For Football Hungry Fans

#1
WoodsmanVol

WoodsmanVol

It takes wisdom to understand wisdom.
Joined
May 12, 2010
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#1
If you're football hungry and not overly picky about what teams to watch, here's something I came across.

As some know, I have a ROKU 2. While exploring the myriad free channels, I came across 8Octave which has a ton of various channels, so many I won't even try listing any of them. However, one is in the SPORTS segment, sub-segment VARSITY. It features highlights of players (Varsityhighlights.TV) which might give some of you armchair recruiters some fun during our summer Vols drought.
 
#2
#2
Until they solve the live sports problem, I could never go the "free tv" route. I love my Netflix and would drop my directv bill in a heartbeat but I have to have my live sports. If anyone has an answer to this I would love to hear it.

My internet provider in not on the ESPN3 list so that option is out.
 
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#4
#4
thevolwalker said:
Until they solve the love sports problem, I could never go the "free tv" route. I love my Netflix and would drop my directv bill in a heartbeat but I have to have my live sports. If anyone has an answer to this I would love to hear it.

My internet provider in not on the ESPN3 list so that option is out.
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HUH????????????? This is about viewing a football channel. Not about giving up anything. ROKU doesn't care if you got DTV or whatever. It only wants a high speed wireless connection and a HDMI cable to your TV, plus a power outlet to plug into. You actually get Netflix with ROKU if that worries you. But no matter, my post was about viewing some football during the off season. Dr. Oz and Katie Couric isn't for football fans, you know.
 
#5
#5
I am so damn hungry I am headed out to the Chick Fil A in North Myrtle Beach after buying some golf shoes
 
#7
#7
WoodsmanVol said:
HUH????????????? This is about viewing a football channel. Not about giving up anything. ROKU doesn't care if you got DTV or whatever. It only wants a high speed wireless connection and a HDMI cable to your TV, plus a power outlet to plug into. You actually get Netflix with ROKU if that worries you. But no matter, my post was about viewing some football during the off season. Dr. Oz and Katie Couric isn't for football fans, you know.
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Chill dude, I know exactly what you were saying. I just saw ROKU and automatically brought to my attention how these boxes still can't solve the live sports problem.
 
#8
#8
Was trying to decide between roku and google...guess I know which way to go. :thumbsup:
 
#9
#9
thevolwalker said:
Chill dude, I know exactly what you were saying. I just saw ROKU and automatically brought to my attention how these boxes still can't solve the live sports problem.
Click to expand...

That's where you're wrong, bub. There are some paid (very low fees) channels where you can view live broadcasts, sports included. But admittedly not as much as DTV or the 'platter' people.
 
#10
#10
butchna said:
Was trying to decide between roku and google...guess I know which way to go. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Google is crap. You have to use your phone to manipulate the channels and such instead of a provided remote.
 
#11
#11
WoodsmanVol said:
That's where you're wrong, bub. There are some paid (very low fees) channels where you can view live broadcasts, sports included. But admittedly not as much as DTV or the 'platter' people.
Click to expand...

Too bad ESPN isn't on the ROKU or Amazon Fire. I would do anything to get rid of my tv bill. Gotta have my ESPN though. I'm tired of paying $100/month for only 10 channels that I watch more than others.
 
#12
#12
thevolwalker said:
Too bad ESPN isn't on the ROKU or Amazon Fire. I would do anything to get rid of my tv bill. Gotta have my ESPN though. I'm tired of paying $100/month for only 10 channels that I watch more than others.
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Actually, ROKU can allow you to access ESPN. There are two things I've found so far. Well, actually more than that but for purpose of our exchange. . . . One, there are unlisted/hidden channels that have access to ESPN among other things. There are private paid channels that run live broadcasts. Just because they come via ROKU doesn't mean they are ROKU channel brands.
 
#13
#13
WoodsmanVol said:
Actually, ROKU can allow you to access ESPN. There are two things I've found so far. Well, actually more than that but for purpose of our exchange. . . . One, there are unlisted/hidden channels that have access to ESPN among other things. There are private paid channels that run live broadcasts. Just because they come via ROKU doesn't mean they are ROKU channel brands.
Click to expand...

I will just have to read more about Roku. I am very interested in it though. I briefly saw where you can watch the four main channels.

So with Roku are you basically paying for each channel?
 
#14
#14
thevolwalker said:
I will just have to read more about Roku. I am very interested in it though. I briefly saw where you can watch the four main channels.

So with Roku are you basically paying for each channel?
Click to expand...

First, I'd be the first to suggest that you not cut off your cable until you firmly believe you're ready for that. And still not until you have explored your options, re-explored them, and yet again until you're absolutely sure. Then get a GOOD, really GOOD OTA antenna and tested it. Because you want to marry the antenna to having ROKU as a supplementary tandem. And do not underestimate having an internet connect that is the highest speed you can afford. It doesn't have to be like mine which to be honest is more speed than ROKU even needs. I tend to overkill stuff. Also be sure you get a reliable modem and router. DO NOT GET A MODEM/ROUTER combo unit.

Be advised, though I have boldly taken the step, you may want to wait until football season when the Vols game test is underway and I report here. That way you may avoid whatever mistake(s) I make.

Pay for each channel? Yes and No. Many channels have included sub-channels. If you mean you want , say, Netflix, yes. If you mean a channel like maybe, NowhereTV, no. Why? Because inside that channel are many, many, many other channels. In the case of one that I'm seriously thinking of subscribing to, you get 6 local and 22 popular channels that you'd see on cable TV for $30 - $40 depending on what package you select. It's a private paid channel. So if you're thinking of a sort of nickle and dime setup, nope, except for a very few dumb broadcasters who just drive customers away with that attitude.
 
