Cutting The Cord on Cable/Satellite TV Service?
- Thread starter LoweTek
- Start date
Same here. I weathered the price hikes and loss of NESN, but we have 3 TVs running rokus, two of which are the TCLs with it built in, so this would be the straw that breaks the camel's back for me. After the NESN stuff, I'm basically sticking with it for ease-of-use more than content anyway, so would be a much easier transition to get behind than it would have been a year ago.
Roku is the #1 streaming device by a large margin - this would be a significant dent to YTTV subscriptions. Therefore, I think this ultimately gets resolved and this was some clever application of pressure on Roku's part by making this public.
In a Roku v. Google battle, I'm on team Roku. Of course it would be different if I was paying for a YTTV sub.
Yeah, I've got four TVs running Roku's and I'm a YTTV subscriber. If it's not available on Roku then adios YTTV.
Amazingly, Fire TV still doesn't have Peacock.
YTTV cannot fight with Roku, who has all the power. And The Chromecast is the worst out of Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast, so it's not like people are just going to switch to the Chrome.(Apple TV is in its own division as the worst expensive product on the market right now, although they are finally changing their remote. Still, that price is nonsensical)
YTTV cannot fight with Roku, who has all the power. And The Chromecast is the worst out of Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast, so it's not like people are just going to switch to the Chrome.(Apple TV is in its own division as the worst expensive product on the market right now, although they are finally changing their remote. Still, that price is nonsensical)
Can someone who is smarter than me run down the options for replacing YTTV? (I'm another on team Roku). I know there is Fubo for about the same $$ but worse interface/DVR. I'm also asking as I'm the default "expert" my 75yo mother runs to for all this stuff and who has to change everything over for her (then sitting down and explaining it for approximately 10 hours). Much thanks in advance.
Oh, and google has more money than god. I'm not sure if Roku has the upper hand here.
Oh, and google has more money than god. I'm not sure if Roku has the upper hand here.
Depressingly the best deal for me would go back to Xfinity. For the amount I'm spending with YTTV and Thames Valley(Internet) I can get faster speeds and more channels with Xfinity.
If YTTV does disappear from Roku maybe screen mirroring would resolve the issue. As in just launch YTTV from your phone then mirror your phone onto your TV. I think that most relatively recent TVs can accommodate this...
Maybe it's because I've never used YTTV, but Fubo seems perfectly cromulent to me. Is it really that much of a step down from YTTV?
My wife would kill me if I tried to cancel the cable box. She didn't even want to hear about switching from Comcast to FiOS because she hates the interface on her parents' cable box. So I reupped with Comcast and even with the non-discounted rate, it's fairly competitive if you have a ton of streaming services. Their everything package includes every cable channel with all the premiums, Epix, Netflix, HBO Max, a DVR box, a streaming app/website that can be used everywhere and 800Mbps internet for $230 a month. And their box runs all the apps, so she doesn't need to switch around.
I might be overpaying by $40 or $50 a month, but it's worth it to never have to explain how to watch TV.
I might be overpaying by $40 or $50 a month, but it's worth it to never have to explain how to watch TV.
We realized we were watching Netflix and Amazon much more than HBO/Showtime/etc, and dumped them and saved $80/month. And we do watch Amazon and Netflix thru the Comcast box.
For a couple years, YTTV was the best streaming service and just the best way to watch TV. Google has been gradually making it worse, and this is just the latest blow after the price hike, and losing regional sports channels. We also have multiple Rokus and a TCL Roku TV.
I will say that the Chromecast with Google TV that Google sent me for free a few months ago is a vast improvement over the previous version that we used to have, which basically only let you send videos from a computer or phone to the TV.
The newer one with Google TV does much more, you can watch programs from any of your apps or services with it and you use the remote just like with Roku or cable-- no need to cast from a computer or phone.
It actually is better than Roku, IMO.
I assume Google is doing this to drive people away from Roku to Google TV. It may work with me (and that's surely why they sent me a free Chromecast in advance of this.) At this point I will wait and see what happens. I know I can access youtube TV on our TCL TV with the chromecast, so I might just do that. But it sucks that Google is doing this, and it would serve them right if everyone dumped YTTV.
