Cutting the Cord

[cyIclSoneU]

Ok, so I guess I'm becoming more technically challenged as I get older. Here's where I'm at now as we plan to move back to the DSM area in 2 weeks:

Internet options: CentryLink 5 Mbps (yikes) for $14.99 for first 6 months or Mediacom at 100 Mbps for $49.99 for first 12 months. Neither readily says what is goes to after the promo periods. I assume CL won't be adequate?

Think I've settled on Vue. I have a PS3. We will probably downsize to 2 TVs when we move. So it sounds like I'll need to buy a Roku or FireTV, correct? Any suggestions which? Have a 60" Vizio that we use for our main TV (it can stream Netflix, Prime, and Hulu). I assume we'll want to use the new device for that to get the best picture? Our other is an older 42" in our bedroom. I assume the PS3 would go there.

I'll need an antenna to get OTAs (do I need 2?).

Will that cover me?

I would not do 5 Mbps with Vue. In fact the Vue FAQ recommends a minimum of 10 Mbps, and if your package is "up to 5" from CL you'll probably pull around 3.5 consistently. If you are doing Vue and those are your only options, the 100 Mbps is a no-brainer.

 

[Tailg8er]

Ok, so I guess I'm becoming more technically challenged as I get older. Here's where I'm at now as we plan to move back to the DSM area in 2 weeks:

Internet options: CentryLink 5 Mbps (yikes) for $14.99 for first 6 months or Mediacom at 100 Mbps for $49.99 for first 12 months. Neither readily says what is goes to after the promo periods. I assume CL won't be adequate?

I'll need an antenna to get OTAs (do I need 2?).

Will that cover me?

I would not do 5 Mbps with Vue. In fact the Vue FAQ recommends a minimum of 10 Mbps, and if your package is "up to 5" from CL you'll probably pull around 3.5 consistently. If you are doing Vue and those are your only options, the 100 Mbps is a no-brainer.

Yeah, I think it was Netflix or something that recommended 5 Mbps PER stream, so if you happened to be using both TV's you'd want at least 20 Mbps 'claimed' speed.

As far as the OTAs go, 2 antennas would probably be best. I think adequate ones can be had pretty cheap ($20-30), assuming you live near enough a bigger city. I'm using the one Dish sent me for free in Johnston & I get all of our locals. I'm not sure how splitters work with antennas, so that could be something worth reading up on too.

 

[CycloneGamecock]

Ok, so I guess I'm becoming more technically challenged as I get older. Here's where I'm at now as we plan to move back to the DSM area in 2 weeks:

Internet options: CentryLink 5 Mbps (yikes) for $14.99 for first 6 months or Mediacom at 100 Mbps for $49.99 for first 12 months. Neither readily says what is goes to after the promo periods. I assume CL won't be adequate?

Think I've settled on Vue. I have a PS3. We will probably downsize to 2 TVs when we move. So it sounds like I'll need to buy a Roku or FireTV, correct? Any suggestions which? Have a 60" Vizio that we use for our main TV (it can stream Netflix, Prime, and Hulu). I assume we'll want to use the new device for that to get the best picture? Our other is an older 42" in our bedroom. I assume the PS3 would go there.

I'll need an antenna to get OTAs (do I need 2?).

Will that cover me?

I would grab a Roku for the big tv. If you have an antenna mounted in the attic pulling good signal you can split it, otherwise you might want an antenna for each.

 

[clonebb]

2 antenna's are only needed in the Des Moines area if you want to reliably get ABC channel 5 all the time. That one is difficult because of the frequency and power that they transmit.

You can get an outdoor antenna and connect it through the existing cable line junction. Then you only need one.

 

[isucy86]

Ok, so I guess I'm becoming more technically challenged as I get older. Here's where I'm at now as we plan to move back to the DSM area in 2 weeks. .... I'll need an antenna to get OTAs (do I need 2?).

Will that cover me?

I would buy a UHF antennae and see if you can pull in ABC. I cut the cord about 7 years ago and have had mixed results with a pretty basic $30 RCA antennae purchased from Best Buy. I have lived in 3 different locations over the 7 years. I pulled in ABC 5 when I lived on the west side of DSM (55th & Grand area) and Waukee. I just had to experiment with antennae placement.

I currently live in Johnston and am not able to get ABC 5. I was a bit surprised as the antennae is in a 2nd floor room, but the fact it faces south might be the problem. I experimented with a highly rated Mohu antennae with 60 mile range after I first moved in and still didn't get ABC 5 (although I did get a few new religious channels). I got some work to do before college football season.

 

[khardbored]

Des Moines guys...What indoor antenna are you using for locals? I purchased the #1 selling antenna on Amazon, but can't pull ABC.

