Brothers in Tech

Streaming Online Television - Deep Dive #3: DIY Options

Now that you have information about live TV streaming services (Episode 1), digital media players (Episode 1.1), and other movie/content services (Episode 1.3)…are there other options for getting our TV/Media fix? In the final of three “deep dives” into the topic of Streaming Online Television, the Brothers discuss a couple of DIY options. DIY options discussed: Over the Air (OTA): Brian discusses his system for accessing and recording free OTA content. Great quality, limited channels (local networks), requires additional hardware (e.g., antenna, DVR device) & possibly some creative wiring. Check to see what signals you could access in your location: NoCable.org fcc.gov PLEX: Alan discusses his use of a media server application/service as a way of not only streaming your personal content, but accessing TV/movie services, and even OTA content all in one place! Requires a home “server” (unless you pay for cloud storage) and significant set-up time/energy. Brothers’ recommendation: Although these are inexpensive ways of accessing content…they are not FAMILY recommended! There is a lot of set-up involved in these solutions, and the long-term use may be limited.  But, if you don’t mind some creative tinkering, are willing to put some money in initially to save on those monthly fees…WE SALUTE YOU! Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
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Streaming Online Television - Deep Dive #2: Movie Services

OK, you have learned about how to stream live TV content (Episode 1) and the equipment you need to do so (Episode 1.1)…but what about accessing additional content? In the second of three “deep dives” into the topic of Streaming Online Television, the Brothers discuss movie/content (non-live) services. Media players discussed: Netflix: Huge library of movies/shows (maybe too many?), really good original content. $8-15/month Amazon Prime: Decent library of movies/shows, some original content, clunky interface. ~$10/month (paid yearly…and many of you are already paying for it with Prime!). Hulu: Some original content, but mostly focused on network shows (which you may not need if you have a streaming TV service with DVR capabilities). ~$6/month (but can be combined ESPN+/Disney+ for $13). Apple TV+: Limited (ONLY original content…mostly shows), but good quality. ~$5/month, but free for a year with a purchase of phone/Apple TV. Disney+: Great movie content (Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, etc!), some original content, $7/month (but can be combined with Hulu and ESPN+ for $13). HBO Now: Solid movie/show database, known for original content. Expensive: $15/month (but can be offered as perk for AT&T customers). Brothers’ recommendation: Amazon Prime is a no-brainer addition to a streaming TV service (e.g., YouTube TV), as you already have it if you are a Prime delivery subscriber!  Want a second movie service to complement Amazon Prime? Netflix & Apple TV+ can provide some great original content. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Streaming Online Television - Deep Dive #1: Media Players

So, we have convinced you to try a streaming television service…how do you access that subscription? In the first of three “deep dives” into the topic of Streaming Online Television, the Brothers discuss the media player options for streaming online content. Media players discussed: “Smart”/Streaming TVs: Inexpensive way of accessing content (included in most current TV’s)…but please no! Save yourself and your family from this frustrating experience! Apple TV (HD or 4K versions): Expensive, very good user experience, ideal for Apple ecosystem users. Roku: Various price and set-up options (~$30-75), good user experience. Best option for those not in the Apple ecosystem and/or need a less expensive option. Fire TV: Inexpensive (~$25-50), but limited and clunky interface. Chromecast: Inexpensive (~$35), but limited (stream from computer/mobile device, Google ecosystem). Good for those living alone who consume most content through the phone (and want to ‘beam’ content to the TV). Brothers’ recommendation: Apple TV (if you are willing to shell out the $$) and Roku (if you want a less expensive option…and don’t mind updating your device every couple years). Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Streaming Online Television

In this inaugural episode, the Brothers (Alan & Brian Jackson) discuss the pros and cons of various options/services for streaming live television, including costs, features, usability, and technical difficulty (using the familial rating scale!). Services discussed include: Sling Hulu Live YouTube TV AT&T tv NOW Philo Brothers’ recommendation: YouTube TV (not the most expensive option, plenty of sports/channels, unlimited DVR, great user interface) In addition, the “Picks of the Show”: Brian’s Pick = WatchESPN: Application (for streaming boxes…Apple TV, Roku, etc.) with some really cool features to watch ESPN content, including Picture in Picture and Split Screen (up to 4 screen). So, you can achieve full sport overload Alan’s Pick = JustWatch: Application (web or mobile) for searching streaming services for movie/show availability. Rather than searching each one of your (and possible) services individually looking for a movie, JustWatch will search them all at one time! Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.