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Bandwagon Central => General => Topic started by: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:11:55 PM

Title: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:11:55 PM
Anyone here have Verizon Fios?  I'm thinking of getting it for TV/Phone/Internet

Right now I have US Cable and Vonage, and I've been having some quality problems with both.  The cost would be abou the same to switch to fiber optic, and the quality looks better...but I was wondering if anyone had any real world experience.

The only real down side looks to be the need for a box on each TV I use, which sucks a little.  That said, it'll be that way for everything soon.

Is there a way to share a box between two TVs to not have the incremental charge on a TV I don't often use?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:17:30 PM
if the cost of an extra box on one tv is hitting you that hard perhaps you should go with these thruout the house

(http://bobsadviceforstocks.tripod.com/bobsadviceforstocks/rabbitears.jpg)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyGirl on February 12, 2008, 03:28:23 PM
I can't wait until FIOS is available here.

I farging hate comcast.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Wingspan on February 12, 2008, 03:31:03 PM
FIOS fiber cable is being laid in my neighborhood now. I'll be going with them pretty much instantaneously.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 12, 2008, 03:31:23 PM
If you don't live in the Philadelphia market and don't have season tickets for the Eagles, you should have DirecTV. just for the Ticket.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:32:12 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:17:30 PM
if the cost of an extra box on one tv is hitting you that hard perhaps you should go with these thruout the house

(http://bobsadviceforstocks.tripod.com/bobsadviceforstocks/rabbitears.jpg)

Because it won't work in the basement where I need it, and I won't get the channels I need.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:32:18 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:11:55 PM
Is there a way to share a box between two TVs to not have the incremental charge on a TV I don't often use?

Try these

(http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/2940/2940973_sa.jpg)

I use them with my dish but they should work with cable too.  Basically, I've got a reciever on my living room tv and the cable from the dish runs directly to that.  I got a splice and ran one cable to the receiver and the 2nd cable back to my bedroom tv.  Then I set up one cone near the reciever and one cone in my bedroom.  

Whatever channel is on the reciever out in the living room is the same channel I see on my bedroom tv.  When I go to bed at night I can use the remote and point it at the cone in my bedroom and it will relay the signal out to the cone in the living room which will relay the signal to my reciever and change the channel.  Easy as pie.  No batteries required because the cones will plug into an outlet.  

You can pick them up for about $50 a pair.  

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=2940973&type=product&id=1051384443429

I can't personally vouch for this brand but it looks pretty decent.  You can get them just about anywhere too....Wal Mart, Best Buy, etc.  
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:33:17 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on February 12, 2008, 03:31:23 PM
If you don't live in the Philadelphia market and don't have season tickets for the Eagles, you should have DirecTV. just for the Ticket.

I have DirectTV and sunday ticket as well.  I only have Sunday Ticket, and I only use the dish on Sundays during the season.  That said, I'm not all that interested in using the dish for everything.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:34:46 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:32:18 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:11:55 PM
Is there a way to share a box between two TVs to not have the incremental charge on a TV I don't often use?

Try these

(http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/2940/2940973_sa.jpg)

I use them with my dish but they should work with cable too.  Basically, I've got a reciever on my living room tv and the cable from the dish runs directly to that.  I got a splice and ran one cable to the receiver and the 2nd cable back to my bedroom tv.  Then I set up one cone near the reciever and one cone in my bedroom.  

Whatever channel is on the reciever out in the living room is the same channel I see on my bedroom tv.  When I go to bed at night I can use the remote and point it at the cone in my bedroom and it will relay the signal out to the cone in the living room which will relay the signal to my reciever and change the channel.  Easy as pie.  No batteries required because the cones will plug into an outlet.  

You can pick them up for about $50 a pair.  

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=2940973&type=product&id=1051384443429

I can't personally vouch for this brand but it looks pretty decent.  You can get them just about anywhere too....Wal Mart, Best Buy, etc.  

That helps.  Thanks.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:35:42 PM
i still will never understand why if you live outside of philly csn philly isnt on the comcast cable sports tier package...but csn balt/dc....chi....ect...all are


other than that and i know im pretty much alone in this i have never had a single problem with comcast
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on February 12, 2008, 03:35:50 PM
I hate Comcast too. I thought when I moved from PA I'd be seeing the last of them. However they have taken over here in Houston, much to my chagrin.

And I can't have DTV because my apartment doesn't face S or SW. farging bullshtein.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on February 12, 2008, 03:38:27 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:33:17 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on February 12, 2008, 03:31:23 PM
If you don't live in the Philadelphia market and don't have season tickets for the Eagles, you should have DirecTV. just for the Ticket.

I have DirectTV and sunday ticket as well.  I only have Sunday Ticket, and I only use the dish on Sundays during the season.  That said, I'm not all that interested in using the dish for everything.

That would be the most cost-effective solution, though.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:39:51 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:33:17 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on February 12, 2008, 03:31:23 PM
If you don't live in the Philadelphia market and don't have season tickets for the Eagles, you should have DirecTV. just for the Ticket.

I have DirectTV and sunday ticket as well.  I only have Sunday Ticket, and I only use the dish on Sundays during the season.  That said, I'm not all that interested in using the dish for everything.

Why not use the dish?  Is it a preference thing or because you can save a few extra bucks buy bundling everything together (phone/net/cable) by using Verizon/ATT/etc?  

Now that DTV has so many HD channels there really isn't a difference.  The only problem with the dish is that if it's not installed properly(securely) then you'll have a bad signal during inclimate weather......or if it's stuck on a tripod like mine.  But if it's installed right, you'll get reception in just about anything short of a hurricane or tornado.  
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on February 12, 2008, 03:40:43 PM
comcast is the worst. i have prob 10 channels that do not work and the sound likes to just stop every now and then just to piss me off. i'm going to go basic cable w/ internet here in a month or two and ditch the extra channels and HD channels. i just don't watch enough tv.

if you need a house phone though i would suggest vonage. its dirt cheap and its got the best features around
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:41:42 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:35:42 PM
i still will never understand why if you live outside of philly csn philly isnt on the comcast cable sports tier package...but csn balt/dc....chi....ect...all are


Are you talking about cable programming or DTV?   DTV has CSN Bodymore but not Philly and I've never understood why.  I've even emailed them several times inquiring about it but never get a response.  
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:43:41 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on February 12, 2008, 03:38:27 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on February 12, 2008, 03:33:17 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on February 12, 2008, 03:31:23 PM
If you don't live in the Philadelphia market and don't have season tickets for the Eagles, you should have DirecTV. just for the Ticket.

I have DirectTV and sunday ticket as well.  I only have Sunday Ticket, and I only use the dish on Sundays during the season.  That said, I'm not all that interested in using the dish for everything.

That would be the most cost-effective solution, though.

Not really, because it wouldn't solve my internet and phone issues.  I'm looking for a bundled solution to a number of problems.  And the Fios TV is really pretty cheap if it's bundled.  I'd get a zillion channels, unlimited phone/long distance, 20 mbps Internet combined for $99 a month, locked in for two years.  And I'd get a $200 Best Buy gift card for signing up, and I'd get the first month free.  On top of that I'd have phone, cell, cable, internet all on one bill and my house included in the verizon "In-calling" network.

Actually, now that I put it that way, I'm not sure what I'm waiting for.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on February 12, 2008, 03:48:12 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:41:42 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:35:42 PM
i still will never understand why if you live outside of philly csn philly isnt on the comcast cable sports tier package...but csn balt/dc....chi....ect...all are


Are you talking about cable programming or DTV?   DTV has CSN Bodymore but not Philly and I've never understood why.  I've even emailed them several times inquiring about it but never get a response. 

It's basically because Philadelphia was the first independent CSN channel and wasn't a takeover of an existing FOX Sports/SportsChannel station that was already on satellite, so it isn't subjected to the same rules as those channels or any new ones that pop up (Sacramento, Portland, etc.)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 04:02:19 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:41:42 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:35:42 PM
i still will never understand why if you live outside of philly csn philly isnt on the comcast cable sports tier package...but csn balt/dc....chi....ect...all are


Are you talking about cable programming or DTV?   DTV has CSN Bodymore but not Philly and I've never understood why.  I've even emailed them several times inquiring about it but never get a response.  


im talking about cable...it makes no sense that comcast wouldnt want all its sports channels on all its cable systems all over the country...especailly if its on a sports tier that they are trying to get people to buy
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Wingspan on February 12, 2008, 04:06:58 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 04:02:19 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 12, 2008, 03:41:42 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 03:35:42 PM
i still will never understand why if you live outside of philly csn philly isnt on the comcast cable sports tier package...but csn balt/dc....chi....ect...all are


Are you talking about cable programming or DTV?   DTV has CSN Bodymore but not Philly and I've never understood why.  I've even emailed them several times inquiring about it but never get a response.  


im talking about cable...it makes no sense that comcast wouldnt want all its sports channels on all its cable systems all over the country...especailly if its on a sports tier that they are trying to get people to buy

Simple. To open CSN Philly to comcast subscribers around the country, they would have to send the channel through satelite communications. It is physically impossible to hardwire the station over that many 1000's of miles.

And the law is that any station broadcast through satellite must be open to all cable companies and television providers.

If DTV or Dish has access to CSN Philly, comcast would lost roughly 40% of it's subscribers in philly, which is comcast bread and butter. Philadelphia currently one of the highest cable rates in the country.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 04:15:24 PM
cant they charge the dish companies out the ass to carry it...or if they did that then the dish companies wouldnt let them use their equipment to broadcast
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Wingspan on February 12, 2008, 04:20:11 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 04:15:24 PM
cant they charge the dish companies out the ass to carry it...or if they did that then the dish companies wouldnt let them use their equipment to broadcast

Sure they can.

The only reason they don't now, is because they flat out refuse to do it.

Comcast makes more more ripping of philadelphians for the channel then they would allowing maybe 2% of it's national subscribers access to it.

As long as they can use that hardwire loophole to keep CSN in philly exclusively. They will never allow it to be nationally broadcast.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on February 12, 2008, 04:23:22 PM
so open it up and put it on satelitte but charge the dish companies an exhorbitant rate to the point where they wont carry the station...that way it gets on all comcast cable systems around the country but not on direct tv

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 14, 2008, 11:15:10 AM
Jumped in.  Essentially, they're giving me about $300 to switch, and my per month cost for the services won't be any higher...but the quality should be better for each. 

I'll let you know how it goes.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on February 14, 2008, 11:18:42 AM
We're holding our collective breath. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on February 14, 2008, 12:43:48 PM
Oh, there was never any doubt.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on March 18, 2008, 12:06:17 PM
April 4th verizon is coming out to install the goods. Buh Bye Comcast.

For the same price as I was paying Comcast I'm getting a free phone which I'll never use, free wireless modem, free HBO for 3 months, , an extra box for my bedroom, and EVERY movie channel. holla
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 18, 2008, 12:09:33 PM
So, you're getting free stuff you don't need for the same price, and you'll no longer get CSN.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on March 18, 2008, 12:11:10 PM
CSN is included, CN8 isn't. As long as I can see the Flyers/Sixers/Bums that's all I care about.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 18, 2008, 12:12:23 PM
Wow, I'm surprised Verizon got Comcast to give them CSN.

Carry on, then.


CN8, as has been mentioned recently, is usually useless.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on March 18, 2008, 12:14:45 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on March 18, 2008, 12:12:23 PM
Wow, I'm surprised Verizon got Comcast to give them CSN.

Carry on, then.


CN8, as has been mentioned recently, is usually useless.

I was surprised as hell too, link (http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2006/verizon-signs-agreements-with.html). And aside form the occassional crap game like you said CN8 is useless. Only thing I hate is having to learn new channels.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on March 18, 2008, 12:15:08 PM
Verizon is a landline based network, Comcast didn't have a choice but to give up CSN.

CN8 has a few Phils games early in the year, but other than that you won't miss much
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 18, 2008, 12:24:03 PM
Quote from: SD_Eagle on March 18, 2008, 12:14:45 PM
Only thing I hate is having to learn new channels.

I've had DirecTV for two years now and still only know a handful anyway.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 18, 2008, 12:34:28 PM
Quote from: SunMo on March 18, 2008, 12:15:08 PM
Verizon is a landline based network, Comcast didn't have a choice but to give up CSN.

CN8 has a few Phils games early in the year, but other than that you won't miss much
I now that the games on CN8 are a joke from a broadcast standpoint anyway.  The best description i've heard was that watching hockey on CN8 is like taking a paper towel and wetting it, then placing that on the front of your TV.  Gotta love comcast...
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m267/jeepwrang1994/5x7zs0g.jpg)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 18, 2008, 12:35:18 PM
I had FiOS installed a few weeks ago, and I love it.  My picture quality improved dramatically, my Internet connection is much faster and more stable, and the phone service works.  Love the tons of free on-demand content, too.  Very, very happy with the decision to swtich.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 18, 2008, 12:45:08 PM
Zanshin, do you have the new Menus?  I know that they changed their menu's up in January in Delaware, and basically went from the crappy basic one that Comcrap had to a really nice one.  I got my boy to switch back in november, he canceld and wanted to still get raped by comcast because there wasnt a page up button, a month later the did all the network upgrades here, and he's stuck paying more for less. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on March 18, 2008, 12:49:09 PM
Now that I've sold my soul to DirecTV for the next two years, I'm looking to get rid of Comcast altogether, since I'm finally getting the local channels on the dish.

Part of this would entail getting embarq and gettign rid of the cable modem.

Anyone have both of these?  Is there any discernable difference?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 18, 2008, 12:55:19 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on March 18, 2008, 12:45:08 PM
Zanshin, do you have the new Menus?  I know that they changed their menu's up in January in Delaware, and basically went from the crappy basic one that Comcrap had to a really nice one.  I got my boy to switch back in november, he canceld and wanted to still get raped by comcast because there wasnt a page up button, a month later the did all the network upgrades here, and he's stuck paying more for less. 

Beats me...probably, since I haven't had any issues with the menus.  On the on-demand side, mine sort of works like a PC file structure.  Haven't had any problems with it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 19, 2008, 10:46:48 AM
Quote from: Geowhizzer on March 18, 2008, 12:49:09 PM
Now that I've sold my soul to DirecTV for the next two years, I'm looking to get rid of Comcast altogether, since I'm finally getting the local channels on the dish.

Part of this would entail getting embarq and gettign rid of the cable modem.

Anyone have both of these?  Is there any discernable difference?
I know that hughsnet isnt anywhere as close in speed.  Is there any other offers for you geo down there?  Might as well get DSL if its offered since its dirt cheap, and nearly as fast as satellite
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyGirl on March 19, 2008, 10:51:00 AM
I think I pray almost every night for FIOS to finally get to our area.

