DirecTV Now?

[MadeTheSwitch]

You ever thought about using HDHR ? It seems it would pretty much cover almost all the big main missing channels/programs with Directv Now.
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To be blunt, I don't think I should have to go out, buy extra hardware, climb into my attic to place said hardware, run unsightly cables all over the place from the attic somehow just to get what should be delivered to me anyway in the first place. Seriously, why should I even need to go to such measures?

Assuming they would even work in the first place since my house is right behind a hill in the path of the broadcast towers 35 miles away. Not sure what results I would even get.

 

[IndianBird]

To be blunt, I don't think I should have to go out, buy extra hardware, climb into my attic to place said hardware, run unsightly cables all over the place from the attic somehow just to get what should be delivered to me anyway in the first place. Seriously, why should I even need to go to such measures?

Assuming they would even work in the first place since my house is right behind a hill in the path of the broadcast towers 35 miles away. Not sure what results I would even get.

To be blunt, that's why people just pay for cable.

 

[psylence2k]

To be blunt, I don't think I should have to go out, buy extra hardware, climb into my attic to place said hardware, run unsightly cables all over the place from the attic somehow just to get what should be delivered to me anyway in the first place. Seriously, why should I even need to go to such measures?

Assuming they would even work in the first place since my house is right behind a hill in the path of the broadcast towers 35 miles away. Not sure what results I would even get.

Hey I hear ya,

I understand some people dont want to go through the trouble.

Just thought I'd suggest it because at the moment it seems to be the other missing half for those that want all the main channels without having to pay for cable.

If you ever reconsidered I would still try it out regardless of the hill. You can just plug an antenna straight into your TV just to test it without having to do the whole set up and even use various ways to get some height on it. It would be simple and quick and you could probably return the antenna (depending where you buy it from) if it didn't work out well. That's of course if you ever reconsidered it.

I wonder if Sling and other services have the same blackouts and viewing limitations as Directv now ?

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

To be blunt, that's why people just pay for cable.

Well, that's not helpful. I'm looking for alternatives to not being raped by cable companies that are still workable and viable without buying a bunch more equipment and tearing up my house! This one should be it considering it has a major TV provider behind it, but guess not. Just more of the same BS to wade through. Like I said up above, it's disappointing.

I wonder if Sling and other services have the same blackouts and viewing limitations as Directv now ?

I imagine so as this appears to be a content issue rather than a network one. But I still can't figure out why this would even be the case at all. I can understand blackouts on football games to get people into the stadiums. I can understand exclusive deals for NFL games like Verizon has (even if I don't agree with it). But an awards show? Why? That's just nuts.

 

[colodane]

Secondly, how does one setup a watchlist?

Haven't seen a WatchList. But you can identify favorite channels and select to only see them on the menu. Helps to not have to sort through the 80 channels you have zero interest in ;>)

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

If you ever reconsidered I would still try it out regardless of the hill. You can just plug an antenna straight into your TV just to test it without having to do the whole set up and even use various ways to get some height on it. It would be simple and quick and you could probably return the antenna (depending where you buy it from) if it didn't work out well. That's of course if you ever reconsidered it.

I was wrong up above...I'm more like 55 miles from the broadcast towers. I just don't see how plugging an antenna into my ground floor TV behind a hill that far away is going to produce decent results.

 

[psylence2k]

I was wrong up above...I'm more like 55 miles from the broadcast towers. I just don't see how plugging an antenna into my ground floor TV behind a hill that far away is going to produce decent results.

You can buy a long range antenna. One with a 60, 75, or 80 mile range.

You can either take the smallest TV you have upstairs to test it (do you have a second floor ? )

or maybe stick it into your ground floor TV and pass the antenna and cable through a open window then find some cheap tall pole to mount/strap the antenna to in order to get some height and there you go.

Relatively simple, no tearing up your house and you can just return the antenna if it doesn't work.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

You can buy a long range antenna. One with a 60, 75, or 80 mile range.

You can either take the smallest TV you have upstairs to test it (do you have a second floor ? )

or maybe stick it into your ground floor TV and pass the antenna and cable through a open window then find some cheap tall pole to mount/strap the antenna to in order to get some height and there you go.

Relatively simple, no tearing up your house and you can just return the antenna if it doesn't work.

I know there are now antennas with that kind of range, but I am concerned about range plus the hill not being a good combination. I guess I could try it, but it galls me to have to buy extra equipment and run cables everywhere in places they aren't right now. It just seems like a huge step backwards in progress. And a needless one at that. This stuff just shouldn't be that difficult with so many obstacles.

 

[psylence2k]

I know there are now antennas with that kind of range, but I am concerned about range plus the hill not being a good combination. I guess I could try it, but it galls me to have to buy extra equipment and run cables everywhere in places they aren't right now. It just seems like a huge step backwards in progress. And a needless one at that. This stuff just shouldn't be that difficult with so many obstacles.

