Cordcutter's Starter Guide (From Reddit)
So, you’ve given up on expensive cable or satellite! You’re joining a
growing community of consumers who don’t want to pay upwards of $70
dollars a month for content they don't watch. There are dozens of
devices, sources, and delivery methods at your disposal.
How do I replace pay-television content?
1. Over-the-air (OTA) channels
Antennas
In the US, television signals are transmitted over the air via a
system called ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee). These
signals are unencrypted digital television signals. They can be picked
up with an HD Antenna and fed into an ATSC Tuner (such as the one built
into your TV). You are probably in range of many over-the-air broadcast
channels, such as ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, and other smaller
networks like ION or PBS. You can get most local sports games (depending
on your market), local news, and some more popular shows like American
Idol, Family Guy, Parks and Rec, and Saturday Night Live. Antennas are
often quite affordable and the picture quality - since you’re getting an
unprocessed signal, rather than one processed over a cable box - tends
to be pristine.
Enter your address on TVFool
and see what's in range. If the channels you want are "green" -
congratulations! You can buy almost any antenna and it will work. If you
don't have "green" rated channels, you will have to delve deeper into
understanding and implementing an antenna solution (e.g. roof
installation, costing more than $70). Read the
What Antenna should I buy? post by
/u/sylver_dragon (located in the side bar) and get ready to learn!
While TV Fool gives a very thorough analysis of what OTA reception
one can receive from one's location, sometimes it's too technical for
beginners, especially when it comes to differentiating between UHF and
VHF channels. Try the
FCC's website for digital TV transmission maps. Also try
Antenna Web - everything you wanted to know about OTA antennas.
You can even build your own antenna - check out the
DIY Home Antenna guide by
/u/ohmylemons.
If you've struck out with an antenna, don't worry - you can still
survive without cable and get traditional broadcast channels! Check out
the
OTA without an Antenna section below.
Also, check out the
OTA subreddit for more about antennas.
PVRs
Personal Video Recorders can be used, assuming you get good antenna
reception, to record (PVR) OTA television. Here are the most popular
ones:
- ChannelMaster DVR+ - no monthly subscription, 2 tuners, requires additional hardware (storage like an HDD)
- HomeWorx HW-150PVR - no monthly subscription (programming schedule doesn't extend far into the future), 1 tuner
- Simple.tv - $5/month or $150/lifetime, 2 tuners, requires additional hardware (an STB like a Roku and storage like an HDD)
- TabloTV - $5/month, $50/year or $150/lifetime, 2 OR 4 tuners, requires additional hardware (an STB like a Roku and storage like an HDD)
- Tivo Roamio - $15/month or $500/lifetime, 4 tuners
As an aside, the reason most PVR solutions cost a monthly
subscription is because they require electronic program guide (EPG)
data, which is constantly getting sent to the set top box. This data
allows you to schedule recording for upcoming shows in a series
automatically.
It's worth mentioning that you can also:
- Make a home theater PC (HTPC, aka Media PC) with a tuner card and
use Windows Media Center or MythTV to record OTA. More information in
the HTPC section below. Both software solutions have no monthly subscription.
- Subscribe to an OTA-without-an-antenna service. The two listed below both offer PVR functionality.
2. Streaming
Hardware
Streaming is the act of sending video/audio content over the internet to your TV. This requires some form
hardware
box, unless you have a "Smart" TV which has built in streaming
applications. For a list of different hardware options, go to the
Which Set Top Box (STB) Should I Get?
section below. Set top boxes vary in what streaming services they
offer, so be sure to check out each before buying. For example, the Tivo
Roamio can ONLY access Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video, so if
you like Amazon Prime Video, don't purchase a Tivo Roamio.
Services
Streaming content to a TV requires
services. A few free ones:
A few pay ones:
Not all streaming services offer the same content, so be aware of
what shows you like, research which streaming services offer them, and
subscribe accordingly. It is generally well accepted that Netflix has
the largest content library, but is stronger in movies, while Hulu has a
small library but is the strongest in television. Interestingly, Amazon
Prime videos has a large library as well, with unique shows that
neither Netflix or Hulu have. AndroidPolice.com did
a comparison of the most popular streaming services that is worth a read.
Content Aggregators
Don't want to search 10 different sites to find where to watch a
particular show? These sites do a good job of rounding up all the
different content sources in one place:
- Forekast.com - A crowd-sourced calendar for upcoming events.
- CanIStream.It - Shows you if a particular show/movie is available for streaming, and where.
- TVTimes.me - Free streams of TV Shows.
- Yidio - Allows you to search, discover, personalize and watch TV Shows & Movies across Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and others.
