Cable TV Versus Everything Else

[shrader]

48 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

Key in negotiations with them is to bring up streaming and cost of equipment, not cost of content. Look at your bill, you may have $30-$70 on there just for receivers, DVRs, protection plans etc. All that crap goes away with streaming, but not cable...that is their Achilles heel , they know, and bend on it. And yes Sling has an online DVR that works great.

 

Ha, they have apparently switched to the car dealership method of negotiation now.  The woman I talked to said she has to talk to her manager and will call me back with what they can offer.  Apparently I've got a bit more time left on the contract than I thought, so I can sit back and watch this play out a bit.  It should be fun to see just how close they stick to that car dealer method where the first offer is pure garbage.

 

3 minutes ago, CookieG said:

My oldest keeps telling us to get Youtube TV. Its $49 per month and looks like it has a decent channel selection. In terms of real channels, it probably provides as many as we're getting now.

 

 

 

I've heard from a few people going that route recently.  I'm not sure how it has worked out for them so far.

[May Day 10]

1 hour ago, shrader said:

I'm at the end of my latest two year deal with Directv.  I hear that they don't bend quite as much as they used to with that routine negotiation game.  Has anyone had that experience recently?  I did just recently switch my internet provider, so I can definitely use the threat of switching to them for cable as well.

 

 

True.

 

Ever since the at&t merger/monopoly

 

I called to try the typical game and was completely stonewalled with $10 off my bill that just went up by $60 after my promotions.  I went further to cancel and they were happy to do that.  

[shrader]

11 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

 

 

True.

 

Ever since the at&t merger/monopoly

 

I called to try the typical game and was completely stonewalled with $10 off my bill that just went up by $60 after my promotions.  I went further to cancel and they were happy to do that.  

 

Mine actually turned out ok.  I'm already in that period without any promotions, so there was no price increase coming.  They offered me a credit of $64 per month for 12 months, without a new contract.  So that means I can just go through this whole process again in a year when the price jumps back up to their normal rate.

[Ned Flanders]

4 hours ago, shrader said:

I'm at the end of my latest two year deal with Directv.  I hear that they don't bend quite as much as they used to with that routine negotiation game.  Has anyone had that experience recently?  I did just recently switch my internet provider, so I can definitely use the threat of switching to them for cable as well.

See my post earlier...the AT&T takeover has certainly affected "deals" and again, I've found that if you're an AT&T wireless customer or are willing to switch, they're more apt to play ball with you.

 

4 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

Key in negotiations with them is to bring up streaming and cost of equipment, not cost of content. Look at your bill, you may have $30-$70 on there just for receivers, DVRs, protection plans etc. All that crap goes away with streaming, but not cable...that is their Achilles heel , they know, and bend on it. And yes Sling has an online DVR that works great.

Good advice.  I've always used the competition in talking to them, i.e. Cox and FIOS both available in my area...streaming services add another arrow to the quiver.

[BuffaloBill]

5 hours ago, BeginnersMind said:

 

That's where I was (to GG's point).

 

I was at $182 for cable (with no HBO) with Internet plus $15/month TiVO=$197. 

 

Now I have:

 

Internet (High-speed): $90

Hulu: $45

HBO: $15 (<--did not have this before I cut cable)

Total: $150

 

I had Netflix before and after I cut the cable so that nets $0.

 

Your mileage may vary. 

 

 

 

Look not to sneeze at saving roughly $50 per month but this hardly seems like the “great deal” that cable cutters want you to believe that it is.  I am about to move again and vowed that I will cut the cable in doing so.  However, my concern remains that internet speeds gets bogged down when every household is trying to stream.  I know this happens with internet through coax (cable) and experience every Friday night when neighbors are trying to stream just like me.  I assume FIOS is better but service not available where I am at.

 

 

 

 

[BeginnersMind]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBill said:

 

 

Look not to sneeze at saving roughly $50 per month but this hardly seems like the “great deal” that cable cutters want you to believe that it is.  I am about to move again and vowed that I will cut the cable in doing so.  However, my concern remains that internet speeds gets bogged down when every household is trying to stream.  I know this happens with internet through coax (cable) and experience every Friday night when neighbors are trying to stream just like me.  I assume FIOS is better but service not available where I am at.

 

 

 

 

 

Never had that issue and I live in an area with lots of neighbors all on Comcast. I understand it but never saw it. 