Yes, It would be nice for it to be less complicated.

Some people actually have success just setting up it up inside, you could always just try that. No drilling, etc.

Yes ,you would have to buy extra equipment but less than/around $200 (altogether including HDHR, Apple TV app, etc) one time seems cheaper than a regular cable bill. (Not sure if you have one or not)

 

[jdag]

In your experience do you feel the switch/ethernet connections improve the HDHR and Apple TV connections in a huge way ?

Do you also have Directv now or any other television streaming services ?

The HDHR requires ethernet connection, so it needs to be pulled into a router or switch. To my knowledge, it cannot be used solely wirelessly. But either way, performance should not be impacted if you use a switch or directly plug it into the router. In my case, I need the switch because I need more than a few ethernet ports.

I am currently subscribed to SlingTV, mainly just to check it out. I started the subscription and intended to use it for 1 month, received a free Roku Stick, and it was only $20. But I then extended it for a 2nd month. I would put it in the OK category. I have had some intermittent streaming problems, but it is certainly not bad.

I will eventually test out PlayStation Vue and DirecTV Now, but really don't have much intention to use any of them long term.

 

[d21mike]

Haven't seen a WatchList. But you can identify favorite channels and select to only see them on the menu. Helps to not have to sort through the 80 channels you have zero interest in ;>)

Slide down from the top and the Watchlist is just to the right of the Guide. I am not using it so forgot how to add shows to it.

 

[Julien]

Slide down from the top and the Watchlist is just to the right of the Guide. I am not using it so forgot how to add shows to it.

There is a Heart on the left of the channel identifier. And there is also an All Channels or Favorite Channels selector at the top left

 

[d21mike]

Well, that's not helpful. I'm looking for alternatives to not being raped by cable companies that are still workable and viable without buying a bunch more equipment and tearing up my house! This one should be it considering it has a major TV provider behind it, but guess not. Just more of the same BS to wade through. Like I said up above, it's disappointing.



I imagine so as this appears to be a content issue rather than a network one. But I still can't figure out why this would even be the case at all. I can understand blackouts on football games to get people into the stadiums. I can understand exclusive deals for NFL games like Verizon has (even if I don't agree with it). But an awards show? Why? That's just nuts.

Someday we will have Local Channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) via streaming the same as via CABLE. But until then you have a few options. OTA as discussed here. Or, some CABLE Packages for LOCAL Only. FIOS has one for 12.95 (for about 25 channels). TWC had one until they sold to Charter and now it is gone. Remember when you drop CABLE TV your Internet costs goes up so sometimes the difference is really not much with a small TV package. I find the cost of TV without any of the CABLE Hardware (DVR, STB) not that bad when you go with the least cost tier. And I use the Channels App (with DVR) with HDHomeRun Prime(s) for now. Other options are CBS All Access without commercials is a great add-on to DIRECTV Now. Also, Hulu without commercials give you most of the NBC, ABC, FOX channels you would normally DVR. Of course there are the other not so ethical options for those that feel ............
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There is a Heart on the left of the channel identifier. And there is also an All Channels or Favorite Channels selector at the top left

He was asking about WatchList. You are talking about Favorites. I wish they would also add Categories under Favorites for News, Sports, Movies etc. I have that in my Channels App and it is really nice.

 

[Spink10]

I know there are now antennas with that kind of range, but I am concerned about range plus the hill not being a good combination. I guess I could try it, but it galls me to have to buy extra equipment and run cables everywhere in places they aren't right now. It just seems like a huge step backwards in progress. And a needless one at that. This stuff just shouldn't be that difficult with so many obstacles.

If cheaper and simpler were both connected everyone would be doing it.

If you want to save some money (which you do) it will require a few work around (work & eqipment). Pick your poison. I suggest trying an antenna.

 

[Julien]

He was asking about WatchList. You are talking about Favorites. I wish they would also add Categories under Favorites for News, Sports, Movies etc. I have that in my Channels App and it is really nice.

Sorry, there is a couple of ways.

Swipe down, Watch List is 3ed choice
Swipe Up, Select Home and scroll down

 

[Macaddict16]

Someday we will have Local Channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) via streaming the same as via CABLE. But until then you have a few options. OTA as discussed here. Or, some CABLE Packages for LOCAL Only. FIOS has one for 12.95 (for about 25 channels). TWC had one until they sold to Charter and now it is gone. Remember when you drop CABLE TV your Internet costs goes up so sometimes the difference is really not much with a small TV package. I find the cost of TV without any of the CABLE Hardware (DVR, STB) not that bad when you go with the least cost tier. And I use the Channels App (with DVR) with HDHomeRun Prime(s) for now. Other options are CBS All Access without commercials is a great add-on to DIRECTV Now. Also, Hulu without commercials give you most of the NBC, ABC, FOX channels you would normally DVR. Of course there are the other not so ethical options for those that feel ............