Amazon product
Thanks for any suggestions

Check the OTA threads for channel 5. That channel is on a very difficult to pick up low frequency VHF? I think. It almost requires a seperate anntenna depending on location.

I would buy a UHF antennae and see if you can pull in ABC. I cut the cord about 7 years ago and have had mixed results with a pretty basic $30 RCA antennae purchased from Best Buy. I have lived in 3 different locations over the 7 years. I pulled in ABC 5 when I lived on the west side of DSM (55th & Grand area) and Waukee. I just had to experiment with antennae placement.

I currently live in Johnston and am not able to get ABC 5. I was a bit surprised as the antennae is in a 2nd floor room, but the fact it faces south might be the problem. I experimented with a highly rated Mohu antennae with 60 mile range after I first moved in and still didn't get ABC 5 (although I did get a few new religious channels). I got some work to do before college football season.

I always found it odd that I had such a hard time pulling in only ABC (channel 5) in the Des Moines area, esp. considering the transmission towers are all within a quarter mile or so of each other. The above was really helpful, thanks!

I used to have an "old fashioned" set of rabbit ears which actually worked better for ABC, in hindsight.

 

[ricochet]

I would buy a UHF antennae and see if you can pull in ABC. I cut the cord about 7 years ago and have had mixed results with a pretty basic $30 RCA antennae purchased from Best Buy. I have lived in 3 different locations over the 7 years. I pulled in ABC 5 when I lived on the west side of DSM (55th & Grand area) and Waukee. I just had to experiment with antennae placement.

I currently live in Johnston and am not able to get ABC 5. I was a bit surprised as the antennae is in a 2nd floor room, but the fact it faces south might be the problem. I experimented with a highly rated Mohu antennae with 60 mile range after I first moved in and still didn't get ABC 5 (although I did get a few new religious channels). I got some work to do before college football season.

A UHF antenna is a terrible choice to try and get channel 5. Prior to June 2009 they were broadcasting on their temporary digital frequency which was channel 59. A UHF channel would have worked back then but not so much now. I think they also transmitted from West Des Moines instead of Alleman back then. After they moved back to channel 5 you really need a VHF antenna to pull it in. I have a good old fashioned yagi style outdoor antenna in the attic above the garage and it works great to get all the Des Moines stations.

 

[isucy86]

A UHF antenna is a terrible choice to try and get channel 5. Prior to June 2009 they were broadcasting on their temporary digital frequency which was channel 59. A UHF channel would have worked back then but not so much now. I think they also transmitted from West Des Moines instead of Alleman back then. After they moved back to channel 5 you really need a VHF antenna to pull it in. I have a good old fashioned yagi style outdoor antenna in the attic above the garage and it works great to get all the Des Moines stations.

Can't disagree, but I only recently moved to Johnston. So my basic RCA UHF antennae pulled in ABC 5 just great on the west side of DSM and Waukee. My experience is the distance above ground and northern window exposure both aid in pulling in ABC 5.

For the person moving to DSM, to possibly save some cash - I'd see how a UHF works.

 

[cycloneworld]

Thanks for all of the advice. Seems like there is a consensus on the Roku 4 and I'll have to play around with OTA antennas to see what works best.

 

[Bader]

Thanks for all of the advice. Seems like there is a consensus on the Roku 4 and I'll have to play around with OTA antennas to see what works best.

If you're going Vue get a FireTV box. I don't have a roku but the consensus is the Vue client on Roku sucks. The client on FireTV has worked great, and Amazon just released a fix for some audio sync issues Vue had been having

 

[AmesHawk]

Des Moines guys...What indoor antenna are you using for locals? I purchased the #1 selling antenna on Amazon, but can't pull ABC.

Amazon product
Thanks for any suggestions

I have that same one (25 miles) from Amazon. I get all major over the air channels just fine on the north side of Ankeny. Once in a while channel 5 will get pixelated, but usually just moving it a foot or so will get it back fine.

 

[Win5002]

How the heck did you get them to offer 100 Mbs for $45? I basically begged them to throw me a deal so I would stay with them. The best they offered was 50 Mbs for $50 but under a 2 year contract. I told them no since I was switching to Centurylink 12 Mbs for $30.

I looked at

Just got my new Roku 2 hooked up and have the end of my SlingTv trial and started the Playstation Vue trial to compare them. Both are awesome! Neither have cut out for me and hopefully it stays that way. I think I will end up choosing Playstation Vue since it seems to have the most comprehensive channels for only $35 (including all ISU football and basketball games if you bundle with Cyclones.TV). The Slingplayer interface is awesome! It is like just like Netflix's interface. Hopefully Playstation Vue will mimic that interface soon. My only fear is using up my data cap (250 gig). I will be looking closely at my data usage this month.

