So after about 15 years, I've canceled NFL Ticket.

[fedderone]

Thanks for the good info and referrals.

Sounds like a very smart way to cut the cord but not be without key programming. Will definitely look in it.

Dumb question, but I'll ask anyway: We have several HDTVs, but haven't bought one in seven or eight years. To make all the magic happen that you described, we should spring for a Wi-Fi-capable TV, correct?

Thanks again.

No, not a "Wi-Fi TV", but rather a Smart TV.
If you don't have a smart TV, meaning Roku or whatever streaming interface isn't already a part of the physical TV, but your TV has HDMI inputs, then you can just go buy a Roku, or Apple TV, or whatever other streaming box. I would personally recommend Apple for the quality but Roku for the price point and interface.
If your HDTVs don't have HDMI inputs, and still have the Component Cable inputs only, than you will need a TV upgrade for streaming.
For pretty good picture at a reasonable price point, look at TCL's P series and 6 Series sets. They have Roku built in to them already, so no additional boxes to buy and plug into your set. You're already to go with either a hard-wired internet connection via Ethernet Cable straight into the TV, or through a Wi-Fi connection.
But there's all kinds of Smart TVs you can get on the cheap. Even TCL has a Smart TV with Roku built in that starts at $125.00. It's only 720p, but you can stream whatever through it.
Depending on what computers/phones/game systems you use in your household, one set-up may be more ideal than others.
Let me know if there's any other questions I can answer for you. I'm glad to help if I can.

 

[Steelers1356]

It was created for overseas troops and the military. It just happened to start in the Harrisburg market, which is why it has all Harrisburg local channels.

What I meant was the Ravens getting priority in Harrisburg when there's likely far more Steelers fans in that coverage area. Poor research by the NFL.

 

[Coach]

And I cut the ticket last year and didn't regret the decision. They were on national TV a lot, and those games where they weren't I was able to stream it on USATV or find a Stiller bar close by.
$360 or whatever the damn rate is now will buy a lot of beer.

Right. $360.00 for the Sunday ticket. The problem is the Steelers on my regular TV or pay TV 7 to 9 times a year. Lets say they are on Direct TV for me ( CBS, ESPN, NFL Network ) 8 times a year. I watch those at home. That means the 8 games I can not see costs $45 a game!

I'd rather go to a bar and enjoy food and drinks with other Steeler fans than pay for the Sunday Ticket.

 

[scstillerfan]

We cut it 2 years ago. Most of the Steelers games get played on standard network here. I'll go to the Quaker Steak 10 minutes from home for the few that don't.

The Ticket is a good value compared to the bars if you consider food and beer for 16 games. Not so much for 3-4 games.

 

[Stryker]

What I meant was the Ravens getting priority in Harrisburg when there's likely far more Steelers fans in that coverage area. Poor research by the NFL.

The NFL did that a few years after Baltimore got their team. HSBG is 1hr from Balt and 3hrs from Pit.

WAS owns the DC/VA market, so BAL couldn't expand south (from a product marketing perspective, not a broadcast perspective), except in MD. Their only shot was Delaware and HSBG.

Yea, it pisses me off too that the capitol of PA has to play a MD team every Sunday. When I lived in HSBG area 83-88, it was a Steeler market.

 

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

Appreciate all the info.

Our largest TV is 42 inches, has a great picture, and does have at least two, and maybe three, HDMI inputs. One is taken by a DVR player, and one goes to the DirectTV receiver. But of course if I drop DirectTV, that'll free up one of the inputs.

I've seen that a lot of people like the TCL TVs. They certainly don't break the bank. Our one Ethernet connection is downstairs. So, with the main TV being upstairs, we'd probably connect via Wi-Fi. We could always upgrade our router, and increase our download speed (from Comcast) if need be. Right now it's about 70 Mbps. We bought our own modem last week, and returned the one we were "leasing." Felt good to delete that $12 monthly charge. (Can't believe I paid that all these years.)

It's funny - we're pretty good with computer stuff. But the upgrades and improvements in TV viewing the past few years just flew by us. However, with posts like yours we're getting caught up (!)

Thank you again.

No, not a "Wi-Fi TV", but rather a Smart TV.
If you don't have a smart TV, meaning Roku or whatever streaming interface isn't already a part of the physical TV, but your TV has HDMI inputs, then you can just go buy a Roku, or Apple TV, or whatever other streaming box. I would personally recommend Apple for the quality but Roku for the price point and interface.
If your HDTVs don't have HDMI inputs, and still have the Component Cable inputs only, than you will need a TV upgrade for streaming.
For pretty good picture at a reasonable price point, look at TCL's P series and 6 Series sets. They have Roku built in to them already, so no additional boxes to buy and plug into your set. You're already to go with either a hard-wired internet connection via Ethernet Cable straight into the TV, or through a Wi-Fi connection.
But there's all kinds of Smart TVs you can get on the cheap. Even TCL has a Smart TV with Roku built in that starts at $125.00. It's only 720p, but you can stream whatever through it.
Depending on what computers/phones/game systems you use in your household, one set-up may be more ideal than others.
Let me know if there's any other questions I can answer for you. I'm glad to help if I can.

