Cutting the cord - what streaming service is the best? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 07-21-2019, 06:26 PM

Our Comcast/Xfinity bill is around $210 a month. They nickel and dime you to death with all the extra franchise fees, broadcast TV/sports fees, equipment rentals, taxes, etc. They offer many channels and on demand programming, but there aren't many options available for different packages.

I've been looking at YouTube TV. For $49.99 a month, you get 70+ channels including your local stations. They have some additional networks available as add-ons. The only channel they don't have that I would miss is the NHL Network.

There are other streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Philo and fuboTV. There's even more streaming programming on Netflix, Amazon, CBS All Access, HBO Now and others.

What streaming service(s) do you use and why?

stevea · 07-21-2019, 06:54 PM

It's interesting Youtube carries the big 3 networks and Fox, which I think would endanger local channels. I'm all for that, with their money-grubbing carriage fees. The Viacom channels are MIA and that's not a small thing. MeTV has a national feed and that would be nice to see. The Discovery networks, HGTV are missing.

I agree Comcast/Xfinity charges are getting ridiculous. It would help if you didn't have to subscribe to a ton of junk channels just to get one or two you want.

dee2364 · 07-21-2019, 07:16 PM

I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but streaming is going down the exact same path as cable and in my estimation, in a year, year and a half, you'll be in the same boat as you are now.

The reason why I say this is that the studios are trying to cash in on streaming, so bit by bit they are pulling their best content to force you to sign up for their streaming network. It's getting to the point now where people are having to sign up at multiple streaming networks to watch what they want because all the content is split up between Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and the soon-to-be Disney site.

mandyrenee · 07-21-2019, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dee2364

I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but streaming is going down the exact same path as cable and in my estimation, in a year, year and a half, you'll be in the same boat as you are now.

The reason why I say this is that the studios are trying to cash in on streaming, so bit by bit they are pulling their best content to force you to sign up for their streaming network. It's getting to the point now where people are having to sign up at multiple streaming networks to watch what they want because all the content is split up between Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and the soon-to-be Disney site.

Even though I do watch some stuff online via Netflix and Hulu I think owning DVD's/Blu-rays are the best way to go IMHO. However, at the same time I do realize not all TV shows are on DVD/Blu-ray.

It just depends on what you desire and what your tastes are.

stevea · 07-21-2019, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dee2364

I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but streaming is going down the exact same path as cable and in my estimation, in a year, year and a half, you'll be in the same boat as you are now.

The reason why I say this is that the studios are trying to cash in on streaming, so bit by bit they are pulling their best content to force you to sign up for their streaming network. It's getting to the point now where people are having to sign up at multiple streaming networks to watch what they want because all the content is split up between Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and the soon-to-be Disney site.

And then some company will come along and aggregate all of these, and it will be called a cable or satellite company!

Tubehead · 07-21-2019, 11:56 PM

well if you wanted to wait!! disney is doing online streaming server! its souped to be cheaper then net flex!! it don't started some time in november! there going to have live aciton star wars tv series!! & marvels scarlet witch & vision! its going to be called wanda vision tv series! & lokio tv serise & winter soldier & falcon tv series & recently just announced hawk eye tv series!!

Duster76 · 07-22-2019, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

Our Comcast/Xfinity bill is around $210 a month. They nickel and dime you to death with all the extra franchise fees, broadcast TV/sports fees, equipment rentals, taxes, etc. They offer many channels and on demand programming, but there aren't many options available for different packages.

I've been looking at YouTube TV. For $49.99 a month, you get 70+ channels including your local stations. They have some additional networks available as add-ons. The only channel they don't have that I would miss is the NHL Network.

There are other streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Philo and fuboTV. There's even more streaming programming on Netflix, Amazon, CBS All Access, HBO Now and others.

What streaming service(s) do you use and why?

The thing that makes cable such a big ripoff are the sports networks. ESPN is the highest priced channel on the basic cable tier. Add that to the regional sports networks also carried on basic tiers and the consumer is fleeced. We need Federal legislation to protect the consumer, and let's be specific:

1. Federal Legislation should be passed that would require all cable companies to offer a blackout provision for consumers who do not want to pay excise fees for sports programming.