 

It’s not a huge savings for some, but it’s also shown me that I really don’t even need Hulu. Probably axe that soon. Live TV is yesterday’s yesterday at this point. If not for the occasional sporting event, I can’t think of a thing to justify it. 

[LSHMEAB]

YouTubeTV is the way to go for live TV. 

 

The biggest problem is that the cable company here also has a virtual monopoly on internet access. So as more and more customers cut the cord, they just jack up the access fee. We're paying like a hundred bucks for IA! It still works out better for us, but it's a racket. Hopefully, Verizon comes to Vegas to at least create some competition. Century Link is trash so that's not an option.

On 5/30/2019 at 11:25 AM, Buffalo_Gal said:

Hubby's trying to get me to cut the cord. I find all the ala carte selections (Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, etc) to be a tad confusing. I don't watch enough TV to want to think about my choices. ?

(We have Fios)

In Vegas? I've been hoodwinked. 

[Ol Dirty B]

Direct TV and hulu live blackout nationally televised NBA games right now. The first game of the finals wasn't available. I know that's not big to everyone, but I pretty much watch HQ, PTI, the news and sports. Everything else is on subscriptions. 

 

I think it's getting close but not there yet. I think within 10 years I can get a reasonably priced package from all the sports I watch the cut everything else. I'm not at the point of getting rid of cable yet, but I get why anyone would.

[US Egg]

On 5/30/2019 at 3:44 PM, SDS said:

Peripherally related.

Mind if I someday use that term should a perfect chance to do so to impress comes up.

 

On 5/30/2019 at 3:44 PM, SDS said:

 

Long story short.... 8 hours later, including multiple trips to various stores

Have done the same with big box electric and home improvement stores the last two decades.

 

Low level "expertises" pitching wisdom and advice on things they know little of at these places.

[wagon127]

The thing that makes streaming advantageous over cable and satellite subscriptions is how easy it is to cancel and reactivate. Cable and satellite would likely charge you installation fees, or sometimes early cancellation fees. I signed up for sling tv long enough just to watch the NCAA basketball tournament and NHL Playoffs. It is now off, since the Stanley cup finals are on Ch 2. Almost every single streaming service has free trials, that are super easy to cancel if you don't like it.

[Ned Flanders]

Had a very unwelcome surprise this weekend when I found out my DTV contract is actually up August 2020, not this year as I originally thought.  I would have never have approved a two year contract verbally, I'm thinking the only thing that could have triggered the extra year was the Genie upgrade.

 

I decided to hold off further discussions with DTV until August when my $60/month discount is nearly over.  I was quite perturbed with the CSR and let them know that I was not aware I had agreed to a two year contract.  Near the end of the call, I asked what the price of ST will be this year...she had no clue, tried for almost three minutes to find the answer, and I thanked her and ended the call.

 

About an hour after the call, a DTV "supervisor" called the house but I was out...he left a message that he was told I was very unhappy during the call earlier.  Again, I won't call back now, but will in about six weeks.

 

DTV has gone to the dogs.  What was once a good, reputable business has fallen into the corporate trap of poor customer service and an over-priced product.

[Augie]

9 minutes ago, Ned Flanders said:

Had a very unwelcome surprise this weekend when I found out my DTV contract is actually up August 2020, not this year as I originally thought.  I would have never have approved a two year contract verbally, I'm thinking the only thing that could have triggered the extra year was the Genie upgrade.

 

I decided to hold off further discussions with DTV until August when my $60/month discount is nearly over.  I was quite perturbed with the CSR and let them know that I was not aware I had agreed to a two year contract.  Near the end of the call, I asked what the price of ST will be this year...she had no clue, tried for almost three minutes to find the answer, and I thanked her and ended the call.

 

About an hour after the call, a DTV "supervisor" called the house but I was out...he left a message that he was told I was very unhappy during the call earlier.  Again, I won't call back now, but will in about six weeks.

 

 DTV has gone to the dogs.  What was once a good, reputable business has fallen into the corporate trap of poor customer service and an over-priced product.

 

They sure do make it easy to sign up for more, and darn near impossible to talk to a human or make any progress if you are looking for less. Frustrating! 

[T&C]

 A Roku tv and Sling and local channels works here, $28 a month. ... already have the net due to her work.

 

Only problem is that once a year I have to add the other Sling package on so we have, or should I say, she has MNF.  So, Sling Blue and Sling Orange combined for just part of the year... what, $45 a month or so. 

