Getting Rid of Cable- What am I missing?

[gourimoko]

@Tornicade @gourimoko what is the legality of torrenting? I have actually done it for a few playoff games that I want to be able to watch for memories sake (i.e. 2009 Cavs Magic game 2), and I know it's a lot harder to get caught than a direct download, but I've read that people have gotten in some major legal trouble doing it.

Thanks to everyone for all the information.

It's illegal, period.

With that said, it is rare to see someone get in a lot of trouble for downloading torrents - the problem arises when you setup seedboxes. That's who companies go after. If anything your cable company will send you a warning letter saying "umm, you're being too obvious."

To avoid that, use common sense precautions, such as: avoid honeypots, use encryption, use a cheap and easy to use proxy server (you'll never get caught and costs ~$15/year if you have time to set it up yourself).

As X said, yes, Usenet is another option. You will never get a legal notice for using it, and it's vastly superior to torrenting for a great many things. The only problem with usenet is that it's not as vastly used, and thus, there is less content. But for popular content, you'll very likely find much of what you're looking for. Unlike torrenting however, usenet is not free; but with that said, usenet is far far faster than any other method and that's really what you're paying for (the bandwidth).

An Astraweb membership (just randomly picked, not my pick necessarily), can be found right now for $6.67/mo or about $80/year. It's cheaper than Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, etc, and offers more content.

Also, if you play games on your PC, have a modded last-gen consoles that you still use, or play lots of PS1/PS2 games, then Usenet is fantastic.

 

[Snarly]

It's illegal, period.

With that said, it is rare to see someone get in a lot of trouble for downloading torrents - the problem arises when you setup seedboxes. That's who companies go after. If anything your cable company will send you a warning letter saying "umm, you're being too obvious."

To avoid that, use common sense precautions, such as: avoid honeypots, use encryption, use a cheap and easy to use proxy server (you'll never get caught and costs ~$15/year if you have time to set it up yourself).

As X said, yes, Usenet is another option. You will never get a legal notice for using it, and it's vastly superior to torrenting for a great many things. The only problem with usenet is that it's not as vastly used, and thus, there is less content. But for popular content, you'll very likely find much of what you're looking for. Unlike torrenting however, usenet is not free; but with that said, usenet is far far faster than any other method and that's really what you're paying for (the bandwidth).

An Astraweb membership (just randomly picked, not my pick necessarily), can be found right now for $6.67/mo or about $80/year. It's cheaper than Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, etc, and offers more content.

Also, if you play games on your PC, have a modded last-gen consoles that you still use, or play lots of PS1/PS2 games, then Usenet is fantastic.

 

[Nicky]

Has anyone heard of Streamsmart, if so, what are your thoughts?

 

[Tornicade]

Its a kodi streamer that's way out of my price range. I am assuming the channel up account is like onechannel.


I don't like that your paying 350 450 bucks for a streamer that doesn't have an hdmi in

KitKat would mean that Netflix and hulu are also accessible.

If I have issues streaming from amc (which happens frequently and it seems like they make you relogin every hour or so . it is easier for me to just pull the show up and watch it from onechannel that night.

It can run at 5 ghz. which is good if you have a dual band router and live in the city. (less interference)

The Channelup channel selection is a pretty good one for 10 dollars a month. the TSN sports packages covers a lot of sports and anything you cant find there you should be able to find on the Kodi.so its a 10 a month value. I just wasn't able to confirm how long the subscription last.

I would look for a cheaper alternative.

just don't buy it from P5sales
1/31 eBay alert!!!! If you bought your unit from “p5sales” email us right away to exchange your unit. Your current unit will not be covered under warranty and will be shut off. Email: info@streamsmart.tv


I'm also not sure if the Netherlands station is legal in the us as they have a disclaimer saying your on your own legaly in North America.

Personally id go with the GBOX
http://matricom.net/g-box-q/

Lollipop 5.0 and full android access. In fact I just ordered it.

 

[Tornicade]

I got the android 5.1 g Box tonight. and I have been real impressed. Terminal emulater was preinstalled. that lets me know right away that I can put Linux on if I choose. Why.. well I could run Playon server directly from the box instead of as a client to another device.

The set up connection to the 5 ghz band was easy enough and right away I could access my media server and stream. still had issue with the live channels but that's a network problem.

Matricom had google store and it own app store. They mouse is okay. not as good as mt neoprime remote but I'm hopeful I can adapt it.

One of the preinstalled apps that caught my eye was a smart remot which I am betting I could tune to my tv and playstation If I wanna run the g box as a remote..

You can add a keyboard and mouse . I also seen multiple type of Bluetooth tools.