I gave consideration to PlayStation Vue but decided it might be good to give it another year for them to get the kinks out and run smoother from some comments I saw.

Are you only allowed one regional Fox sports network? Or can you pick up multiple regional channels? Also, you can't get redzone channel can you, I know the full NFL ticket is not available.

Also, I would love to continue to hear updates about how the system is working pros & cons if you use Playstation VUE. member messages would be great or posting to this thread.

 

[cyIclSoneU]

I looked at


I gave consideration to PlayStation Vue but decided it might be good to give it another year for them to get the kinks out and run smoother from some comments I saw.

Are you only allowed one regional Fox sports network? Or can you pick up multiple regional channels? Also, you can't get redzone channel can you, I know the full NFL ticket is not available.

Also, I would love to continue to hear updates about how the system is working pros & cons if you use Playstation VUE. member messages would be great or posting to this thread.

Vue and Sling have both announced the additions of NFL Network and the NFL RedZone channel. On Sling, NFL Network is included with its middle and top tiers and RedZone is a $5 add-on. Vue hasn't yet added the channels but has plans to do so before the regular season and most are speculating that it will copy Sling in terms of adding NFLN to a couple tiers and having RedZone as an add-on, but no one knows for sure yet.

As far as regional Fox Sports on Vue, I am pretty sure (and correct me if I am wrong, someone who already has it) that you can view all of the regional Fox Sports games through the Fox Sports Go app.

 

[3GenClone]

A UHF antenna is a terrible choice to try and get channel 5. Prior to June 2009 they were broadcasting on their temporary digital frequency which was channel 59. A UHF channel would have worked back then but not so much now. I think they also transmitted from West Des Moines instead of Alleman back then. After they moved back to channel 5 you really need a VHF antenna to pull it in. I have a good old fashioned yagi style outdoor antenna in the attic above the garage and it works great to get all the Des Moines stations.

Anyone looking for an antenna should check out this site:

https://www.antennaweb.org/

http://www.receptionmaps.com/Advanced-TV-Maps.html

Enter your address in the search fields and you will receive results on the signal strength and antenna type needed to receive your local channels.

 

[Triggermv]

Ok, so I guess I'm becoming more technically challenged as I get older. Here's where I'm at now as we plan to move back to the DSM area in 2 weeks:

Internet options: CentryLink 5 Mbps (yikes) for $14.99 for first 6 months or Mediacom at 100 Mbps for $49.99 for first 12 months. Neither readily says what is goes to after the promo periods. I assume CL won't be adequate?

Think I've settled on Vue. I have a PS3. We will probably downsize to 2 TVs when we move. So it sounds like I'll need to buy a Roku or FireTV, correct? Any suggestions which? Have a 60" Vizio that we use for our main TV (it can stream Netflix, Prime, and Hulu). I assume we'll want to use the new device for that to get the best picture? Our other is an older 42" in our bedroom. I assume the PS3 would go there.

I'll need an antenna to get OTAs (do I need 2?).

Will that cover me?

I'm assuming you are asking about two antennas because you have two TVs. The answer to that is it depends what type of antennas you plan on using. If you are wanting to just use your simple indoor antennas, then yes, you will need one sitting by and hooked up to each TV. However, if you are wanting to do something better, but slightly more complex like using an outdoor or attic antenna, then you will only need one. The way those outdoor/attic ones work is that you run those through your house's Coax cable system. For instance, my antenna is on the roof, which then runs through a coax cable to my basement where there is then a splitter that is then hooked up to each room's individual coax line. Therefore, one outdoor antenna runs every coax line in my house.

If anyone is curious about the HD quality or anything of using antennas or using them through coax, quality is very good. No issues there. In fact, it technically is sometimes better quality than what comes through Dish or whatnot since they don't compress the signal at all OTA.

 

[SCNCY]

If you are looking for an antenna to put in your attic, Menards has them. I bought one for I think $60 that had a range of 30 - 60 mile range. Works good. I would say, that when I installed it, I used PVC pipe in the attic. I would not use PVC as during the summer, the PVC has become very flexible due to the heat and causes single to go in and out every now and then. I will probably replace it with some kind of metal pipe.

 

[stateofmind]

Ok, so I guess I'm becoming more technically challenged as I get older. Here's where I'm at now as we plan to move back to the DSM area in 2 weeks:

Internet options: CentryLink 5 Mbps (yikes) for $14.99 for first 6 months or Mediacom at 100 Mbps for $49.99 for first 12 months. Neither readily says what is goes to after the promo periods. I assume CL won't be adequate?

