Cutting The Cord on Cable/Satellite TV Service?

Bunt4aTriple

Member (member)
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,729
North Yarmouth, ME
I agree the Fubo reviews have been a great help. Thank you all for your input. I am very pleased with YTTV, other than dropping NESN. The unlimited DVR, and ability to say “record all of xyz” is one of those things you never knew you needed, but now hate to do without. Change of schedule, rain delay, extra innings, no problem.

That said, I’m going to give AT&T Now a trial run soon. Must watch for my family includes Sox, Celtics, Pats, and CNN. This seems like my only option to provide all of these. I will give some feedback once it try it out.
You're a dirty liar Bertha. :)

Now I DO know what I'm missing after watching this weekend's games on Fox and ESPN and I'm dying to get NESN back. Anyone using AT&T TV? If I get the choice package, it's $85 and includes a year of HBO Max which we're paying for anyhow, so it ends up being $5 more for NESN. That's with 20 hours of cloud dvr, which is pretty much pointless though. So I'd probably end up paying for the unlimited cloud DVR which is another $10.

So era of cord cutting is pretty much junk, but at least I'm not turning in equipment, paying hookup fees, waiting for appointments for techs or, like last year, digging up a cemented satellite mount.
 

Bertha

Member
SoSH Member
May 3, 2016
228
You're a dirty liar Bertha. :)
I did lie about AT&T, sorry. I completely forgot about them, due to their ineptness. Their IT issues were so bad I could not even get a trial. I then tried to subscribe, and their system would not allow me to pay. This happened over a few days, both on PC and mobile devices. Kept getting “sorry, please try later”.

I went VPN/MLB while keeping YTTV. It cost more than I wanted, but keeps everyone in the family happy.
 

orgoman

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2005
236
I did lie about AT&T, sorry. I completely forgot about them, due to their ineptness. Their IT issues were so bad I could not even get a trial. I then tried to subscribe, and their system would not allow me to pay. This happened over a few days, both on PC and mobile devices. Kept getting “sorry, please try later”.

I went VPN/MLB while keeping YTTV. It cost more than I wanted, but keeps everyone in the family happy.
I’m on YTTV also and have missed NESN - although the radio is a event substitute. I’m thinking of breaking down and doing something similar (MLB) but is there any chance that I don’t need a VPN if I use Roku? I know that Roku’s don’t transmit location.

Thanks in advance
 

gtmtnbiker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
1,999
I’m on YTTV also and have missed NESN - although the radio is a event substitute. I’m thinking of breaking down and doing something similar (MLB) but is there any chance that I don’t need a VPN if I use Roku? I know that Roku’s don’t transmit location.
I believe you still need a VPN with Roku as MLB will know your IP address and from that, infer your location.
 

jayhoz

Ronald Bartel
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
17,680
I believe you still need a VPN with Roku as MLB will know your IP address and from that, infer your location.
In order to use the Roku you will need to configure the VPN on the router itself since the Roku doesn't have a way to do it. Much easier to use a VPN on your laptop and then cast to your TV.
 

Bunt4aTriple

Member (member)
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,729
North Yarmouth, ME
I did lie about AT&T, sorry. I completely forgot about them, due to their ineptness. Their IT issues were so bad I could not even get a trial. I then tried to subscribe, and their system would not allow me to pay. This happened over a few days, both on PC and mobile devices. Kept getting “sorry, please try later”.

I went VPN/MLB while keeping YTTV. It cost more than I wanted, but keeps everyone in the family happy.
Thanks. I'm gonna give it a shot.
 

orgoman

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2005
236
Can anybody interpret this for me? Does it mean that YTTV will stop working on my Roku or not? I can't really tell.....

Image
View online


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
 

soxhop411

news aggravator
SoSH Member
Dec 4, 2009
48,199
Can anybody interpret this for me? Does it mean that YTTV will stop working on my Roku or not? I can't really tell.....

Image

View online


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
If their spat with spectrum is any indication. Yes. They will kill The app even if you have it installed
 

johnmd20

mad dog
Lifetime Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Dec 30, 2003
63,600
New York City
Can anybody interpret this for me? Does it mean that YTTV will stop working on my Roku or not? I can't really tell.....