I will say that the Chromecast with Google TV that Google sent me for free a few months ago is a vast improvement over the previous version that we used to have, which basically only let you send videos from a computer or phone to the TV.
The newer one with Google TV does much more, you can watch programs from any of your apps or services with it and you use the remote just like with Roku or cable-- no need to cast from a computer or phone.
It actually is better than Roku, IMO.
I assume Google is doing this to drive people away from Roku to Google TV. It may work with me (and that's surely why they sent me a free Chromecast in advance of this.) At this point I will wait and see what happens. I know I can access youtube TV on our TCL TV with the chromecast, so I might just do that. But it sucks that Google is doing this, and it would serve them right if everyone dumped YTTV.
Oh yeah, Peacock is included, too. So that's another little savings if you're a WWE fan.
I pay ~65/mo for like 220 channels on DirecTV and another $14/mo for Netflix (Hulu is through Spotify and Amazon Prime through Prime). My Comcast bill is $94 for 700gb. I think I come out ahead of many cord cutters and don’t have to play the monthly game. I keep waiting for the swing back to all-on-one packaging.
I'm so sick of trying to figure all this out, all the time. It's infuriating. I just called my cable company (I use them for internet only, and have Roku and YTTV) to see if they have NESN and other channels I want. Of course it's a PITA to deal with them and after a promotional period the prices go through the roof...which is why I cut cable in the first place. I hate the stupid song and dance.
Just realized I still have this sitting unopened. If this goes through I’ll easily replace my Roku with this.
You win, Google.
I am also a Roku user, and am keeping my YTTV account along with a Fubo.tv account and splitting both with my parents. I did this because YTTV interface and DVR are better, especially for live sports, and because I want TNT for the rest of the NBA season. If YTTV and Roku split, I am not sure I can justify it anymore.
Fubo.tv's worst feature is the ability to share your account in multiple locations. With YTTV, you can have up to 3 devices of any type logged in anywhere, using different accounts with different logins. That means my dad and I can both be watching the Celtics game via Roku and AppleTV in our respective homes, and my wife could still also watch something on a different tv in our house. Fubo.tv lets you log in with up to 10 devices at a time, and also in multiple locations, but you can only use the TV devices in a single location. So if my dad and I want to watch the Sox at the same time in different homes, one of us has to watch via a mobile device (which includes a laptop), and my dad also has to log in using my Google account. So you can still get it onto a tv with screen mirroring or an HDMI cable, but definitely a hassle.
Apparently fubo.tv's long term play is to integrate with on-screen sports gambling, according to an investor I talked to.
Fubo.tv's worst feature is the ability to share your account in multiple locations. With YTTV, you can have up to 3 devices of any type logged in anywhere, using different accounts with different logins. That means my dad and I can both be watching the Celtics game via Roku and AppleTV in our respective homes, and my wife could still also watch something on a different tv in our house. Fubo.tv lets you log in with up to 10 devices at a time, and also in multiple locations, but you can only use the TV devices in a single location. So if my dad and I want to watch the Sox at the same time in different homes, one of us has to watch via a mobile device (which includes a laptop), and my dad also has to log in using my Google account. So you can still get it onto a tv with screen mirroring or an HDMI cable, but definitely a hassle.
Apparently fubo.tv's long term play is to integrate with on-screen sports gambling, according to an investor I talked to.
I'm trying to convince my parents to drop cable and get on my YTTV subscription. Assuming they resolve their issues with Roku, I am very close to purchasing one for them to get the party started.
No NESN is a deal breaker for my dad though. I know Roku has an mlb.tv app but would we be blacked out of Red Sox games? Is there a work around? Does it need to be VPN or can we just register the account under a west coast zip code...or maybe have my cousin purchase the subscription in Hawaii?
No NESN is a deal breaker for my dad though. I know Roku has an mlb.tv app but would we be blacked out of Red Sox games? Is there a work around? Does it need to be VPN or can we just register the account under a west coast zip code...or maybe have my cousin purchase the subscription in Hawaii?
Warning the workaround is going to be ugly. MLB.TV determines location based on the routing of the DNS request. There are third party DNS services that will make it look like your request is not coming from RI so that you will not be blacked out. You'll most likely need to configure this at your router level though not within the Roku.
