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Apple TV : Sling TV options

J

JohnnyDJunior

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 29, 2013
128
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I am thinking of getting an Apple TV and subsribe to Sling TV but i don't know which plan is best. between the two that is.

If someone had the same problem plz feel free to help
 
I'm right their with you but all the bad sling tv reviews are deterring me. I just know the first time it locks or starts buffering I'm going to regret it.
 
Both plans cost the same, but I think the beta multi-stream version will cost more at some point. Especially as it includes a few more channels. You could always subscribe to the non-beta option for a month, try it out for a couple weeks and then switch your subscription to the beta. I subscribed when the app launched a few days ago. I have a zippy 100 Mbps connection, streaming performance with Netflix and Hulu are excellent. Also quite good is AirPlay casting Amazon Video from my iPhone 6S Plus.

Morning and afternoon use is OK, buffering not so much an issue. Using it in the evening is like a different service, lots of that twirling buffering icon both when initially accessing a channel and while watching something. Sometimes playback eventually starts, (or restarts), other times I have to force-quit Sling and restart it. Doesn't take long for this to become extremely annoying, especially when you find yourself waiting a day for the show to wind up on Hulu so you can see the parts you missed. I've added the Cinemax option, both live and on-demand streaming performance suffer the same issues.

Initially I didn't realize the ATV version's UI was new, I think I assumed it was the same cluttered mess I was used to. After I spent a little time with it, I like it. Once you add your preferred channels to the My Channel screen, they show up in a secondary 'swipe-up' bar at the bottom of the viewing screen -- quickly switching between the channels you watch most is no longer the hassle it used to be. The channel selector itself doesn't cover the entire screen like it used to, it remains a bar at the bottom of the screen and if you swipe up a 2nd time a category bar appears from which you can select 'My Channels'.

Even with the greatly improved UI, the inconsistent streaming performance just makes it lipstick-on-a-pig. I'm sure they're working on improving streaming, but Sling moves at a snail-pace when it comes to improvement. Your best bet would be to subscribe for a month and see how you like it.
 
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JohnnyDJunior said:
I am thinking of getting an Apple TV and subsribe to Sling TV but i don't know which plan is best. between the two that is.

If someone had the same problem plz feel free to help
Click to expand...


I re-subscribed, 7 day trial, to SLING TV (Beta Stream) a couple days ago for use on my Apple TV. I'd previously subscribed to the service on a older ROKU HD box, but cancelled the service because of lag issues over several months time. I have ATT DSL Extreme for internet which has streamed Netflix, HULU, Amazon Prime, etc with no issues in the past or to this day. However, Sling TV still seems to lag, buffer, and drop even on the new Apple TV. Using it to watch a sporting event can cause you to want to pull your hair out. I've even attempted to dial down the "quality" of the stream via the Sling TV settings to correct the buffering and it hasn't helped. I'm not impressed with SLING TV at all and will be canceling the service after the trial.
 
JohnnyDJunior said:
I am thinking of getting an Apple TV and subsribe to Sling TV but i don't know which plan is best. between the two that is.

If someone had the same problem plz feel free to help
Click to expand...

Both plans cost the same but one gives you a few more channels. Basically you are choosing between either ABC or FOX. If you prefer ESPN, Disney, then you would need to go with the lesser channels plan. If you prefer FOX, FX, FOX Sports, then you get more channels but no ESPN.
[doublepost=1466191959][/doublepost]
JohnnyDJunior said:
I am thinking of getting an Apple TV and subsribe to Sling TV but i don't know which plan is best. between the two that is.

If someone had the same problem plz feel free to help
Click to expand...

Sorry, I meant to add this link...
https://www.sling.com/service/compare
 
vikingjunior said:
I'm right their with you but all the bad sling tv reviews are deterring me. I just know the first time it locks or starts buffering I'm going to regret it.
Click to expand...

I have had NO Buffing issues thus far, now on day two ! I have AT&T U-Verse,and using my Apple TV Gen .
[doublepost=1466206579][/doublepost]
mDali said:
I re-subscribed, 7 day trial, to SLING TV (Beta Stream) a couple days ago for use on my Apple TV. I'd previously subscribed to the service on a older ROKU HD box, but cancelled the service because of lag issues over several months time. I have ATT DSL Extreme for internet which has streamed Netflix, HULU, Amazon Prime, etc with no issues in the past or to this day. However, Sling TV still seems to lag, buffer, and drop even on the new Apple TV. Using it to watch a sporting event can cause you to want to pull your hair out. I've even attempted to dial down the "quality" of the stream via the Sling TV settings to correct the buffering and it hasn't helped. I'm not impressed with SLING TV at all and will be canceling the service after the trial.
Click to expand...