2. The per channel charge should be availabe to all consumers, either in the monthly bill or on the website.

3. Regional sports networks should be premium channels, you want them, you pay for them.

The fact that this is even an issue shows you how corrupt Washington is, The sports leagues are monopolies, cable companies in many cases are monopolies, the consumer has no seat at the table, where the hell is the legislation that would even the playing field.

stevea · 07-23-2019, 06:43 AM

Thanks for reminding me of that problem. I have no interest in paying for other peoples' sports networks, yet I'm forced to. This is totally off-topic but I'm forced to pay for expensive stadiums and arenas, too.

1960'sTVfan · 07-23-2019, 10:07 AM

When I moved to southern Indiana in 2012, I got a deal for cable/internet/telephone for $120 a month. Each year since then, I've been zapped with a rate increase, and now in 2019 my monthly bill is $250. Yes it's a rip off but I keep the services because none of the other alternate choices/services sound good to me and those are probably rip offs too. Eventually I might want to make some changes but for now I'm just riding along with it.

loaferman · 07-31-2019, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

Our Comcast/Xfinity bill is around $210 a month. They nickel and dime you to death with all the extra franchise fees, broadcast TV/sports fees, equipment rentals, taxes, etc. They offer many channels and on demand programming, but there aren't many options available for different packages.

I've been looking at YouTube TV. For $49.99 a month, you get 70+ channels including your local stations. They have some additional networks available as add-ons. The only channel they don't have that I would miss is the NHL Network.

There are other streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Philo and fuboTV. There's even more streaming programming on Netflix, Amazon, CBS All Access, HBO Now and others.

What streaming service(s) do you use and why?

With Comcast as the only internet provider that can deliver streaming quality speed in my area we are stuck. Cut the cable TV and your internet only price goes up. Until there is enough big competition they have a monopoly in a lot of places.

AB · 07-31-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loaferman

With Comcast as the only internet provider that can deliver streaming quality speed in my area we are stuck. Cut the cable TV and your internet only price goes up. Until there is enough big competition they have a monopoly in a lot of places.

It's like that with Charter Spectrum too, the high speed internet price increases if you cancel the cable channels. And even with the high speed internet you sometimes get lagging when you stream from Hulu or Netflix. It would be great if the cable company let you pick and pay for the channels you want at a fair and competitive price.

Chelsea · 08-04-2019, 05:09 PM

I am am major,major advocate for Hulu. Never any downtime issues, solid quality, and the addons also hugely expand the on demand streaming library (I'm in the middle of a Mad About You binge thanks to my Starz addon)

Hulu and Amazon are still actively investing in Classic TV in a way Netflix isn't. Services like Sling, etc. do a very good job but are just a little pricey and you still need the other addons anyway.

I'm locked in a contract at the moment with Xfinity but once it expires I'm ditching it for all but internet and fully buying in on Hulu+Lice

TVFactFan · 08-04-2019, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loaferman

With Comcast as the only internet provider that can deliver streaming quality speed in my area we are stuck. Cut the cable TV and your internet only price goes up. Until there is enough big competition they have a monopoly in a lot of places.

That's what I was afraid of happening if i eliminate cable. Comcast have to make money on the other end

stevea · 08-05-2019, 05:49 PM

I think a lot of us are beholden to the cable company. AT&T has fiber here and there, but many of us don't have it. In our area, it's old copper cable on poles probably installed when this addition was built in the 1950s, which won't cut it for cable TV or high speed internet for streaming. Satellite internet sucks, so really, there is no choice.

And as others have said, if you try ditching the TV, I don't want to know what Comcast would charge for internet.

loaferman · 08-05-2019, 08:12 PM

Even if you are able to go to streaming only and only subscribe to internet they will probably use data caps to make up any perception of lost income. Add to this that Disney and other companies are going to sell their own streaming services it is still a Pandora's Box. I am glad to have a great number of DVD's. I see fewer of them every time I go to the store but as long as I have players I am good.