 

[Steeler]

Appreciate all the info.

Our largest TV is 42 inches, has a great picture, and does have at least two, and maybe three, HDMI inputs. One is taken by a DVR player, and one goes to the DirectTV receiver. But of course if I drop DirectTV, that'll free up one of the inputs.

I've seen that a lot of people like the TCL TVs. They certainly don't break the bank. Our one Ethernet connection is downstairs. So, with the main TV being upstairs, we'd probably connect via Wi-Fi. We could always upgrade our router, and increase our download speed (from Comcast) if need be. Right now it's about 70 Mbps. We bought our own modem last week, and returned the one we were "leasing." Felt good to delete that $12 monthly charge. (Can't believe I paid that all these years.)

It's funny - we're pretty good with computer stuff. But the upgrades and improvements in TV viewing the past few years just flew by us. However, with posts like yours we're getting caught up (!)

Thank you again.

Just bought a TCL a few months ago. It's a 55 inch and I believe it's better than the LG it replaced. Great picture, lots of features. They only drawback to it that I've noticed is the viewing angle. If you sit off to the side, the picture does wash out some, but for the price difference I can work with it. I would definitely buy another.

 

[fedderone]

Appreciate all the info.

Our largest TV is 42 inches, has a great picture, and does have at least two, and maybe three, HDMI inputs. One is taken by a DVR player, and one goes to the DirectTV receiver. But of course if I drop DirectTV, that'll free up one of the inputs.

I've seen that a lot of people like the TCL TVs. They certainly don't break the bank. Our one Ethernet connection is downstairs. So, with the main TV being upstairs, we'd probably connect via Wi-Fi. We could always upgrade our router, and increase our download speed (from Comcast) if need be. Right now it's about 70 Mbps. We bought our own modem last week, and returned the one we were "leasing." Felt good to delete that $12 monthly charge. (Can't believe I paid that all these years.)

It's funny - we're pretty good with computer stuff. But the upgrades and improvements in TV viewing the past few years just flew by us. However, with posts like yours we're getting caught up (!)

Thank you again.

So for the 42 inch with the 2-3 HDMI inputs, you can grab an Apple TV, or Roku, or whatever and hook it up via WiFi. Then depending on how many TVs you want to be able to stream with in the house, you can get some real fancy TVs, or keep it on the cheap.
TCLs are great for the price point. I agree with Steeler, though that viewing angle can wash a bit if you get off to the side too much.
But as far as quality meeting reasonable price you won't do any better. Just make sure if you do get a TCL, to stick with the P series or 6 series. P series only comes in 55in and 6 series comes in 55 or 65in. You can find older model TCLs that are 39/42/49 inches, but they're not as quality as the P and 6 series. Those smaller ones are from when TCL was fresh and finding its way.
The greatest television on the planet as far as picture quality is LGs OLED TVs. The picture is unmatched. My cousin has the latest LG OLED and a PS4 Pro hooked up to it with FIFA 18. I thought I was watching an actual players on a pitch. It don't look like that on my Panasonic Plasma nor my TCL P Series. If you have $1,500 - $5,000 to blow on a television..................

 

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

Appreciate the additional good info.

Not ready for an OLED yet, especially since much of what we watch is run-of-the-mill stuff - news channels, etc. But will definitely put your tips to use.

BTW: Talked to DirecTV a little while. Got them to offer a $40 discount off my general bill (for a year. No contract), and they lowered the price of the Sunday Ticket to about $325. Said yes to the first discount but no to the ST offer. (It's kinda fun to be hard-*** once in a while.)

I'll take my chances that there'll be a way to watch the Steelers when they're not "regular TV" here (in Houston).

BTW 2: I moved the router last night to a considerably higher spot on the first floor, and more toward the middle of the house. We see a difference in the signal strength already. Wife's computer is getting the full five bars. And watched a show on DTV On-Demand - which requires Wi-Fi - without any buffering.

So we're off to a good start. Thanks again.

 

[Cras108er]

Last year a Jags fan broadcast EVERY one of their games on FB Live. He simply point a camera at the screen and provided a live stream. I kept waiting for the NFL to shut them down. Bet they won’t get away with it for long. Just saying.


Sent from my iPhone using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[Steeler]

Last year a Jags fan broadcast EVERY one of their games on FB Live. He simply point a camera at the screen and provided a live stream. I kept waiting for the NFL to shut them down. Bet they won’t get away with it for long. Just saying.


Sent from my iPhone using Steeler Nation mobile app

Son of a *****! One of you locals make this happen!

 

[ZonaBurgh]

Son of a *****! One of you locals make this happen!