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#15
#15
WoodsmanVol said:
If you're football hungry and not overly picky about what teams to watch, here's something I came across.

As some know, I have a ROKU 2. While exploring the myriad free channels, I came across 8Octave which has a ton of various channels, so many I won't even try listing any of them. However, one is in the SPORTS segment, sub-segment VARSITY. It features highlights of players (Varsityhighlights.TV) which might give some of you armchair recruiters some fun during our summer Vols drought.
Click to expand...

Can you get most of the features and channels with the ROKU streaming stick plug in for your TV. as you can with the other ROKU products?
 
#16
#16
WoodsmanVol said:
First, I'd be the first to suggest that you not cut off your cable until you firmly believe you're ready for that. And still not until you have explored your options, re-explored them, and yet again until you're absolutely sure. Then get a GOOD, really GOOD OTA antenna and tested it. because you want to marry the antenna to having ROKU as a supplementary tandem. And do not underestimate having an internet connect that is the highest speed you can afford. It doesn't have to like mine which to be honest is more speed than ROKU even needs. I tend to overkill stuff. Also be sure you get a reliable modem and router. DO NOT GET A MODEM/ROUTER combo unit.

Be advised, though I have boldly taken the step, you may want to wait until football season when the Vols game test is underway and I report here. that way you may avoid whatever mistake(s) I make.
Click to expand...

I've thought about getting an antenna (don't know what OTA means) but according to antennaweb.org I am only supposed to get two channels max.
 
#17
#17
VOL6479 said:
Can you get most of the features and channels with the ROKU streaming stick plug in for your TV. as you can with the other ROKU products?
Click to expand...

I don't know. I have never trusted USB sticks for TV related stuff. Wouldn't buy one. refuse to even pay attention to them. So sorry, I really don't know and must admit to not care as well. Just don't trust them.
 
#18
#18
thevolwalker said:
I've thought about getting an antenna (don't know what OTA means) but according to antennaweb.org I am only supposed to get two channels max.
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OTA = Over The Air as opposed to via cable.

Pay attention to what antennaweb.org tells you. But maybe talk to some people who have OTA, perhaps never went cable in the first place. Because believe it or not, old style outdoor antennae can pick up HD broadcasts due to having both UHF and VHF ability.
See what they say. No surprise, nothing new. Hills, buildings, trees, high tension power towers etc can block signals.
 
#19
#19
WoodsmanVol said:
OTA = Over The Air as opposed to via cable.

Pay attention to what antennaweb.org tells you. But maybe talk to some people who have OTA, perhaps never went cable in the first place. Because believe it or not, old style outdoor antennae can pick up HD broadcasts due to having both UHF and VHF ability.
See what they say. No surprise, nothing new. Hills, buildings, trees, high tension power towers etc can block signals.
Click to expand...

Right now my directv contract doesn't end until this October. I guess between now and then I can purchase a Roku and OTA antenna to test. I already have and really good internet setup along with WIFI. Just gotta take the plunge I guess.
 
#20
#20
thevolwalker said:
Right now my directv contract doesn't end until this October. I guess between now and then I can purchase a Roku and OTA antenna to test. I already have and really good internet setup along with WIFI. Just gotta take the plunge I guess.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't mind having a fellow VN alternative TV explorer. Just one thing. Get a ROKU 2 or 3, leave ROKU 1 alone.s It's very outdated. Also right now you can get it for about $59 at the ROKU website, no tax, and free shipping. The beats a Walmart purchase.
 
#21
#21
WoodsmanVol said:
I wouldn't mind having a fellow VN alternative TV explorer. Just one thing. Get a ROKU 2 or 3, leave ROKU 1 alone.s It's very outdated. Also right now you can get it for about $59 at the ROKU website, no tax, and free shipping. The beats a Walmart purchase.
Click to expand...

I just sent you a friend request. Whenever I start buying and testing my stuff, I will let you know how it goes.
 
#22
#22
thevolwalker said:
I just sent you a friend request. Whenever I start buying and testing my stuff, I will let you know how it goes.
Click to expand...

Accepted just now. Also asked Freak about how if possible to PM a "Friend."

Freak just answered me, PM can't be done via VN. Can't blame him really given the conduct of some VN posters. Who knows what that kind would do if you could PM people? Anyway, if new developments occur, I will post it for you and other interested parties.
 
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#23
#23
Tried to ditch DTV last year. Bought an older gen Apple TV then jail broke it and installed firecore. Was able to upload XBMC which was supposed to give me access to anything I wanted the but picture was crap and sports were hard to navigate to. Also used a powerful OTA antenna. Not having NFL network, the ESPNs, and the rest of the sports cable lineup was too much and I had to drop all of that and get DTV back. The technology is almost there, but not yet in my experience for sports lovers. For anyone else, it works.
 
#24
#24
Exfix said:
Tried to ditch DTV last year. Bought an older gen Apple TV then jail broke it and installed firecore. Was able to upload XBMC which was supposed to give me access to anything I wanted the but picture was crap and sports were hard to navigate to. Also used a powerful OTA antenna. Not having NFL network, the ESPNs, and the rest of the sports cable lineup was too much and I had to drop all of that and get DTV back. The technology is almost there, but not yet in my experience for sports lovers. For anyone else, it works.
Click to expand...

Aereo and Skitter TV are coming. Meanwhile knowing more about public and private ROKU channels as well as those not on the "official" channel list works for me so far. Combined with OTA, seems I'm good. but that doesn't apply to everyone in every location. Frankly, I'd be all DISH myself had they not lied to me and then acted snotty about it. Pay cable TV to insult me? I refuse to be part of their Hump Day.
shopping
 
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