Keyser Soze said:

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I have new firesticks - slow processing does not seem to be a problem

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My FireTV is much faster than the stick. More memory, extra storage if needed. You can move your aps to a USB, Plus its hardwired to the modem. Always faster than wifi.

Assassin said:

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Keyser Soze said:

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I have new firesticks - slow processing does not seem to be a problem

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My FireTV is much faster than the stick. More memory, extra storage if needed. You can move your aps to a USB, Plus its hardwired to the modem. Always faster than wifi.

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The sticks just run the news in my office or kitchen.

Main TV for movies or sports runs off the PS4

Thinking about a FireTV to replace the PS4. PS4 does not get 4K but I have not made a TV upgrade to that yet

Initial impressions of Vue over Roku Ultra.

Paid $48.70 after tax in DFW for the Core package. Seems to work but I can definitely see how other configurations would be better. The Roku app for Vue is very weak. Does not include the guide and some other features that other devices support. Streaming through the Vue app is also weak compared to streaming Netflix, Amazon and YouTube (not YouTubeTV) on the same Roku. Picture quality is average with most Roku apps however picture quality sucks for the Vue app over wifi. Also lags which is not something that happens with the other Roku apps. I will probably use the native ESPN and FOXSports apps on Roku to watch games. I did that even when I had Uverse. Native apps seem to work better than the Roku Vue app in general but I have found that not all networks have deals with Vue and it is kind of a pain to activate for each network on both of my Roku devices. And some networks only have their content available for short periods of time (ex: AMC).

Based on this thread, Vue through the Amazon products sound better especially if directly connected.

One other annoying thing is the Roku Ulta has to be manually restarted or restarts on its own daily. Major bug. I have spent WAY too long troubleshooting the issue but I do not have the same issue with my Roku 3. Seems to be a Ulta "feature".

Keyser Soze said:

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Assassin said:

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Keyser Soze said:

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I have new firesticks - slow processing does not seem to be a problem

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My FireTV is much faster than the stick. More memory, extra storage if needed. You can move your aps to a USB, Plus its hardwired to the modem. Always faster than wifi.

---

The sticks just run the news in my office or kitchen.

Main TV for movies or sports runs off the PS4

Thinking about a FireTV to replace the PS4. PS4 does not get 4K but I have not made a TV upgrade to that yet

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Havent had any problem with the FireTV. The Sticks are a little bit more of a hassle - they tend to run very hot. Smoking hot if directly out of the HDMI on the TV. I am OCD on keeping all three of them maintained and tweaked.

greatdivide said:

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Initial impressions of Vue over Roku Ultra.

Paid $48.70 after tax in DFW for the Core package. Seems to work but I can definitely see how other configurations would be better. The Roku app for Vue is very weak. Does not include the guide and some other features that other devices support. Streaming through the Vue app is also weak compared to streaming Netflix, Amazon and YouTube (not YouTubeTV) on the same Roku. Picture quality is average with most Roku apps however picture quality sucks for the Vue app over wifi. Also lags which is not something that happens with the other Roku apps. I will probably use the native ESPN and FOXSports apps on Roku to watch games. I did that even when I had Uverse. Native apps seem to work better than the Roku Vue app in general but I have found that not all networks have deals with Vue and it is kind of a pain to activate for each network on both of my Roku devices. And some networks only have their content available for short periods of time (ex: AMC).

Based on this thread, Vue through the Amazon products sound better especially if directly connected.

One other annoying thing is the Roku Ulta has to be manually restarted or restarts on its own daily. Major bug. I have spent WAY too long troubleshooting the issue but I do not have the same issue with my Roku 3. Seems to be a Ulta "feature".

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I have only run the VUE app on the Roku 3. I have not experienced what you described, but I also don't watch a ton of content. I did find the quality of VUE to be vastly superior to Sling FWIW. What does the Ultra offer that the Roku 3 doesn't have.

FWIW I switched from Fire Stick to Apple TV for PSVue. I like the interface much better as well as the remote. Just wish Apple TV was 4K.

Funky Town Bear said:

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greatdivide said:

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Initial impressions of Vue over Roku Ultra.