The best workaround on Roku is to use the NESN app and have somebody who is still subscribing to NESN via cable to log in for you. Not sure how frequent that reauthentication needs to happen, but am letting a buddy of mine use NESN this way after YTTV dropped it.
Dear Roku Customer,
We are disappointed to share the news that Google has chosen to let the YouTube TV contract expire.
While this news is unfortunate, we wanted to let you know that we are taking an extra step to ensure existing Roku users like yourself retain access to YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement.
We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google's unfair and anticompetitive requirements that would allow for the manipulation of your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more.
Our commitment is to always put your interests first and therefore we will continue to offer existing users access to YouTube TV unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel. New subscribers will not be allowed at this time. It is also important that you do not delete the YouTube TV channel as it will not be available for download to Roku devices.
We remain committed to reaching a good-faith agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, honors your desired search preferences and protects your data. We hope to update you soon.
Thank you,
Roku
We are disappointed to share the news that Google has chosen to let the YouTube TV contract expire.
While this news is unfortunate, we wanted to let you know that we are taking an extra step to ensure existing Roku users like yourself retain access to YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement.
We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google's unfair and anticompetitive requirements that would allow for the manipulation of your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more.
Our commitment is to always put your interests first and therefore we will continue to offer existing users access to YouTube TV unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel. New subscribers will not be allowed at this time. It is also important that you do not delete the YouTube TV channel as it will not be available for download to Roku devices.
We remain committed to reaching a good-faith agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, honors your desired search preferences and protects your data. We hope to update you soon.
Thank you,
Roku
Like that bolded shit will mean anything.
i give roku a month before they disable the app all together like they did for the spectrum app where it won’t even launch even if it was downloaded before Being pulled from their store
@Dan Murfman posted the email from Roku. I'll repost it along with this that I got from YoutubeTV today:
Roku:
We are disappointed to share the news that Google has chosen to let the YouTube TV contract expire.
While this news is unfortunate, we wanted to let you know that we are taking an extra step to ensure existing Roku users like yourself retain access to YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement.
We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google's unfair and anticompetitive requirements that would allow for the manipulation of your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more.
Our commitment is to always put your interests first and therefore we will continue to offer existing users access to YouTube TV unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel. New subscribers will not be allowed at this time. It is also important that you do not delete the YouTube TV channel as it will not be available for download to Roku devices.
We remain committed to reaching a good-faith agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, honors your desired search preferences and protects your data. We hope to update you soon.
Thank you,
Roku
YoutubeTV:
So which one is more full of crap - Roku or YTTV?
Roku:
We are disappointed to share the news that Google has chosen to let the YouTube TV contract expire.
While this news is unfortunate, we wanted to let you know that we are taking an extra step to ensure existing Roku users like yourself retain access to YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement.
We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google's unfair and anticompetitive requirements that would allow for the manipulation of your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more.
Our commitment is to always put your interests first and therefore we will continue to offer existing users access to YouTube TV unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel. New subscribers will not be allowed at this time. It is also important that you do not delete the YouTube TV channel as it will not be available for download to Roku devices.
We remain committed to reaching a good-faith agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, honors your desired search preferences and protects your data. We hope to update you soon.
Thank you,
Roku
YoutubeTV:
Our goal with YouTube TV is to offer you the content you love, delivered in the way you want — including on all of your favorite devices. To make this happen, we enter into agreements with partners in order to enable access to YouTube TV via different devices. |
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to reach an agreement with Roku. We continue to offer Roku the opportunity to renew the YouTube TV deal under the existing, reasonable terms. |
If you are not currently using Roku, you should not have any issues. For our Roku users, as we send this, you still have access to YouTube TV on Roku devices; however, Roku may choose to remove the YouTube TV app from their devices. We encourage Roku to continue providing the YouTube TV app for our mutual users. |
Should Roku decide to remove the YouTube TV app from their platform, you can still cast to your Roku device from your mobile device, tablet, or computer by following these simple steps. You can also continue to access the app using all of the devices listed here. |
In light of Roku’s current stance, we encourage you to reach out to their customer support team to request they keep YouTube TV on Roku devices here or tweet @roku. |
We are committed to ensuring our members continue to have access to YouTube TV and will continue advocating on behalf of our members. For further updates on this issue and our efforts to resolve it, please visit this website. |
| Sincerely, The YouTube TV team |
So which one is more full of crap - Roku or YTTV?