Image

View online


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
It is worth mentioning that you can use the Youtube TV in the Youtube app. Google added that option in May when this was blowing up. Taking down the YTTV app won't effect many people. Taking down Youtube. . . .now there is something that isn't an option for Roku.

edit to add: https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/7/22425035/google-youtube-tv-roku-app-feud
 
Last edited:

Time to Mo Vaughn

RIP Dernell
SoSH Member
Mar 24, 2008
7,584
I’m on YTTV also and have missed NESN - although the radio is a event substitute. I’m thinking of breaking down and doing something similar (MLB) but is there any chance that I don’t need a VPN if I use Roku? I know that Roku’s don’t transmit location.

Thanks in advance
It's done by DNS requests to determine your location. You can hack this by changing the DNS settings of your router, if you're comfortable technically. I did this a few years ago before the NESN Roku app, but it was kind of a pain in the ass:

https://unlocator.com/channel/mlb-tv/
 

Ed Hillel

Wants to be startin somethin
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2007
48,544
Here
Sorry all, but I'm moving back to Maine after longs times, and I'm trying to gather what is currently the best option. I currently use YTTV, which is great, and I have Amazon TVs, so the Roku spat won't affect me. I was thinking I could then just use the MLBTV app, but totally forgot that all the Sox games will be blacked out. Does that mean I'm essentially stuck having to cancel YTTV and use Fobu TV if I want to stream? There's no other option? If so, can anyone tell me if the FobuTV DVD-type features work ok?

Shit, now I gotta make sure Amazon TV supports Fobu...one sec ya'll...

Edit - It's Fubo, my bad...

Thanks!
 

The Talented Allen Ripley

holden
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Oct 2, 2003
12,832
MetroWest, MA
I use hehestreams for Sox games, it's a quasi-legal paid subscription that allows you stream all of MLBtv's feeds with no blackouts. I can provide more info if anyone's interested, it's worked great for me so far, I signed up during spring training.
 

Marceline

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Sep 9, 2002
6,589
Canton, MA

MuzzyField

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
I have a HDTV antenna receiver that seems to have trouble getting all the over the air channels. I have rescanned multiple times. Any thoughts on how to get better reception?
Chicago stations?

Are the stations playing the ATCS 3.0 transmitter share game? If so, you may need to re-aim your antenna and rescan to the towers the ATCS 2.0 signals... and still factor in the signal strength for some stations is likely to be minimal and suck.
 

the1andonly3003

New Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,918
3/4 Chicago, 1/4 Boston
Chicago stations?

Are the stations playing the ATCS 3.0 transmitter share game? If so, you may need to re-aim your antenna and rescan to the towers the ATCS 2.0 signals... and still factor in the signal strength for some stations is likely to be minimal and suck.
Yeah in Chicago. Can't get PBS, BEIN XTra or WGN, but ABC, CBS and NBC seem fine. Does it seem like if I get the first set, then the second set loses out and vice versa?
 

Bunt4aTriple

Member (member)
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,729
North Yarmouth, ME
My CBS Sports App says the Sox game tonight (not sure why there's no game thread, but I'm not about to start one and curse my descendants) is on both ESPN and NESN. Anyone know if being in New England will mean the game is blacked out on YTTV?
 

Scott Cooper's Grand Slam

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2008
4,620
New England
I restarted FuboTV just in time to see Renfroe hit a three run homer against the Rays. Performance and picture quality seem to be better. I hope it stays like this because it’s the only available service that has NESN and the locals for ABC, NBC, and CBS.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
80,701
Locast is suspending operations immediately.

Wish they weren't so aggressive with their $5 stick approach.
 