 

***** Directv... I can get what I want for free which is mainly live Bills or Sabres games. 

 

We have more TV than we can or care to watch for that... ***** Directv, had them for 17 years up until a couple of years ago. Sling is pretty damn good and easy to use.

[dhg]

Can't watch Sabres games in Buffalo market unless you have DTV, Spectrum or Fios. Only thing holding us back from cutting cord entirely.

[wagon127]

13 hours ago, dhg said:

Can't watch Sabres games in Buffalo market unless you have DTV, Spectrum or Fios. Only thing holding us back from cutting cord entirely.

Fubu TV will have the Local MSG feeds for Sabres games. That's about $55 a month. You will need to gauge for yourself, if that is cheaper than your current TV subscription or not.

[dhg]

12 minutes ago, wagon127 said:

Fubu TV will have the Local MSG feeds for Sabres games. That's about $55 a month. You will need to gauge for yourself, if that is cheaper than your current TV subscription or not.

Thanks for that info Wagon. Not blacked out in WNY? Will check it out.

[shrader]

16 hours ago, Augie said:

 

They sure do make it easy to sign up for more, and darn near impossible to talk to a human or make any progress if you are looking for less. Frustrating! 

 

And their website is complete garbage.  You'd think that the contract length would be fairly easy to find, but I can't find mine listed anywhere on there or in a bill.

[wagon127]

26 minutes ago, dhg said:

Thanks for that info Wagon. Not blacked out in WNY? Will check it out.

I never had it myself, I'm waiting for the Sabres to actually be good beyond the first 2 months of the season....  A friend of mine had it, and I don't think he is smart enough to figure out how to use VPN's. So it should be ok. Something to check out next October!

[Ned Flanders]

1 hour ago, shrader said:

 

And their website is complete garbage.  You'd think that the contract length would be fairly easy to find, but I can't find mine listed anywhere on there or in a bill.

It's a sorry state of affairs...I use to rave about DTV, being one of my best consumer decisions ever; now they're just Comcast with a dish on my roof.

[May Day 10]

16 hours ago, dhg said:

Can't watch Sabres games in Buffalo market unless you have DTV, Spectrum or Fios. Only thing holding us back from cutting cord entirely.

 

There is a website/app that I have used for the past 2 seasons that streams flawlessly HD games and I can cast it to my TV.  It works on android, unsure about stupid apple products.  Caststreams.net.  It is free, but after the 1st few weeks of the season, if you donate $20 you get both feeds in HD.  

 

 

 

I am a directv customer who was stonewalled by AT&T reps and planned on cutting the cord following game of thrones.  I am previewing Hulu Premium this week, and will preview Youtube TV next week.  

 

I also subscribe to Prime and Netflix.  Also plan on getting the Disney App.

 

So far, Hulu has been very impressive.  Lots of content, I still get my sports time Ohio which means almost all Indians games.  Was able to watch Stanley Cup FInals.  Live TV, like Local News.  Only negatives so far are:  Live TV wont work on the Playstation 4, which is my streaming vehicle in my home theater/basement (have 4 firesticks throughout the house/patio TV).  Also, I think the NBA Finals games aren't carried on Hulu.  When things are blacked out for one thing over another its annoying.  Im not a big NBA fan, but what if its the World Series and the Indians are in it, or the Sabres STF, NFL games, etc.

 

I really like Hulu.  It will take getting used to a streaming only system... and breaking myself from bringing up and surfing a channel guide.... but once I do, this medium will be far superior to cable and satellite television.

[/dev/null]

9 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

I really like Hulu.  It will take getting used to a streaming only system... and breaking myself from bringing up and surfing a channel guide.... but once I do, this medium will be far superior to cable and satellite television.

 

Keep us posted know how the live  Hulu works out.  I'm probably going to pick it up in late August when College Football season starts

[BeginnersMind]

4 minutes ago, /dev/null said:

 

Keep us posted know how the live  Hulu works out.  I'm probably going to pick it up in late August when College Football season starts

 

 I have used it for anything live for a couple of years. Never a problem. 

[May Day 10]

does anyone have Directv Now?  

 

If so, and you are local, do you get MSG, thus allowing you to view Sabres games?  The site isnt exactly clear on that...  And also if it would be included on the $50 tier or the $70 tier.