I think God hates me.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 19, 2008, 10:52:20 AM
same here PG, we are farged where im at.  Cecil County is so big and wide that we're going to be one of the last counties in MD
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on March 19, 2008, 10:59:38 AM
i honestly dont see any difference btwn comcast and fios...why is fios better other than if youve had a bad experience with comcast and hate them


also how far are we away from the day when you can send dvr's of shows from one box to another...like say i wanted someone in philly to record DNL for me then send it to my cable box where i can watch it...that would be dope
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 19, 2008, 11:07:04 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on March 19, 2008, 10:59:38 AM
i honestly dont see any difference btwn comcast and fios...why is fios better other than if youve had a bad experience with comcast and hate them


also how far are we away from the day when you can send dvr's of shows from one box to another...like say i wanted someone in philly to record DNL for me then send it to my cable box where i can watch it...that would be dope
1.)  Prices are lower, and the tripleplay is better since Comcast VOIP sucks. 
2.)  Picture quality is better since Fios doesnt have to compress to fit signals in an old cable based system. 
3.)  Internet is faster, and cost less when compared to comcast's offerings of higher speed internet

Slingbox is already out IGY, that you could watch someones DVR from your crib
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Wingspan on March 19, 2008, 11:08:11 AM
You can do that now with a slingbox.

Look it up, because i am not going to spend the next hour and 50 posts explaining it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyGirl on March 19, 2008, 11:14:30 AM
farg Comcast.

Overpriced, zesty service, shteintier customer service.

Probably among the WORST CS I've ever experienced.

And I was a HUGE fan of Comcast for a long time.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 19, 2008, 11:15:39 AM
I just found a new feature last night.  I can set my DirecTV DVR to record from the internet or my blackberry.  Pretty cool.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on March 19, 2008, 11:23:14 AM
what pg said is the only thing i can see where verizon is better...a few people i know have fios and i see none of the things sb pointed out...it all seems exactly the same to me just different...pricing i dont know about...how much cheaper is verizon triple play vs comcast sb?

i have the comcast triple play and couldnt be happier...altho ive only ever had to call on them for customer service one time


and sling box looks like a total pain in the ass....dont you have to watch it on your computer it wont go from tv to tv right?...also wont you have to get a new connection put in the persons house who youre using it from...not to mention the sling box itself and the wiring that comes with it...
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 19, 2008, 11:31:14 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on March 19, 2008, 11:23:14 AM
what pg said is the only thing i can see where verizon is better...a few people i know have fios and i see none of the things sb pointed out...it all seems exactly the same to me just different...pricing i dont know about...how much cheaper is verizon triple play vs comcast sb?


I don't know about comcast, but I had US Cable, and the difference is substantial...and the cost is roughly the same, but I have better service and more functionality.  In my case, I got $300 to switch, and my price guaranteed for two years.  Cable was nickle and diming me constantly.

The picture is FAR better.  And you'd only notice the difference in the internet speed if you have that need-- but my connection is far more stable, and about five times faster than it was before.  More importantly, my UPLOAD speeds are 5mbps now, which is a huge difference.  More than that, you don't see the traffic-related slowdowns at peak internet use times, like you do on cable.

My phone is more stable than it was before, too...but really that wasn't a really big deal for me.

All that said, I also like getting everything consolidated on one bill, including my cell.  It really depends on your needs...and how sick you are of the cable company.
   
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 19, 2008, 11:33:37 AM
Quote from: Zanshin on March 19, 2008, 11:31:14 AM
UPLOAD speeds are 5mbps now   

That's killer.  My download speeds eclipse 6mbps, but my upload is < 0.5.  I currently am using DSL, even though I prefer cable, as the bundling is cheaper.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 19, 2008, 11:33:50 AM
Oh, and on your other point-- it's legal issues that are keeping you from sharing DVR stuff, not technology issues.  You could actually do that now on TiVo, if you want...you'd just need your friend's TiVo number and he could send you a file that would work on your box using Tivo-to-go.  I transfer files between Tivo boxes in my house constantly across my network.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 19, 2008, 11:34:27 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on March 19, 2008, 11:23:14 AM
what pg said is the only thing i can see where verizon is better...a few people i know have fios and i see none of the things sb pointed out...it all seems exactly the same to me just different...pricing i dont know about...how much cheaper is verizon triple play vs comcast sb?

i have the comcast triple play and couldnt be happier...altho ive only ever had to call on them for customer service one time


and sling box looks like a total pain in the ass....dont you have to watch it on your computer it wont go from tv to tv right?...also wont you have to get a new connection put in the persons house who youre using it from...not to mention the sling box itself and the wiring that comes with it...

I'll admit i'm a geek when it comes to technolgy, and i do notice differences in picture quality.  When DTV put up their new satellites, they offered more HD channels, but the regular SD picture got better.  For TV everything comes down to compression.  Regular cable is outdated when it comes to HD technology and the bandwiths needed to produce true signals, where as Fiber allows a much higher signal.  But if your the type of person who thinks 480p is awesome to watch, and IGY, most of america has no IDEA what true HD is, then yeah it doesnt matter. 

The amazing thing about people in this country is they swear that because they went out and bought a new HD tv that the picture is better.  The last study i saw was something like 40% of people who bought an HDTV in the past year didnt have HD service yet believed that they were watching HD. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 19, 2008, 11:34:46 AM
Quote from: FastFreddie on March 19, 2008, 11:33:37 AM
Quote from: Zanshin on March 19, 2008, 11:31:14 AM
UPLOAD speeds are 5mbps now   

That's killer.  My download speeds eclipse 6mbps, but my upload is < 0.5.  I currently am using DSL, even though I prefer cable, as the bundling is cheaper.

yeah, that's great.  I have 20 mpps down and 5 mbps up.  Ridiculously fast.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on March 19, 2008, 11:48:49 AM
The amazing thing about people in this country is they swear that because they went out and bought a new HD tv that the picture is better.  The last study i saw was something like 40% of people who bought an HDTV in the past year didnt have HD service yet believed that they were watching HD.


before and right after i got a hd tv i thought this...i thought the tv made every program in hd...as opposed to the program having to be recorded in hd or broadcast in hd
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: troyhstewart on March 19, 2008, 12:48:12 PM
I signed up for comcast's triple play in January.  So,  needless to say, I've been slightly disappointed. My issues with the internet has been mainly old computer related, upgraded to the get NFLNetwork when I signed up, but the phone service is horrible.  How do I check availability on Verizon FIOS for my area ?

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 19, 2008, 12:51:08 PM
http://www22.verizon.com/content/ConsumerFios
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on March 19, 2008, 01:11:56 PM
i can't wait to do away with comcast all together. i don't need TV, i just need internet. prob won't get out to the boonies though for a few years
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 19, 2008, 01:15:42 PM
If you weren't a gamer, you could probably get DSL and not notice much of a difference.


BTW, I recently had a major issue with my DSL, and they (AT&T, formerly BellSouth) came and fixed it.  The connection was great, but I still felt it left something to be desired on efficiency.  I did some hunting around and downloaded free 3rd party firmware (DD-WRT) for my wireless router (Linksys WRT54GL).

Holy crap.  Major difference.  If you use a wireless system and have some problems, the answer could very will lie within the firmware.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 19, 2008, 02:05:58 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on March 19, 2008, 01:15:42 PM
If you weren't a gamer, you could probably get DSL and not notice much of a difference.


BTW, I recently had a major issue with my DSL, and they (AT&T, formerly BellSouth) came and fixed it.  The connection was great, but I still felt it left something to be desired on efficiency.  I did some hunting around and downloaded free 3rd party firmware (DD-WRT) for my wireless router (Linksys WRT54GL).

Holy crap.  Major difference.  If you use a wireless system and have some problems, the answer could very will lie within the firmware.
where did you find 3rd party stuff FF?  I just use Belkin's support site, but its crap much like their router
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 19, 2008, 02:16:48 PM
The specific one I'm using is at http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/index.php

You can check if your device could be supported here:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#Belkin


Otherwise, I would just say to Google "Belkin firmware" and start some research.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on March 30, 2008, 11:04:39 AM
i just noticed that i now get the cbs college sports network.  it's pretty awesome.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on April 01, 2008, 02:59:56 PM
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271

http://consumerist.com/374090/comcast-degrades-hd-quality-to-make-room-for-more-channels

Basically proving Comcast is screwed with the conversion to HD
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on April 04, 2008, 02:26:17 PM
Verizon just left and my service is up and running. Only thing that sucks is they're short on HD boxes so I'm stuck with an SD one until they have them back in stock.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on April 24, 2008, 02:42:34 PM
I've had to rough it out the past 3 weeks watching the Hockey and NBA playoffs in SD, HD box came today and I must say its perfect timing. LOST and the Flyers on tonight, bums on right now.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on June 12, 2008, 12:01:58 PM
My job is letting me upgrade my Blackberry.  Trying to decide between the 8330, 8830, or the Pearl.  Do any of you guys have one of these?  Right now I'm leaning towards the Curve the 8330.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on June 12, 2008, 12:11:03 PM
I have the pearl, but if your using it for work i'd go with the Curve.  The Pearl is nice since its smaller, but not as much easy to maneuver
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on June 12, 2008, 12:11:18 PM
Curve FTW
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on June 12, 2008, 12:14:50 PM
yeah i don't like the suretype thing going on with the pearl.  but i do like that it's small.  with the curve you can also get a built-in GPS system which is nice when when I'm in places like bumblefarg, TN like right now.  everyone else in my group has been getting the 8830, and it does seem to look a little nicer than the curve, but it's bigger and has no camera.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on June 12, 2008, 12:18:07 PM
our company disables the camera, but if work was footing the bill, i'd definitly go Curve
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on June 12, 2008, 12:19:54 PM
why the farg would they disable the camera?  and yeah i don't pay for sheet.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on June 12, 2008, 12:28:12 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on June 12, 2008, 12:14:50 PM
everyone else in my group has been getting the 8830

Are you a sheep or a leader?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on June 12, 2008, 12:30:45 PM
hmm i've never thought of that.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on June 12, 2008, 12:59:39 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on June 12, 2008, 12:19:54 PM
why the farg would they disable the camera?  and yeah i don't pay for sheet.
you could photograph confidential documents, but the people they pay min wage can...lol
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 25, 2008, 01:34:21 PM
For whatever it's worth do not even consider using Cavalier for your internet or telephone service.  My old lady put us on this service to save money and holy farg it is awful.

Awful.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on July 25, 2008, 01:47:03 PM
i've never heard anything good ever about Cavalier
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on July 25, 2008, 02:35:48 PM
Never even heard of them.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 25, 2008, 02:45:09 PM
neither had I when she said she was gonna switch the service to them.  she told me the price and the promised bandwidth and I said, "too good to be true, I reserve the right to say I told you so." 

I told you so isn't good enough when you've got zesty service and you're looking at a 2 week down time in service just because you had the audacity to move.

I should have told her not to switch it, but I didn't want the argument.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 25, 2008, 02:53:39 PM
cavalier is what describes your attitude...stop being such a ball and chain little bitch and your connections would be fine
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on July 25, 2008, 03:07:21 PM
Comcast came around yesterday trying to get my business, I wish they would have made a better effort a few months ago or I would have never left. Verizon isn't bad but I was just as happy with Comcast.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 25, 2008, 03:14:48 PM
farg that vigy, I'm not lookin' to argue all the time.  sometimes she's right, too.  so what the hell, it's a lot easier to just let her do her thing

I'm sure you rule with an iron fist though, and everyone's happier for it tough guy
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on August 02, 2008, 02:34:38 PM
Verizon may strike (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121760728164504931.html?mod=googlenews_wsj)

If they strike and it effects my cable I'm switching back to comcrap
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on August 28, 2008, 03:18:06 PM
maybe someone here can help me out...i have comcast cable internet...have had 3 or 4 different people logged onto my wireless before with no problems, i have a super fast connection...

i'm having a fantasy draft tonight and like 7 or 8 people are going to be at my place, will everyone be able to link up to my wireless?  i figured they could but someone else told me that they have a 4 connection limit at their house.  anyone know how this works, if it's standard comcast or if it goes by location?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on August 28, 2008, 03:30:57 PM
ive never heard of there being a limit...
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on August 28, 2008, 03:33:40 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on August 28, 2008, 03:18:06 PM
maybe someone here can help me out...i have comcast cable internet...have had 3 or 4 different people logged onto my wireless before with no problems, i have a super fast connection...

i'm having a fantasy draft tonight and like 7 or 8 people are going to be at my place, will everyone be able to link up to my wireless?  i figured they could but someone else told me that they have a 4 connection limit at their house.  anyone know how this works, if it's standard comcast or if it goes by location?

Did Comcast set up your router or do they support it at all?

If not, you're fine.  The cable companies tried and failed years ago to sell individual IP's, because people just set up their own routers.  The router makes it appear like 1 computer accessing the modem, not 7-8.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on August 28, 2008, 03:39:10 PM
i've never heard of a limit either, other than these two people who both have dc comcast that are coming over.

and yeah i bought it and hooked it up myself, it's not a comcast router.  just a standard linksys wireless. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on August 28, 2008, 03:44:01 PM
Unless DC Comcast is running some sort of pilot program doomed for failure and backlash, you're fine.

Don't underestimate the power of the nerd LAN gamers lobby.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on August 28, 2008, 03:46:52 PM
Linksys will let you limit the number of connections, and can even limit connections to approved MAC addresses. Chances are its set up for no limit if you haven't touched it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Cerevant on August 28, 2008, 03:53:04 PM
The people you talked to probably had a Comcast provided wireless connection.  Then Comcast can configure it to do whatever they want.

If you hooked up your own linksys, you are fine.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on August 28, 2008, 04:03:48 PM
whatever you do, don't let more than four people connect at once or the internet police will be at your door
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on August 29, 2008, 07:59:34 AM
If two people are looking at one computer, does that count as two connections?

BTW...Comcast announced that they are putting a cap on their Internet users. Something like 250 gig per month. Those who exceed the limit will get a friendly letter, asking them to cut back. Repeat offenders will have their service suspended.

