I finally got irritated enough with the constant need to argue for the promotional rates of cable that I decided to go HDTV antenna plus Sling TV.
A few things I learned in the switch:
1) You need consistent internet speed for problem free streaming. It doesn't need to be super high but consistent. I have Uverse (max 45 mb/s) which compared to Xfinity looks like a worst deal for the max rate but I find it more consistent.
2) Don't skimp on the streaming box. I bought a Roku Premiere+ (about $99). It has a Ethernet plug and since my router is at the same spot I get higher speeds versus wifi. It also has a faster chip. I have an older Roku 2 XD and the faster chip in the Premiere is noticeable switching channels and apps. The phone app for the Roku is great. Easy way to search for programs.
3) There is no logic to HDTV antennas relative to what works best. You will find plenty of reviews that indicate cheaper antennas have worked better than amplified expensive indoor antennas in some cases. If I was starting over I would order 4 different types, see what works best and send the others back. I did it one at a time and it took longer.
4) Do yourself a favor and get a universal remote. I got a Harmony 350 for $30 on Amazon. It controls my TV, sound bar and Roku. I only had to program the Roku home key on a vacant button. Everything else works great.
5) I have not missed my DVR since it seems everything is already on the internet that I would normally record. I wanted to watch part of the UK game and I found it on Youtube on my phone. The Roku app on my phone adds the "switch to TV" right in the Youtube app. Very simple pop it up on the TV.
I got the Sling Orange ($20) plus the sports package which includes all the ESPN's and SECN for $5 more. I also got HBO for $15. It's the same price as buying it separately but it's easier to watch within the Sling app since it is already open than having to switch to the HBO app. HBO content shows up in the Sling guide. $40 versus whatever I was paying before which was constantly changing and well over $100 and sometimes over $150. The only channel I will miss is the golf channel. I wasn't willing to go up to the max Sling plan for this one channel.
A few things I learned in the switch:
1) You need consistent internet speed for problem free streaming. It doesn't need to be super high but consistent. I have Uverse (max 45 mb/s) which compared to Xfinity looks like a worst deal for the max rate but I find it more consistent.
2) Don't skimp on the streaming box. I bought a Roku Premiere+ (about $99). It has a Ethernet plug and since my router is at the same spot I get higher speeds versus wifi. It also has a faster chip. I have an older Roku 2 XD and the faster chip in the Premiere is noticeable switching channels and apps. The phone app for the Roku is great. Easy way to search for programs.
3) There is no logic to HDTV antennas relative to what works best. You will find plenty of reviews that indicate cheaper antennas have worked better than amplified expensive indoor antennas in some cases. If I was starting over I would order 4 different types, see what works best and send the others back. I did it one at a time and it took longer.
4) Do yourself a favor and get a universal remote. I got a Harmony 350 for $30 on Amazon. It controls my TV, sound bar and Roku. I only had to program the Roku home key on a vacant button. Everything else works great.
5) I have not missed my DVR since it seems everything is already on the internet that I would normally record. I wanted to watch part of the UK game and I found it on Youtube on my phone. The Roku app on my phone adds the "switch to TV" right in the Youtube app. Very simple pop it up on the TV.
I got the Sling Orange ($20) plus the sports package which includes all the ESPN's and SECN for $5 more. I also got HBO for $15. It's the same price as buying it separately but it's easier to watch within the Sling app since it is already open than having to switch to the HBO app. HBO content shows up in the Sling guide. $40 versus whatever I was paying before which was constantly changing and well over $100 and sometimes over $150. The only channel I will miss is the golf channel. I wasn't willing to go up to the max Sling plan for this one channel.