- JustWatch.com
Search for TV shows and movies across many steaming services, including
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Now, Showtime, Starz, iTunes,
Google Play, etc.
There are many sub-reddits that regularly post "best of" content from popular streaming services.
Online Television
There are a few internet services that provide television without an antenna:
NimbleTV
- NimbleTV limits access to traditional broadcast channels to people
with a New York City address (all other channels are available to anyone
in the U.S. or India)
- The basic $30/month plan offers 51 channels with 20 hrs of PVR storage with unlimited tuners
- Other plans are available, but the costs rise dramatically
Sling TV
- SlingTV doesn't offers traditional broadcast channels, but does offer cable channels
- The basic $20/month plan offers 15 channels (ESPN is the big draw) with no PVR
- The $25/month plan provides 24 channels (the 9 additional are all sports related)
USTVNow
- USTVNow provides traditional broadcast channel programming from central Pennsylvania
- The free plan provides 6 low-resolution channels that can be viewed on a PC or Mac
- The $29/month plan provides 28 high-resolution channels that can be
viewed on a device with a browser (PC, tablet, or smartphone) or Roku
- The $39/month plan provides everything that the above plan offers,
but with "unlimited" PVR storage and tuners that removes recordings
after 4 weeks
Playstation Vue
- Playstation Vue offers traditional broadcast channels in a handful
of markets (Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City,
Philadelphia and San Francisco, specifically), and cable channels
nationwide
- The basic Access Slim plan is $30 a month and includes 55 channels.
The Core Slim plan is $35 per month for 70 channels, and the Elite Slim
plan is $45 for 100+ channels. Some additional channels are available
as add-ons. A full list of available channels by plan can be found here
- The non-Slim plans, which include local channels in the
aforementioned markets, are $10 more per month. Note that, at present,
if you live in a market that has local channels available, you can not opt for a Slim plan. You will have to pay the increased cost for the plan that includes local channels
- All plans can be viewed on Playstation 4, Playstation 3, Amazon Fire TV devices, iPhone, and iPad
- All plans include "unlimited" PVR storage and tuners, but remove recordings after 30 days
- All plans include access to the various "TV Anywhere" websites and
apps run by most of the networks. You can activate this by selecting
Playstation Vue as your "cable operator" when accessing the app.
Before pulling the trigger, compare the price of the proposed service
against what television services your ISP can provide bundled. Many
cordcutters are happy with these services because of the transparent
pricing and how easy it is to cancel compared to traditional pay
television providers.
Screen Mirroring
Set top boxes are limited in what they can pull from the internet,
because apps typically must be created for the content to reach them.
Some content providers prefer not to develop apps for their content
(shows on CBS.com are probably the best example). To get ANY video on
the internet to your television, consider these tools:
PlayOn and Plex are software solutions that require a set top box
that has an equivalent PlayOn or Plex app to communicate with. All five
solutions require a separate computer that is on and sending the
information (a Mac computer in Apple TV's case). An inelegant solution,
but better than hooking up a laptop to the television.
Sports
Sling TV and
DishWorld
are your best bets for online access to a wide variety of sports.
Additionally, OTA channels will provide local teams. Check out the
/r/CordCutters Sports Guide
(also located in the side bar) for more information about league
specific options, such as NFL Game Pass, NBA League Pass, and MLB.tv.
3. Digital purchases
Streaming content won't cover all your needs. There will be some shows you will have to buy from
Apple iTunes (if you have an Apple TV) or
Amazon Instant Video,
Fandango Now (formerly known as M-GO),
Vudu,
etc. While many people are hesitant to purchase shows when they are
already paying for subscription streaming services, the truth is, even
after paying for both, you're still probably paying less than a pay TV
subscription.
This is the most dead-simple solution, but rarely mentioned. Get a
Blu-ray
or DVD player and purchase hard copies of seasons as they are released,
rent from Redbox periodically, or subscribe to Netflix's monthly
physical media subscription.
5. Downloading
Depending on what you download, this can get you into legal gray
area. Do so at your own discretion. To automate the downloading of
content, check out
The Complete Guide for Setting Up SABnzbd+, Sick Beard, CouchPotato, and Headphones (also located in the side bar) by
/u/amjwh99 and
TotalHTPC.com.
Which set top box (STB) should I get?
/u/dallasguy created
a detailed list of STBs and their respective functions. For a brief narrative of the most popular options, read below.