(Edit: link to article added.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/28/AR2008082803858.html
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2008, 08:24:33 AM
they just lost a court battle because they were throttleing speeds, now they tell everyone what they are doing and its ok.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on August 29, 2008, 08:56:26 AM
glad I'm not on Comcast

not glad I'm still on Cavalier
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on August 29, 2008, 08:57:04 AM
Quote

To put 250 GB of monthly usage in perspective, a customer would have to do any one of the following:

-- Send 50 million e-mails (at 0.05 KB/e-mail)
-- Download 62,500 songs (at 4 MB/song)
-- Download 125 standard-definition movies (at 2 GB/movie)
-- Upload 25,000 hi-resolution digital photos (at 10 MB/photo)
" Of course HD streaming will also speed up that limit.

not something to be worried about
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2008, 08:58:10 AM
for me it is
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on August 29, 2008, 09:55:40 AM
We have 4 people in the household sharing that connection. Some are streaming video, some are downloading music, some are just surfing. I do a lot with photos, both uploading and downloading. I know it takes a lot to get to 250 gig...but it's still within reach for me.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on August 29, 2008, 01:01:33 PM
I think we are eventually headed towards a pay-as-you-use model, like we have with electricity.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on August 29, 2008, 02:09:52 PM
I'd prefer to see a cellphone-style model, with rollover gigs.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Cerevant on August 29, 2008, 02:17:31 PM
250G is a lot of volume.  Typical caps up here are in teh 60G range, and the only people who break that are running Bittorrent 24/7.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: rjs246 on August 29, 2008, 02:22:07 PM
My rollover minutes are all milky.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on August 29, 2008, 02:24:17 PM
You know what happens to my sister's minutes at the end of the month?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on August 29, 2008, 04:51:58 PM
I highly doubt any of you reach 250 Gb's, not even close...

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2008, 07:43:13 PM
Quote from: mussa on August 29, 2008, 04:51:58 PM
I highly doubt any of you reach 250 Gb's, not even close...


i can invite you into my world, but can you handle it

BT4LIFE
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on August 29, 2008, 08:00:40 PM
I download a gig in about an hour. I'm sure I could find 125 movies to watch this month.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Father Demon on September 02, 2008, 12:19:40 PM
I've had CenturyTel naked DSL for about 9 months now, and use Vonage as my phone service.  My DSL works fantastically as long as the weather is good, but if it rains, and more recently, if there is electricity in the air like preceding a lightning storm, my DSL will flap like crazy.  It's so bad, my DSL (and also Vonage) is unusable, and I have to steal a neighbor's signal just to use the internet.  I've had CenturyTel out over a dozen times replacing outside wiring and checking for shorts, but they only come during nice weather so they never find anything, and then never fix anything.  Twice I've had them credit me a full month on my bill.

My brother-in-law (not Phanatic, but another one) told me he could probably find the cause of the problem, so he came out this weekend to fix everything.  Well, my DSL works now (although it hasn't rained since), but only one phone in the house works - the one directly connected to my Vonage device.  The rest of the phones have dial tone, but when you dial the third number in any phone number, a recorded voice (presumably from my Vonage device) says that the number can not be completed as dialed.  So, I went from some service to no service.  It's abviously an inside wiring problem that CenturyTel won't touch without charging me about $50 an hour.

It finally dawned on me how to get CenturyTel to fix all my problems.  I just signed up for basic voice, along with their wire maintenance plan for $23 a month combined.  I'll keep Vonage for the long distance.  As soon as my service is installed (tomorrow), I will call to open a ticket about my inside wiring not working, and have them come fix everything for me.  Then, when it's all working, I drop the voice plan, and go back to business as usual.  It seems so easy, that something has to come along and get me.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on September 02, 2008, 12:26:04 PM
I want 45 seconds of my life back.

EDIT:  Make it 75, since I bothered to type this.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Wingspan on September 02, 2008, 12:28:27 PM
Quote from: Father Demon on September 02, 2008, 12:19:40 PM
I've had CenturyTel naked DSL for about 9 months now, and use Vonage as my phone service.  My DSL works fantastically as long as the weather is good, but if it rains, and more recently, if there is electricity in the air like preceding a lightning storm, my DSL will flap like crazy.  It's so bad, my DSL (and also Vonage) is unusable, and I have to steal a neighbor's signal just to use the internet.  I've had CenturyTel out over a dozen times replacing outside wiring and checking for shorts, but they only come during nice weather so they never find anything, and then never fix anything.  Twice I've had them credit me a full month on my bill.

My brother-in-law (not Phanatic, but another one) told me he could probably find the cause of the problem, so he came out this weekend to fix everything.  Well, my DSL works now (although it hasn't rained since), but only one phone in the house works - the one directly connected to my Vonage device.  The rest of the phones have dial tone, but when you dial the third number in any phone number, a recorded voice (presumably from my Vonage device) says that the number can not be completed as dialed.  So, I went from some service to no service.  It's abviously an inside wiring problem that CenturyTel won't touch without charging me about $50 an hour.

It finally dawned on me how to get CenturyTel to fix all my problems.  I just signed up for basic voice, along with their wire maintenance plan for $23 a month combined.  I'll keep Vonage for the long distance.  As soon as my service is installed (tomorrow), I will call to open a ticket about my inside wiring not working, and have them come fix everything for me.  Then, when it's all working, I drop the voice plan, and go back to business as usual.  It seems so easy, that something has to come along and get me.

Could you edit this down to 1 sentence and make it interesting? Thanks
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Father Demon on September 02, 2008, 12:30:23 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on September 02, 2008, 12:26:04 PM
I want 45 seconds of my life back.

EDIT:  Make it 75, since I bothered to type this.

Thanks in advance.

No.  I'm bored, and you were a captive audience.


Quote from: Wingspan on September 02, 2008, 12:28:27 PM
Could you edit this down to 1 sentence and make it interesting? Thanks

See above.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on September 02, 2008, 05:44:42 PM
Google Chrome is available for download now. I'm trying it out, but I don't think I'll stick with it. At least not with the default skin. It's giving me visual diabetes.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: reese125 on September 02, 2008, 06:06:15 PM
I get nervous downloading the 1st beta test of anything new...especially a web browser. There is a risk involved

They most likely will have 3 betas before the final product is released. You are almost better off letting the other guinea  pigs go first
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on September 02, 2008, 06:34:11 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on September 02, 2008, 05:44:42 PM
Google Chrome is available for download now. I'm trying it out, but I don't think I'll stick with it. At least not with the default skin. It's giving me visual diabetes.

Meh.  I'm cool with Firefox for now.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Father Demon on September 02, 2008, 07:23:10 PM
I'm using Chrome right now, but it's too early to know what I like and not like so far.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 02, 2008, 08:09:50 PM
guess thats why firefox 3 just came out
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Cerevant on September 03, 2008, 10:39:18 AM
My thoughts on Chrome:

Definitely fast.  It will make a big difference if you are a heavy google (gmail, reader, docs) user.
Looks like it gives up on images very quickly - very annoying.
It is a little too minimalist for a long time firefox user.
It doesn't remember the proxy password.
Sometimes you need to reload a page 2-3 times to get it working (including gmail)

It has some promise, but it is a very buggy early release.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Father Demon on September 03, 2008, 11:09:22 AM
Google Maps has a new "walking" mapping feature.

It would take me 14 days and 8 hours to walk to The Linc....
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on September 11, 2008, 07:19:47 AM
Turned on my TV this morning and FIOS has added about 50 new HD channels. Sick.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on September 11, 2008, 07:59:42 AM
I still think FIOS is great.

The only downside I've run into so far is that customer service doesn't have their act together yet ( they're still sort of siloed for TV/Internet/Phone).  But the only time I've had to call them is to check on the status of my $200 best buy gift card...so it isn't like it's a major problem.  I still can't believe they gave me $200 and a free month to switch.  It's light years better than what I had before and cheaper.

As a pointless aside, I just used the $200 gift card toward a snazzy new laptop which somehow seems to be taking better advantage of the FIOS speeds.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 11, 2008, 08:03:41 AM
Sign up for One Bill if you can Zanshin, i hate regular Verizon people, but the One Bill group is their best call center people, and they really resolve every issue i've ever had
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on September 11, 2008, 08:24:40 AM
I have One Bill, but I didn't know they had a special number to call.  That's been the issue more than anything....not knowing who to call or getting bounced around. Guess I should actually take a look at the bill.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 11, 2008, 10:07:10 AM
yeah, i've had major issues dealing with the regular people, but once i found the OneBill #, they are on point
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on September 11, 2008, 05:36:03 PM
Barkann just announced on CSN that ALL games (Sixers, Flyers, Bums) will be in HD now. Not just home games.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: reese125 on September 11, 2008, 05:38:27 PM
thats the shtein

I love everyone
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on October 15, 2008, 08:45:54 AM
Holy shtein, FiOS is expensive. (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/a-bear-speaks-why-verizons-pricey-fios-bet-wont-pay-off/)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 02:12:18 PM
any of you fools have an iphone?  how much does your plan run a month?  everyone i know that has them has plans anywhere from 65-110 a month. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on October 16, 2008, 03:27:39 PM
You're not loving the BlackBerry anymore?  The BOLD is a much better email device than the iPhone.

BTW, everyone I know with an iPhone is obsessed with it and will never go back to another phone.  They do not care about the price after using it for a few weeks.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on October 16, 2008, 03:39:57 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 02:12:18 PM
any of you fools have an iphone?  how much does your plan run a month?  everyone i know that has them has plans anywhere from 65-110 a month. 

i have one and i pay around 70-80
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:00:01 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 16, 2008, 03:27:39 PM
You're not loving the BlackBerry anymore?  The BOLD is a much better email device than the iPhone.

BTW, everyone I know with an iPhone is obsessed with it and will never go back to another phone.  They do not care about the price after using it for a few weeks.

i dig my blackberry but i'm switching jobs and need to give it back next week.  but since i've had that for a while i can't see going back to a regular phone.  the only thing i'm nervous about is having at&t service, i had them a while back and it sucked.  verizon works best in my area.  i'm thinking about just getting another blackberry but i really want to be cool.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:01:12 PM
Quote from: mussa on October 16, 2008, 03:39:57 PM

i have one and i pay around 70-80

thats unlimited data, texts, all that shtein?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on October 16, 2008, 04:04:32 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:00:01 PM
i'm thinking about just getting another blackberry but i really want to be cool.

Ha!

If Verizon has the best service, I'd just get the "coolest" Verizon phone available.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on October 16, 2008, 04:05:50 PM
not unlimited texts, but yea unlimited data. the only other thing is the new iphones, the plans are more expensive. i have last gen and it was 60 dollar plan for basic...I had to add more texts cause I would go over. you'll have to check them out. i am pleased with mine, if you can take advantage of all the features its def. worth it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:07:36 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 16, 2008, 04:04:32 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:00:01 PM
i'm thinking about just getting another blackberry but i really want to be cool.

Ha!

If Verizon has the best service, I'd just get the "coolest" Verizon phone available.

thats the way i'm leaning, mostly because like you said, everyone i know with an iphone is horribly annoying now. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on October 16, 2008, 04:09:30 PM
im a firm believer in apple products. been using them for almost a decade. not one problem
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:16:25 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 16, 2008, 03:27:39 PM
You're not loving the BlackBerry anymore?  The BOLD is a much better email device than the iPhone.

i don't think the Bold is available in the US yet. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on October 16, 2008, 10:19:50 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:16:25 PM
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 16, 2008, 03:27:39 PM
You're not loving the BlackBerry anymore?  The BOLD is a much better email device than the iPhone.

i don't think the Bold is available in the US yet. 

It's not commercially available just yet, and will only be on AT&T.  I assumed you already had AT&T.

Quote from: phattymatty on October 16, 2008, 04:07:36 PM
everyone i know with an iphone is horribly annoying now. 
Quote from: mussa on October 16, 2008, 04:09:30 PM
im a firm believer in apple products. been using them for almost a decade. not one problem

^^case in point^^
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on October 16, 2008, 11:26:31 PM
its annoying because i buy reliable products. meanwhile you buy pc and are always worrying about spyware, adware and viruses...oh and that wonderful microsoft operating system that works so well. have fun with that!
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on October 17, 2008, 06:38:46 AM
Quote from: mussa on October 16, 2008, 04:09:30 PM
im a firm believer in apple products. been using them for almost a decade. not one problem

Pretty common attitude from an Apple person.  My friends who use Apples are happy with them, but they aren't evangelists either.  I don't hang out with hawkers and brand whores.  A couple of them even have both a PC and an Apple, which I don't grasp very well, because I can't stand switching back and forth.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on October 17, 2008, 07:12:23 AM
My school used to have Macs, switched to PC about 6-7 years ago.  The 2 Macs I had crashed more than any PC I've ever had.

Again, it was 6-7 years ago, so things could be markedly different.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on October 17, 2008, 07:57:20 AM
I know people with Macs who like them.  And I know people with PCs who like them.  I just got a new laptop...and it was an absolute no-brainer to go with a PC variety because a comparably equipped Mac would have cost AT LEAST double....and there's no way I could come close to justifying that in my cheap little head.  Besides I've used both and I haven't had any drastically different/better experiences with one over the other.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on October 17, 2008, 08:04:18 AM
I like mac's but i cant deal with paying 3times as much
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on October 17, 2008, 08:18:50 AM
Quote from: mussa on October 16, 2008, 11:26:31 PM
its annoying because i buy reliable products. meanwhile you buy pc and are always worrying about spyware, adware and viruses...oh and that wonderful microsoft operating system that works so well. have fun with that!

You must be confusing me with someone else.  It only takes a basic knowledge of computers to avoid issues like that.

Anyway, nice defense, but you're still the exact epitome of the annoying Apple addict.  How dare anyone else compare their electronics to yours!
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Wingspan on October 17, 2008, 08:31:51 AM
I use macs, home and work. I could not care less what anyone else uses.

Besides, I would rather them stay below the 10% market share line (they are well past that now), because as they get larger and have to make more machines faster, the quality weakens.

I will say this though...the cost issue is a myth(from about 10 years ago...when it was true), when you factor in the cost of the computer and the cost of ownership...macs and pcs are pretty equal. (at least until the quality falls apart)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on October 17, 2008, 11:39:41 AM
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 17, 2008, 08:18:50 AM
Quote from: mussa on October 16, 2008, 11:26:31 PM
its annoying because i buy reliable products. meanwhile you buy pc and are always worrying about spyware, adware and viruses...oh and that wonderful microsoft operating system that works so well. have fun with that!

You must be confusing me with someone else.  It only takes a basic knowledge of computers to avoid issues like that.

Anyway, nice defense, but you're still the exact epitome of the annoying Apple addict.  How dare anyone else compare their electronics to yours!

well from personal experience the majority of people with pc's have "issues" these being mainly the fact that you have to protect your computer period. I don't. Its all ready secure out of the box. I'm not bragging, I use macs because in my job field it is pretty standard and they perform well...no freezing, crashes, etc...

I run Windows XP on my Mac as well for one specific part of my job. This being another advantage to Mac...the ability to run both and read and write onto PC files.

To each his own, if you just need a computer to run microsoft office and browse the internet etc...then yea why pay more for a Mac, I agree, but if you want a hassle free computer that will last you a long time, I suggest Mac.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on October 17, 2008, 12:08:58 PM
Paying more just doesn't make that much sense to me since computers are essentailly disposible these days.  They have a shelf life of about five years before they most likely 1) break down, 2) start to become obsolete. 