 

I would call in, but the reps always have less than no clue about anything to do with sports-viewing and regions, blackouts and such

[/dev/null]

On 6/5/2019 at 4:18 PM, May Day 10 said:

does anyone have Directv Now?  

 

If so, and you are local, do you get MSG

i don't know anything about DirecTV Now but if you want MSG, have you tried a Chinese restaurant?

[May Day 10]

I tried to put my Directv account on hold for a couple months (which their website says is completely fine).  The rep insisted I provide a reason and I told her its none of her business.  So she wouldnt put it on hold so I told her to cancel the account.  She cancelled with zero resistance.  AT&T is awful.

 

So I went with Hulu Premium, Netflix, and Prime.

[shrader]

I just got an email from Directv offering me a $3 amazon gift card for filling out a survey.  I hate surveys in general, so the offer of a massive $3 won't convince me to fill one out.

[Ned Flanders]

2 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

I tried to put my Directv account on hold for a couple months (which their website says is completely fine).  The rep insisted I provide a reason and I told her its none of her business.  So she wouldnt put it on hold so I told her to cancel the account.  She cancelled with zero resistance.  AT&T is awful.

 

So I went with Hulu Premium, Netflix, and Prime.

Let us know if AT&T reaches out to you in the coming days asking you to come back and to what, if any promos they offer.

 

I am cancelling next month when my $60/month credit expires...curious as to why Hulu Premium over YouTube TV, which I'm looking at.  I also have Netflix and Prime.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

9 minutes ago, Ned Flanders said:

Let us know if AT&T reaches out to you in the coming days asking you to come back and to what, if any promos they offer.

 

I am cancelling next month when my $60/month credit expires...curious as to why Hulu Premium over YouTube TV, which I'm looking at.  I also have Netflix and Prime.

the cheap B words only gave me $30 / mo off for 12 mo's after my  $60 / mo off for 12 mo's deal ran out 

[May Day 10]

31 minutes ago, Ned Flanders said:

Let us know if AT&T reaches out to you in the coming days asking you to come back and to what, if any promos they offer.

 

I am cancelling next month when my $60/month credit expires...curious as to why Hulu Premium over YouTube TV, which I'm looking at.  I also have Netflix and Prime.

 

We'll see.  I already got the return-equipment instructions and the stuff will be shipped back tomorrow.  

 

I chose Hulu, primarily because it is available on Amazon fire Sticks.  Youtube TV isnt.  I currently have 5 televisions equipped with Fire Sticks and I did not want to change everything over.

[T&C]

5 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

 

We'll see.  I already got the return-equipment instructions and the stuff will be shipped back tomorrow.  

 

I chose Hulu, primarily because it is available on Amazon fire Sticks.  Youtube TV isnt.  I currently have 5 televisions equipped with Fire Sticks and I did not want to change everything over.

That's weird... they told me to dispose of the equipment responsibly and sent me a custom envelope to send the card back to them.

[CookieG]

45 minutes ago, Ned Flanders said:

Let us know if AT&T reaches out to you in the coming days asking you to come back and to what, if any promos they offer.

 

I am cancelling next month when my $60/month credit expires...curious as to why Hulu Premium over YouTube TV, which I'm looking at.  I also have Netflix and Prime.

mmhmm... we're cutting the cord on Uverse at the end of the month. ATT has become brutal. Its almost as if they are deliberately driving people away.  When they refused to pay for 2 of our local networks (NBC and Fox), it was pretty much the last straw. 

 

They've become a leviathan that acts like a third rate basement operation. Of course, when I've said that on their "uverse community" site, I got a warning...lol.

 

One little 3rd world trick is in billing.

 

We still pay a few of our bills via paper check and snail mail. With most, it has been fine.

 

But with ATT, it has become a farce. The statement arrives usually on the 17th via mail, on the 16th via email. But the "statement date" is the 4th. The due date is the 26th. And when the check is mailed to their PO Box in Indiana, it takes forever to cash. Other bills mailed on the same day, both in state and out of state are invariably cashed first.

 

With ATT, you have to mail the payment, literally on the same day, to have them cash it before the due date. If not, they add on another $10.00 to a late fee.

 

We're going to try Youtube TV and see how it goes. 70 channels for $50.00. We'll get back the NFLN and local stations that way. That's about a third of what we're paying ATT.

 

 

 

 

[Misterbluesky]

19 minutes ago, T&C said:

That's weird... they told me to dispose of the equipment responsibly and sent me a custom envelope to send the card back to them.