RSN Diaspora

molests goats for comedy
SoSH Member
Jul 29, 2005
12,128
Washington, DC
with Locast gone, guess Sunday Ticket is the only option now to watch out of market games
Having cut the cord from DirecTV this year, I signed up for streaming Sunday Ticket this season. It wasn't flawless--it kept telling me I was blacked out from the Pats despite it not being televised in DC where I live, but eventually the app got it right and was indistinguishable from the satellite product after.
 

johnmd20

mad dog
Lifetime Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Dec 30, 2003
63,600
New York City
Having cut the cord from DirecTV this year, I signed up for streaming Sunday Ticket this season. It wasn't flawless--it kept telling me I was blacked out from the Pats despite it not being televised in DC where I live, but eventually the app got it right and was indistinguishable from the satellite product after.
It shockingly didn't fail yesterday. It has failed every Week 1 for the last 6 years. So that was a good job by them.

The biggest problem with the Sunday Ticket streaming is that it's like 2 to 3 minutes behind the game. It's not delayed like YoutubeTV is, which is maybe 15-30 seconds. It's eons away from live. It's entire series' behind.
 

the1andonly3003

New Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,918
3/4 Chicago, 1/4 Boston
It shockingly didn't fail yesterday. It has failed every Week 1 for the last 6 years. So that was a good job by them.

The biggest problem with the Sunday Ticket streaming is that it's like 2 to 3 minutes behind the game. It's not delayed like YoutubeTV is, which is maybe 15-30 seconds. It's eons away from live. It's entire series' behind.
I paid for one season of Sunday Ticket back in 2017, and Mike Reiss would always spoil plays on Twitter
 

RSN Diaspora

molests goats for comedy
SoSH Member
Jul 29, 2005
12,128
Washington, DC
It shockingly didn't fail yesterday. It has failed every Week 1 for the last 6 years. So that was a good job by them.

The biggest problem with the Sunday Ticket streaming is that it's like 2 to 3 minutes behind the game. It's not delayed like YoutubeTV is, which is maybe 15-30 seconds. It's eons away from live. It's entire series' behind.
Interesting. Sunday was my wife's birthday so I was doing party prep and watching the game, so I didn't notice any delay. I suppose if I was trying to game thread it would've been a different story.

I don't know if anyone else has tried this, but I considered signing up for a VPN with IP addresses in the Boston market and just airplaying YouTube TV's coverage to my Apple TV. Not sure if that would be as good, better, or worse. The NESN app surprisingly doesn't geolocate you, so screen mirroring is how I've started watching Bruins games.
 

epraz

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 15, 2002
6,339
I don't know if anyone else has tried this, but I considered signing up for a VPN with IP addresses in the Boston market and just airplaying YouTube TV's coverage to my Apple TV.
I've tried this, but YTTV detected the VPN and wouldn't stream anything. I tried two services and had the same result with both.
 

Caspir

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
7,316
I was pleasantly surprised that HBO cut its price in half because of the Amazon issues. Gladly hopped on that for six months.

Also trying out Paramount+ so that I can watch the Pats games on CBS. It's about a minute behind, so not too bad, and the app itself has been flawless. I haven't explored anything beyond watching the game, but they gave me a free week, followed by an additional free month when I tried to cancel. It's only like $5 a month ongoing, so I can get most of the Pats CBS games this year for a total of $20 plus some reality tv for the wife and Nick for the kids. I’ll take it.
 

Dollar

Member
SoSH Member
May 5, 2006
12,061
Youtube TV has a free preview of NFL Redzone this Sunday and HBO/Cinemax from September 23-27, so it's a good time to try it out if you haven't gotten a free Youtube TV trial before.
 

Madmartigan

Member
SoSH Member
May 1, 2012
5,757
I was pleasantly surprised that HBO cut its price in half because of the Amazon issues. Gladly hopped on that for six months.

Also trying out Paramount+ so that I can watch the Pats games on CBS. It's about a minute behind, so not too bad, and the app itself has been flawless. I haven't explored anything beyond watching the game, but they gave me a free week, followed by an additional free month when I tried to cancel. It's only like $5 a month ongoing, so I can get most of the Pats CBS games this year for a total of $20 plus some reality tv for the wife and Nick for the kids. I’ll take it.
I just got the ad free version of Paramount+ for 10/month. It’s pretty solid; it has the back catalogue of most CBS shows, plus some decent movies. This covers me for all the Pats games on CBS, and the other ones I can access using ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC sports apps with my parents’ Spectrum login.
 