More probable is the fact that I'll want the newer, cooler bells and whistles. I haven't had any major problems with my PCs, and I still have a ten year old tower running windows 98 in my basement that I haven't turned off in probably five years.  As far as protecting the computer, is that really such a hassle?  If you're not semi-retarded, you can even get by with some free solutions. And Macs aren't inherently safer than PCs...it's just that fewer people have intent on screwing them up to this point.  Have to protect both, really.  Besides I use mine for the web 90% of the time, and do some light word processing, video/photo editing other than that.  I'm not crushing it on a regular basis.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on October 17, 2008, 12:16:10 PM
Yeah, I tend to buy a new computer every 3-4 years.  More power, more storage, run the newer programs, etc.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 17, 2008, 12:16:56 PM
i just call my laptop the porn machine. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on October 17, 2008, 02:17:59 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 17, 2008, 12:16:56 PM
i just call my laptop the porn library. 
i have a problem  pornbits.com is addictive
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on October 18, 2008, 02:00:06 PM
Oh how I hate Comcast...

Not only is their digital cable garbage (always choppy), and their OnDemand selections terrible...but I go to sign on to my Comcast.com account to view/pay my new bill today and it tells me that I do not have access in my area. Which is weird because I just used it two days ago.

So I go on-line to use the on-line chat to talk to Comcast and ask whats up. They tell me all accounts were given new numbers and I have to re-create my on-line account. So I go to re-register and again I am told that this feature is not enabled in my area.

So now I'm chatting with another Comcast douchebag and have been on here like 15 minutes....

farging HATE these iceholes.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on October 18, 2008, 02:16:56 PM
And they tell me no luck, wait and see if it works tomorrow.

fargwads.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: MDS on October 18, 2008, 02:30:02 PM
pics?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on October 20, 2008, 01:49:54 PM
i am officially an iphone nerd. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on October 20, 2008, 01:53:29 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 20, 2008, 01:49:54 PM
i am officially an iphone nerd. 
Quote from: MDS on October 18, 2008, 02:30:02 PM
pics?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on October 20, 2008, 02:07:22 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 20, 2008, 01:49:54 PM
i am officially an iphone nerd. 

get the app where it makes your phone look like it's pouring beer
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on October 20, 2008, 02:10:48 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 20, 2008, 01:49:54 PM
i am officially an iphone nerd. 

I'm never calling you on your cell again.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on October 21, 2008, 09:13:04 AM
Quote from: phattymatty on October 20, 2008, 01:49:54 PM
i am officially an iphone nerd. 

now you just need a washer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqkKhh45df8
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on October 21, 2008, 09:15:11 AM
im surprised you didnt hold out for the Blackberry Storm
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on November 13, 2008, 05:41:44 PM
Just switched from Comcast to Verizon.  Free at last....

and it looks like Philadelphia signed a deal today

QuoteThe initial service area will include parts of West, North and South Philadelphia, Germantown and the Greater Northeast
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: MDS on November 13, 2008, 07:35:50 PM
score score
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on November 25, 2008, 10:17:11 AM
the iphone is the coolest thing ever.  i can have WIP streaming straight to my dome piece wherever I'm at.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on November 25, 2008, 12:19:01 PM
I can activate my laptop camera and see whats or if anything is going on in my office with my phone. Another cool application is VNC...free. You can access your computer anywhere...can see the desktop and use your computer like you would at home from the screen of the iphone. A fun free game I found is Jelly Car, look it up phatty
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on November 26, 2008, 10:06:44 PM
so i got a new tv and need a hd box for it from comcast...i called them tonight to set up the appt and they told me that it would be 16.49 extra per month....is that possible because its farging criminal
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on November 26, 2008, 10:17:42 PM
Tell them to farg themselves and that you're going with another service, watch how fast they change their tune. I just saved you $40 a month.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on November 26, 2008, 10:22:26 PM
i didnt do that this time but have done it before and they havent even blinked

are there certain buzz words you need to use when threatening them
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on November 26, 2008, 10:25:01 PM
well since you can't say "i'll go to your competition," because there is none, no, there are no special words

eat your expensive shtein pie and like it if you want HD
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on November 26, 2008, 10:26:37 PM
oh im gonna take it up the ass...belee dat

i just cant believe how expensive it is
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on November 26, 2008, 10:29:15 PM
I can't believe so many people pay so much

millions of people are paying 50 bucks or more EACH MONTH for television.  that's just amazing.  and it's like the last thing they'll cut when times are tough, too...it's like cigarettes or booze, even the poorest people have cable
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on November 26, 2008, 10:29:34 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on November 26, 2008, 10:22:26 PM
i didnt do that this time but have done it before and they havent even blinked

are there certain buzz words you need to use when threatening them

Tell them to cancel your service

Honestly I let my women do all the talking because she takes no shtein and knows how to be a bitch.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on November 26, 2008, 10:30:59 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on November 26, 2008, 10:29:15 PM
I can't believe so many people pay so much

millions of people are paying 50 bucks or more EACH MONTH for television.  that's just amazing.  and it's like the last thing they'll cut when times are tough, too...it's like cigarettes or booze, even the poorest people have cable

If it weren't for sports I wouldn't have a TV, with the exception of Lost there really isn't much on that keeps my interest.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on November 29, 2008, 10:54:53 AM
do you get fios there IGY?  http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/Check_Availability/Check_Availability.htm  If you do, just say i'll be switching over to Fios unless you want to save comcast another account.  That price seems ridiculously high too, it should be around 5-10 bucks i thought for HD. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on November 30, 2008, 10:57:23 PM
it might be a HD DVR box?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on December 01, 2008, 10:22:59 AM
they could have quoted me on a dvr/hd box but thats not what i asked

they also are trying to charge 17 bucks to come out and put the box in....i mean wtf....im giving them more business and they are gonna charge me to get it?


i dont know about fios in my hood cause its half built...but maybe these communications companies come into new neighborhoods and put their lines down before the houses go up...ill have to check
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on December 01, 2008, 10:28:45 AM
if the neighborhood is a year or younger, they definitely put fiber in.  If the neighborhood is still new, you might see bright Orange lines(thats teh fiberoptics) sitting out of the ground
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on December 01, 2008, 10:57:36 AM
the HD box should only be 7.95/month. 

i was on a 6-month promo when i started so i was getting everything, all the digital cable channels, all the HD channels, the sports package, and cable internet for less than $75. 

they forgot about it forever, but they finally upped it last month to what it should be, and it went to like $150.  i called and basically said, i'd like to cancel because i can get fios now, and they magically found another plan that was $70 cheaper which had all of the channels I had before.  so i still only pay a little over $80 for everything, which is pretty good compared to what i see most people paying.  the more you call comcast, the better their deals become. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on December 01, 2008, 11:35:57 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 01, 2008, 10:22:59 AM

they also are trying to charge 17 bucks to come out and put the box in....i mean wtf....im giving them more business and they are gonna charge me to get it?

Why would you have them come out it literally takes 10 minutes to hook up
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on December 01, 2008, 12:45:04 PM
because why would i do something when i could get it for free....obviously once i found out it cost money i told them to go to hell
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on February 11, 2009, 10:13:35 PM
I'm in need of new cable. Or at least some way to force Comcast to hook me up. I have the Digital Preferred with the Starz, sports package, HD/DVR and internet. All in all they're raping for for 160ish a month.

My problem is I cannot have DirecTV because my apt faces due north (need a south or southwest sky view for the dish), AT&T's u-verse is not available in my area yet nor is Verizon.

I called Comcast yesterday while setting up my HD and they said they have no promotions going on right now.

My friend has the AT&T and pays like 90 a month for everything I have.

farging Comcast.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Phanatic on February 11, 2009, 10:33:55 PM
My mom lives in south Jersey and she switched from Comcast to Verizon somehow. TV, Internet phone, the whole thing with HD all through Verizon. She seems to be really happy with it but I don't know anything about it myself.

Cell phone plans.... Man they get you on the per month shtein. Do I really need to pay $60 a month for voice and data? fargers...
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on February 11, 2009, 11:19:16 PM
No you don't, but that's what it costs.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on February 16, 2009, 09:27:06 PM
Yeah so I called DirecTV out of desperation today. I had them back in PA and loved them, but when I moved here they told me I could not have it because my apartment faces due north and the dish needed a south or southwest sky. Today I called and asked them if I can have it yet and they said yes. I am skeptical and will be until the dude gets out here and hooks it up and I get a signal.

Anyways, I got a pretty good deal on their HD/DVR plus package thats 49.99/mo. It includes HBO/Starz/Showtime for three months and then the free Showtime continues for the rest of the year. After all the charges and taxes it comes out to about 71 a month. Compared to about 120 for the Comcast.

I hope it works.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on February 16, 2009, 09:30:58 PM
I cannot imagine paying $70 per month for teevee.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on February 16, 2009, 10:05:49 PM
I dont want to pay over a hundred.

But it looks like the farger lied to me. Sonofabitch.

I looked on dishpointer.com and put in my address and all require a south-southwest view.

Goddamn.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 05, 2009, 10:00:09 AM
Just got the new Samsung Omnia. Was free for me, which I found amazing. Phone does friggin' everything. It's my first smartphone, but, wow....the mind reels with the ways in which I can now waste time.  I also picked up a Hava on the cheap that same week-- and now I have it linked with my Omnia...so I can watch TV and control my DVR on my phone anytime. Sweet.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 05, 2009, 10:48:45 AM
What's a Hava?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on March 05, 2009, 10:55:06 AM
Havas?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on March 05, 2009, 11:09:02 AM
Quote from: FastFreddie on March 05, 2009, 10:48:45 AM
What's a Hava?

Like a SlingBox.

http://www.myhava.com/
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: rjs246 on March 05, 2009, 11:26:01 AM
Didn't we already have this conversation?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on March 05, 2009, 11:26:35 AM
Apparently, we did not.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on March 10, 2009, 08:32:24 PM
^ for the baseball fans, MLB Network HD just showed up on FiOS today
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD_Eagle5 on March 10, 2009, 08:41:08 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on March 10, 2009, 08:32:24 PM
^ for the baseball fans, MLB Network HD just showed up on FiOS today

showed up for me a few days ago
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on May 04, 2009, 03:14:13 PM
Any of you guys have or heard anything good/bad about AT&T's U-Verse?

I'm about to pull the plug on Comcast. I can't take it any more. I went to watch something on Starz last night and it said I don't have the channel. Combine that with zesty service, farging up my bill, piss poor HD channels (no ESPNews HD..really?) and the shtein being expensive...I'm looking at AT&T because its my only real option right now.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on May 04, 2009, 03:36:15 PM
Strike that.

Extra Innings is not available on U-Verse.

farg.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on May 04, 2009, 03:42:51 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on May 04, 2009, 03:36:15 PM
Strike that.

Extra Innings is not available on U-Verse.

farg.

if you're that unhappy with comcast, then dump them and just get the mlb package through mlb.com and run an s cable from pc to tv. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on May 04, 2009, 04:01:49 PM
I still like Fios.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on May 04, 2009, 04:15:40 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on May 04, 2009, 03:42:51 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on May 04, 2009, 03:36:15 PM
Strike that.

Extra Innings is not available on U-Verse.

farg.

if you're that unhappy with comcast, then dump them and just get the mlb package through mlb.com and run an s cable from pc to tv. 

Whoa, whoa, whoa.  He wants to huff and puff about it.  He doesn't want to inconvenience himself for it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on May 04, 2009, 07:39:44 PM
Goddamn right. That would be a pain in the ass.

Not to mention, I can't DVR games like that.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on May 04, 2009, 10:55:48 PM
mlb.com archives all the games so if you're a paying subscriber you can view them anytime you want.  and i know the newer versions of realplayer will download interwebs video.  anytime i scroll my mouse over a video....say on youtube or espn.com or my favorite pr0n sites, a download button appears just above the video window and i can download it to my computer and then watch it anytime i want. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 11:00:15 AM
im about to pull the trigger on FIOS or at least threaten comcast to lower my bill or im out

anyone who has fios (other than zanshin who says he still likes it) that can comment on it...especially compared to comcast
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on September 09, 2009, 11:03:25 AM
switching up television and internet service the day before the NFL season starts is definitely good thinking
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 11:07:12 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on September 09, 2009, 11:03:25 AM
switching up television and internet service the day before the NFL season starts is definitely good thinking

well im not literally switching today...but im gonna make the call that starts the process...and for the record i care more about clemson-gt tomorrow nite than pittsburgh tennesee...furthermore i dont watch any eagle games at home
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 09, 2009, 11:24:19 AM
the picture is better, and generally its cheaper from what ive seen. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 11:50:01 AM
yeah it would save me 31 bucks a month and id get the dc stations in HD...those are the obvious advantages

only disadvantage i see is having to change my email....but i was wondering if theres any others
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on September 09, 2009, 11:54:10 AM
what dc stations don't you get in HD?

i was thinking of switching to FIOS too but I can't really find many advantages.  it's actually more expensive than what I pay, but I get a redonk deal somehow.  comcast basically puts me back on the promo every time i threaten to leave so i've been in the 70-75/month range for digital cable, internet and the hd package.  it all depends on what kind of rep you get on the phone.  if they're a hard ass, just keep calling until you get a cool one.

also, i'm pretty sure you'd still be able to check your comcast email from anywhere.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 09, 2009, 11:54:51 AM
comcast didnt delete my email when i got rid of them the first time.  I'm not sure if they changed, but 2 years ago i got fed up with paying 68 bucks for internet, and they ended up letting me keep their email
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on September 09, 2009, 11:55:34 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 11:50:01 AMonly disadvantage i see is having to change my email....but i was wondering if theres any others

people still use ISP provided email accounts?  really?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: MDS on September 09, 2009, 12:14:19 PM
im told fios will be in philly by the end of the year. which is when i will get it unless comcast jerks me off and tickles my butthole.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 12:32:21 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on September 09, 2009, 11:54:10 AM
what dc stations don't you get in HD?

also, i'm pretty sure you'd still be able to check your comcast email from anywhere.

i live in the bmore tv market but i still get the dc stations...however on comcast they arent in hd (just the bmore ones are since its my main market)....on fios both would be in hd

you mean even were i to drop comcast as a service their email would be free and id keep my address
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 09, 2009, 12:33:53 PM
yep, exactly, they make advertising revenue off their email, so why cut that money off. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 12:39:06 PM
sweet


i think ill do what matty said...call up and threaten comcast and if they dont kneel down to zod ill get all neezy with fios
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on September 09, 2009, 12:46:30 PM

Get a gmail account.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on September 09, 2009, 03:05:07 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 12:39:06 PM
sweet


i think ill do what matty said...call up and threaten comcast and if they dont kneel down to zod ill get all neezy with fios

Good luck with that.

