I know TV streaming services have been beat to death here...what a damn scam they are

[DawgNatty]

I've had Hulu for the last 4-5 years and it's been great.  But, it's nothing special and they keep raising prices.  It's ~$100 per month now.  

I've been eyeing Sling, but they literally MAKE you pay for the highest service level if you want college football.  To the point that they've figured out NOT to put ESPN with certain packages to get you to sign up for others.   Not to mention, with Sling you have to have the highest level package to get to more than 1 screen at a time.  

Curious to know (again) what everyone is using?   I don't think there's a way to "win" for under $85.00 anymore. 

Sorry to rant, just a little frustrated.  We've reached the point where streaming is exactly where cable prices were.   And, at least cable was somewhat simple in that you just turned on the TV and didn't have to jump around services.  (not asking to go back...it had it's set of problems)  

Anyway, "get off my lawn" and "for heaven sakes, will you get up and change the channel?".

[Tomato Sandwich]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it. I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

[DawgNatty]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it.  I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

What antenna are you using?  I used to do that...thinking of exploring it again.  

Part of my problem...and I probably shouldn't share this, but it's part of the issue...I have 8 TV's that I use in different areas of the house.

[JC-DAWG83]

I have DirectTV streaming, it is $93 a month. I get everything I want but I don't get everything offered. I don't get SEC Network, never watched it when I had it, but I get ESPN and all the networks so I can see every game I really want to see. We have Netflix and Amazon Prime for movies and other series we might want to watch. I don't get Braves games either but that is OK because I don't really enjoy watching baseball on tv and I don't follow the Braves closely. I could get SECN and the Braves if I wanted to upgrade the package but I don't care enough to pay the extra money.

I like the fact that there is no cable to the tv, just a little box that picks up the wifi signal, so I can move a tv to anywhere on my property that gets wifi.

[Tomato Sandwich]

I use the Mohu Leaf 70. And, yeah, the 8 tvs is an issue for sure, we only have 3 and two operate on the same antenna. I also think being in Athens is a bit of a broadcast desert since y'all have no local affiliates. You will need a very strong antenna to get the signals from Atlanta. Have you tried the Hulu non-live option? They have a lot of network programming you just have to wait a few days after it originally airs to stream it. I believe they bundle that with ESPN Unlimited for under $40. Might be worth giving it a shot. To be honest, if I was in your situation I might go back to cable. Luckily we have a tower for all 4 major network plus PBS all within 25 miles of our house.

[DawgNatty]

I have DirectTV streaming, it is $93 a month.  I get everything I want but I don't get everything offered.  I don't get SEC Network, never watched it when I had it, but I get ESPN and all the networks so I can see every game I really want to see.  We have Netflix and Amazon Prime for movies and other series we might want to watch.  I don't get Braves games either but that is OK because I don't really enjoy watching baseball on tv and I don't follow the Braves closely.  I could get SECN and the Braves if I wanted to upgrade the package but I don't care enough to pay the extra money.

I like the fact that there is no cable to the tv, just a little box that picks up the wifi signal, so I can move a tv to anywhere on my property that gets wifi.

That seems to be the magic number....just under $100.   I'm paying about $98 with Hulu and get everything except the Braves.   (I'm the same as you there...love the Braves, but I've had to pick my battles and watching Braves games 4-5 nights a week is definitely one I lost )

[dncdawg]

I also use DirecTV Stream after using Hulu+Live for 6-7 years.  Hulu was great for content, older shows on demand, channel lineup and all of the ESPN networks, but I ran into transmission issues from time to time that got too frequent.  It was 100% a Hulu issue.  I still get the lowest tier Hulu for free through Verizon or someone so I use it for on-demand stuff, but the ad breaks are annoying.  With DTV, (or at least my package) I also get ESPN Unlimited (so you can do multi-screens for games, etc. when you go through the ESPN app.)  Picture quality and guide are about the same as Hulu+Live.  Plus you get Fanduel so you can watch the Braves or whatever regional sports they are showing.  Also with Hulu, you have to pay $10 extra to use more than 3 TVs at a time.  Not a problem for many, but I have a lot of TVs in my mancave.  DTV allows unlimited TVs without additional fees.

Clark Howard has this comparison that I look at from time to time.  Helps with comparing pricing and lineups.  I don't think it's 100% accurate because (for example) it says DTV only allows one profile, but that is not true.  We have multiple profiles.