Paid $48.70 after tax in DFW for the Core package. Seems to work but I can definitely see how other configurations would be better. The Roku app for Vue is very weak. Does not include the guide and some other features that other devices support. Streaming through the Vue app is also weak compared to streaming Netflix, Amazon and YouTube (not YouTubeTV) on the same Roku. Picture quality is average with most Roku apps however picture quality sucks for the Vue app over wifi. Also lags which is not something that happens with the other Roku apps. I will probably use the native ESPN and FOXSports apps on Roku to watch games. I did that even when I had Uverse. Native apps seem to work better than the Roku Vue app in general but I have found that not all networks have deals with Vue and it is kind of a pain to activate for each network on both of my Roku devices. And some networks only have their content available for short periods of time (ex: AMC).

Based on this thread, Vue through the Amazon products sound better especially if directly connected.

One other annoying thing is the Roku Ulta has to be manually restarted or restarts on its own daily. Major bug. I have spent WAY too long troubleshooting the issue but I do not have the same issue with my Roku 3. Seems to be a Ulta "feature".

---

I have only run the VUE app on the Roku 3. I have not experienced what you described, but I also don't watch a ton of content. I did find the quality of VUE to be vastly superior to Sling FWIW. What does the Ultra offer that the Roku 3 doesn't have.

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Just the newer models. Biggest difference is the Ultra supports 4k and HDR which are not important to me yet. However it also has an optical digital audio output which is important to me. My Roku 3 is more reliable than the Ultra at this point and I use it for my second TV. But it does not work with my older receiver in the main room.

https://image.roku.com/ww/docs/compare-chart-products-en-us.pdf

Assassin said:

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Updated my FireTV and my two Firesticks yesterday and noticed the older Firestick ran quite a bit slower. When I checked the memory on it, the faster stick showed 880, the other 490ish. Of course the used/available varied proportionally to it. The only stats I saw online showed the FTV at 2 G and Fstick at 1 G. My understanding is that they split that number half and half, so the 490ish one would be about right for the stick

both of the sticks are the V2s I think, with the Alexa Voice on them. Even it it was V1, I dont see any historical change in the memory size.

Any thoughts on why the memory appears to be different?

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Figured it out.

Up until Oct 19th, 2016, there was a Gen 1 Firestick with 1G RAM. Gen 2 also had 1G. I bought my first before that release.

However the Gen 1 had slower CPU - the RAM was designated 512mb system and 512mb video. The Gen 2 was able to use the faster processor to use the RAM dynamically.

Cut the cord yesterday & ditched ATT Uverse and their crappy,overpriced internet service.

Got 100mbps service through Charter Spectrum (12 months for $39.99) and the Core Vue package running hardwired through FireTV. Last night was the first night so I'm still figuring it out and playing with all the stuff. I've had Kodi loaded on my FireTV so it's all pretty simple and easy to figure out the interface.

Perfect reception on all channels and sporting events that were on last night. I'll be testing tonight with the football games.

I installed an Orbi mesh wireless system with 1 satellite and its amazing. I'm getting 116mbps ( I pay for a 100 mb service) everywhere throughout my house. I can stream all day on that! And I like that I can hardwire the Orbi to the FireTV.

I debated back and forth over the Orbi or going Ubiquiti Unifi. I don't have a huge house so the Ubiquiti was probably overkill and then the wiring. If this Orbi system stays up and running reliably, I'll wonder why i didn't do this a long time ago.

What service is good for sports? Sling? Ps vue? Amazon? Or what?

cowboycwr said:

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What service is good for sports? Sling? Ps vue? Amazon? Or what?

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Vue

The Nvidia Shield is tight too...

For those of you concerned about IP security issues, IP Vanish is pretty cool. Makes your IP vanish so that your activity cant be tracked.

For those working/living in other countries that have sites blocked by that country, set your servers to any US ones and it appears that you are in the USA.

PC Mag has a good deal on it, $62. a year https://signup.ipvanish.com/?aff=pcmag

Easy to install on Windows, my Android phone, FireTVs and Firestick

Backporch said:

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Cut the cord yesterday & ditched ATT Uverse and their crappy,overpriced internet service.