I've been fighting that battle with them for two years. My only problem is that I can threaten all I want, but if I want to move I have to get AT&T or nothing else.

No Verizon here and I can't have any satellites because I face north.

I got them to give me internet at 19.99/month for a year and some free HBO but thats about it
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on September 09, 2009, 03:13:41 PM
Yeah, more and more they can just say "farg you" because you have only one other option for comparable service, and that company is a farg all to deal with as well.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on September 09, 2009, 03:14:34 PM
i may just go to fios anyway

my comcast bill is $206 a month

fios regular price would be 175

fios special price for a year would be 130

if i try to finagle with comcast they arent going to go down to the 130 special price...the best they would do i imagine is match the 175
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on September 09, 2009, 04:01:22 PM
damn i must be smoove
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on September 24, 2009, 04:37:40 PM
got Fios hooked up today, other than it taking 6 hours (including the dude's 1:15 hour lunch and 30 min afternoon break) I'm pretty happy.  so far the picture looks really good.  the menu is a total change from comcast and will take some getting used to.  i can't get over all the HD channels they have though.  basically every somewhat major cable channel has a HD channel and every premium has multiple HD channels.  it kills comcast in that category.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on September 24, 2009, 04:41:23 PM
Drive the knife in further, why dontcha!!

farging Comcast
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: MDS on September 24, 2009, 06:22:18 PM
When is coming to philly not souderton
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: mussa on January 20, 2010, 09:16:33 AM
http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/01/espn_on_xbox_360_tipping_point_for_cable_workarounds.html

Hoping this goes through since I don't get cable anymore. All I miss about cable is ESPN. I have Hulu and Netflix instant watch to fill up everything else. I'll pay
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on January 20, 2010, 01:41:08 PM
The FCC closed the cable loophole today, so CSN Philly will eventually be available on satellite...
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 20, 2010, 01:46:03 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on January 20, 2010, 01:41:08 PM
The FCC closed the cable loophole today, so CSN Philly will eventually be available on satellite...

skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on January 20, 2010, 02:16:26 PM
tha nk farging god
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on January 20, 2010, 02:17:42 PM
Who's in charge of the FCC right now?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on January 20, 2010, 02:19:32 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on January 20, 2010, 02:17:42 PM
Who's in charge of the FCC right now?

Julius Genachowski is the chairman right now, if the internet is to be believed.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on January 20, 2010, 02:24:00 PM
Right, right.  It was on the tip of my tongue.

Thanks.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on January 20, 2010, 09:52:19 PM
Well, time to move so I can get DirecTV.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on March 12, 2010, 02:42:48 PM
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2010/03/12/court_oks_tv_rules_opposed_by_comcast_cablevision/

WOOOO 

Appeals court says sorry but you have to share it Comcast. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on March 12, 2010, 06:26:48 PM
hurry up and put it on directv. 

also, i just bought the magic jack the other day.  anyone else ever use it?  i got it for 2 reasons.  obviously, i wanted to add some sort of land line to my house.  my only other option was charter and there isn't a great deal for me to bundle it up with my interwebs.  also, when i deploy i can take it with me and plug it into my laptop and be able to make/receive phone calls anywhere in the world as long as i've got an internet connection. 

so far, it seems like a really good product.  $40 for the jack, first year free and only $20/year after that.  one of the few "as seen on tv" products i've seen that actually works as advertised. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on April 09, 2010, 11:33:07 PM
DirecTV is coming back to daddy.

My lease is up at the end of April. After almost three years in the same apartment I decided to move to another one in the complex so I can have the dish. It helped that they were running crazy specials and I'll be paying a hundred and twenty less a month.

Between the savings on rent and cable I'll be saving $200 a month from what I'm spending now
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Father Demon on April 10, 2010, 10:56:44 AM
I just got cable TV with every single channel and HD DVR service, 16MB internet, and phone with unlimited LD in a bundle.  All for $40 a month forever.

I rule.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on April 10, 2010, 11:59:41 AM
Comcast (NE Philly) just added a shteinload of HD channels, basically 800-900 is all HD now. I think they're preparing for the FIOS shtein storm that's about to roll through my neighborhood.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on June 24, 2010, 09:20:21 PM
I moved into my new apartment last weekend so I could get DirecTV. I signed up and got a deal that is about a hundred bucks a month cheaper than what Comcast steals from me each month.

They were supposed to come on Tuesday to install. They hire third party contractors to do this work. Well the shteinbags never showed up. I called customer service a few times before I got the straight answer...they ran out of farging equipment.

The shteinbag installation company lied and said that they contacted me to tell me this, which they did not.

So I have to wait until July 3rd because that was their next appointment.

I called a supervisor and bitched and he comped my first month's bill. I'll take that deal.

On a side note, a bill from Comcast showed up today for $400+. They double billed me for the MLB EI package and added a whole bunch of bullshtein charges.

iceholes.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on June 24, 2010, 10:48:02 PM
If you have Comcast call as soon as possible and tell them you want to cancel your service. Then wait while they transfer you to a customer service rep. Don't tell them initially you want to lower your bill, you have to tell them you want to cancel. Then watch as they lower your bill $70 a month like they did mine. They're desperate as shtein right now and will do whatever possible to hold onto to customers.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on June 29, 2010, 09:16:29 AM
DirecTV Formally Asks For Access To Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
DBS Provider Would Not Say Whether It Will File Complaint With FCC

John Eggerton -- Multichannel News, 6/25/2010 11:29:14 AM

DirecTV has requested access to Comcast's terrestrially delivered regional sports network in Philadelphia.

"We have formally requested the programming," said DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer.

He had no comment on whether DirecTV would file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission if the cable company did not make Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia available.
"[We] received their request and will review in due course and respond accordingly," said Comcast spokesman Tim Fitzpatrick. He would not elaborate.

The request follows the FCC's notice that the complaint-process portion of its January decision to close the so-called terrestrial exemption had been approved and that that process was open for business.

The FCC in January changed its rules to say that distributors who did not make their co-owned terrestrially delivered nets available to competitors on reasonable terms and conditions would be presumptively in violation of its program access rules. Before that the FCC had exempted terrestrial nets, in most cases it was regional sports nets (RSNs) at issue, because of language in the statute that specified the access rules applied to satellite-delivered networks.

In advance of the OMB sign-off announcement, Cox agreed to start negotiating with AT&T and others in San Diego and AT&T made its own formal request for MSG Networks HD programming in Connecticut. But AT&T was not reluctant to add a sting to the tail. It gave Cablevision and MSG 10 days to begin negotiating before it would ask the FCC to make them. Cablevision issued no comment in response to the AT&T letter.

Also part of the FCC's decision was that operators could not satisfy the access requirement by making standard-definition feeds available, but not HD feeds, as is the case with MSG in Connecticut.

Cablevision has challenged the FCC's program access rules in court, Comcast has not and told legislators at a Hill hearing on the Comcast/NBCU deal that it has no plans to do so.

In written answers to Sen. Al Franken on the issue of access to affiliated nets, Comcast chairman Brian Roberts said that it was ready to make Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia available to DirecTV as soon as the satellite operator made its exclusive Sunday Ticket package avaiable to Comcast and others.

Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia is already available to competing cable operators. RCN has carried the net since its launch in 1997 and Verizon's FiOS since that service launched in Philadelphia, according to Fitzpatrick.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on June 29, 2010, 10:11:51 AM
I'm not getting my hopes up because Comcast is holding onto hope that they will get access to Sunday Ticket.

But it would be great to get CSN PHL....
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Rome on June 29, 2010, 10:19:26 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on June 29, 2010, 10:11:51 AM
But it would be great to get CSN PHL....

Right - because you can never get enough of Michael Barkann.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on June 29, 2010, 10:20:56 AM
Actually I'm longing for the insightful analysis of Mark Kram.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on June 29, 2010, 10:21:18 AM
thats just Roberts deflecting.  They have no case against DTV, they lost a bidding war fair and square, and cry about it every chance they can.  The fact is the Government cant do ish with the deal, DTV won the ST Package by outbidding Comcast/MSG/ETC, and if the government intercedes it opens a whole can of worms with any dealings where someone outbids competitors. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on June 29, 2010, 11:28:21 AM
Quote from: Rome on June 29, 2010, 10:19:26 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on June 29, 2010, 10:11:51 AM
But it would be great to get CSN PHL....

Right - because you can never get enough of Michael Barkann.

Man can't live on Barkann tennis and dog show coverage alone.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on January 18, 2011, 03:34:00 PM
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-304134A1.pdf

Comcast/NBC merger approved.  Not entirely sure but the wording in this FCC doc seem to point towards them being required to share CSN Philly. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on January 18, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
i just took all my cable equipment back to the comcast office in Northeast DC and it was easily one of the worst two hours of my life. they really do make it as hard as humanly possible to get them out of your life for good.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on January 18, 2011, 05:15:32 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on January 18, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
i just took all my cable equipment back to the comcast office in Northeast DC and it was easily one of the worst two hours of my life. they really do make it as hard as humanly possible to get them out of your life for good.

Yeah, they're fargers. I hated every second of their service.

I fought with them every month.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: lurking wierdo on January 18, 2011, 05:35:11 PM
I have Fios in central Jersey. It's fantastic except they assign my area to North Jersey. I have no Philly Network channels but I do get CSN. With Comcast. I got New York and Philly. I live on the border between North Jersey and South Jersey. Luckily, almost all the Eagles games were national telecasts this year. We also dont have any Eagles bars around here, so if I have to go out and watch a game its with a bunch of generic fans, mainly Giants, Cowboys, Jets and Steelers.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on January 18, 2011, 06:08:57 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on January 18, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
i just took all my cable equipment back to the comcast office in Northeast DC and it was easily one of the worst two hours of my life. they really do make it as hard as humanly possible to get them out of your life for good.

Switching to FIOS or DirecTV?

Quote from: lurking wierdo on January 18, 2011, 05:35:11 PM
I have Fios in central Jersey. It's fantastic except they assign my area to North Jersey. I have no Philly Network channels but I do get CSN. With Comcast. I got New York and Philly. I live on the border between North Jersey and South Jersey. Luckily, almost all the Eagles games were national telecasts this year. We also dont have any Eagles bars around here, so if I have to go out and watch a game its with a bunch of generic fans, mainly Giants, Cowboys, Jets and Steelers.

No one cares about your problems, fargface.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 18, 2011, 06:10:01 PM
lol
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on January 18, 2011, 06:19:42 PM
so fios is great for him except he can't follow any of the teams he likes.  makes sense.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: reese125 on June 14, 2011, 11:46:10 AM
Comcast and Skype partner up.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386893,00.asp (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386893,00.asp)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on September 28, 2011, 01:15:32 PM
FiOS pushed out the new layout and options this morning, which includes things like DVR offloading to an external drive, shared DVRs throughout a home, DVR recordings split into chapters, updated menu options and a sleeker silver appearance
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on September 28, 2011, 01:16:09 PM
dvr offloading to an external drive?  meaning you can pull shows off of there and save them?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on September 28, 2011, 01:23:20 PM
I think it's limited to certain manufacturers for now, but yeah, you'd plug in the external drive, the box would recognize it, and you could free up the limited space on the box (18-20 hours...whatever it is now).  I doubt you could burn the stuff to DVD and have it work anywhere though...
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on September 28, 2011, 01:30:07 PM
If they open it up for external downloading, people will find a way.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on September 28, 2011, 01:35:16 PM
Yeah, that's nothing some extra software won't fix.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 28, 2011, 09:44:15 PM
I may be finally getting internet at my neighborhood. Been fighting for months with comcast/verizon and now the FCC.  Comcast seems to be the only company willing to get us hooked in .  I'll just go broadband with them until they give CSN Philly here. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on September 28, 2011, 10:53:58 PM
You bought a house in the middle of nowhere and get what you deserve, hillbilly.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 29, 2011, 06:22:50 AM
True, but we knew it would be a matter of time until we get broadband services.  Just so happens i'm the one who has to push that time forward with the FCC and the franchise groups in the area.  Right now a wireless card setup sucks balls, and its pretty much why i havent been on here as much.  I know you all care. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on September 29, 2011, 07:43:13 AM
We want to hear less about your ISP drama more about your divorce.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on September 29, 2011, 08:52:45 AM
Dio...check your inbox.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 29, 2011, 12:41:36 PM
No divorce just country living and unlimited deer
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on September 29, 2011, 01:16:19 PM
Did you move to slower lower?

I want to hear more about the beach house. especially since I'm going to Bethany for the weekend tomorrow, I gotta know which house to rob.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 29, 2011, 05:55:35 PM
Nah, out to Turkey Point in North East, MD in between Elk Neck State Park.  Still only a 35 minute drive to Newark by back roads. 

I've literally exhausted every option i can outside of getting Satellite Internet which i'm not bothering until the new satellite launches.  Supposedly Wildblue will have a satellite capable of producing 10mbs dl speed, but its launch has been delayed for months.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on September 29, 2011, 07:10:29 PM
I called HughesNet a while back because I was so disgusted with Charter as a provider but was really unimpressed with them as well.  Basically, they gave you an allotment every month....like 1gb or something but they would decrease your speed as you approached your limit and they didn't allow heavy streaming like video or games, so netflix or xbox live were out of the question.  Not to mention it was crazy expensive....I think it would have been like $80/mo or something.

I'm not familiar with WildBlue but I'd have to imagine they operate with similar rules and restrictions. 

How's the cell signal at your place?  Might want to consider getting an air card or something. 

Also, Munson knows where you live now.  Good job.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 30, 2011, 11:46:37 AM
Same thing with Wild Blue, they all have "FAP", which makes me laugh every time i see it.  The new satellites are supposed to offer cable like speeds, and would have caps but they would be more in the 100gb range rather than the current 16gb per month.  Like you said right now its a waste of money, but i'm just waiting out to see what the new ones are going to be.  Hopefully Comcast does as they've told men and gets us setup with DOCSIS 3.0. 

He's still be lost, every car from delaware always gets lost down here. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: BigEd76 on December 30, 2011, 01:08:45 AM
If anyone has Verizon Wireless, they're gonna start charging a $2 fee to anyone that pays their bill with a credit card
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: MDS on December 30, 2011, 02:49:59 AM
how else are you supposed to pay your bill?

what the farg is a check.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on December 30, 2011, 08:11:59 AM
Quote from: MDS on December 30, 2011, 02:49:59 AM
how else are you supposed to pay your bill?

Direct withdrawal from your checking account?
Online billpay through your bank?

