Need advice/confirmation before cord cutting

[Bushwack44]

Before I officially cut the cord (or in my case, satellite service), I'd like confirmation that the items below will satisfy my needs to watch OTA on 3 televisions.

Background and goal: Live in L.A. There are 3 TVs with coaxial running through the walls (it's a newer building). I'd like to be able to record one program while watching another (or record while I'm away). Would prefer a minimum of 30 hours recording time.

I'd replace the DISH on the roof with this: http://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-In...+clearstream+2

For the den TV (of which is 90% of viewing), I'll have this Roku (http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Str...treaming+stick) and also this to recorder/digital box (http://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-Hom...l+HDTV+Digital). I already have a 2GB 7200 RPM external hard drive to store recording.

For the two remaining TVs, I'll also hook-up a Roku (http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Str...treaming+stick)

What puzzles me is, do I need a converter box for EACH television?
Also, am I missing something...another device for my viewing pleasure?

Thanks.

[WarBoyNux]

I use Amazon FireStick to watch Kodi. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1156303

I would also look into HTPC's. I have a desktop unit in one bedroom running an HDMI cable to the front room. Even though I currently pay for HULU, in the past I ran the free Hulu from that.

I would also recommend getting a much larger HDD than 2GB's. I was running 500gb on my PVR/DVR. Recording High Def programs use ALOT of space.

[fishmonger]

your links dont work.

[the86d]

I had bad experiences with my Roku, and I got the top of the line when they were a new thing. They kept dropping bad firmware updates causing my to have to switch from wireless to wired, then the same in reverse, THEN it went so slow it was EOL before it was 2.5 years old. The warranty is like 30-90 days on them to even talk to tech support, and PAID extended warranty needs to be researched before purchasing a Roku.

[357manny]

We have a PS3 for Amazon prime and Netflix, roku for same for second tv, and I just bought Amazon firestick for kodi.

[keenkeen]

your links dont work.

This...

Perhaps you had better just stick with your current satellite provider?

[Bushwack44]

your links dont work.

They worked yesterday but no worries - I refreshed the links and are working (for now).

[Bushwack44]

Thought I'd post an update.

I'm cutting the cord s-l-o-w-l-y. I purchased an indoor antenna (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...z_bw_g23_i2_sh) with a 40 mile range (I will install a rooftop antenna but wanted to test out reception before spending 2/3 a day doing the install). This smaller antenna is 25 feet above ground sitting on the table next to the TV with only one wall, a telephone poll and some trees as nearby obstructions.

With this antenna, I can clearly pick up about 110 stations (I'm in Beverly Hills and 22 miles from Mt Wilson). Of course 1/2 the stations are in other languages besides English with the furthest station/transmitter reached is a Vietnamese station about 56 miles away. I am surprised at how many stations I can pick up and the clarity shown from a circa 2005 LCD TV (not HD).

Next step is installing this antenna on the roof (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...9_al_bw_g23_i3) with a 50 mile range.

[sholling]

As long as you can happily get by with over the air channels (antenna) and reruns (Hulu), old reruns and cheezy older movies (Netflix streaming and Amazon Prime) you'll probably do fine cutting the cord. You'll need (this is Netflix's rule of thumb) roughly 5Mb per of reliable Internet speed per 1080P TV. If you must have premium channels then expect to pay about the same as cable charges. And you'll probably want to Tivo your OTA channels so expect to pay monthly Tivo charges. For equipment, nothing beats a Roku for the sheer quantity of channels (most of them useless but some are really good) and the 1080P capable Roku 3 is very reliable but may need to be rebooted now and then). Amazon's Fire TV is much more capable than the Firestick but Fire is too Amazon-centric for my taste so I use a a Roku for streaming and a HTPC for my Kodi box.

Honestly, having subscribed to Netflix and Amazon Prime for several years I still find myself spending more time on FIOS TV watching their newer science and nature shows than I do streaming. Your mileage may vary because tastes vary, for example (other than sports) I never watch network TV.

[sholling]

Two takes on whether cutting the cord saves money:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-05/cutting-the-cord-not-the-cost

http://bgr.com/2015/11/12/cord-cutting-vs-cable-money-saved/

[Zorba]

Cut the cord 2 years ago, and replaced it with...

...nothing!

Couldn't be happier. I haven't even bothered with an OTA antenna - I just don't care.

[sd_shooter]

I recently added an OTA antenna after Cox cut the free local channels for everybody. I don't think you'll need a "converter box" of any kind as long as the TVs are capable of HD - just plug in the coax antenna and you're GTG.

Netflix and Hulu are the staples for paid streaming services and are generally reliable. But you should definitely also get a device that runs Kodi, then you'll get a lot more:
- Real time streaming international news (RT, BBC, CNN, Fox etc)
- Tons of movies (likely bootleg, but they must be streaming from Sweden or some place)
- Live sports (again, probably originates somewhere else) Yes, all NFL games!

[uxo2]

in for more info.

[Bushwack44]

I downloaded Kodi earlier today. All I will day (for now) is it has terrific TV shows, movies, music and so on available. Kinda felt dirty watching the last episode of Breaking Bad.

I recently added an OTA antenna after Cox cut the free local channels for everybody. I don't think you'll need a "converter box" of any kind as long as the TVs are capable of HD - just plug in the coax antenna and you're GTG.

Netflix and Hulu are the staples for paid streaming services and are generally reliable. But you should definitely also get a device that runs Kodi, then you'll get a lot more:
- Real time streaming international news (RT, BBC, CNN, Fox etc)
- Tons of movies (likely bootleg, but they must be streaming from Sweden or some place)
- Live sports (again, probably originates somewhere else) Yes, all NFL games!