Low cost streaming options for broadcast channels

[MichaelB]

Not wanting to disrupt the “Cord cutting cable TV” thread for a simple question.
What are the low cost streaming options for local broadcast TV channels?

We’re headed out for our season dislocation and recently in one of the threads on cable I learned that I can stream our Comcast channels (which our HOA pays), minus the local broadcast, so all we would need would be the local broadcast channels. We’ve used PSVue and DirecTV Now, just wondering if there are any lower cost options.

[REWahoo]

This is the best source I've found to answer your question: https://www.suppose.tv/tv

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo This is the best source I've found to answer your question: https://www.suppose.tv/tv

Interesting link, sure makes it easy to compare the different packages.

The only time we really look at the locals is when DW wants to see the weather. Maybe she’ll get by with the CBS all access.

[Freedom56]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB Not wanting to disrupt the “Cord cutting cable TV” thread for a simple question. What are the low cost streaming options for local broadcast TV channels? We’re headed out for our season dislocation and recently in one of the threads on cable I learned that I can stream our Comcast channels (which our HOA pays), minus the local broadcast, so all we would need would be the local broadcast channels. We’ve used PSVue and DirecTV Now, just wondering if there are any lower cost options.

A free option for local broadcast stations would be to use a small flat antenna and your TV's digitial tuner. In Florida, we use that for back-up in the event our HOA cable service goes down. We get CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, CW, ION, PBS in HD and about 26 other stations that are pretty useless. The picture is actually better than the cable feed. Go to

https://antennaweb.org/

to determine what stations are available to you and what type of antenna you need.

[GalaxyBoy]

I haven't cut the cord yet, but I seem to recall that some of the services' fine print indicated they might limit you to what is physically local to you based on your IP address. Or not - I'm just suggesting you check or hopefully others more knowledgable than I will chime in.

If all you want is the local news from home that might be available for streaming online from your local stations' web sites. My favorite local news has a livestream for free, for example.

[GalaxyBoy]

This article on the subject is almost a year old, but maybe it's still useful:

https://ting.com/blog/best-streaming-tv-service-travel/

[Sunset]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freedom56 A free option for local broadcast stations would be to use a small flat antenna and your TV's digitial tuner. In Florida, we use that for back-up in the event our HOA cable service goes down. We get CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, CW, ION, PBS in HD and about 26 other stations that are pretty useless. The picture is actually better than the cable feed. Go to https://antennaweb.org/ to determine what stations are available to you and what type of antenna you need.

+1
Our Over The Air tv stations are all HD, except one.
We use a roof top antenna (the old kind) as it was on the house already, it works great.
I've even read how a person can make a flat antenna out of metal coat hangers

[pb4uski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB .... We’re headed out for our season dislocation and recently in one of the threads on cable I learned that I can stream our Comcast channels (which our HOA pays), minus the local broadcast, so all we would need would be the local broadcast channels. We’ve used PSVue and DirecTV Now, just wondering if there are any lower cost options.

Thanks for the tip. I was somewhat unaware of Xfinity Stream... I couldn't find the app for my Fire TV so I ignored it.... but I can pull it up on my laptop (or phone or tablet) and cast it to out HDTV using Chromecast.... can access everything I can in Sarasota other than locals.

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pb4uski Thanks for the tip. I was somewhat unaware of Xfinity Stream... I couldn't find the app for my Fire TV so I ignored it.... but I can pull it up on my laptop (or phone or tablet) and cast it to out HDTV using Chromecast.... can access everything I can in Sarasota other than locals.

That post made me check. Based on this, it looks like the Comcast app needs a Roku. Great! We have a Fire TV.

Quote:

Customers can also access their subscription on the TV via the Xfinity Stream app for Roku devices and Samsung smart TVs (and soon LG and Sony smart TVs as well)

[pb4uski]

If you check the internet there is a way to install Xfinity Stream going around the Fire TV app store using Downloader or ES File... I installed it an it loaded but the Fire TV remote couldn't control it at all... so it is useless... I suppose that is why it isn't available through the Fire TV app store... so I uninstalled it.