DirecTV -- why also Roku, Chromecast, etc.?

by FatFreek 2005 5 Replies latest social entertainment

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  FatFreek 2005

  We already have DirecTV as one of its earliest subscribers (1994). We have always had their latest DVRs(where we can skip commercials, pause, slo mo, resume, etc), have their premier insurance for all our hardware, and have their basic entertainment package, including movies, sports, family and music channels -- some over 150 channels that include local channels. No premium channels.

  I hear folks talking how they love those set top boxes (sticks, dongles, etc) that don't cost an arm and a leg -- a one time charge -- and can forever stream movies and programs. Yes, you need fast unlimited internet for those to work and we have that.

  Can I save dollars by getting one of these pieces of hardware, then go with the cheapest DirecTV package at some $17 savings.

  Len
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  Simon

  I like the ChromeCast - great for watching Netflix and we'll probably start renting / buying things from Google Play (already have the music subscription). You can also watch YouTube which is handy.

  It's strange, years ago people spent lots of time and effort on Media Center PCs and having digitized content that they could stream and now you get all that with a $39 tiny thing that plugs straight into your TV. No more discs to buy and lose - watch anything, anywhere, anytime.

  Has to be the future, right?
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  Terry

  Me like my Roku. Yes me do.
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  FatFreek 2005

  Thanks, guys.
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  Phizzy

  What do you guys in the U.K recommend ?

  I have a Sky package at present which has a load of crap on it, just the occasional good thing on Sky Arts but basically i don't need Sky, I mainly watch stuff that will be on Freeview anyway, but I was wondering about one of those boxes mentioned above, anything good here in the U.K ?
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  quest81

  FatFreek2005: If you are looking to cut down on your sat TV bill or simply increase the hub of your entertainment sources, streaming devices are a must have. Not only will they improve content available to you, they also offer flexibility of where to watch desired content. For instance, you can simply plug in a Chromecast dongle into the HDMI port of an older non-smart TV (with no apps) and be ready to watch stuff from Netflix cast from your phone or tablet in your kitchen while you cook. This is definitely cheaper than getting another DirecTV client which you'd have to pay monthly subscriptions for.

  That said though, the best content will require subscriptions so I guess you will have to do the math on what you really need. Most TVs and blu-ray players these days come pre-loaded with the most popular apps to stream content (Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu, YouTube etc).