07-21-2019, 06:26 PM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,748	Cutting the cord - what streaming service is the best? Our Comcast/Xfinity bill is around $210 a month. They nickel and dime you to death with all the extra franchise fees, broadcast TV/sports fees, equipment rentals, taxes, etc. They offer many channels and on demand programming, but there aren't many options available for different packages. I've been looking at YouTube TV. For $49.99 a month, you get 70+ channels including your local stations. They have some additional networks available as add-ons. The only channel they don't have that I would miss is the NHL Network. There are other streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Philo and fuboTV. There's even more streaming programming on Netflix, Amazon, CBS All Access, HBO Now and others. What streaming service(s) do you use and why?

08-04-2019, 05:09 PM	#12
Chelsea Semi-retired Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Washington Posts: 5,727	I am am major,major advocate for Hulu. Never any downtime issues, solid quality, and the addons also hugely expand the on demand streaming library (I'm in the middle of a Mad About You binge thanks to my Starz addon) Hulu and Amazon are still actively investing in Classic TV in a way Netflix isn't. Services like Sling, etc. do a very good job but are just a little pricey and you still need the other addons anyway. I'm locked in a contract at the moment with Xfinity but once it expires I'm ditching it for all but internet and fully buying in on Hulu+Lice
	__________________ Chelsea Former Administrator, 2005-2012 Former Member, DVD Review Team, 2004-2010.

07-21-2019, 06:54 PM	#2
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 45,082	It's interesting Youtube carries the big 3 networks and Fox, which I think would endanger local channels. I'm all for that, with their money-grubbing carriage fees. The Viacom channels are MIA and that's not a small thing. MeTV has a national feed and that would be nice to see. The Discovery networks, HGTV are missing. I agree Comcast/Xfinity charges are getting ridiculous. It would help if you didn't have to subscribe to a ton of junk channels just to get one or two you want.

07-21-2019, 07:16 PM	#3
dee2364 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 20, 2019 Posts: 643	I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but streaming is going down the exact same path as cable and in my estimation, in a year, year and a half, you'll be in the same boat as you are now. The reason why I say this is that the studios are trying to cash in on streaming, so bit by bit they are pulling their best content to force you to sign up for their streaming network. It's getting to the point now where people are having to sign up at multiple streaming networks to watch what they want because all the content is split up between Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and the soon-to-be Disney site.

07-21-2019, 11:56 PM	#6
Tubehead Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 12, 2007 Location: chattanooga.tn Posts: 5,139	well if you wanted to wait!! disney is doing online streaming server! its souped to be cheaper then net flex!! it don't started some time in november! there going to have live aciton star wars tv series!! & marvels scarlet witch & vision! its going to be called wanda vision tv series! & lokio tv serise & winter soldier & falcon tv series & recently just announced hawk eye tv series!!

07-23-2019, 06:43 AM	#8
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 45,082	Thanks for reminding me of that problem. I have no interest in paying for other peoples' sports networks, yet I'm forced to. This is totally off-topic but I'm forced to pay for expensive stadiums and arenas, too.

07-23-2019, 10:07 AM	#9
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,145	When I moved to southern Indiana in 2012, I got a deal for cable/internet/telephone for $120 a month. Each year since then, I've been zapped with a rate increase, and now in 2019 my monthly bill is $250. Yes it's a rip off but I keep the services because none of the other alternate choices/services sound good to me and those are probably rip offs too. Eventually I might want to make some changes but for now I'm just riding along with it.

08-05-2019, 05:49 PM	#14
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 45,082	I think a lot of us are beholden to the cable company. AT&T has fiber here and there, but many of us don't have it. In our area, it's old copper cable on poles probably installed when this addition was built in the 1950s, which won't cut it for cable TV or high speed internet for streaming. Satellite internet sucks, so really, there is no choice. And as others have said, if you try ditching the TV, I don't want to know what Comcast would charge for internet.

08-05-2019, 08:12 PM	#15
loaferman Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 23, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 642	Even if you are able to go to streaming only and only subscribe to internet they will probably use data caps to make up any perception of lost income. Add to this that Disney and other companies are going to sell their own streaming services it is still a Pandora's Box. I am glad to have a great number of DVD's. I see fewer of them every time I go to the store but as long as I have players I am good.