My Hubby is running his through a VPN on a base overseas with no issues so far, and stateside it works great with my AT&T U-Verse on our Apple TV Gen 4 !! Try ReStarting your Apple TV before using SlingTV and see if you have any better luck.
 
mDali said:
I re-subscribed, 7 day trial, to SLING TV (Beta Stream) a couple days ago for use on my Apple TV. I'd previously subscribed to the service on a older ROKU HD box, but cancelled the service because of lag issues over several months time. I have ATT DSL Extreme for internet which has streamed Netflix, HULU, Amazon Prime, etc with no issues in the past or to this day. However, Sling TV still seems to lag, buffer, and drop even on the new Apple TV. Using it to watch a sporting event can cause you to want to pull your hair out. I've even attempted to dial down the "quality" of the stream via the Sling TV settings to correct the buffering and it hasn't helped. I'm not impressed with SLING TV at all and will be canceling the service after the trial.
Click to expand...
You have ATT DSL Extreme. There's your answer. You only get up to 6 mbps with that plan. Upgrade to a new UVerse plan and you'll probably get much better results.
 
I have used the trial, opted for the beta channels and the comedy and lifestyle add-ons. I was test driving the app to see if it could replace my Direc-TV at home not for just me, but for my parents as they want to cut cable but are a little too keen on the local news and live sports. So, my 7 days just ended and I can say that it is a somewhat fair service, it still needs a lot more of improvement, and I am just not sure that is going to develop at the pace I would need to commit to it monthly.

I have fairly fast internet here in FL, 75/15 MBS, and buffering was still an issue and the programs would sometimes just stop all together, or be out of time with the 'playback indicator'. All in all, I would not recommend this service in its current form until they make some changes to how it works and content is delivered. Though, it did remedy some of the qualms that come with cutting the cord like having access to live CNN, local sports (Rays), and the local news broadcast on FOX... But I also missed jeopardy all week, so I do not think this is a life I want to live lol.
 
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besler3035 said:
You have ATT DSL Extreme. There's your answer. You only get up to 6 mbps with that plan. Upgrade to a new UVerse plan and you'll probably get much better results.
Click to expand...
Actually 12 mbps speed on my DSL - which should stream fine. As I said in my original post...all other apps stream fantastic. Its just he SLING TV that buffers and it mostly happens during live sporting events.
[doublepost=1466434117][/doublepost]
Kittykatzrus said:
I have had NO Buffing issues thus far, now on day two ! I have AT&T U-Verse,and using my Apple TV Gen .
[doublepost=1466206579][/doublepost]


My Hubby is running his through a VPN on a base overseas with no issues so far, and stateside it works great with my AT&T U-Verse on our Apple TV Gen 4 !! Try ReStarting your Apple TV before using SlingTV and see if you have any better luck.
Click to expand...
Restarting the APPLE TV did not and would not resolve the streaming issues with the SLING app. As I said...ALL other apps stream fine with my 12 mbps DSL. SLING TV has an issue with buffering - often during live sporting events.
 
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I have a grandfathered plan , I get channels up the wazoo . Theres at least one package I don't have to pay for Because I signed up the first week. I want to switch , but I would end up paying more

in regards to your legacy packages, the pricing would change if you were to change to the Multi Stream Beta package. Currently, you are getting Lifestyle & World News for $4.00 per month and Hollywood Extra for no additional cost. When changing the package, you would pay $5 each for Lifestyle Extra, World News Extra and Hollywood Extra.
 
Sling TV is terrible. I am still on the trial and it is terrible. I already cancelled it. As I said in the evenings it is bad. Takes forever to load a channel and then the PQ can be as low as 0.1mpbs yes lower than a 128kbps stream. It is bad. The sound is worse than AM radio and the picture is just a blur can't even make out faces. But what makes matters worse is that it freezes all the time and on the FTV and Roku it is not much better either.

I am using PSVue which works much better but there is no app for the Apple TV which stinks. Hope for one soon otherwise I can only use it on my PS4 and FTV2.
 
bliggs said:
Both plans cost the same but one gives you a few more channels. Basically you are choosing between either ABC or FOX. If you prefer ESPN, Disney, then you would need to go with the lesser channels plan. If you prefer FOX, FX, FOX Sports, then you get more channels but no ESPN.
[doublepost=1466191959][/doublepost]

Sorry, I meant to add this link...
https://www.sling.com/service/compare
Click to expand...

We have the Best of Life Multi-Stream service, and it works great !
 
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For anyone having issues with the Sling TV, try calling 888-350-1825 or 877-811-4788. We like our Sling TV and have had no issues with it !! I hope this helps !!
 
Ps Vue app now out for the Roku. Although it is a early release not that polished it is already more stable than sling.
 