Buy a Device
Android Boxes and Sticks
There are a variety of Android Boxes and Android Sticks that are
available from an ever increasing number of manufacturers. If you are
well versed in using an Android Phone then you will catch on very
quickly on how to setup and use these devices. When shopping for a
device you should look for one with the latest version of Android and it
should include Google Play. Some devices offer Amazon as an Android
Store but you will never be able to install Google Play unless the
Manufacturer installs it which will limit you in many ways. Networking
can be by WiFi (especially for sticks) or for better HD Streaming choose
Wired. Once you hook it to your TV you will be able to stream content
from standard Android Apps including: Hulu, YouTube, Netflix or Kodi.tv
which can also play content from a local server or a directly connected
hard drive. You can also watch content from a SiliconDust or other
Shared TV Tuner. Some of the best unsaid features include the ability to
use a standard keyboard and mouse to turn your TV into a basic gaming
device, run office applications or browse the web(a cheap computer for
the kids). The best part about Android Devices is that you are not
locked into a propitiatory device. Adding Features or Streaming
Providers is as easy as downloading an App from the Play Store. Entry
devices can start at $25 for an Android Stick, $50 for a basic Android
Box or up to about $100 for an Android box with advanced features such
as multiple USB3.0 Ports, Android 5.1(at time of writing), Faster
Processors and GPUs, More Ram and Storage which makes things run faster.
Some models include webcams for teleconferencing and VOIP Phone
Services. Picking an exact device requires research of Reviews and
selecting a Retailer you can Trust to accept a return if there is a
problem.
Apple TV
The
Apple TV,
long considered a niche device, has taken to the forefront. If you’re
very invested in the Apple ecosystem, it’s a great choice. You have
access to many streaming options like Netflix and Hulu, as well as the
ability to purchase episodes and movies for streaming. The problem here
is the walled garden: if you live within the Apple ecosystem, it’s a
great choice, but you’re going to have to buy your episodes if your
stuff isn’t available via streaming services.
Amazon Fire TV
The
Amazon Fire TV
is the new kid on the block. Its claims to fame are powerful hardware,
voice search (currently working with Amazon content, Vevo, and Hulu
Plus), quick play of shows once they are selected (called ASAP, works
with Amazon content), and select Android games. It also is a great
choice for an XBMC box. Its downsides are lack of content channels
(mostly relative to Roku, it is already superior to Apple TV), and an
additional $40 expense if you would like to game on the system (although
other controllers with USB or bluetooth connections work). The general
consensus seems to be that the device will get better in time with
software updates. A solid choice for Prime users, casual gamers who
don't already own a gaming system, and people whose content needs aren't
robust enough to require a Roku or HTPC.
Google Chromecast
The
Google Chromecast
offers access to Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Google
Play media, and Plex. It requires a computer or Android device to act as
a remote. It also has a "tabcasting" feature that allows computer users
to click a button in their Chrome browser to push whatever they are
watching on the computer to the Chromecast. This feature is generically
called "screen mirroring", and is similar to Apple's AirPlay.
Roku
The
Roku
is kind of the grandaddy of the streaming boxes. It has a very
simplistic interface and a channel store with wide network adoption.
Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Amazon (On Demand / Prime) are all
available, as well as some paid specialty channels. Plex also has a
client that runs solidly well, using the Roku UI Experience. This device
is easy to setup, uses very little power, cheap ($50-$100) and simple
for use. Easily the Honda Civic of the bunch - the cheap little car that
works for almost everyone. Also, Roku has a
PLEX plugin, see below.
Boxee Box
The first Boxee Box was amazing, the new one not so much.
Boxee
is an interesting concept with a subpar function. The older Boxee Box
functioned a lot like the WD Live Hub - ability to stream as well as
play external content. The premise is simple: OTA channels and a cloud
PVR feature, as well as streaming services. The Cloud PVR service costs
an extra $9.99 per month. However, the newer Boxee TV (according to
recent reviews as of 12/2012) leaves a lot to be desired - reviewers
claim it is buggy, unfinished and won’t even recommend buying it. If
you’re feeling like a challenge, be my guest - but I would probably stay
away if I were you.
Game Consoles
Consoles are extremely common for streaming and often have the basic
services on board (Netflix, Hulu, various other streaming services). The
downsides: high cost to entry (a new Xbox 360 is around $200, so around
this price point), may require a separate subscription (Xbox Live Gold @
$59 per year) and high power usage. However, you are still able to use
Plex via the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, as the Media Server software
will still stream content to the console without having to use the Plex
Client. This is a good choice if you’re going to have a console (with a
subscription to Xbox Live, if on Xbox) already and just need to yank the
plug - and don’t mind that you’re not getting the same bells and
whistles.
Last generation consoles (i.e. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) are
typically a safer bet at this point since their app libraries are more
robust than current generation devices (i.e. Xbox One and PlayStation
4).