I don't know the specifics of what Google is requesting from Roku, but it sounds like they want access to more user data than Roku will allow. Since Google wants to know everything about how you use every internet connected device you own, I'm inclined to believe Roku.
It'll be interesting to see how Google negotiates terms with the other big platforms, namely iOS/AppleTV, Amazon, PlayStation and Xbox. In theory, easy access to the YouTube/YouTube.TV apps could be major selling point for Android and ChromeCast hardware. But surely Google values the data it collects from these platforms above its own hardware sales.
And for Google, I assume their YouTubeTV business is a tiny tiny piece of their overall revenues. They can afford to wait Roku out and even hurt their TV business in the short term if that gets more people to buy a Chromecast.(which, incidentally, isn't a bad device and it has a better remote than Roku) That means more hardware sales, more data, more people in the Google world.
Roku has been playing hardball with every recent streaming app.(HBO, Peacock, and now YTTV) That's because Roku has a lot of power here, due to their popularity, and they are exercising it. Feels like there are no heroes here.
But look at who their battles are with, AT&T, Comcast, and Google. They are not the most customer friendly companies out there. But Roku has decided ad revenue is their biggest priority, making deals with other content providers more difficult.
You can stream on two devices at one with the regular package. 3 for $6/month extra, $10/month for up to 10.
https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/115001440248-How-many-devices-can-I-stream-from-at-the-same-time-#:~:text=Your fuboTV subscription allows you,a total of three streams.
What is this trying to say?
https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/360050341071-Can-I-stream-fuboTV-from-multiple-locations-
“If you attempt to use fuboTV from two locations using a TV device, you’ll receive an error indicating you are streaming from too many locations. In order to continue streaming from your TV, you must end the other TV device's stream or you can allow the other device to continue by ending your stream.”
It's saying you can't share your account with someone who doesn't live with you.
I follow.
so if I wantsimultaneous tv’s in two cities and I also want nesn, and I don’t have a roku, is there a solution for me ?
Actually, Fubo allows for mobile devices such as tablets and laptops to stream wherever they are as far as I know, so if you travel or have two people on from different locations, it can be worked around that way with an HDMI cord. It only limits the fixed smart tv's or roku box/firestick, etc. to one location. I think this somewhat fair, as one of the reasons for me to get it is that if I'm traveling and my wife is home we can both use it. It's a bummer I can't just bring a firestick and plug it in wherever I'm at, but I understand why they don't allow it. If all of a sudden I couldn't use it on mobile devices while traveling because someone was watching tv at my house, I'd have a big problem with that, however.
I switched to Fubo for NESN once the Bruins started back up. I’ll echo everyone’s sentiments that the interface stinks. I watch hardly any tv besides the Bruins/Sox so it isn’t a big deal, but I had watched YTTV a lot when I had that. I’d love to go back but no NESN was the dealbreaker.
I’ll probably cancel after the Bruins season.
I’ll probably cancel after the Bruins season.
Youtube TV is down for me both on my TV through Roku and on my desktop computer, during the Celtics play-in game. Pretty infuriating, since they have already prevented me from watching the Red Sox and Bruins this year, now they are messing with the Celtics in the post-season?
Amazing how this service has gone from incredibly good to crappy over the past year or so.
Amazing how this service has gone from incredibly good to crappy over the past year or so.
Thanks, but the game is already over now. Wouldn't even work on my phone, where the app kept telling me that I wasn't in the US. Um, I am.
D’oh, I was posting from the car, I didn’t realize there was a big Youtube TV outage that has everyone pissed.
Both YouTube tv and YouTube apps are not working on the Roku at my in-laws in Maine today.
Nice timing, as a lot of people are counting on watching the Bruins game here tonight and I’m the one who set up the system.
Nice timing, as a lot of people are counting on watching the Bruins game here tonight and I’m the one who set up the system.