I am replacing FiOS with DirecTV Now and in the process of canceling my FiOS TV service I found that it is actually cheaper to have the base locals only TV package with the internet as opposed to internet alone. I guess because it allows Verizon to say I haven't left them yet?

My current setup is DirecTV Now (with HBO), Hulu (without commercials and added Showtime), and CBS All Access (without Commercials). The Hulu and CBS All Access were both upgraded to no commercials until DirecTV Now has a DVR or a Watchlist that is functional with recent shows. I am using WatchList on my AppleTV and iOS devices to track all of my shows through steaming and it allows me to easily click on the show and watch it. WatchList is the one app that made me go DirecTV Now even without a DVR.

 

[psylence2k]

Anyone know if other streaming services like Sling have alot of the same freezing and error issues ? and if they have all the same high profile broadcasts blacked out (sports, award shows, etc) ???

 

[Javabird]

Anyone know how to access the watch list on the iOS app? I can get to it on the AppleTv but can't seem to find it on my iPad

 

[miamialley]

Well, I just came across my first dealbreaker tonight. This definitely won't work for me if I can't see awards shows which I like to watch.

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How absolutely stupid. Why? I can see absolutely no reason for this stupidity. This is why people hate the TV industry. It's a minefield that no customer/viewer should ever have to walk through in the first place.

Very disappointing.

I turned in my cable box (Cox) today. I'm over it. I only watch sports on cable (Netflix and others for shows). I'm just done. I will keep DirecTV Now for sports and watch what I can. If it's not on there, then oh well. I'll go take a walk outside.

 

[Julien]

Anyone know how to access the watch list on the iOS app? I can get to it on the AppleTv but can't seem to find it on my iPad

On the Home screen scroll down to about the 3ed row (same way you can on the TV).

 

[Richard8655]

Anyone know if other streaming services like Sling have alot of the same freezing and error issues ? and if they have all the same high profile broadcasts blacked out (sports, award shows, etc) ???

Sling TV has no freezing or errors at all. I've had it now for 3 months.

 

[psylence2k]

Sling TV has no freezing or errors at all. I've had it now for 3 months.

Does Sling blackout any sport broadcasts (NFL) or other high profile programming on any of their channels like NBC or FOX, etc ? can you watch NBC on Sling ?

Also do you have Directv now ? Just asking because some people claim in their area their Directv now is smooth and uninterrupted while others claim in their area Sling has similar problems to Directv now.

 

[Richard8655]

Does Sling blackout any sport broadcasts (NFL) or other high profile programming on any of their channels like NBC or FOX, etc ? can you watch NBC on Sling ?

Also do you have Directv now ? Just asking because some people claim in their area their Directv now is smooth and uninterrupted while others claim in their area Sling has similar problems to Directv now.

I haven't seen any blackouts with Sling. But then I'm not a big sports fan, so I don't tune into those channels much except for NHL games. I also never noticed any blackouts of any other programming or events.

NBC (select markets) and NBC/SN are available in the Blue package. I'm just in the lower priced Orange package.

Interesting that you ask about comparing with DirecTV Now. I just signed up for a 7-day trial in considering switching over to them from Sling. DirectTV Now is a little more glitchy than Sling. Occasional freezes, buffering, and error codes. But not that often really... maybe 2 or 3 glitches per day. None of that with Sling, however.

 

[Coffee50]

Does Sling blackout any sport broadcasts (NFL) or other high profile programming on any of their channels like NBC or FOX, etc ? can you watch NBC on Sling ?

Also do you have Directv now ? Just asking because some people claim in their area their Directv now is smooth and uninterrupted while others claim in their area Sling has similar problems to Directv now.

My direct tv service is smooth, the only issue is the time frame. I'm on the west coast but the time listings seem to be east coast time.

 

[aced411]

Does Sling blackout any sport broadcasts (NFL) or other high profile programming on any of their channels like NBC or FOX, etc ? can you watch NBC on Sling ?

Also do you have Directv now ? Just asking because some people claim in their area their Directv now is smooth and uninterrupted while others claim in their area Sling has similar problems to Directv now.

I've had both (currently DTV). Sling TV used to have a lot of issues but it's pretty solid now. My biggest issue with Sling is the lack of content and relatively low streaming quality (compared to others). DirecTV Now has awesome quality and a great lineup, but man stability is lousy right now. I went weeks with maybe one or two errors a day, but the last week it's been pretty bad on my end.

I also had Vue for a while. It's probably the best in terms of features and stability, but a little pricey (especially if you are "lucky" enough to get local channels) and the content has been a little sparse since they dropped Viacom.