I understand Burgundy is on FB

 

[Steeler]

I understand Burgundy is on FB

It's easy to create a private group on FB, you can only get in by invite. Just sayin..........

 

[Steelin]

I dropped the ticket after having it for years when it got super expensive and i couldn't handle DirectTV's lame customer service. I told the escalated retention supervisor "You are the last person i will negotiate with." Sup douche bag "Oh i understand. We hate to see you go blah blah blah."

Ring ring "DirectTV. How may i help you?" Steelin "I'd like my service cancelled immediately please." New sup douche bag "We'll give (GIVE) you Sunday Ticket and all movie channels for a year." Steelin "No thank you. Please terminate my service immediately." Douche bag "But, but..." I'd walk in to Sam's Club for years and just laugh at the dork trying to talk to me. Finally, he yells after me. "Why not?!?"

Customer service. Customer service.

 

[BLITZ]

I cannot comprehend missing a steelers game. I have missed 1 in my adult life. A hurricane came through on a sat. Night and knocked out power for miles around. Had a tree come through the house. Could not justify driving 2 hours the next day to watch a football game. But i really really wanted to.

 

[Steelin]

I grew up in AZ. I was lucky the Steelers kicked *** in the 70's. Ever since if they're hot they're on.

 

[Stryker]

I cannot comprehend missing a steelers game. I have missed 1 in my adult life. A hurricane came through on a sat. Night and knocked out power for miles around. Had a tree come through the house. Could not justify driving 2 hours the next day to watch a football game. But i really really wanted to.

I had 40 people in my house for the Colts/Steelers playoff game in 06' and the power went out. Cable still worked and we watched in on the TV powered by the generator. Power came back after the half so I turned off the genny. Colts started coming back, so I turned it back on and turned off all the power in the house. Fun times!

 

[Steelin]

I had 40 people in my house for the Colts/Steelers playoff game in 06' and the power went out. Cable still worked and we watched in on the TV powered by the generator. Power came back after the half so I turned off the genny. Colts started coming back, so I turned it back on and turned off all the power in the house. Fun times!

I was at my brother and sister in laws house. She's originally from Mississippi. She wasn't a happy camper at all.

 

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

The past couple of years I watched parts of one or two Steeler games on firstrowsports The video was surprisingly good, but the pop-ups - especially in the first few minutes - were a pain.

Question: Is it smart to use a browser extension such as Ad Block Plus for watching on any site like that?

Thanks.

 

[JMM]

I had 40 people in my house for the Colts/Steelers playoff game in 06' and the power went out. Cable still worked and we watched in on the TV powered by the generator. Power came back after the half so I turned off the genny. Colts started coming back, so I turned it back on and turned off all the power in the house. Fun times!

I think Steeler fans have to be the most superstitious of all fans... I ate Steeler Chili every gameday for about a decade knowing it somehow translated to winning. If there was any leftover after a win, it went in the fridge to be eaten as a victorious leftover that Co workers could smell heating up in the nuker. If the Steelers lost and there was any left over, it went in the trash as loser chili

 

[SCSteeler4life]

Got it 100% free this year. Also got 2 new 4k Genie boxes for free this year. Benn with DirecTv for15 years, first time I ever got this good of a deal. Son=on as automated system came on , I said cancel my service. That will get you to retention they can give you all kinds of stuff. My bill went from 149 down to 62.32 with all of the discounts. I did turn off 3 TV's which was 7$ a TV. My kids don't watch regular TV anymore they use smart TV's or gaming console to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime or Youtube movies. Best deal I have had in years.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I understand Burgundy is on FB

My VOTE





Salute the nation

 

[JMM]

Got it 100% free this year. Also got 2 new 4k Genie boxes for free this year. Benn with DirecTv for15 years, first time I ever got this good of a deal. Son=on as automated system came on , I said cancel my service. That will get you to retention they can give you all kinds of stuff. My bill went from 149 down to 62.32 with all of the discounts. I did turn off 3 TV's which was 7$ a TV. My kids don't watch regular TV anymore they use smart TV's or gaming console to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime or Youtube movies. Best deal I have had in years.

I got a rock


You must have gotten someone on the other end of the line who was feeling really generous or it was their last day on the job.

 

[SCSteeler4life]

View attachment 4087

I got a rock


You must have gotten someone on the other end of the line who was feeling really generous or it was their last day on the job.

Only bad thing was he was a Cowboys fan, the call center was in Texas. We got disconnected once and I waited then called back and got a call center in India I believe, but he called me back and I hung up on the other guy. Make sure you say the word cancel or retention when the recording is talking. It started to tell me about heavy call volume and trying to call back later in the week until I said cancel service, then he was there in 10 seconds. I've been with them since 2003. I also paid 100$ for the ticket last year.

 

[Steeler]

My VOTE





Salute the nation

Just a few of us, who are willing to do it, could cover every game. Nobody would be left out!