skinny bundle cable TV has arrived

[disneysteve]

This probably sounds stupid, but how do all you guys figure this stuff out? I never see instructions for any of these various ways to get TV.

As Thrif-t said, streaming is pretty straightforward. You go to the website that has the content you want to see, use their search function to find what you're looking for, and click Play.

For example, let's say you want to watch the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy. Go to abc.com. Along the top toolbar, click on Shows, then on Grey's Anatomy. The first thing that pops up says "Watch the latest episode" with a button that says "See it now". Press that button and the episode starts playing. It's that simple.

With Amazon Prime, it's also pretty simple. Go to Amazon.com. Hover over Departments on the toolbar. The first item on the list is Prime Video. Over on that and you get a list of everything available both free and paid. Find a show or movie you want to see and click on Watch Now and you're all set.

Certainly ask any questions you encounter along the way.

ETA: All of the above instructions assume you are on a computer. If you are on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet, there are usually apps for the networks and various streaming services, or you can still use the web browser to do it the way I describe above.

[mo0n]

This probably sounds stupid, but how do all you guys figure this stuff out? I never see instructions for any of these various ways to get TV. We are happy with our foil wrapped rabbit ears, but I think as part of Amazon Prime we are supposed to be able to download movies. I would like to take advantage of something I am paying for besides the free book every month.

Because since the first smart phone I had...Google has been a best friend of mine. However, my foray into learning about this stuff was mainly due to DirectTV and their price gouging and horrible fine print.

As far as AP, you can rent/buy through the Amazon streaming app, or watch the free content. Netflix has a few options to download titles, but nothing I watch. Hulu is kinda like a DVR without access to CBS. I usually sign up for SlingTV for a month beginning in March so I can watch the NCAA men's bball Tourney on different channels.

I've found Youtube is also a good place for entertainment.

[Gailete]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm never at a loss for entertainment. I don't use my tracphone for anything other than the phone, and one app from a Nokia wathc I got to use and review. It counts my steps and my sleep. How it works is anyones guess, but now that I am having some (temprary I assume) relief from back pain due to an injection, I'm trying to get more steps/exercise into my life and the watch helps.

Ever since I got the phone, I have felt like an idiot. I would try to insert my email, etc. and would hit too many wrong letters and that sort of thing, s I have never used it for internet - that we get via computer and whole house wifi. A week or two ago I got a sample pen that on the end is a spongy thing that allows you to tap on letters and numbers on your phone without hitting two at once, so that is helping. The phone coming should be interesting to see what all it can do and it has a much bigger screen. one thing I would like to do is be able to use an app that you can input a upc via the camera and it will tell you what the item is selling for. Handy according to my son for picking up things for reselling.

I was a very early adapter to a home computer, back in the days when most people didn't have one and saw no reason to have one. Then it seemed like cyber stuff hits like a tsunami and I couldn't keep up anymore. I will be taking your advice about the streaming and things. Thanks again.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I called Spectrum today and signed up for the $21.99 Spectrum TV Choice. The internet sign up was not working so I decided to call them and I'm watching Spectrum as I write this thread. They added on a $3 broadcast FCC fee which was a curve ball but not a deal breaker. And it works off of my Roku. My next step is to cancel my Play Station Vue ($45 per month). I like the in-screen TV guide with Spectrum which shows up on the left side of the screen. With PlayStation Vue the TV guide would take up the whole screen and block out whatever was showing on the screen with the exception of the sound could be heard in the background. Spectrum TV Choice is a game changer at $21.99 plus $3 broadcast fee, cheers!

[Thrif-t]

I called Spectrum today and signed up for the $21.99 Spectrum TV Choice. The internet sign up was not working so I decided to call them and I'm watching Spectrum as I write this thread. They added on a $3 broadcast FCC fee which was a curve ball but not a deal breaker. And it works off of my Roku. My next step is to cancel my Play Station Vue ($45 per month). I like the in-screen TV guide with Spectrum which shows up on the left side of the screen. With PlayStation Vue the TV guide would take up the whole screen and block out whatever was showing on the screen with the exception of the sound could be heard in the background. Spectrum TV Choice is a game changer at $21.99 plus $3 broadcast fee, cheers!

That's great it works off your Roku, didn't we read that it wouldnt? I didn't go back and read the OP. I got the Roku for other tvs in our house because I didn't want to have to pay for boxes for them all. I'd love to do this but I know DH won't go for it :-(...oh well yay for you

[QuarterMillionMan]

Little did I know that the Roku already had the Spectrum app preinstalled. Simple as pie to get it to work. I had bought a $5 SVGA cable by 15 ft if I needed to hardwire to my computer (archaic-thinking, I know,lol).

[Thrif-t]

Ya I knew the Roku had the spectrum app preinstalled, they must have an agreement with them. You can't stream on anything else but Roku for spectrum. No amazon fire, no chromecast, only the Roku. I bought a refurb one off amazon and it's been fine.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I see, good to know, thanks Thrif-t.

[greenskeeper]

not available in our town....DAMN. Would love to pay for only the channels we watch (maybe 10 total).

[QuarterMillionMan]

That’s great that you can go without cable but not everyone can quit cold turkey. I wish I could do without it myself.

[QuarterMillionMan]

These were my 10 channels;
ESPN
ESPN2
FS1
Discovery
History
CNBC
Fox Business
Fox News
TNT
Travel Channel

Spectrum said that I could change channels within 30 days. I was hoping when NFL starts in September that I could swap either Discovery or History for NFL network but no biggie. Also, I'm no longer going to get my home team MLB (Fox sports West which carries Angels and the Dodgers channel, I forget what it's called). Again no biggie since I always get MLB.TV where I'll get all other teams ($115 yearly subscription). Also, I'll lose out on Clipper and Laker games but NBA, meh.

[QuarterMillionMan]

NBA League pass is $99 for half season which is kind of steep but I might get it. I kind of feel naked without NBA even though it's not really my game.

[Thrif-t]

Qtr how often can you change your 10 channels?

[QuarterMillionMan]

It sounded like only within the first 30 days could channels be changed. Thereafter it is permanent, that's the way it sounded like to me. The Spectrum representative didn't sound like he knew exactly when I asked him about it.

[Tabs]

I have bragged about being a cordcutter for years now, but if I were to be honest, the real reason is that passive TV watching just doesn't interest me that much.... I have no interest in traditional sports much less spectating it. I don't like drama in general, and a lot of supposed survival/action TV basically boil down to that. The stuff that I actually do like-- such as military history and documentaries-- well there is not a whole lot of that on TV these days (and NO, History channel. Egypt's UFOs is NOT documentary!)

I have been and remain a firm supporter of Netflix. They are not just the "good guys" in the struggle against the media moguls (including the fight for net neutrality which the likes of Comcast opposes), but they offer a great service with compelling line-up of original programming at their own risk and expense.

Still though, because I watch so little programming to begin with, these days, I find myself watching Amazon Prime's Instant Videos and YouTube if I ever do sit down and watch anything. The latter is free as I follow certain YouTubers on there, and a lot of content for the former is included with Amazon Prime membership. That and occasionally Twitch whenever there is something of interest comes up, such as certain tournaments, previews, or what not. Twitch membership is also included with Amazon Prime, so that's an even better for me.

I find that's enough for me.