Got 100mbps service through Charter Spectrum (12 months for $39.99) and the Core Vue package running hardwired through FireTV. Last night was the first night so I'm still figuring it out and playing with all the stuff. I've had Kodi loaded on my FireTV so it's all pretty simple and easy to figure out the interface.

Perfect reception on all channels and sporting events that were on last night. I'll be testing tonight with the football games.

I installed an Orbi mesh wireless system with 1 satellite and its amazing. I'm getting 116mbps ( I pay for a 100 mb service) everywhere throughout my house. I can stream all day on that! And I like that I can hardwire the Orbi to the FireTV.

I debated back and forth over the Orbi or going Ubiquiti Unifi. I don't have a huge house so the Ubiquiti was probably overkill and then the wiring. If this Orbi system stays up and running reliably, I'll wonder why i didn't do this a long time ago.

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Thanks for sharing. That's my setup as well, minus the Orbi, but I'm in a small townhouse and don't really need it.

Saw an alternative to Kodi today, Terrarium. Installed it on my FireTV. I would think that it would take up too much space on Firesstick unless you take off Kodi.

Just watched a couple of things on it. Really good quality so far.

Nice backup for Kodi.

Watched a few more things on Terrarium.

Its much more stable than Kodi. About 2 seconds total buffering in two days of watching. And they were gone in a split second.

BTW - Terrarium is for TV and Movies. You use the originator, Aptoide TV to add other bits and pieces.

This is a better setup that independent of Kodi

http://troypoint.com/install-terrarium-tv-fire-tvstick-subscribers/

I'll have to check that out Assassin.

I'm loving Vue and 100 mbps Charter service. Put it through the paces last two weekends with sports and stuff...perfect.

Definitely wondering why I didn't do this long ago. There is nothing I don't have that I feel I'm missing or needing.

Btw, if you haven't purchased a high def antenna to connect to your smart TV, it''s worth the money, but mount it outdoors and run it into the TV with coaxial. I'd suggest spending between $40 and $100. But you'll have local High def channels at no fee.

I use this model.

TellMeYouLoveMe said:

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Btw, if you haven't purchased a high def antenna to connect to your smart TV, it''s worth the money, but mount it outdoors and run it into the TV with coaxial. I'd suggest spending between $40 and $100. But you'll have local High def channels at no fee.

I use this model.

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All antenna will capture the high def signals. You don't have to buy a high def specific one. And attics work well to mount them in. That's where I have mine. Just make sure it's pointed at the towers that you are trying to capture.

Biggest problem I have with most of these alternatives like kodi is finding any stream that actually works. I spend 20 min checking tons of dead links to find a baykor football game. Sometimes i have no success at all really dont want to be without bu fb. May just bite the bullet and get PSvue. Any suggestions to speed up this process?

Bigtexasmike said:

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Biggest problem I have with most of these alternatives like kodi is finding any stream that actually works. I spend 20 min checking tons of dead links to find a baykor football game. Sometimes i have no success at all really dont want to be without bu fb. May just bite the bullet and get PSvue. Any suggestions to speed up this process?

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I have been very satisfied with my experience with PSVue. I would highly recommend it. I run it on a Roku 3 and have had zero issues. I have been able to watch every sporting event I want.

Bigtexasmike said:

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Biggest problem I have with most of these alternatives like kodi is finding any stream that actually works. I spend 20 min checking tons of dead links to find a baykor football game. Sometimes i have no success at all really dont want to be without bu fb. May just bite the bullet and get PSvue. Any suggestions to speed up this process?

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Kodi isn't really a solution. It's a fill in the blanks for free stuff you can get on kodi.

PS Vue is where you want to be...if you're a sports fan.

TellMeYouLoveMe said:

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Btw, if you haven't purchased a high def antenna to connect to your smart TV, it''s worth the money, but mount it outdoors and run it into the TV with coaxial. I'd suggest spending between $40 and $100. But you'll have local High def channels at no fee.

I use this model.

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Locals come with PSVue now.