Just spitballing here.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on December 30, 2011, 08:37:40 AM
didn't realize anybody paid bills on credit cards
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on December 30, 2011, 08:44:43 AM
Debit cards are probably considered credit cards since they're branded visa or mc

I pay some bills with auto withdrawal from my mc debit card so I can get flier miles.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on December 30, 2011, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: SunMo on December 30, 2011, 08:37:40 AM
didn't realize anybody paid bills on credit cards

I pay all my monthly bills with my credit card to get the rewards points and then pay the credit card bill off each month.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on December 30, 2011, 10:23:25 AM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on December 30, 2011, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: SunMo on December 30, 2011, 08:37:40 AM
didn't realize anybody paid bills on credit cards

I pay all my monthly bills with my credit card to get the rewards points and then pay the credit card bill off each month.

LIAR! YOU RUN BALANCES!
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Rome on December 30, 2011, 11:21:56 AM
I run up huge debts and then declare bankruptcy every 5 years.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on December 30, 2011, 12:30:30 PM
America.... farg YEAH
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: rjs246 on December 30, 2011, 04:05:50 PM
And, Verizon has already dropped the fee. Idiots.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on December 30, 2011, 04:37:54 PM
Guess they didn't learn from the the BAC debacle.  Idiots in upper management positions and their small comprehension of backlash and why FOCUS Groups are worth every penny. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: charlie on December 30, 2011, 05:01:48 PM
if they never announced it in the first place, there's a chance no one would have ever realized it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Don Ho on December 31, 2011, 03:09:23 AM
Quote from: rjs246 on December 30, 2011, 04:05:50 PM
And, Verizon has already dropped the fee. Idiots.

Public backlash and scrutiny from the FCC.  Occupy bitches!
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on December 31, 2011, 11:18:01 AM
I still have no idea what the FCC has to do with this.  I think they meant FTC, though no one understands what the letters mean.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PoopyfaceMcGee on December 31, 2011, 12:01:25 PM
farging Tight funholes
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: reese125 on August 12, 2013, 10:49:42 PM
is everyone going through the same issue as I am with FiOs. i mean every every time I turn the tv on I have to keep hitting the exit button, or ok button--whichever over and over to get through 2+ ads of new movie releases or speed upgrades now to before I get to my tv guide.

not to mention, its not like these set top boxes are the speediest of devices. i just want to turn my shtein on and watch---cmon verizon.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on August 13, 2013, 07:19:08 AM
when they installed my fios i remember the tech emphasizing to always leave the boxes on so that you can get updates and downloads....but now they have it so that everytime you turn on the tv the box also needs to be turned on....its annoying as shtein
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on August 13, 2013, 11:50:00 AM
My dad had that issue, he ended up calling to get a new box. 

So does anyone have Magic Jack?  We haven't had a home phone for the past 3 years, but due to some deadspots in the house I wouldn't mind having some cheap ass phone service that relies on VOIP.  I'm just curious how zesty MagicJack is.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on August 13, 2013, 12:08:21 PM
I've had it for 2 or 3 years now and have no major complaints.  As long as you've got legit high speed internet, you should be fine.  Right now I can only get DSL so occasionally my calls will get a little "choppy" but when I had high speed cable interwebs, call clarity was fine.   

Do yourself a favor though and spend a few extra bucks on the wi-fi Magic Jack instead of the less expensive version that has to be plugged directly into your computer.  I initially bought the basic (wi-fi wasn't available yet) and the main problem/complaint I had with it was that it didn't function properly if you have multiple user accounts on your computer.  I have my log in and squaw has hers.  So I log in and open the Magic Jack program and everything works fine.  But if Squaw logs in on her account and Magic Jack was still open on my side, she couldn't open it on her side and the phone would not function.  The wi-fi Magic Jack plugs directly into a wall socket for power and connects wirelessly to your router.  For whatever reason, this allows for it to communicate with your computer and function properly no matter who is logged in. 

It also notifies you via email whenever you have a voicemail and you can access it from anywhere to listen to messages, which is pretty cool.   

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on August 13, 2013, 12:23:59 PM
Good stuff Sarge.  We just want a cheap alternative to our cellphones which can be spotty out in the woods.  Thanks!
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on August 13, 2013, 01:06:50 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 13, 2013, 11:50:00 AM
My dad had that issue, he ended up calling to get a new box. 

its not the box cause it started doing it on all my boxes the same day....its fios' doing
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on August 13, 2013, 01:16:12 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 13, 2013, 12:23:59 PM
Good stuff Sarge.  We just want a cheap alternative to our cellphones which can be spotty out in the woods.  Thanks!

That's why we have it.  It should suit you just fine. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on August 13, 2013, 01:21:27 PM
how much does the wi-fi magic jack cost ?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on August 13, 2013, 01:35:39 PM
I think we paid $60 for it.  The initial purchase includes 1 year of service.  After that, the basic service plan is $30/year.  So basically, you're paying $30 for the Magic Jack and $30 for the 1st year of service. 

I just pulled up their site and apparently they have an app for iOS and Android now as well.  Looks like you can download the app to your phone or tablet and it will function the same way that the actual Magic Jack will, except that you'll be able to use your cell phone or tablet to have your conversation....so it's basically like Skype, but your acct is associated with an actual phone number than anyone can dial from any phone.

So the app might be something worth looking into.  You don't have to spend money on the actual jack itself and it works on wi fi and 4G networks.....which is actually kind of cool because if you're out of the house and someone calls your magic jack number, you can take the call directly on your cell.   I might look into this myself. 

http://www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on August 13, 2013, 01:48:32 PM
that does sound cool. i'm def tired of paying fios $20 something a month for a line i rarely use.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on August 12, 2014, 08:18:13 PM
Making the switch from Comcast to FiOS. Comcast seemed to have very little interest in keeping a customer, they didn't even come close to matching Verizon's price for me for the exact same TV service/better internet.

Only downside is I hate Verizon's onDemend interface, so much more confusing, and they definitely are missing some shows that Comcast has. But whatever, it's $50 less a month.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on July 02, 2015, 01:23:04 AM
Well, one year later and I'm moving in with my g/f and unfortunately the building we're moving into doesn't have FiOS. farg.

Anyone have DirectTV these days? Verizon's non-FiOS internet options are terrible, and even Comcast's new customer bundles for the area are more expensive than they should be. So I may try and snag internet from Comcast and TV from DirectTV if I can. Not entirely sure if it's possible to get a dish on our building/the fire escape, but am gonna look into it.

Does the picture go out every time there's a cloud? Is the service overall decent? What well known channels aren't on there?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on July 02, 2015, 07:39:14 AM
Either dish option will go out in a storm, but not for too long. That's a fair trade for not being stuck with Comcast's super zesty picture quality. You might as well not even get an HD box, since the signal you'll get from them is compressed worse than an old youtube video.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on July 02, 2015, 11:29:17 AM
To the people who don't like the Fios welcome screen settings or power settings...you can turn all of that shtein off in, you guessed it, settings. Hit Menu, go into the settings and set it up how you want. I turned mine off.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on July 02, 2015, 11:41:43 AM
The main difference between DTV and Comcast besides the picture quality is the contact.  DTV still locks you in for two years, Comcast typically doesn't.  If you have a south west facing view then you can do a porch setup for dtv.  5 gallon bucket with some concrete and a pole.  If you're looking to get dtv, shoot me a message with your email, and i can send a referral code that gives you 100 in bill credits and does the same for me. 

I've had DTV for years, provided you have a clear path for the satellite, i've never had an issue.  Quality is better, but be forewarned, there is no CSN Philly. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 02, 2015, 12:37:29 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on July 02, 2015, 11:29:17 AM
To the people who don't like the Fios welcome screen settings or power settings

i have fios and dont know what screen or power settings are or why its better to have them turned off but if you tell me ill do it
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on July 02, 2015, 12:47:11 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on July 02, 2015, 11:41:43 AM
The main difference between DTV and Comcast besides the picture quality is the contact.  DTV still locks you in for two years, Comcast typically doesn't.  If you have a south west facing view then you can do a porch setup for dtv.  5 gallon bucket with some concrete and a pole.  If you're looking to get dtv, shoot me a message with your email, and i can send a referral code that gives you 100 in bill credits and does the same for me. 

I've had DTV for years, provided you have a clear path for the satellite, i've never had an issue.  Quality is better, but be forewarned, there is no CSN Philly.

Thanks for the info. If I go that direction I will message you.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on July 02, 2015, 01:05:41 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on July 02, 2015, 12:37:29 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on July 02, 2015, 11:29:17 AM
To the people who don't like the Fios welcome screen settings or power settings

i have fios and dont know what screen or power settings are or why its better to have them turned off but if you tell me ill do it

I think it's as easy as hitting "options" on your remote when the Welcome screen is up. It's worth taking a look at some of the things you can do with settings. There's some useful stuff in there.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on July 02, 2015, 01:15:19 PM
i recently switched back to Fios from comcast. my main motivation was that comcast farged up my bill every month and i got sick of calling them to fix it.  i was supposed to get a certain amount of promotional discounts for 2 years and after 6 months they dropped a big one and kept agreeing I was owed it but never got permanently fixed.

that being said the services are similar to me, the one thing I'll miss is Comcast's X1 platform had a cool widget for the last channel watched.  when you hit the last button it brought up the last 10 channels you had watched.  that came in really handy watching a bunch of games at one time. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 02, 2015, 02:28:23 PM
Quote from: SunMo on July 02, 2015, 01:15:19 PM
that came in really handy watching a bunch of games at one time.

isnt that what red zone is for
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on July 02, 2015, 02:30:08 PM
they have redzone for the ncaa tournament?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 02, 2015, 02:37:12 PM
Quote from: Zanshin on July 02, 2015, 11:29:17 AM
To the people who don't like the Fios welcome screen settings or power settings...you can turn all of that shtein off in, you guessed it, settings. Hit Menu, go into the settings and set it up how you want. I turned mine off.

have been playing around with this...one thing i changed was in the dvr to first run episodes only....now when you add a new show to your dvr it will set up for original eps only and you have to change it if you want repeats...99/100 shows i never want repeats so it was always annoying to have to change it for every show
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 02, 2015, 02:41:03 PM
also decreased the time the channel bar stays up on the screen after changing channels and increased the amount of time the info bar will stay up
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on July 02, 2015, 02:56:38 PM
be sure to keep us updated on your progress
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 02, 2015, 03:07:41 PM
also upped the fast forward time from 30 seconds to a minute
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on July 02, 2015, 03:33:16 PM
What? You're a madman.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 02, 2015, 10:09:06 PM
Man using tools, one thing.  Man improving tools, another.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on July 22, 2015, 06:12:17 PM
So I sign up with comcast at a set price, they send me a letter saying they accidentally gave me a dvr box and my bills going up $10 a month. I don't use the dvr for shtein and just figured it was part of their service. So I called and told the lady to have a tech stop by to pick it up and install my new box. Nope, I have to take time out to take it back. Yeah I'm a whiney bitch but now I see why they have such a bad customer service reputation.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Rome on July 22, 2015, 06:41:22 PM
farg that.  Tell them to come and get their shtein and cancel the service.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on July 23, 2015, 08:19:39 AM
They should at least send you a prepaid box to ship it back. That's generally what Verizon does if there's a problem.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on July 23, 2015, 08:47:47 AM
i have verizon but thing i dont like about that is that you still have to drive it to the ups store....id rather just throw the shtein in the back of my car and drop off at comcast and not have to deal with packing it all up in boxes
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on July 23, 2015, 09:01:49 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on July 23, 2015, 08:47:47 AM
i have verizon but thing i dont like about that is that you still have to drive it to the ups store....id rather just throw the shtein in the back of my car and drop off at comcast and not have to deal with packing it all up in boxes

I'm pretty sure you can call for a pickup. I'm fortunate that I have a Verizon store literally around the corner from my house, next to my favorite Pizza place. So, I usually just drop stuff off there as an excuse to get some pizza.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on July 23, 2015, 11:42:22 AM
Quote from: SD on July 22, 2015, 06:12:17 PM
So I sign up with comcast at a set price, they send me a letter saying they accidentally gave me a dvr box and my bills going up $10 a month. I don't use the dvr for shtein and just figured it was part of their service. So I called and told the lady to have a tech stop by to pick it up and install my new box. Nope, I have to take time out to take it back. Yeah I'm a whiney bitch but now I see why they have such a bad customer service reputation.

be happy you have comcast and there's 200 stores within a mile of you. fios you have to bring any hardware returns to franklin mills.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 23, 2015, 09:24:13 PM
Or you could read a goddamn book.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on July 23, 2015, 10:22:20 PM
But going to the book place is even more travel. I don't think you're trying to help at all.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 23, 2015, 10:23:05 PM
I haven't watched ten minutes of teevee since the Super Bowl.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 23, 2015, 10:25:12 PM
Wait, that's a lie.

I sometimes see the O's when I'm at the pub.  But that doesn't count. Don't even have audio there, and I'm drinking, not fargin' watching.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on July 23, 2015, 11:06:42 PM
I picture you sitting in the corner with a scowl on your face staring intently at your drink....
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on July 23, 2015, 11:31:33 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on July 23, 2015, 11:06:42 PM
I picture you sitting in the corner with a scowl on your face staring intently at your drink....

(http://www.celwalls.com/large/201212/2161.jpg)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Diomedes on July 24, 2015, 05:25:22 AM
Had a nice chat yesterday with a data system contractor on our job about Comcast.  55 year old white dude, 2ND amendment tshirt, etc.  He explained how one off his filthy rich clients is getting farged by Comcast just like every one else.  Fios not available yet even to rich dude.  Yay capitalism.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on July 24, 2015, 08:38:10 AM
that rich guy should read a goddamn book. 



Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on September 15, 2015, 03:07:45 PM
I called out today because I was too hungover to work. Cute fios girl comes to my door. So I let her in of course. Making the switch. I'm only 3 months into my Comcast contract but I've had nothing but trouble with them. Not only is my bill going to be cheaper it'll never go up. Comcast's bill was set to go up $25 after year one. Plus I'm getting all the premium channels (I have none now, I use other peoples passwords and watch hbo/showtime etc. from my iphone). They're buying me out of my Comcast contract too. Seems like a win all around. Cute fios girl gave me her digits too. Love half asian/half white girls.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on September 15, 2015, 03:10:01 PM
FYI

CSN - 576
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on September 15, 2015, 03:10:11 PM
Quote from: smeags on July 23, 2015, 11:42:22 AM
Quote from: SD on July 22, 2015, 06:12:17 PM
So I sign up with comcast at a set price, they send me a letter saying they accidentally gave me a dvr box and my bills going up $10 a month. I don't use the dvr for shtein and just figured it was part of their service. So I called and told the lady to have a tech stop by to pick it up and install my new box. Nope, I have to take time out to take it back. Yeah I'm a whiney bitch but now I see why they have such a bad customer service reputation.

be happy you have comcast and there's 200 stores within a mile of you. fios you have to bring any hardware returns to franklin mills.