I came here looking for a thread such as this because my husband and I are seriously considering cutting the cord, we just don't want enough TV to justify what we pay for cable! We would keep the cable internet service so we would have high speed streaming, I have to have it for my work regardless. Right now we only have an old Apple TV. If we were to do this, what additional hardware would we need to purchase and what channel options would we have? I keep reading and reading on this subject and all the information out there is so confusing to us! The main thing I am concerned about is sports. So, any of you who have done this, what suggestions can you throw at me? I would be forever grateful!
 
ladytonya said:
I came here looking for a thread such as this because my husband and I are seriously considering cutting the cord, we just don't want enough TV to justify what we pay for cable! We would keep the cable internet service so we would have high speed streaming, I have to have it for my work regardless. Right now we only have an old Apple TV. If we were to do this, what additional hardware would we need to purchase and what channel options would we have? I keep reading and reading on this subject and all the information out there is so confusing to us! The main thing I am concerned about is sports. So, any of you who have done this, what suggestions can you throw at me? I would be forever grateful!
Click to expand...

NHL package = appx $125 a year, every game that is not on NBC sports and is televised is on there.
Sling = ESPN & ESPN 2 good portion of their stuff
Both are on apple tv 4
NHL is on apple tv 3
Broadcast works well with antenna for me
NBA is good with sling coverage
MLB not so much, havent researched their package yet.
 
We're not at all into hockey, what I need is MLB, NFL and college football and basketball. I'm also concerned about the networks because we live in a rural area where reception is going to be terrible.

Reading Sling's website is slightly confusing too. The one plan has ESPN and ESPN 2, the other has various Fox Sports channels. Is it either or? I would want all of them! LOL
 
I just don't get it. $20 for some channels but missing a bunch in the other package. $40 for both packages but still missing a few other channels you want. $49 for this: http://www.dishpromotions.com/dish-network/get-dish/2-year-price-lock/ which comes with a great DVR, a pile of on-demand, a jack for local OTA if you want that too, full HD for all the channels with an HD channel, no hoops to jump through to find something to watch, no delays until tomorrow or next week to watch the new episode on tonight and it won't eat one byte of your broadband quota.

I get the desire to "cut the cord" but once it gets down to $10 or $20 per month, is it actually worth it?
 
ladytonya said:
We're not at all into hockey, what I need is MLB, NFL and college football and basketball. I'm also concerned about the networks because we live in a rural area where reception is going to be terrible.

Reading Sling's website is slightly confusing too. The one plan has ESPN and ESPN 2, the other has various Fox Sports channels. Is it either or? I would want all of them! LOL
Click to expand...

Yup. It's either or.. OR you can subscribe to both but then you are looking at $40/Month. There isn't much you can do about streaming NFL games until the DirecTV contract with them has expired. Unless you don't mind watching the games after they've aired LOL. The best way to watch NFL is still OTA broadcast, but as you say that you are rural, not sure if that's a viable option. DirecTV does have NFL Sunday Ticket. But then, you're right back where you started. You might check antennaweb and see how many channels are within your range, and it will suggest a antenna that could get you your digital off-airs. Worth a shot anyways

http://www.antennaweb.org/Address
 
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I live in an apartment, an outdoor antenna or dish isn't an option. We have 3 options where I live: Charter, AT&T U-Verse, and cutting the cord. We're sick of paying $200/month and still not getting everything we want with cable and I refuse to do business with AT&T so we're kinda stuck.

I've read good and bad things about Sling so for but am still researching our options.
 
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I think getting all the sports you want will not be very convenient, given that your OTA reception is poor. OTA is the best option for NFL on CBS, FOX and NBC. One of the Sling packages has ESPN, but that is only one NFL game per week.

Something else you might be interested in is Vue. They have an inexpensive package with NBC Sports, CNN, and some other popular cable channels. Unfortunately they do not have an ATV app as yet. But if you buy one of the Amazon TV boxes for $99 you could have access to Vue.

Good luck with your decisions. I too am looking at these types of things but will probably be a few months behind you in terms of actually doing anything (Comcast cable now).
 
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** SLING TV UPDATE **( July Update ) More channels and Now up to 3 live streaming devices !!! :) It is working great thus far on my APPLE TV !!
[doublepost=1467482967][/doublepost]
ladytonya said:
I live in an apartment, an outdoor antenna or dish isn't an option. We have 3 options where I live: Charter, AT&T U-Verse, and cutting the cord. We're sick of paying $200/month and still not getting everything we want with cable and I refuse to do business with AT&T so we're kinda stuck.

I've read good and bad things about Sling so for but am still researching our options.
Click to expand...

Try the Sling Apple TV offer, they just updated everything and now they have better service, 3 Live streaming devices with Blue package, more channels, Three different channel packages to choose from plus add ons if you want and it works great for us. 877-811-4788 Sling TV and ask for the Apple TV Promo Deal, you will get a new Apple TV Gen 4 for $89.00 in the deal !!! IT works great !!!
 
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