[McDonoughDawg]

I use direct stream I pay them too much, but it works well..unlimited in home streams, 3 streams not on my home WiFi…bailed us out at my Sons house last weekend with the YouTube blackout..

I am still paying $100 less for ATT Fiber (great if you can get it) and Direct stream than Comcast was going to charge me..I think I am one package below the top one with the sports package added on..also affords me the ESPN unlimited app…unlimited DVR with 9 month storage time..

[DawgNatty]

I also use DirecTV Stream after using Hulu+Live for 6-7 years.  Hulu was great for content, older shows on demand, channel lineup and all of the ESPN networks, but I ran into transmission issues from time to time that got too frequent.  It was 100% a Hulu issue.  I still get the lowest tier Hulu for free through Verizon or someone so I use it for on-demand stuff, but the ad breaks are annoying.  With DTV, (or at least my package) I also get ESPN Unlimited (so you can do multi-screens for games, etc. when you go through the ESPN app.)  Picture quality and guide are about the same as Hulu+Live.  Plus you get Fanduel so you can watch the Braves or whatever regional sports they are showing.  Also with Hulu, you have to pay $10 extra to use more than 3 TVs at a time.  Not a problem for many, but I have a lot of TVs in my mancave.  DTV allows unlimited TVs without additional fees.

Clark Howard has this comparison that I look at from time to time.  Helps with comparing pricing and lineups.  I don't think it's 100% accurate because (for example) it says DTV only allows one profile, but that is not true.  We have multiple profiles.

This is great info!!   Thanks for sharing.

[Toasty B]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it.  I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

The answer is really IPTV

[Tomato Sandwich]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it.  I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

The answer is really IPTV

IDKWTFTI

[DawgNatty]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it.  I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

The answer is really IPTV

IDKWTFTI

I'm with Mater on this one!

[Toasty B]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it.  I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

The answer is really IPTV

IDKWTFTI

I'm with Mater on this one!

I don't know the best way to make it werk.  It's about any channel you can think of for like $30 mo.  There are many IPTV providers mostly European.  You need a VP
and some Tech knowledge but you can get about anything including Afghani goat ball

[deathdawg]

Sling works if course but it’s possibly the most fly focked user interface of them all. Just horrid. YoutubeTV probably has the best. I’m hoping they get it worked out.

[Punkin14]

I have Hulu Live but only keep it for football season. l agree the price has gotten out of control. Next season I may just use the ESPN app for games..I usually watch the Dawgs at a local bar anyway.

[DawgNatty]

HD antenna and ESPN unlimited for $30/month. But we've discussed this before. And you are correct, streaming is as expensive as cable was when I left it.  I'm glad I have zero interest in any cable network aside from watching CFB.

The answer is really IPTV

IDKWTFTI

I'm with Mater on this one!

I don't know the best way to make it werk.  It's about any channel you can think of for like $30 mo.  There are many IPTV providers mostly European.  You need a VP
and some Tech knowledge but you can get about anything including Afghani goat ball

What's a VP?

[JC-DAWG83]

I use direct stream I pay them too much, but it works well..unlimited in home streams, 3 streams not on my home WiFi…bailed us out at my Sons house last weekend with the YouTube blackout..

I am still paying $100 less for ATT Fiber (great if you can get it) and Direct stream than Comcast was going to charge me..I think I am one package below the top one with the sports package added on..also affords me the ESPN unlimited app…unlimited DVR with 9 month storage time..

That is what I have.  ATT fiber is great and is very reasonable.  I think my total monthly outlay for TV and internet is $165.  Comcast had gotten up to around $270 when I had them before ATT/DirectTV.

[Tomato Sandwich]

The answer is really IPTV

IDKWTFTI

I'm with Mater on this one!

I don't know the best way to make it werk.  It's about any channel you can think of for like $30 mo.  There are many IPTV providers mostly European.  You need a VP
and some Tech knowledge but you can get about anything including Afghani goat ball

What's a VP?

I think he meant VPN to hide your location so the US content is not restricted

[ugafan49]

Cox cable for 34 years, 175 a month includes internet.

[DawgNatty]

Cox cable for 34 years, 175 a month  includes internet.

That’s not terrible with internet.   

God love you for putting up with them for that long.    

Hulu has been the best service I’ve ever had to be honest.   No contract and no equipment.    

I just think the $100 per month is excessive.    But, then again…it’s $15 to eat fast food these days.