Franklin Mills is closer to me than the nearest comcast store.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on September 15, 2015, 03:10:43 PM
Quote from: smeags on September 15, 2015, 03:10:01 PM
FYI

CSN - 576

word

How bout the redzone channel?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on September 15, 2015, 03:59:39 PM
Quote from: SD on September 15, 2015, 03:10:11 PM
Quote from: smeags on July 23, 2015, 11:42:22 AM
Quote from: SD on July 22, 2015, 06:12:17 PM
So I sign up with comcast at a set price, they send me a letter saying they accidentally gave me a dvr box and my bills going up $10 a month. I don't use the dvr for shtein and just figured it was part of their service. So I called and told the lady to have a tech stop by to pick it up and install my new box. Nope, I have to take time out to take it back. Yeah I'm a whiney bitch but now I see why they have such a bad customer service reputation.

be happy you have comcast and there's 200 stores within a mile of you. fios you have to bring any hardware returns to franklin mills.

Franklin Mills is closer to me than the nearest comcast store.


thought they had a spot in Bensalem not far from you. i used to go there if I couldn't get to the Trenton rd location. been years since I had Comcast though.

redzone = 835
the espn's and the big four sport's (nfl, mlb, nhl, nba) own channels are all just above CSN
also, the fios app for the phone is pretty sweet.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on September 15, 2015, 04:02:21 PM
i'm doing the exact opposite as SD and going to get back with comcast after having fios for about 3 months.  the problem is that when i try to sign up online i'm not eligible for new deals because i'm still considered a current customer.  i figure that if i call they will give me the deal if it means i sign back up.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on September 16, 2015, 09:51:22 AM
Always call, if you don't get the answer you want call again.  I hang up sometimes just on how the person greets you when it gets transferred.  You could probably have your wife be the person who the account is tied to if they give you crap, that way she's a new customer unless she was on the old bills etc. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: hbionic on September 17, 2015, 04:26:21 PM
upgrading to iphone 5s (32 gig for $49 plus $36 fee) or iphone6s ($299 plus $36). Thoughts?

*I don't like bulky which is what makes me hesitate about the 6.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on September 17, 2015, 05:16:28 PM
Quote from: hbionic on September 17, 2015, 04:26:21 PM
upgrading to iphone 5s (32 gig for $49 plus $36 fee) or iphone6s ($299 plus $36). Thoughts?

*I don't like bulky which is what makes me hesitate about the 6.

As a phone, I'm not crazy about the 6.  It seems to drop calls and have worse reception than the 5s.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: phattymatty on September 17, 2015, 07:50:04 PM
i have the 6 and i think it's too big. thin but just wide. like my meatcicle. no cell problems though, in fact it's faster than any phone i've ever had.

my favorite still is the 4S with the metal sides. perfect size.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on September 18, 2015, 01:23:54 AM
I've got the Note 4. Had it since May. This is a kick ass phone. Big, but powerful. Squaw has the iphone 6.  I haven't played with it much, but it seems legit.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on September 18, 2015, 01:40:07 PM
I have the lg g3. real good phone. not quite as big as the galaxy S6 that was coming out, which to me is a bit much.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Zanshin on September 18, 2015, 02:10:22 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on September 18, 2015, 01:23:54 AM
I've got the Note 4. Had it since May. This is a kick ass phone. Big, but powerful.

Ditto. Does everything I could ask it do do, and does it quickly. Love it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on September 19, 2015, 12:46:54 AM
Quote from: Zanshin on September 18, 2015, 02:10:22 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on September 18, 2015, 01:23:54 AM
I've got the Note 4. Had it since May. This is a kick ass phone. Big, but powerful.

Ditto. Does everything I could ask it do do, and does it quickly. Love it.

S Pen is some next world shtein. Screen size makes it a little difficult for texting, but interweb porn looks fantastic.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on September 19, 2015, 09:37:37 AM
 :fire  (http://innovate-educate.org/images/uploads/CenturyLink_logo.png)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 30, 2015, 01:18:54 PM
So my Samsung DLP tv went after 12yrs. Shopped around and found a nice samsung led smart tv. The dip had a nice pic but damn this ultra hd is sweet. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 30, 2015, 01:23:10 PM
I bought a Sammy 55" 3D SmartTV 2 or 3 years ago.  Picture is phenomenal and 3D is legit too. I hardly ever use the smart features though. It has a built in Web browser, but it is really farging slow. I'm sure they are much faster now, but I haven't used any of the smart features for well over a year now. I'll probably upgrade to 4k sooner rather than later though. Pic quality is just sick.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on November 30, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
i was really close to pulling the trigger on a 60", samsung, 4k smart tv that was on sale for $800 black friday.

2 issues that kept me from doing it:

1.  I am waiting to see if curved TVs really is a thing because i think i want one
2.  I have no where in my house to put a 60" tv that doesn't look like its jammed in

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 30, 2015, 01:29:31 PM
I was checking the curved sets out. They look awesome but I didn't have the extra coin this close to Christmas and considering I had to buy a new washer a couple weeks ago.

Might be a tax return option
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: QB Eagles on November 30, 2015, 01:40:22 PM
Smart features in TV are close to worthless IMHO. Maybe less than worthless if the smart features are actively spying on you like many do.

A great looking TV with a lot of inputs can easily last a decade, whereas the smart features will be underpowered and outdated in 2-3 years. Better to just swap out a $25-$100 GoogleAmazonRokuApple stick/box every couple of years to get all the latest "smart" features than be locked into 8 year old tech that someone used to trick you into buying a $1500 TV.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 30, 2015, 01:48:49 PM
Agreed. I've got a $35 chromecast that if I ever need to use any kind of smart feature, I can just mirror my phone to the tv. It's revolutionized the way I watch teh pr0n.

Also have Apple TV so squaw can mirror with her Apple gadgets or with our Mac.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 30, 2015, 01:54:03 PM
I got the smart tv for Netflix. Works perfect. Deal was too good to pass up.

I have Amazon prime, does that mean I can sign into Amazon video service ?

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 30, 2015, 02:18:52 PM
Yes you can.

Re: smart features

There isn't a single component you can buy today that doesn't have smart features. Blu-ray players come loaded with apps like Netflix or Amazon and they have hundreds more on their "app stores" that are available for download. Same goes for home theaters, tvs, game consoles, etc, so I wouldn't make my decision on buying something because of apps. Jmo.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 30, 2015, 03:27:39 PM
Oh I have to check out Amazon video. I did prime for the shopping discounts. This is a bonus.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: hunt on November 30, 2015, 03:54:19 PM
the content is very similar to netflix.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 01, 2015, 07:59:13 AM
yeah - it all comes down to the original content. im a nerd so im hooked on the defender series on Netflix. plus im def in for another season of narcos. no way I can dump it.

want to check out this man in the high castle series on amazon.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on December 01, 2015, 12:58:32 PM
I'm slowly realizing that I'm going to have to replace my 30 year old (okay, 12) plasma TV. It's not that the picture is bad. Far from it - this thing was one of the early plasma TVs, and it still holds up against a lot of the cheap shtein that I've seen in the big box stores. I still love the look because it doesn't oversharp the hell out of things. When you see some sets in the store, they set them for more wow factor to sell them, but if you use them like that, the eye fatigue has to be unbearable.

Anyway, the limits at this point is are the number of inputs and the available resolution. The thing has one HDMI input, which I was able to get around by using a switching receiver. But as I think of adding more devices, the lack of inputs starts becoming more problematic. The available resolution settings on this thing are 480i, 480p, and 1080i (no 720 anything). The 480p still looks damned good. 1080i is great, too, but fewer and fewer new devices will output 1080i - they all want to do 1080p. I had to fight with Comcast to get an X1 box that would work with it (eventually I won that battle), and the Apple TV gets confused sometimes after it resets (I have to manually go in and reset it to a workable resolution). And it looks like Amazon Fire won't talk to it at all.

It kind of breaks my heart to get rid of this TV, partly because it still looks quite good, and partly because I purchased it on a binge when I got some inheritance from my mother's passing. Sentimental value and all. It's too big to put on the wall in the shteinter. Maybe I can find a spot in another bedroom or something.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 01, 2015, 01:07:10 PM
def make it a bedroom tv. seems like the natural cycle.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on December 01, 2015, 01:07:39 PM
Have you considered getting a receiver instead of a new TV?  I have a Yamaha something or other receiver and it has like 6 hdmi ports on the back. Granted, my TV has a bunch too, but I don't use them. I run all my components (bluray, apple tv, xbox, etc) through the receiver and I only have 1 cable going from the receiver to the TV. I went a little on the pricey side with mine ($700) but you can find a decent one for probably half that, which would be less than a new TV of comparable quality to the one you have.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 01, 2015, 01:23:54 PM
speaking of a receivier -  I need to look into one. I really would like to bose 3.2.1 but not sure about the set up. not too worried about a bluray player but do they have multi hdmi ports and such. need to do some research.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on December 01, 2015, 02:22:12 PM
Bose, imo, is a waste of money. I've never owned one, but I know about 6 or 7 people who do/have. 3 of them had their units go kaput in less than a year. My sister had 1 and she had 3 different units replaced by warranty in about 9 months. The ones who didnt have any problems still don't have sound as good as I do.

When I bought my receiver I bought a package set of polk speakers for like $400...2 front, 2 rear, 1 center, 1 sub. Since then, I upgraded my front speakers with a pair of klipsch tower speakers (got them for $175 each at BB....they were 50% off because the newer model just came out).  My room setup won't accommodate bookshelf speakers for the rear speakers, but eventually I'll go that route. Anyway, my sound system is legit as farg and kicks the shtein out of Bose and I probably paid half as much....I'm about $1400-1500 into it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 01, 2015, 02:33:46 PM
I've had 2sets of Bose speakers in the past and loved them. Now they were just straight shelf speakers (201s & 301s) with no receiver. Sound quality was insanely great. That was so long ago though. I'm not paying a ton for a system period so prob have to look elsewhere.

Maybe I'll get lucky and run into a guy in a white van at neshaminy mall.


Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on December 01, 2015, 02:48:37 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on December 01, 2015, 01:07:39 PM
Have you considered getting a receiver instead of a new TV?

Yeah, I did that. It made the whole thing a little more tolerable. My previous receiver (Yamaha) was good, but it only did component, and everybody is all about HDMI these days. The new one (Sony) works well as far a switching goes. I suppose it all depends on how you want the signal path to go: source->TV->audio or source->audio->TV. Ultimately it's all the same, I guess, especially when you're using digital technology.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on December 01, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
Quote from: smeags on December 01, 2015, 02:33:46 PM
Maybe I'll get lucky and run into a guy in a white van at neshaminy mall.

I'm not sure how getting raped and tossed in a dumpster solves your home theater problems, but good luck.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 01, 2015, 04:36:54 PM
I think outside the box.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on December 02, 2015, 08:51:08 AM
Sus, you can also get a HDMI Switch at monoprice for under 30 bucks, even comes with a remote. 

It is amazing how cheap the tv's are now compared to just 5 years ago.  Sus probably paid 5k for that plasma back in the day.  LED is definitely the way to go from this point going forward, especially if you're setup is in a room where you get lots of light.  Bought a Samsung 65" two years ago off amazon, and it's been a great purchase.  Just as Sarge said, the smart features are a waste outside of netflix/youtube/amazon.  The browser is painfully slow, and may be IE 2.1.

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 02, 2015, 09:00:24 AM
Yeah the browsers are typically useless. Haven't even looked at it and prob won't. If I need to I can hook my laptop to the tv and use the cordless keyboard and mouse if I want a 50in PC screen.

Speaking of prices, I paid $250 less for this 50" sammy led smart tv than I did for the one I replaced and I got that one on family discount.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on December 02, 2015, 11:00:52 AM
First "modern" tv I ever bought was a 40" Sony Wega in 2004. Paid $2500 for it. It was enormous compared to current flat screens because it was about 10" deep and weighed like 50lbs.  Didn't have any hdmi ports, but it did have any funky looking input that looked like an old serial port. Serial port on one end of the cable plugged into the TV,  hdmi on the other end of the cable for the dtv box. Then it had about 6 or 7 av cable ports and a coax jack. The struggle was real. Great tv though. Still has a great picture, but I don't have anywhere to put it so it sits in the attic. Gonna take it to my dad in NC one of these days. He still has a 30some inch tv from 1992.

My current tv is a Sammy 55" plasma 3d tv that I paid $699 for 2 years ago. I could probably get the same tv today for about $500 but I'm not sweating that.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on December 02, 2015, 11:11:19 AM
The set I replaced was a Samsung 50 DLP. I was late to the technology and the long-term reviews I saw indicated they tv's were known to go early so I figure getting 12yrs was pretty good.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on December 02, 2015, 11:28:52 AM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on December 02, 2015, 08:51:08 AM
It is amazing how cheap the tv's are now compared to just 5 years ago.  Sus probably paid 5k for that plasma back in the day.

At least that much (I forget the actual price, but it was steep). I knew I was on the bleeding edge, though. No big box stores had 'em yet - only the higher-end electronics places. You know, the ones that don't exist any more.

I'm amused that my friends have gone through at least three generations of TVs while I've had this one. I figure that over the long run, the cost has been a wash.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Seabiscuit36 on December 04, 2015, 08:01:06 AM
My first big tv purchase was a SONY SXRD 50inch, 4k at Tweeter.  Loved that tv, and it had all kinds of problems due to overheating of the way it projected the screen. 

My dad dropped somewhere in the 6 range for a Mitsubishi Diamond series tv back in 96 or 97.  Didnt even have HD offered on tv.  Had to drive from Middletown, DE to the Deptford Mall to Bryn Mahr Stereo since they had the only model in the tri state area.  At that time Plasmas were going for 10k. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 01:32:00 PM
Bought a Harmony 650 remote a couple years ago and thought it was awesome, but a few of the buttons stopped working lately. Was going to replace it with a new 650, but went with this one instead.

(http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HarmonyUltimate_BTY3_Base_72_dpi.jpg)

I think dropping $200 on a remote is insane, but at the same time I feel pretty good about it.

Touch screen along with a few buttons for commonly used commands. But if the buttons take a dump, I can always add them to the touchscreen.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on January 06, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Remember the days when "we" were the tv remotes for our parents ?


Good times
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SunMo on January 06, 2016, 02:08:04 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Remember the days when "we" were the tv remotes for our parents ?


Good times

(http://cdn1.theodysseyonline.com/files/2014/11/25/635524908901701512-2022780735_50CjhHD.gif)
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 02:19:51 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Remember the days when "we" were the tv remotes for our parents ?


