I've been with DirectTV for nearly 2 years and am ready to cancel my contract when it's up. I currently have 3 TVs, but am wired to go up to 6... I don't anticipate needing more than the 3 for now, but adding the fourth (if inexpensive, would be nice - for my guest room). DVR is a must. I haven't paid any attention to this technology, so I don't know where to start. Most of my viewing is network TV, so OTA would satisfy most of my viewing needs. I hate to lose ESPN, but I guess that's a loss I have to take...? My only other major cable/satellite viewing is FX, but I assume I can find those shows online.

So what do I need/need to do to get OTA + DVR to 3 or 4 TVs? What about web access (chromecast or similar, I assume)? I would prefer a single antenna, if possible... though I am a bit concerned with roof mounting.

3 of the 4 potential TVs are relatively close (<30ft or so); the other is upstairs, so say 50ft (speaking line lengths).

Speak to me as the TV technology dummy I am.

9/27/2014 1:21:46 AM

Re ESPN
If you have a friend with cable, you can probably get their ESPN3 login some cable subscribers have through their service.

9/27/2014 1:38:53 AM

you want tivo with lifetime subscription. i have 3 boxes, 2 with lifetime, that can record OTA or cable card if you ever go back. put them on the same network (wifi or wired) and you can share recordings between them. i'll sell all 3 for $500 shipped

9/27/2014 12:09:10 PM

buy a rental. Rent it out with full cable/internet package included in the price. Use login from said rental's package to allow you to watch the twc app on your ipad, and airplay/connect to your tv when desired. Same login can allow you to watch espn, hbo, etc if you put that package on your rental. Buy a rental next door. Connect the two on the same network, bury your own cables (or in a condo situation go through the walls), purchase a 2nd room unit, connect to said 2nd rental, charge that tenant for the service as well.

I think that pretty much sums up the best way I have found to get free cable and make some money on the side.

10/3/2014 10:11:56 AM

^blew my mind. seriously

10/3/2014 11:56:35 PM

While you're at it, you could probably buy your own 747 to get free peanuts.

Seriously, it might be a good idea to invest in rental properties for a number of reasons, but did he seriously just suggest buying not one, but two entire houses just to get free cable?

10/4/2014 12:33:24 AM

robster on that next level hustle

10/5/2014 10:24:59 PM

I'll go make my two neighbors offers on their houses. Thx

10/6/2014 11:04:57 AM

^^^^^ The TWC App only airplays audio and you have to be on the wifi network that has TWC-Cable to see all channels.

10/6/2014 12:01:29 PM

I lol'd pretty hard at the rental bullshit


But, in related news, my boss has one DirecTV subscription and at least 6 boxes in three different locations

10/9/2014 4:34:06 AM

Mohu HD antennas

+

AppleTV/Chromecast/Roku (research and choose one that benefits you the most

+

Family member or good friend's cable/satellite login

+

Hulu and/or Netflix subscription

=

Golden.


I have all of that and use the Appletv because I pretty much have Apple everything and it all integrates nicely. We use my sister and brother-in-laws TWC log-in and get use of all the TV apps on the AppleTV (HBO, ESPN, Showtime, FX, ABC, etc...literally every major channel has an AppleTV app it seems now). Only downside right now is that SEC Network isn't allowing it's games on the WatchESPN app for TWC customers. Hopefully that will change soon. And the HD antenna isn't 100%. But you can move it around and fuck with it enough to where it doesn't bother me...and it's free...so I can't complain.

We let the in-laws use our Netflix log-in for fair trade ($15 vs $150...but they don't complain). Basically we're paying about $20 for access to just about everything.

10/9/2014 10:22:36 AM

Saw the flood gates have opened.

Within past 2 weeks, ESPN, HBO, and CBS have all announced online-only viewing packages.

Sucks that Raleigh/WRAL wasnt included in the cbs pack yet

10/17/2014 8:29:21 AM

Unfortunately, both neighbors slammed their doors in my face when I offered to purchase their houses so I could save money on my TV bill.

Or I at least think that's a bad sign...

[Edited on October 17, 2014 at 9:03 AM. Reason : .]

10/17/2014 9:03:30 AM