After watching a video. I went to google play and downloaded kodi, Hulu and Netflix as well as playon (in hopes the app might stream live channels better). I also got the Uverse app.

The control has a direction button with a mouse toggle button. the remote mouse is really slow and there is no keyboard function on the actual remote.

However with full android access I believe if I fiddled around I could replace the remote.

The home key takes you to the home screen of course but there is a widget that will let me customize a toolbar of sorts.

The box itself has two usb connectors. I haven't tried my 4 4 slot usb hub on it but I'm not anticipating any issues. it has an sd slot and I believe a micro SD slot.


DLNA player and renderer and aircast.


I got some time off next week. The box definitely has some potential but I can see a lot of room to customize it to get it the way I want.

Pros
Android 5.1 with no vendor restrictions
Kodi Support
5 ghz band wireless.
completely customizeable

cons
The remote
No HDMI IN

 

[David.]

I have everything, including sports, for just my phone bill which is 60.

Foxfi, netflix is a borrowed account, sports: reddit/nbastreams is just ad good as ballstreams. Nbafull or nbahd has full replays.

Torrents for everything else.

HDMI to 65 inch. If more mobile, Roku connected to laptop hdmi, foxfi connecting to laptop connect to connectify to give roku internet. Or in can use Ethernet.

Either option also works for xbox etc, but I'm getting rid of it bc it's a time trap

Five or so years in, saving 120 a month, I've saved abt 7,000.

 

[Tornicade]

One less Con I was able to Pair my neoprime remote to the android G box. Bluetooth or USB remotes are very easy to adapt. Much nicer with a full touch mouse remote w/keyboard

 

[David.]

Could use some help..

Foxfi is no bueno as an internet source to use to stream netflix..

I've been messing around with different things for awhile and nothing is a winner yet..

But I've decided, I think, on chromecast..

Am I able to use foxfi as my internet source and chromecast as my netflix source to display on laptop and tv?

I can't get the internet configuration down.. The phone pushes foxfi, the laptop pushes connectify.. Chromecast apparently doesn't like this config..

I can't use the chromecast app bc it converges internet source, making both the source internet and the chromecast internet the same, and wifi tether is way limited, leaving me with a basrardized foxfi to laptop, push connectify that lets chromecast pull connectify, again, but again chromecast doesn't like this configuration

 

[Tornicade]

Why not just get a phone with its own wifi hotspot.
PdaNet+FoxFi Usage Guidant


======WiFi Mode==========
Due to lockdowns through each phone system update, WiFi mode will only be allowed on a short list of compatible devices. IN GENERAL:
---Verizon Samsung phones (S3/4/5/6/Edge, Note 2/3/4/5), Verizon LG phones (G2/G3/G4) and Verizon Sony phones (Z3) are supported by all Android versions including Android 5.0/5.1.
---Verizon HTC phones (M7/8/DNA) will only work on Android 4.1 ~ 4.4.
---Verizon Motorola phones will only work on Android 4.3 or below.
---AT&T Samsung phones will only work on Android 4.2 or below.
---Other carriers/phones will only work if they still have Android 4.0 or below.
---Straight Talk phones will only work if it uses Verizon and are compatible with the above.
---For all other phones, use USB mode or Bluetooth mode instead.


======USB Mode=========
USB mode works on almost all Android phones. It allows connection from Windows PC or Mac. In addition, PdaNet comes with a "WiFi Share" feature that can further turn the Windows PC into a WiFi Hotspot so that you can connect other devices to it and share your phone's Internet connection.
*T-Mobile or MetroPCS users can only use USB mode with "Hide Tether Usage" enabled in PdaNet. This will break Netflix however.
*If your phone is not recognized by your computer after connecting USB, please see http://pdanet.co/driver
*Please treat Windows tablets (non RT) the same as Windows PC.


======Bluetooth Mode======
Bluetooth mode allows connection from Windows PC, Android tablets (excludes Android 4.4) or devices that supports Bluetooth DUN.
*A system bug in Android 4.4 for tablets will break Bluetooth mode, this is fixed in Android 5.0 or later.
*For Android tablets it is possible only the browser app will work in Bluetooth mode. That is because other apps may be looking for wifi or cell phone connection and not recognize the Bluetooth Internet.
*One way around the above two issues is to find a wifi hotspot to connect the tablet to at the same time (such wifi hotspot does not need to provide Internet access).

Youll either need to bridge the connection or use a tablet to control the Chromecast and surf the internet

or if you have a wireless router you can possibly tether the phone into the router usb connection.

 

[GreatGoo]

I read most of this thread, but a lot of it is over my head. I currently have Cox Cable and my monthly bill is $225. I want out, but need your help!