Good times

No, you old coot, I don't remember.  The tv we had when I was a kid had a remote because we weren't still fighting in Korea. 
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on January 06, 2016, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 02:19:51 PM
because we weren't still fighting in Korea. 

lol
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on January 06, 2016, 02:41:13 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 02:19:51 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Remember the days when "we" were the tv remotes for our parents ?


Good times

No, you old coot, I don't remember.  The tv we had when I was a kid had a remote because we weren't still fighting in Korea.

:-D

Im pretty sure the Korean was wasn't fought in the 70's capt crunch.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: PhillyPhreak54 on January 06, 2016, 03:35:54 PM
My aunt and uncle didn't have cable until the kids went out and all they had were the local channels

No remote

Had to change manually
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 04:06:21 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 02:41:13 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 02:19:51 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Remember the days when "we" were the tv remotes for our parents ?


Good times

No, you old coot, I don't remember.  The tv we had when I was a kid had a remote because we weren't still fighting in Korea.

:-D

Im pretty sure the Korean was wasn't fought in the 70's capt crunch.

No, but it was when Rome was turning the dial back and forth between Bonanza and Gunsmoke on his pop's boob tube.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: QB Eagles on January 06, 2016, 04:12:42 PM
We used to have to go up to the roof and move the antenna when Jack Benny was over and it was time to switch over to the Texaco Star Theatre.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 04:16:38 PM
All of that sounds terrible.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on January 06, 2016, 06:14:39 PM
Grew up in Honey Brook Township.  No cable there until after I went to college.

I think the first TV we had with a remote was in high school.  Was a Sony System 3.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on January 06, 2016, 07:06:54 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 02:41:13 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 06, 2016, 02:19:51 PM
Quote from: smeags on January 06, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Remember the days when "we" were the tv remotes for our parents ?


Good times

No, you old coot, I don't remember.  The tv we had when I was a kid had a remote because we weren't still fighting in Korea.

:-D

Im pretty sure the Korean was wasn't fought in the 70's capt crunch.

Then what the farg was MASH all about, huh?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on January 07, 2016, 08:38:09 AM
Quote from: Geowhizzer on January 06, 2016, 06:14:39 PM
Grew up in Honey Brook Township.  No cable there until after I went to college.

I think the first TV we had with a remote was in high school.  Was a Sony System 3.

Freshman year for me. Parents still didn't get cable till we moved to the burbs in 89 so it was still just 7 channels but still was great to have a remote.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on January 07, 2016, 09:11:24 AM
The first "remote" we had was one of these:

(http://jimcofer.com/personal/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JerroldRemoteControl.jpg)

And it was a slice of heaven.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on January 07, 2016, 09:38:17 AM
Nice, how long was the cord ?

This was our 1st
(http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mEgJiyIl9Z6wMYMx3bUVV1w.jpg)

Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on January 07, 2016, 09:43:40 AM
The cord was long enough to run across the room with quite a few feet to spare. It was definitely a tripping hazard.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on January 07, 2016, 09:58:07 AM
i dont remember the first tv remotes but i remember we had a cord betamax remote...holy shtein was it awful...you couldnt rewind or ff a few seconds...youd hit the button and the thing would just go buckwild and and rewind at least 30 seconds after you told it to stop...it was so farging annoying
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on January 07, 2016, 10:02:18 AM
My poppop had one of those.  I was like 5 and at the time I thought it was some futuristic shtein because it had so many buttons. Cords on those things were long as hell too.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on January 07, 2016, 10:03:41 AM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 07, 2016, 10:02:18 AM
Cords on those things were long as hell too.

haha...yeah they were
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: QB Eagles on January 07, 2016, 11:14:41 AM
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on January 07, 2016, 09:11:24 AM
The first "remote" we had was one of these:

(http://jimcofer.com/personal/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JerroldRemoteControl.jpg)

And it was a slice of heaven.

Those things were super satisfying to use. Also I remember being able to descramble the Spice Channel by messing with those buttons and the dial.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on January 07, 2016, 02:06:51 PM
A scrambled spice channel still was worth W at Hong as a teenager.  :evil
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: hunt on November 09, 2016, 03:06:11 PM
i was gifted an unlocked amazon fire stick with kodi & a bunch of add-ons already installed.  i'm guessing it's super illegal...but i'm not sure i care.  holy crap, there's a lot of stuff on there...including movies still in the theater.  :paranoid
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on November 09, 2016, 03:09:20 PM
They're nice in theory, but you'll struggle to find the one good stream out of the ten to fifteen listed for everything.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 09, 2016, 03:16:19 PM
Quote from: hunt on November 09, 2016, 03:06:11 PM
i was gifted an unlocked amazon fire stick with kodi & a bunch of add-ons already installed.  i'm guessing it's super illegal...but i'm not sure i care.  holy crap, there's a lot of stuff on there...including movies still in the theater.  :paranoid

I have accidently watched a bunch of in theater stuff on kodi. gonna watch dr strange this weekend, but yeah. like GF said, its tough to find a good stream at times.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: hunt on November 09, 2016, 04:15:10 PM
thanks for the info.
real reason the wife got it for me is because i spazz out like a complete ahole whenever the eagles game isn't on our local channel...happens if the eagles are on cbs the same time as the steelers...twice last season but luckily won't happen this season unless they move some start times around.
anyway, all the movies are just a bonus.  :yay
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on November 17, 2016, 02:40:39 PM
Is it worth upgrading to a bigger TV if it's not a smart TV? I've been rolling with a 32 inch I got a few years back but wanna go bigger. I've seen some sales on 40 inch screen smart TVs and bigger screens that aren't smart TVs. 40 doesn't seem like a huge upgrade to me but the smart TV thing is something I want.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 17, 2016, 02:44:55 PM
Quote from: Munson on November 17, 2016, 02:40:39 PM
Is it worth upgrading to a bigger TV if it's not a smart TV? I've been rolling with a 32 inch I got a few years back but wanna go bigger. I've seen some sales on 40 inch screen smart TVs and bigger screens that aren't smart TVs. 40 doesn't seem like a huge upgrade to me but the smart TV thing is something I want.

just get the regular tv and get an amazon fire stick.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on November 17, 2016, 02:49:32 PM
Go as big as you can afford and get a fire stick. You're probably gonna have one anyway, so why switch between three remotes when you can stick with two?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: QB Eagles on November 17, 2016, 10:11:28 PM
Smart TVs are actually a negative thing. It means five years from now you'll have outdated technology in your TV that you can't replace, it monitors what you watch and sells the info to advertisers, and it'll be a network security problem too because the company will stop updating the firmware after a couple years. My Vizio TV doesn't even have an option to disconnect from the Internet.

Much better to have a nice, dumb screen and plug in whatever extra technology you want.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on November 18, 2016, 11:50:06 AM
Thank you for the info fellas.

With things like fire stick or chromecast, do I have to stream things on my phone or computer and then 'cast' them to the TV, or is it like a smart tv where things like the YouTube app are right on there and I can just surf YouTube on my tv?

On a related question, do gaming consoles work as replacements for smartTV/firstick/chromecast, or do all those things do more than the 360/PS4/xbox1 can do?
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 18, 2016, 12:51:54 PM
both of those plug directly into your tv so there's no need to mirror cast from another devise.

my two big TV's have gaming systems on them and I use those for streaming. there may be other details I don't know about on chromecast or fire, but to me the difference is you use more electricity when streaming through a gaming system.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Susquehanna Birder on November 18, 2016, 01:18:15 PM
Comcast recently added Netflix to their X1 system, so I no longer have to flip from the cable box to my Apple TV when I want to watch Netflix content.   :yay
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: hunt on November 18, 2016, 01:24:25 PM
with chromecast, you need to stream on your phone or whatever and cast to the tv.  with fire, you don't. it comes with a small remote.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 18, 2016, 01:44:05 PM
Quote from: hunt on November 18, 2016, 01:24:25 PM
with chromecast, you need to stream on your phone or whatever and cast to the tv.  with fire, you don't. it comes with a small remote.

good to know, I thought worked the same way.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on November 18, 2016, 02:12:29 PM
Yeah firestick sounds much more convienient.

Any opinions on 4K vs 1080? I've heard the picture on 4K is amazing but I can't seem to find any good deals on 4K TVs that aren't also smart TVs...so if I wanted to go the Firestick route and not smartTV, I may be SOL on 4K in my price range.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: General_Failure on November 18, 2016, 03:06:10 PM
If your provider actually offers 4k and/or your internet can handle streaming at 4k, then look at a 4k tv. If not, wait another decade (or two) for networks to get on a new standard. It might be 8k when they finally get around to it.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: QB Eagles on November 18, 2016, 03:46:55 PM
Personally I'd rather get a higher end 1080 than a lower end 4K. Good color, contrast, and the like matters more than the bump up to 4K, especially considering there isn't a ton of 4K content.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: smeags on November 18, 2016, 04:00:10 PM
the 4K TV's at this point, are great for gaming if you have the updated xbox one or ps4 systems.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on November 18, 2017, 02:51:15 PM
This was just talked about in another thread somewhere I think but are there any TV brands to absolutely avoid because they'll break in like a year? I've had my LG for about a year and have been pretty happy with it, but we bought the house and my old 32 inch isn't cutting it as a family room TV. Looking/hoping to get up to 60 inches with the next one but might settle in the 55-59 range if the price jumps too high at 60
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on November 18, 2017, 03:53:51 PM
Quote from: Munson on November 18, 2017, 02:51:15 PM
This was just talked about in another thread somewhere I think but are there any TV brands to absolutely avoid because they'll break in like a year? I've had my LG for about a year and have been pretty happy with it, but we bought the house and my old 32 inch isn't cutting it as a family room TV. Looking/hoping to get up to 60 inches with the next one but might settle in the 55-59 range if the price jumps too high at 60

What's your price range? Best advice I can give you is see if the floor models available. Stores constantly get new shipments and are constantly swapping their TVs out. 2007 I bought a $3000 Sony Bravia XLT floor model for $1500. To this day it still works like a champ and the picture quality is still better than any other TV I've seen.

When I moved into my new house, I had my heart set on a '65 for my living room. The Samsung I wanted at HHGregg was out of stock. Sticker price was $1300. I ask the guy about the floor model, he says it's the last one from the previous shipment, asks his manager if he's allowed to sell it. Manager says the new shipments coming in tomorrow, sold it to me for $800.

To me all the HD tvs look the same. A 60' flat screen will run you around $600-800. Think they're selling the 4Ks now for $800-1000 if that's your thing. You could go the cheap route and get a Vizio from Walmart or somewhere and probably only spend $500-600. Personally I'd spend the extra $150 and get a name brand like Samsung or Sony if you're planning on keeping the TV longer than 5 years.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Geowhizzer on November 18, 2017, 03:58:57 PM
I've had a Vizio 55" for five years.  Still works fine.  And yes, I am a cheap bastich.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on November 18, 2017, 04:29:55 PM
Quote from: AO1 on November 18, 2017, 03:53:51 PM
Quote from: Munson on November 18, 2017, 02:51:15 PM
This was just talked about in another thread somewhere I think but are there any TV brands to absolutely avoid because they'll break in like a year? I've had my LG for about a year and have been pretty happy with it, but we bought the house and my old 32 inch isn't cutting it as a family room TV. Looking/hoping to get up to 60 inches with the next one but might settle in the 55-59 range if the price jumps too high at 60

What's your price range? Best advice I can give you is see if the floor models available. Stores constantly get new shipments and are constantly swapping their TVs out. 2007 I bought a $3000 Sony Bravia XLT floor model for $1500. To this day it still works like a champ and the picture quality is still better than any other TV I've seen.

When I moved into my new house, I had my heart set on a '65 for my living room. The Samsung I wanted at HHGregg was out of stock. Sticker price was $1300. I ask the guy about the floor model, he says it's the last one from the previous shipment, asks his manager if he's allowed to sell it. Manager says the new shipments coming in tomorrow, sold it to me for $800.

To me all the HD tvs look the same. A 60' flat screen will run you around $600-800. Think they're selling the 4Ks now for $800-1000 if that's your thing. You could go the cheap route and get a Vizio from Walmart or somewhere and probably only spend $500-600. Personally I'd spend the extra $150 and get a name brand like Samsung or Sony if you're planning on keeping the TV longer than 5 years.

I'd love to get a Sony, got a buddy does regional sales for their TVs and entertainment equipment, but I can't swing that much unfortunately. Good idea on the floor model thing, def gonna give that a try.

$800 is probbbbably my max but I'm trying to come in under that if I can. Some of the Black Friday ads indicate that might be possible but some of the brands coming in under that price are what prompted me to ask this question. My old 32 inch is a Dynex and has lasted for about 7-8 years now in okay shape, so I don't have too many bad experiences with off brand stuff, but figured I'd ask around here.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on November 18, 2017, 04:39:33 PM
Black Friday deal, only $399 for a 50' Samsung 4K. I'd be all over this deal if I had any need for a new TV

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-50-class-49-5-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv/6029002.p?skuId=6029002
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: MDS on November 18, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
i paid $300 + delivery for a 49 inch toshiba. it has no frills with it, though. i think that stuff is mostly nonsense. you get everything you need by simply buying an apple tv, roku, firestick, etc. whatever tv you get, make sure you get it as stripped down as possible.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Sgt PSN on November 18, 2017, 06:20:42 PM
If you're looking for a high performance high quality tv, get a Samsung.  I've had mine for 5 years now. 50" plasma/3d/smart tv that I got for $700. No complaints.

If you just want a solid tv with a really nice picture but on the cheap, check out Scepture.  I think they're only sold on Wal Marts website but they are a Sony brand.  My mom has 3 of them. Just this year she bought a 50" or 55" for like $279.  Her first one is like 3 or 4 years old and still has a really good picture.  Excellent budget tv.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: ice grillin you on November 18, 2017, 06:23:41 PM
make it stop
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: Munson on November 18, 2017, 08:48:25 PM
That 50 inch looks nice, I just was hoping to go a bit bigger for the family room. But $399 for that is a pretty good deal.

Thanks for the names Sarge, I try to avoid WalMart because their owners are scum but sometimes the prices are worth it.

As for going stripped down...I honestly don't know if they sell 4Ks that aren't smart TVs and/or include something like Roku anymore. At least I haven't seen any in stores.
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: QB Eagles on November 18, 2017, 09:00:54 PM
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-tv/
Title: Re: TV/Internet/Phone options
Post by: SD on November 18, 2017, 11:41:21 PM
No lie I won a 32' inch LG smart tv tonight at a cancer benefit. Bunch of other shtein too like a toilet lite and a pancake maker. No idea what to do with this shtein. I tried donating it but they said you can't donate the prize baskets.