Google TV
The cool thing about
Google TV/Android
TV boxes is that they come in varying shapes, sizes, colors, each with
their own strengths and weaknesses. A good example of one of these boxes
is the Vizio CoStar: you will have access to many Android apps, such as
Netflix and Amazon, as well as the GoogleTV versions of Plex. However,
your mileage may vary. HBO Go and Hulu Plus seem to not currently work
with the CoStar, but you may have luck with other Android boxes with
these apps - I would recommend this for the tech oriented folk, rather
than a mainstream consumer.
WD TV Live
If the Roku is the Honda Civic, the
WD TV Live
is a lot like a Swiss Army Knife. It reportedly plays most, if not all,
formats that are thrown at it as well as streams from Netflix, Hulu
Plus, Spotify, YouTube, Vudu as well as various other services that are a
little more niche or specialized. This is a good choice if you have a
lot of downloaded files, in varying formats, and don’t have/want a media
server running through Plex.
Build a Device
Android
There are a few Android TV appliances on the market now and many new emerging players.
see above
G-Box Style
This is a little black box about the size of an Apple TV. Runs
Android, XBMC, has multuple USB ports, etc. Usually $80 to $100.
XBMC has been ported to Android. Also check out
Mizuu.
On a Stick
About the size of a thumb drive, this includes devices such as the MK808. Usually has 1 USB port. Priced around $60 to $80.
HTPC
Generally this is a PC plugged into a TV, also called a Media PC.
/r/htpc is a tremendous resource. You can build one yourself or buy one for under $300 from Fry's,
Newegg, Amazon, etc. Make sure it has HDMI and low noise. The sky is the limit as far as HTPC customization goes.
HD HomeRun
HDHomeRun is a device you plug into your cable/antenna and home
ethernet network. You can then watch TV over your network via Windows
Media Center, EyeTV, MythTV, etc. There are 2 models of HDHomeRun, the
Dual and the Prime. The dual is for unencrypted (ClearQAM/ATSC)
channels and the Prime is for premium channels (via CableCard). The
Prime
does NOT support ATSC broadcasts.
PCI and PCIe Tuner Cards
These cards are installed in a spare PCI or PCIe slot on the
motherboard. They can be as low as $15-20 on eBay. The ATI TV Wonder 650
is a popular card that works great under Windows. Keep in mind that not
all will have Linux drivers - something to keep in mind.
Plex
Originally based on XBMC,
Plex
is both a server and a client. The server installs on your media
server, scans your downloaded media collection and the serves it out to a
client. The clients can be an HTPC or a Roku, iPhone/iPad, Android,
etc, or combination of devices. MyPlex is a free service that allows
you to make your server discoverable and accessible from the public
internet (for example, via a cellular network) without mucking around
with port forwarding. You can also use it to share your server with your
friends.
If you're interested in using Plex with a set top box rather than an HTPC, check out the
Plex Clients and Plex Supported STBs List by
/u/dethkultur.
Windows Media Center
(WMC) runs on Windows. Similar to XBMC but not as customizable. Good
for watching Live TV (via TV Card or HD HomeRun) and watching local
media via
Media Browser or similar plugins.
XBMC
This is a tinkerer’s paradise.
XBMC
installs on an HTPC. Boom, you’ve got a media center that scrapes your
local files, download movie clipart and metadata, and subtitles, and
looks fantastic. However, things don’t work that easily all the time -
Netflix and Hulu can be a frustrating thing to setup, as they rely on
external plugins, and inevitably, you’re going to find some bugs. My
advice: if you’re the kind of person who likes to tinker and mess with
your media center, changing parts, scanning for optimization and
hobbying the shit out of it, it’s worth a try, but be aware that the
price of admission isn’t always simple. Supports a number of awesome
plugins, including
PseudoTV.
DLNA and NAS
Digital Living Network Alliance
DLNA is a streaming protocol, similar to CIFS but optimized for media
streaming. Generally, you will find DLNA streaming support in devices
such as SmartTVs, PS3, etc.
Network-Attached Storage
NAS is a server or appliance that stores media files and serves them
up to clients on your network. NAS Servers come in many shapes and
sizes, ranging from dedicated NAS appliances such as
DroboFS or
Synology NAS
to NAS built in to WIFI routers, or you can build your own NAS server.
If you want to build your own there are a million different software
packages and options available (FreeNAS, unRAID, etc).
See these threads.
NAS Clients can be a Media PC, WD TV, PS3, Xbox, etc.
The most common NAS Protocol is CIFS which is built into Windows,
Mac, Linux, and XBMC and is supported by most HTPC-style devices.
Do you have a huge collection of DVDs/Blu-ray discs and want to make digital copies and serve them on a NAS? Lifehacker put a
guide together which outlines this process. Also,
this thread has useful information.
