Channels & viewing

[howieg00]

Interesting , I did not hear about the SpectrumTV dispute. Is that settled ? I did try it when YTTV first up'd their prices, but the fast forward does not indicate where you are . Have they fixed that. Also the limited DVR was a killer. I did like how you could tell when a show was recorded, which I liked better than YTTV, which just has one big bag of icons . I guess Google figures people don't know how to read anymore.... they may be right.

[howieg00]

The only thing I can find that Google is pushing for is the new chipset, which will allow better compression , and other vendors are pushing for. Since Google is not a chip maker , I do not see this as a problem on Google.

Roku has had problems with just about everyone in the last two years. I see people say something about Spectrum TV, Disney, Peacock. If Roku loses YTTV, then other vendors will gang up on them. And no I would not stay with Roku, I will just get a GoogleTV dongle. Roku I liked because they were vendor neutral, unlike Amazon, Apple.

The worst thing to do is get a smart tv, and use that for your services.

[howieg00]

Too cruel

[howieg00]

Roku has had a bunch of disputes in the last year, Disney , Peacock, and now I hear my local carrier Spectrum (not sure I want to defend Charter). But the entire point of Roku was

1 . Stable device

2. Neutral (unlike Amazon Apple)

I went over to R_eddit , asked around and just ordered

Google Chrome-cast with Google TV

Everywhere but Amazon (they are all in restraint of Trade). Walmart Best_Buy Google and it controls volume.

[atc98092]

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@DisastifiedAL wrote:

one of the facts is google wants Roku to adopt industry standard codec "AV1", Roku is refusing.

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AV1 is no more a "standard" than VP9 or MPEG2. Yes, it's in use now (it only came out a few years ago) and will likely continue to increase in use. 

What I don't know is if AV1 can be decoded in software, and if so how much processing power is necessary. It's completely possible that almost no existing Roku device has the processing power to decode AV1 in software. Even much more powerful players, such as the Nvidia Shield, has issues with decoding video in software. They attempted to add VP9 Level 2 support via software decoding (it's what YouTube uses for HDR) and while it was OK with 4K/30 content it completely froze the player with 4K/60 content. 

So, that means Roku needs to completely redesign their players, and potentially makes all existing devices obsolete. Perhaps they don't want to have to tell their customers that the new Roku they just bought will no longer work in 90 days because they had to redesign their operating system for a new version of hardware. 

This of course is all guesswork, because we don't have the full facts from either side. Based on what both sides have said so far, I'm on Roku's side of the fence. But then I don't use any sort of TV provider with my streaming players. When we cut the cord, that was to move completely away from everything I was getting from Dish Network. I get OTA stations with no problem, and we do not miss any of those 300+ channels we used to have (and never watch). Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max and Netflix provides more than I can ever watch, so I'm not in the least concerned with the rest. For those that simply must have some of those channels, I understand and hope they get it worked out for you all. 

[howieg00]

Have 3 Roku's , but this is only going to get worse in the future. So I asked on Reddit and people are positive on the GoogleTv (Chromecast), which is also a doggle with a remote. I have tried to avoid streaming devices where the vendor was in the game (Apple Amazon) but now I will give Google a try since I know they will not block YTTV. Problem with them is that I do not know if they will stay in the hardware business.

The problem is Roku has become this large network, and now they want to leverage that. I do not think people will stick with them. When push comes to shove , Google could offer a free device to every subscriber . The only thing stopping them is an anittrust suit.

[howieg00]

That is a bummer, but as a YTTV I like it , and no will not give it up to keep a Roku (have had many for over 10 years). YTTV does cost too much. The price rise to $65 was just plain wrong, but the other services just do not compare. Unlimited DVR, the broadcast channels I like, smooth playback.

You should see if you can get Google to give you their new Chromecast GoogleTV dongle (basically a Roku), at $50 I am getting one as backup. The guys on Reddit mostly like it. However I must say it will not be a neutral device , it will have special feature for YTTV.

If you do not have the app on your Roku, that is a problem, but you could cast it from a smartphone. Basically that is a handoff from the phone to the roku, and you could then turn off the phone. Certainly not Ideal, but maybe you want to try it out that way for a week and see if you like it.

[howieg00]

So you are a young chick.

I do not think you will have any problems with the Chromecast, but if this dispute does not end you may want to look at the GoogleTV Chromecast for $50 (everywhere but Amazon) , it is basically a Roku that puts YTTV on the front page.

As for casting , I tried it out and got it to work off a computer, or smartphone. You cast to the Roku. After you cast you can turn off the phone since the roku is not using the phone but the internet. I thought I was really great getting it to work. Then I found out my 4 yr old grand daughter has been doing casting all winter. I think when disney first came out Roku was fighting with them, so you had to cast.

[atc98092]

Do you already have YTTV on another Roku linked to your account? If so, it will be added the same as all the other channels linked to your account when you set it up. It's currently unavailable for users that don't have it installed on any Roku device. 

[tvGma]

Yes unfortunately it's all about the money! Loyalty? Hahaha, big companies only think about the stockholders,not the people who actually PAY them so they can stay in business!!