(LONG_WINDED_NERD_POST_FOLLOWS)

Kodi has developed an undeserved and incorrect reputation due to some unscrupulous individuals.

"Open Source" is the name for software that anyone can develop. The basics of the code are out there, freely modifiable. You can make it into anything you want. The catch is, you have to release what you create largely free back to everyone else. The specifics are more complicated, but that's the basic idea.

"Kodi" started out as a project to let Xbox owners use their Xboxen as media centers. Usually, on a home network, a "media center" streams video, picture, or audio files saved on your home PC to a useful device like a TV or stereo. Hence, it's original name was "XBMC" (X-Box Meda Center). After polishing, user interface enhancements, and a new coat of paint, it got the name "Kodi".

Kodi by itself is just a streaming engine. When running Kodi, you have the basic input/output to make media files do stuff. However, to actually use it for anything, you have to install "add on's" to Kodi. This is where it gets its power and becomes extensible.

Originally, the add-ons focused on streaming stuff from your home PC. Then, add-ons to stream stuff from Anime sites and other popular media troves were added. This began to skirt the bounds of legal use, but it wasn't prevalent enough to kick static.

Of course, things grew. There are tons of websites around the globe that host copies of theatrically released movies and television shows. These movies and shows have copyrights which exist with their creators - and the websites don't have permission to host them. These copyright holders don't much care for anyone downloading free software and viewing their intellectual property for free.

Kodi's add-ons also connect to IPTV sites. IPTV stands for, well, IP (internet protocol) TV (television). That's some guy (or group) who has their cable box connected to a transcoder. That transcoder takes the live channels coming off the cable box and makes the live feed available for viewing to anyone connecting to that stream. These streams are available worldwide, and from anyone in the world. However, they only work as long as the guy doing the transcoding stays connected and publishes his stream. Again, those channels are owned by intellectual property rights holders that aren't too keen on giving it away for free. They shut them down when they can find them.

Well, add it all together, and you can see where somebody would load Kodi on some type of device, like a Roku or Fire TV, configure those add-ons to connect to movie and IPTV sites, and then sell them on a website with an advertisement of "Never pay for cable again! Watch new release movies! All your favorite channels! For Free!" They'd sell them for $200, and of course, they'd sort of work. As Kodi users know, the connections aren't guaranteed. However, these criminals didn't care. They'd get your $200 and cut off all support.

Kodi is now fighting a reputation problem as being nothing but pirate TV. Of course, it's naiive to say it doesn't enable access to pirated content, or that its primary use isn't accessing pirated content. However, Kodi itself is NOT pirated content, nor are the add-on authors. Media rights holders, since the scam artists adopted it for a quick buck (in contravention of the GPL, if that matters), are aiming whatever guns they can find at whomever they can find - usually the add-on authors since they're usually private individuals with no easy defense.

Like whole "Napster" thing of the late 90's, they've begun a whack-a-mole game where rights holders sue, someone gets shut down, someone else picks it up, hardens the product, and tries again. It's annoying, but futile.

(END_LONG_WINDED_NERDITRY)

I think i would be sold on any platform with real dvr capability that doesnt cost 200 a month. If PSvue is it then Im in. Just dont want to record a game only to find out it didnt really record or you cant fast forward or rewind etc...

I've been reading this thread and you guys have convinced me that it's worthwhile to give Playstation Vue the benefit of the free trial. I'm going to embark on that now.

Right now, I pay DirecTV $175 per month for cable. Only downsides that I can spot right now in the channel lineup is losing A&E for me and Nickelodeon for the kids.

I'll report back with my review after fiddling with it over the next several days.

GoldenBear03 said:

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I've been reading this thread and you guys have convinced me that it's worthwhile to give Playstation Vue the benefit of the free trial. I'm going to embark on that now.

Right now, I pay DirecTV $175 per month for cable. Only downsides that I can spot right now in the channel lineup is losing A&E for me and Nickelodeon for the kids.

I'll report back with my review after fiddling with it over the next several days.

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I am about one month in from dropping a 150 a month Directv for close to the same stuff on PSV for half that.

