Trimming the cord, not ready to cut it?
 

Do you have a HD antenna? Ours actually gives us a better picture than Satellite and it is in our attic over 50 miles from the Springfield stations.


We haven't had a cord totally cut yet, but have we been on the satellite for almost 30 years now, so it is a big step.

After over 22 years with DTV we switched to Dish a few years ago because we hated the change of DTV to ATT corporate.

For the last two years, we have been faced with major networks pulling their broadcasts from Dish, CBS, NFLnetwork and Fox, etc.
"
Have any of you used the "cut the cord" dvrs sold on Amazon such as this? https://www.amazon.com/Fire-TV-Recas...s%2C545&sr=8-3

I look forward to a good discussion of this from the CP braintrust and want to learn.

So, I cannot speak for the Recast model, but I own several of the normal FireTV models, and have family I support that own just about every different model of FireTV box/stick/etc. I'm a huge fan of the FireTV platform. They are reasonably priced, allow for install of any .apk packages which allows for the install of apps that access free streaming of sports/movies/TV, and they're easy to use.

I would recommend going with the 1TB/4 tuner version though. It's a small price difference for a considerable performance increase.

There are a few other devices that work too like the HDHomerun box, but the Recast is probably your best bet.

Like I said, I have no experience with the OTA DVR portion of FireTV, but myself and others here have a great deal of experience doing everything else with it. So you'd have a great help resource there.

Good luck. It's worth it.

If you do go with a FireTV device, I highly recommend getting this cheap adapter that allows for ethernet and multiple USB devices: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLUEJXW/?tag=aftvn-20

The FireTV performs much better on ethernet if available. If there's any way to run ethernet cable to your main device, it's absolutely worth it. But if not, make sure you have a good wifi router and one of the later generation FireTV devices, and it should be fine.

The reason you want extra USB ports is that allows you to use wireless keyboard/mouse or add external storage.

Note: The referenced adapter does not work with the Gen1 FireTV Stick. You likely won't find one of those really old devices, but I thought I should mention.

Springfield is on the list to be upgraded to ATSC 3.0, so you might want to look into getting a DVR/Tuner that would work with it instead.

https://www.silicondust.com/product/...un-connect-4k/

This is the best priced ATSC 3.0 tuner I can find. Not sure how you would go about using attached storage as a DVR, but there seems to be options.

I actually just use my computer. A TV tuner card plus free software Sichbo PVR.

Thanks to each of you for your help. :clap: I have a lot to learn here. :eek:

Just follow Fish' advice and you'll be fine. Just make sure he's available to answer questions, you'll have them. :)

I will say this anecdotally.

We cut the satellite feed a few years ago now and went to antenna.

At first, not having a DVR was difficult. But with the advent of live TV enhancements to streaming services and changes to our viewing habits, I have no need for a DVR anymore.

I know it seems like you're giving up crack or something but you'll look back in 4 or 5 years and realize it wasn't as bad as you thought it would be.

I can appreciate that htismaqe, thanks. Kind of feels like you are getting something for free, right? Love it.

For the last two seasons, I have had to watch the CBS Chiefs broadcasts on antenna, without a dvr to pause for bathroom and refreshment breaks.

Watching what seems like endless commercials is the main issue for me, but it also kind of brings back old memories of timing the commercials to get back to the game in time.

We really like several CBS shows, but I can't even get a grip around dealing with their commercials if I don't have to, thus the desire to implement a DVR.

Also there is that thing about watching a show when you want to, so we have kind of diverted to Netflix and Amazon.

He certainly seems to know what he is talking about and is on top of it. From 74 to 82 I was actually in the tv business both on the repair and sales side.

Holy crap has it changed!

My TV can pause so I have that. I can't record shows but it has a rolling 90minute buffer that it stores on a USB stick.

There is a reason that ATT is looking to sell DirecTV. StarLink internet is coming to rural areas in the next few months and streaming is about to replace it for many dish based users.

That is cool. Is the picture quality the same on playback?

Yeah, it's not distinguishable.

We all laughed when AT&T bought DirecTV anyway. Nothing like entering the market 10 years too late.

I've been paying $4.99 a month for Cloud DVR services through my Spectrum Choice plan but with Ad-Free Hulu, Netflix, Amazon and the ability to log into the NBC, ABC and Fox apps, I thinking of dumping it, mainly because we can watch everything the following day on one of those services in most cases, Live. I have Game Pass so I don't really need a DVR for Chiefs games or the NFL in general. Plus, the NFL Network replays all of the best games during the following week.

It's only taken me a year but I'm finally getting into Hulu and I'm really digging it, not only because it's Ad Free but also because the streaming quality is much higher than the NBC or ABC apps. We watched the Minion Holiday Special Live and it was chopping and uneven but when we watched it the next day on Hulu, the stream looked amazing.

Hulu currently has a special on the ad supported version for only $1.99 for 12 months, which is a steal, IMO.

Hulu has, in the last year, become our favorite and most-used streaming service. It's a great deal and with the ESPN/Disney bundle, even more value.

Well we have the firestick recast installed. Love it, thanks again for all the help.

Well we have the firestick recast installed. Love it, thanks again for all the help.

I am ready to kick the Dish to the curb, but I think it is going to take a little more to convince the Mrs.

Locast

Get her hooked on streaming. Once she realizes she can sit and watch an entire season of something in a few hours, she'll forget about Dish.

Good idea. However, our internet speed is less than desirable at times living out here 10 miles from the nearest vending machine.

I just tested the speed and it came back 18 and 1, much better than some of the time.

Last night I ended up putting a 75ohm AB switch on the antenna feed so I could switch the game over to watch the tv straight off the antenna.

My desktop computer has an HDMI port on the graphics card. I've just had it hooked up to my 60 inch tv for the past 7 years. It's the way to go. Haven't missed cable at all.