Current Situation:

• My Cox Cable bill includes TV, phone, and internet. I need to get rid of my house phone in general. There is no need for it.
• The only thing that is really keeping me with Cox is live sports.
• I have a fire stick in all my TVs.
• I want to cut the cable cord, but I also don't want to spend 15 minutes to setup all the workarounds so I can watch something on my TV.

Questions:

1. Seems like Sling TV will give you a lot of your basic cable channels. Is Sling TV the best way to go?
2. What is the most convenient way to watch the cavs when they are on Fox Sports Ohio?
3. What about the Browns & Indians?
4. What do you do about HBO & Showtime? I like some of their series. Particularly Game of Thrones, Billions, Shameless, Girls.
5. Who provides the best internet service in Cleveland?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Nicky]

I read most of this thread, but a lot of it is over my head. I currently have Cox Cable and my monthly bill is $225. I want out, but need your help!

Current Situation:

• My Cox Cable bill includes TV, phone, and internet. I need to get rid of my house phone in general. There is no need for it.
• The only thing that is really keeping me with Cox is live sports.
• I have a fire stick in all my TVs.
• I want to cut the cable cord, but I also don't want to spend 15 minutes to setup all the workarounds so I can watch something on my TV.

Questions:

1. Seems like Sling TV will give you a lot of your basic cable channels. Is Sling TV the best way to go?
2. What is the most convenient way to watch the cavs when they are on Fox Sports Ohio?
3. What about the Browns & Indians?
4. What do you do about HBO & Showtime? I like some of their series. Particularly Game of Thrones, Billions, Shameless, Girls.
5. Who provides the best internet service in Cleveland?

Thanks for any help!

I'm switching from Cox Internet to AT&T. The first year with AT&T internet is 35 a month. It then jumps to 65.

I'm torn between Kodi and Shield. Another option is PlayStation Vue which dropped from $50 to $35 a month. I believe the have Sports channels available (not sure if it's live).

 

[KI4MVP]

I read most of this thread, but a lot of it is over my head. I currently have Cox Cable and my monthly bill is $225. I want out, but need your help!

Current Situation:

• My Cox Cable bill includes TV, phone, and internet. I need to get rid of my house phone in general. There is no need for it.
• The only thing that is really keeping me with Cox is live sports.
• I have a fire stick in all my TVs.
• I want to cut the cable cord, but I also don't want to spend 15 minutes to setup all the workarounds so I can watch something on my TV.

Questions:

1. Seems like Sling TV will give you a lot of your basic cable channels. Is Sling TV the best way to go?
2. What is the most convenient way to watch the cavs when they are on Fox Sports Ohio?
3. What about the Browns & Indians?
4. What do you do about HBO & Showtime? I like some of their series. Particularly Game of Thrones, Billions, Shameless, Girls.
5. Who provides the best internet service in Cleveland?

Thanks for any help!

HBO and Showtime both now allow subscriptions without cable.

 

[gourimoko]

I read most of this thread, but a lot of it is over my head. I currently have Cox Cable and my monthly bill is $225. I want out, but need your help!

Sure!

Questions:

1. Seems like Sling TV will give you a lot of your basic cable channels. Is Sling TV the best way to go?

Don't have one, but I've heard great things. Considering picking one up myself to be honest; $20/month isn't bad at all.

1. What is the most convenient way to watch the cavs when they are on Fox Sports Ohio?

PM me.

1. What about the Browns & Indians?

See above.

1. What do you do about HBO & Showtime? I like some of their series. Particularly Game of Thrones, Billions, Shameless, Girls.

See @KI4MVP 's answer. Just subscribe directly or, https://www.sling.com/HBO.

1. Who provides the best internet service in Cleveland?

Thanks for any help!

It used to be me to be perfectly honest, maybe @Man Called X has picked up the slack since I've left Ohio, but, when I was there it was Time Warner Cable in the CH-UH area.

As I recall though, there were pretty strict regional zoning issues where you didn't have many options; TWC was the only cable provider allowed to offer service in my area. I could go with ATT or some other DSL provider, but there was no fiber system (i.e. FiOS) in my area.

 

[Cavatt]

I just wanna say something about sling. I really liked the limited options. El Rey was sick and I added on HBO. Having Tnt and ESPN was awesome for bball. I noticed that I don't just sit around flipping through shit channels. I look around don't see anything and then watch a movie or just do something else. I realized how much time I wasted looking at so many shitty channels.

 

[Tornicade]

PlayStation vue seems very competitive. its 30 dollars for the base package but its looks better than the slingtv one. It also doesn't appear to have any device playback limitations as you can use on your playstation. Ipad or firestick. (more platforms please)