They told us they were going to mail us a envelope for the cards,and a box for the converters..then we take the box and envelope to a UPS store.

[May Day 10]

6 minutes ago, Misterbluesky said:

They told us they were going to mail us a envelope for the cards,and a box for the converters..then we take the box and envelope to a UPS store.

 

They told me to grab the boxes and take them to a fedex location with my account # and just hand it over and they do the rest.

[T&C]

Only reason I can think of as to why they told me to dispose of my box and have you guys send your's back is that maybe my box had become outdated or something.

[Misterbluesky]

3 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

 

They told me to grab the boxes and take them to a fedex location with my account # and just hand it over and they do the rest.

MD10...it sounds like they change their policies often.We still have them because  they knocked $55 off our monthly bill (6 month deal)...but they jacked up other prices such as regional sports network pack,the box fees and the general price for the level of programming.The 55 off a month is more like $40.

Anyway..Spectrum wanted much more..tv,net,phone $139 plus taxes for one year.

P.S.-I have vonage..19 bucks a month unlimited and free long distance.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

On 6/4/2019 at 11:47 AM, May Day 10 said:

 

There is a website/app that I have used for the past 2 seasons that streams flawlessly HD games and I can cast it to my TV.  It works on android, unsure about stupid apple products.  Caststreams.net.  It is free, but after the 1st few weeks of the season, if you donate $20 you get both feeds in HD.  

 

 

 

I am a directv customer who was stonewalled by AT&T reps and planned on cutting the cord following game of thrones.  I am previewing Hulu Premium this week, and will preview Youtube TV next week.  

 

I also subscribe to Prime and Netflix.  Also plan on getting the Disney App.

 

So far, Hulu has been very impressive.  Lots of content, I still get my sports time Ohio which means almost all Indians games.  Was able to watch Stanley Cup FInals.  Live TV, like Local News.  Only negatives so far are:  Live TV wont work on the Playstation 4, which is my streaming vehicle in my home theater/basement (have 4 firesticks throughout the house/patio TV).  Also, I think the NBA Finals games aren't carried on Hulu.  When things are blacked out for one thing over another its annoying.  Im not a big NBA fan, but what if its the World Series and the Indians are in it, or the Sabres STF, NFL games, etc.

 

I really like Hulu.  It will take getting used to a streaming only system... and breaking myself from bringing up and surfing a channel guide.... but once I do, this medium will be far superior to cable and satellite television.

Here's what I want to watch (in Maryland):  Bills games, Sabres games, Indian games?  Will HULU get me there?  I'll check it out in the meantime.  Thanks.

[Ned Flanders]

2 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

I chose Hulu, primarily because it is available on Amazon fire Sticks.  Youtube TV isnt.  I currently have 5 televisions equipped with Fire Sticks and I did not want to change everything over.

I see.  I have a Samsung TV that supports YouTube TV and YTTV also carries our local ABC station where Hulu does not.  However, History station is not on YTTV but on Hulu...tough choice but the local ABC won out.

[/dev/null]

4 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

I chose Hulu, primarily because it is available on Amazon fire Sticks.  Youtube TV isnt.  I currently have 5 televisions equipped with Fire Sticks and I did not want to change everything over.

Out of curiosity, did you try Youtube TV in Silk?  Dunno if it will work but might be worth a try and reporting back

[BeginnersMind]

7 hours ago, Formerly Allan in MD said:

Here's what I want to watch (in Maryland):  Bills games, Sabres games, Indian games?  Will HULU get me there?  I'll check it out in the meantime.  Thanks.

 

I get Sabres via the nhl package. So that’s easy. Use the app to my AppleTV. 

 

Bills come through streaming Sunday Ticket on my AppleTV. I can get this because my house is ineligible for a DirecTV dish. 

 

I don’t know how baseball works. 

 

I use Hulu but it doesn’t get you the above. Have to order them ala carte. 

[MikeSpeed]

Here's a tip if you truly want to cancel DTV. Tell them you are moving to (insert European country). There's nothing they can do once you tell them that. Otherwise they will keep you on the phone until you are completely angry at them.

They sent me boxes for which to places the hardware in to send back.

 

I now have an antenna with a tablo DVR. Awesome device let's anyone on your wifi watch and record shows received over the antenna.

I pay for Netflix, NHL TV, and the Sunday Ticket. I was paying for these when I had DTV, so now I'm saving a lot of money!