tested numerous times and streaming was ahead of Comcast an awful lot. That’s one reason I’m not seeing the value in cable. I’ve decided on going to YouTube TV for a few months and then evaluating. The cost of the Comcast equipment is substantial and the results are just ok.
 
Looking for a recommendation for a new streaming service for live TV. I currently have Youtube TV but I barely use it. It has been great for UConn games, but other than that I don't watch it much at all. Its just getting so expensive that I would like to find a different option.

How is Hulu+ for sports? Obviously UConn being priority, but if possible, I would like to watch more baseball than I can find on Youtube TV as well as the upcoming NFL season.

Appreciate any recs from the board.
 
TheRealKBuks said:
Looking for a recommendation for a new streaming service for live TV. I currently have Youtube TV but I barely use it. It has been great for UConn games, but other than that I don't watch it much at all. Its just getting so expensive that I would like to find a different option.

How is Hulu+ for sports? Obviously UConn being priority, but if possible, I would like to watch more baseball than I can find on Youtube TV as well as the upcoming NFL season.

Appreciate any recs from the board.
Expand ...

Short answer is there are a bunch of websites you can use to compare different streaming services for pricing and channel line up.

I have the Hulu package and it works great for me. I'm in Florida but with I watch every UConn basketball and football without any issues. And with Express VPN I can watch it from anywhere in the world.
 
If you are a sports fan, I don't see how you beat Hulu Live + DisneyPlus + ESPN. It is pretty awesome.

Streaming was a lot cheaper when I first switched from cable than it is now. I don’t miss cable, but there are a lot of pricing shenanigans with streaming content providers, including bait and switches. I won’t switch back to cable because fiber optic is better for internet, but cutting the cord has lost some of its appeal.
 
Bumping this thread because of the new big east ESPN+ deal to broadcast some women's games and Olympic sports. The deal makes having a Hulu live subscription a better choice than YouTube TV, because you can usually get a Hulu live bundled package that includes ESPN plus at about $83 a month.
 
TheRealKBuks said:
Looking for a recommendation for a new streaming service for live TV. I currently have Youtube TV but I barely use it. It has been great for UConn games, but other than that I don't watch it much at all. Its just getting so expensive that I would like to find a different option.

How is Hulu+ for sports? Obviously UConn being priority, but if possible, I would like to watch more baseball than I can find on Youtube TV as well as the upcoming NFL season.

Appreciate any recs from the board.
Expand ...

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Go the IPTV route.
 
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