Think I've settled on Vue. I have a PS3. We will probably downsize to 2 TVs when we move. So it sounds like I'll need to buy a Roku or FireTV, correct? Any suggestions which? Have a 60" Vizio that we use for our main TV (it can stream Netflix, Prime, and Hulu). I assume we'll want to use the new device for that to get the best picture? Our other is an older 42" in our bedroom. I assume the PS3 would go there.

I'll need an antenna to get OTAs (do I need 2?).

Will that cover me?

CenturyLink caps at 250GB/month, and I couldn't get them to allow me to add to it. To their credit though, they never warned me that I was using too much even though I was using 700+ with PS Vue. But I had outings that a new modem/router didn't solve, so I'm guessing they were capping me even though the tech support didn't state they were. I think I got 1 Gb/month downloads with the 100 Mbps service with Mediacom.

 

[Triggermv]

FYI... just one weird thing to look out for with all you cable cutters out there like myself that I had ZERO idea could be a problem, and that is LED light bulb interference with OTA signals. What I'm talking about is that for the longest time, I had issues with getting only ABC in Cedar Rapids where there were times it came in with zero issues, and other times, I couldn't get anything to save my life. No tweaking of my antenna made any difference either. Much to my surprise, I started to realize that whether I got it or not was affected by whether or not I had certain sets of lights on in my house at that time or not, particularly one set in the bathroom and one set in the kitchen, both of them being LED sets of bulbs. In fact, I've been changing out my entire house to LED lately over time, and what I've found is that certain bulbs affect the signal while others don't, and they only affect one channel ABC. It is weird, and according to the internet, it is a very real thing. I'm not a big science guy, but it sounds like it has something to do with certain frequency disruptions. I think running our microwave does the same thing to our signal at times. Anyway, just wanted to throw this out there because it is obviously a real thing and it may be affecting some of you other people too whether you realize it or not. Truthfully, what I do to get around it is that I make sure those two sets of lights are off when I'm wanting to watch ABC. Not really a complex fix, I know, but it is what it is, and I absolutely love my LED lights outside of this issue.

 

[Triggermv]

FYI... just one weird thing to look out for with all you cable cutters out there like myself that I had ZERO idea could be a problem, and that is LED light bulb interference with OTA signals. What I'm talking about is that for the longest time, I had issues with getting only ABC in Cedar Rapids where there were times it came in with zero issues, and other times, I couldn't get anything to save my life. No tweaking of my antenna made any difference either. Much to my surprise, I started to realize that whether I got it or not was affected by whether or not I had certain sets of lights on in my house at that time or not, particularly one set in the bathroom and one set in the kitchen, both of them being LED sets of bulbs. In fact, I've been changing out my entire house to LED lately over time, and what I've found is that certain bulbs affect the signal while others don't, and they only affect one channel ABC. It is weird, and according to the internet, it is a very real thing. I'm not a big science guy, but it sounds like it has something to do with certain frequency disruptions. I think running our microwave does the same thing to our signal at times. Anyway, just wanted to throw this out there because it is obviously a real thing and it may be affecting some of you other people too whether you realize it or not. Truthfully, what I do to get around it is that I make sure those two sets of lights are off when I'm wanting to watch ABC. Not really a complex fix, I know, but it is what it is, and I absolutely love my LED lights outside of this issue.

Full disclosure: I actually diagnosed this issue by realizing that my TV kept losing signal for football games on ABC every time I got up to take a crap. I found that correlation to be a little strange over time.

 

[stateofmind]

FYI... just one weird thing to look out for with all you cable cutters out there like myself that I had ZERO idea could be a problem, and that is LED light bulb interference with OTA signals. What I'm talking about is that for the longest time, I had issues with getting only ABC in Cedar Rapids where there were times it came in with zero issues, and other times, I couldn't get anything to save my life. No tweaking of my antenna made any difference either. Much to my surprise, I started to realize that whether I got it or not was affected by whether or not I had certain sets of lights on in my house at that time or not, particularly one set in the bathroom and one set in the kitchen, both of them being LED sets of bulbs. In fact, I've been changing out my entire house to LED lately over time, and what I've found is that certain bulbs affect the signal while others don't, and they only affect one channel ABC. It is weird, and according to the internet, it is a very real thing. I'm not a big science guy, but it sounds like it has something to do with certain frequency disruptions. I think running our microwave does the same thing to our signal at times. Anyway, just wanted to throw this out there because it is obviously a real thing and it may be affecting some of you other people too whether you realize it or not. Truthfully, what I do to get around it is that I make sure those two sets of lights are off when I'm wanting to watch ABC. Not really a complex fix, I know, but it is what it is, and I absolutely love my LED lights outside of this issue.