Some things I liked better about Directv, but happy with the switch

New Kodi 18 Alpha version is out now. Similar look to 17.3 and .4 with the Confluence skin. Pure 64 bit. Fixed a few small bugs from .4 but nothing major.

Some new FireTV products coming out before the end of the year.

http://www.aftvnews.com/exclusive-these-are-the-two-new-amazon-fire-tv-models-being-released-in-2017/

Unless you are into the ultra ultra 4d stuff - not sure that either of the newbies are upgrades.

Until they improve the processor and the onboard RAM, I will be happy with my FireTV and Sticks

Fire TV 3 Specs

This post outlines the Fire TV 3 Specs and provides details on built-in features of this new device.
Hopefully this guide will help you decide whether you want to purchase a Fire TV 3 or not.

Fire TV 3 Features

• Supported Resolution: Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 frames per second
• HDR-10 Support
• Alexa Voice Remote
• Hands-free voice control with an echo device
• Quad-core Processor at 1.5 GHz
• 2GB RAM Memory
• 8GB Internal Storage
• Supported Audio: Dolby Atmos
• 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi
• Compatible with Amazon Ethernet Adapter

Fire TV 3 Specs & Technical Details

• Size: 2.6" x 2.6" x 0.6" (65.0 mm x 65.0 mm x 15.0 mm)
• Weight: 3.1 oz (87.1 g)
• Processor: Amlogic Quad-core 1.5 GHz | ARM 4xCA53
• GPU: Mali450 MP3
• Storage: 8 GB
• Memory: 2 GB
• Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO) for faster streaming and fewer dropped connections than standard Wi-Fi. Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi networks.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 + LE
• Voice Support: Yes, with Alexa Voice Remote (included) or free Fire TV Remote App (available for download on Fire, Android, and iOS)
• Hands-free voice control: Available by pairing Fire TV with any Echo device
• Ethernet Support: With optional Amazon Ethernet Adapter
• Cloud Storage: Free cloud storage for all Amazon content
• Ports: HDMI output, Micro USB for power only
• Audio: Dolby Atmos compatibility, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital
• Media Formats Supported: Video: HDR-10. H.265, H.264, Audio: AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis, Dolby Atmos (EC3_JOC), Photo: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP
• Output Resolution: 2160p, 1080p, and 720p up to 60 fps
• Fire TV 3 Requirements: High-definition television with available HDMI input, Internet connection via Wi-Fi, a power outlet.
• Box Contents: Fire TV, Alexa Voice Remote, USB cable and power adapter, quick start guide, product guide, 2 AAA batteries

Major Differences Between Fire TV Stick & Fire TV 3
Price: Fire TV Stick: $39.99 Fire TV 3: $69.99
Supported Resolution: Fire TV Stick: Up to 1080p HD at 60 fps Fire TV 3: Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps
HDR-10 Support: Fire TV Stick: No Fire TV 3: Yes
Quad-core Processor: Fire TV Stick: 1.3 GHz Fire TV 3: 1.5 GHz
Memory: Fire TV Stick: 1 GB Fire TV 3: 2GB
Supported Audio: Fire TV Stick: Dolby Audio Fire TV 3: Dolby Atmos

https://troypoint.com/fire-tv-3-specs/

ValpoCory said:

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Kite23 said:

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Spent close to 25 minutes talking with a rep who tried every persuasive trick in the book to get me to keep the cable. Simply I told her, there was pure crap on TV. Honestly I can simply get the DVDs of my favorite shows and watch the others online. I mainly view the reruns of my favorite shows when I have the tv on anyways.

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Plus, outside of Houston, you can't get any Astros games if you have cable. So why should Astros fans like me pay huge prices for cable.

I'm actually surprised to hear you say they tried to keep you as a customer. I called the retention number and they just said ok when I told them I wanted to leave. I thought that was a huge change from the days of "we'll put you back on the 12-month intro price and call us back in a year to get yourself back on it" pitch I received for so many years.

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Do tell what non-cable version do you get Astro games?
I haven't found ROOT sports anywhere.

I havent had a tv in over a year and dont miss it. One can find a lot of live entertainment if you only look.