OurF'ingCity

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 22, 2016
8,470
New York City
I just switched back to YouTube.TV, but I’ll unsubscribe again if I can’t watch local NBC and Sunday Night Football. Agreed, this is so tiresome.
But if I'm reading YouTube's post mentioned above correctly, they would reduce monthly subscription prices by $10 and you can get most of what NBC offers via Peacock for $5, so wouldn't this actually work out better from a cost perspective?
 

Scott Cooper's Grand Slam

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2008
4,620
New England
But if I'm reading YouTube's post mentioned above correctly, they would reduce monthly subscription prices by $10 and you can get most of what NBC offers via Peacock for $5, so wouldn't this actually work out better from a cost perspective?
Possibly. The fact that Peacock has SNF softens the blow. But I think I’d lose my local NBC news (I haven’t read the fine print), which is the main non-NFL draw to NBC for me.
 

OurF'ingCity

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 22, 2016
8,470
New York City
Possibly. The fact that Peacock has SNF softens the blow. But I think I’d lose my local NBC news (I haven’t read the fine print), which is the main non-NFL draw to NBC for me.
Fair enough. I suspect you would lose that. Also, I just realized that this would mean no NBC Sports Boston either, and I don't think Peacock includes regional sports coverage. Not an issue for me since I am outside the Boston area anyway but for anyone living in New England who watches the Celtics that would be a huge deal.
 

Vinho Tinto

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 9, 2003
7,164
Auburn, MA
It would also include USA Network. Outside of Mr Robot, I don’t think I ever tune it on when Monday Night Raw isn’t on. I do watch NBC Sports network regularly, but they’re eliminating the channel next year. I like the Celtics, but winter sports aren’t must watch for me anymore.

I’d rather save $10 bucks and pay for Peacock as needed. I own a digital antenna and can get NBC Boston with it for Sunday night games.
 

genoasalami

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 4, 2006
2,634
I will drop YTTV if they drop NBCU stations. The two viable replacement options seems to be FUBO and HULU Live. When i do my due diligence on both, I of course find strengths and weaknesses on both platforms. Any real life experiences here with either platform? I am leaning FUBO, but just noticed they do not carry any turner stations which means I will miss some playoff baseball.
 

Scott Cooper's Grand Slam

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2008
4,620
New England
I will drop YTTV if they drop NBCU stations. The two viable replacement options seems to be FUBO and HULU Live. When i do my due diligence on both, I of course find strengths and weaknesses on both platforms. Any real life experiences here with either platform? I am leaning FUBO, but just noticed they do not carry any turner stations which means I will miss some playoff baseball.
I’ve used Fubo twice (once as a trial, and once for several months when YTTV dropped NESN). Fubo is …fine, I guess, but everything about it is just slightly worse than YTTV to the point where it’s annoying. Interface, DVR, and especially picture quality.

For week 1 of the NFL season I had both YTTV and Fubo. I watched parts of the Pats game on both services. The YTTV picture is noticeably better.

I used Hulu Live for a bit a couple years ago when the service debuted. The interface drove me nuts. Everything took three more clicks than it should have, and multiple menus named the same thing did different things.

I’m anti-Google. I don’t use Chrome or Gmail. But credit where credit is due, YTTV is a best in class product.
 

Zedia

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
7,772
Pasadena, CA
I know I always say this, but if you can live without a built-in DVR, an HD antenna is great for watching football on NBC/CBS/FOX.
 

genoasalami

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 4, 2006
2,634
I know I always say this, but if you can live without a built-in DVR, an HD antenna is great for watching football on NBC/CBS/FOX.
Yes, but telling my wife to live without Bravo is not gonna happen. The impasse is just NBC owned affiliates which includes Boston.
 

Scott Cooper's Grand Slam

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2008
4,620
New England
Does Peacock have Jeopardy? That’s another thing I’ll miss if YouTube drops NBC.

Edit: Nevermind. Jeopardy is on ABC. I’m an idiot (who really has lost the concept of channels. It’s my favorite part of these services, just being able to watch and record things without caring what channel they’re on)
 
Last edited: