Hello There, Guest! (LoginRegister)

Post Reply 
An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
Author Message
MWC Tex Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 7,850
Joined: Aug 2012
Reputation: 179
I Root For: MW
Location: TX
Post: #1
An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
I was doing some research on finding a cheaper TV package and checking out all the OTT platforms that are available and I thought I would share my research in case it may help any of you looking to switch to a OTT platform. I spent time looking at Direct TV Stream, Sling, Hulu and You Tube.

I've focused mainly on the Sports Channels for this board, but since I did the research, I'll throw in the family stuff too since if you are like me, my wife and kid have a say.
I also focused on the lowest and second lowest tiers.

Let me add that all platforms have HGTV & Food Network on the lowest tier.

DirectTV Stream: https://www.directv.com/stream/
3 Tiers
Entertainment $70: Includes ESPN/2, FS1, NBC Golf, TNT, TBS, USA

Choice $90: Includes Entertainment (above) and adds ESPN U/News, ACC Net, SEC Net

Ultimate $105: Includes Entertainment & Choice and adds CBS SN & FS2

Family channels on both tiers: Disney/jr./XD, Cartoon Network, Nick and Nick Jr.

Stream 3 devices at a time outside home network. (20 streams within the home)


Sling TV https://www.sling.com
Two packages: Orange and Blue. Both now come with 10 hrs of DVR storage for free. Can purchase additional storage.

Orange Pro's:
$40/month
ESPN/2/3, TNT, TBS.
Can add $11/month sports package for NBA, SECN/SECN+, Pac12, ESPN U/News, NHL, BeIN sports, ACCN, Longhorn.

Family: Disney, Cartoon Network and Nick Jr.

Orange Cons:
Only can stream 1 device at a time.
No USA
No Fox sports or CBS SN.


Blue Pros:
$40/month.
FS1, TNT, TBS, USA, NFL Network.
Can add $11/month sport package containing: FS2, Redzone, NBA, NHL, BeIN Sports, Pac 12, NBC Golf and Big10 Network

Family: Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, USA.
Can add $6 package for Nicktoons, Teen Nick, Boomerang.
Can add $6 package for Hallmark channels, Cooking, DIY.

Can stream 3 devices at a time.

Blue Cons:
No ESPN channels or CBSSN
No Disney channels

You can purchase Orange and Blue together for $55/month. HOWEVER, even though you'll have 4 devices you can stream at the same time (With combined packages), you are still are only allow 1 device at a time with the Orange channels).
Sports Extra package is $15/month.

Hulu TV: https://www.hulu.com/live-tv

$75/month
Pros:

ESPN/2/U/News, FS1/2, NBCSN, NBC Golf, SECN, BTN, CBSSN, Fox RSN, TNT, TBS

Family: Disney/jr./XD, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TCM, TBS/TNT/USA.
Access to Hulu Library of shows.

Cons:
Can only stream 2 devices at a time.

YouTube TV: https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/?utm_sour...e&ve=34273

$65/month

Pros:

6 accounts per household, but can only stream 3 devices at a time.
Stream Live TV of Local Major Networks...not On Demand as others.
ESPN/2/U/News, FS1/FS2/RSN'S, BTN, SECN, CBSSN, NBCSN, NBC Golf, NBA TV, MLB, TNT, TBS.

Family: Disney/jr./XD, USA, Food, HGTV, TLC.

Cons:
Need a different account to stream on other TV's?

FUBO TV: https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/channels

Pro $70/month. Elite $80/month. Ultimate $100/Month

Pros:

Roku available
FS1/2/RSN's, NBCSN, BTN, CBSSN, BeIN Sports (10 channels), Tennis Channel, Fox Soccer+, NBA, NBC Golf, NFL Network, NFL Redzone, PAC12 Networks, Misc sports channels (Eleven Sports, FUBO TV Net, Football (soccer) Rpt TV), TNT, TBS, USA & TruTV (for March Madness).
Stadium added to the Extra package

Regular channels: History, USA, Bravo, FX, Hallmark, Hallmark Movies, SyFy, HGTV, Food Network

Family tier allows 3 Devices at a time. Elite tier allows 5 Devices at a time.

Cons:
Price increase that added DVR and extra streaming device.

Vidgo
https://www.vidgo.com
Plus $60/month. Premium $80/month.

95 channels with ESPN channels, FS 1&2, Pac 12 Network, SECN, ACCN, Stadium, NFL network, Longhorn, BTN, BeIn and regional Pac12 Networks. (No CBSSN)

Available on Roku, Apple App, Google Play, Amazon Fire Tv, Android TV and website.

Can stream on 3 devices at once.

No DVR. However, they state they allow a 24 hour playback on many channels and VOD of shows.


For those who want OTT packages without sports channels.
(Could be a bigger trend for some as watching games via OTA, a via digital conference network or another platform like Stadium and ESPN+ is enough to get their sports fix).

Philo
https://try.philo.com/

$25 gets you 65 channels.
DVR is unlimited shows will held for a year.
Stream 3 Devices at a time
On Roku, iOS, Android, Apple TV and Fire.


Courtesy of TerpsNPhoenix: http://cordcuttersnews.com/sling-tv-vs-d...-tv-break/
Links show list of devices that will work or each product as well as channel comparison by each OTT platform.

Courtesy of Solohawks: He has a slimmed down Excel sheet of the channels by platform you can PM Solohawks to get his version.

AssyrianDuke was kind enough to find a website that provide a rundown of all channels on various OTT platforms.
https://thestreamable.com/
(This post was last modified: 11-27-2022 11:45 PM by MWC Tex.)
06-17-2017 11:51 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


MWC Tex Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 7,850
Joined: Aug 2012
Reputation: 179
I Root For: MW
Location: TX
Post: #2
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
Hard to sum up since everyone had different needs/wants. For the lowest tiers.
If you have a family and need to stream 3 or more TV's then PS VUE offers the best packages for the whole family.
If you're just a couple or small family and don't use 3 TV's or more at a time then Direct TV Now offers the most bang for the buck for the family if you are satisfied with ESPN/2 and FS1 for sports channels.
(This post was last modified: 07-05-2017 07:18 PM by MWC Tex.)
06-17-2017 12:13 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
goodknightfl Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 21,366
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 540
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #3
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
I refuse to ever again spend over $20 per month on TV.
06-17-2017 12:23 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
ColKurtz Offline
2nd String
*

Posts: 442
Joined: Aug 2016
Reputation: 73
I Root For: Virginia Tech
Location: Raleigh
Post: #4
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
Or, Kodi for everything and stream reddit cfbstreams from your PC or phone/tablet to TV via airplay. Free-fifty.
06-17-2017 12:34 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
solohawks Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 21,542
Joined: May 2008
Reputation: 878
I Root For: UNCW
Location: Wilmington, NC
Post: #5
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
One thing people need to be aware of with PS Vue...if you don't get local channels in your area you are classified as a slim package and pay $10 less. If/when local channels are added in the future I would expect to see a $10 increase and upgrade from the slim pack to include your noe available local channels. To some people it's worth the increase. To others it might not be
06-17-2017 12:52 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
TexanMark Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 26,061
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation: 1397
I Root For: Syracuse
Location: St. Augustine, FL
Post: #6
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
Using Sling right now...looking to switch to Hulu or Youtube for Football Season. I have Roku devices so hopefully they release content on Roku by late August.
06-17-2017 03:36 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


goofus Offline
All American
*

Posts: 4,461
Joined: May 2013
Reputation: 170
I Root For: Iowa
Location: chicago suburbs
Post: #7
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
Doesn't OTT mean over the top? As in, stuff you can't get through cable tv like netflix original programming.

This stuff just sounds like alternative streaming options for content you can already get through cable tv.
06-17-2017 03:53 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
TerpsNPhoenix Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,263
Joined: Nov 2014
Reputation: 78
I Root For: Maryland & Elon
Location: North Cackalacky
Post: #8
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
Good write up! Thanks for doing this. Had PS Vue last year. Plan on doing it again for football season.
06-17-2017 03:58 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
teamvsn Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,015
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation: 64
I Root For: NAIA
Location: Reno as of 2023
Post: #9
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 03:53 PM)goofus Wrote:  Doesn't OTT mean over the top? As in, stuff you can't get through cable tv like netflix original programming.

This stuff just sounds like alternative streaming options for content you can already get through cable tv.

This is an alternative to cable TV. For cheaper, excluding the needed broadband internet connection.
06-17-2017 04:37 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
teamvsn Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,015
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation: 64
I Root For: NAIA
Location: Reno as of 2023
Post: #10
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
I just completed a free trial of PS-Vue. I am on cable and currently off bundle pricing, paying $175 for cable + 60mbps internet. I wanted to evaluate my options before rebundling.

I like PS-Vue. I had trouble with on-demand streaming with one channel, but the channel selection is actually better than my cable bundle (for channels I want). I am streaming it thru Apple TV, which is a brilliantly simple device. I am going to do a free trial of Sling next, and then probably pick one or the other after I get back from some summer travels.
06-17-2017 04:41 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Jjoey52 Offline
All American
*

Posts: 4,035
Joined: Feb 2017
Reputation: 236
I Root For: ISU
Location:
Post: #11
An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
I used sling for awhile and didn't care for it as the only way you could get decent sports was to take both Blue and Orange. When you do that the only channels not on Blue are ESPN, 2 and Disney. It is rigged so you need both. Cost for both $45


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
06-17-2017 04:43 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


teamvsn Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,015
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation: 64
I Root For: NAIA
Location: Reno as of 2023
Post: #12
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
One thing you need to note about any of these. You need a very good internet connection, and you need to be aware of the data limitations of your internet account. My ISP is my cable company, 60mbps, and a 1000 gb data limit. I will probably downgrade to 40mbps with the same 1000gb limit. I've done some estimates, and it appears if I leave the streaming running all the time I will exceed my limit.

So, I must change my habits. I can no longer simply turn off my TV when I am done viewing. I must remember to exit the PS-Vue app to stop the data flow. And I must click on the PS-Vue app to start viewing. That sounds minor, but to some people it could be a big deal.
06-17-2017 04:46 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
MplsBison Offline
Banned

Posts: 16,648
Joined: Dec 2014
I Root For: NDSU/Minnesota
Location:
Post: #13
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 03:53 PM)goofus Wrote:  Doesn't OTT mean over the top? As in, stuff you can't get through cable tv like netflix original programming.

This stuff just sounds like alternative streaming options for content you can already get through cable tv.

It's not an official FCC term. So people use it to mean different things.
(This post was last modified: 06-18-2017 09:38 AM by MplsBison.)
06-17-2017 05:29 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Kittonhead Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 10,000
Joined: Jun 2013
Reputation: 122
I Root For: Beat Matisse
Location:
Post: #14
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
I think streaming makes sense if you are on a tight budget and just want to be able to have it for football season or something.

I have been tracking the price of data, phones ect obviously for a while. A couple of years ago they dropped the prices down to the point where you might be able to get away with a 14GB plan through a wireless provider and run all of your devices off of that.

Prices though have stabilized but one of the big changes in the last year to offset cord cutting cable companies have been dropping the prices on the higher end packages, packages that very few consumers could justify paying for when $100 or $125 just for cable.

I have one of those packages for like $59.99 (including fees) and I have all channels plus HBO, Showtime and Starz included plus I get a $20 dollar discount off my internet service so my true cost is $39.99.

You can get a crap internet TV package for $30 dollars that is a hassle when the internet connectivity cuts out with limited channels or pay a few dollars more to have a nice package.
06-17-2017 05:30 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Jjoey52 Offline
All American
*

Posts: 4,035
Joined: Feb 2017
Reputation: 236
I Root For: ISU
Location:
Post: #15
An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
What we did after we dropped Dish and didn't like Sling was got a mid range cable package for sports and some other shows along with a DVR. Then we added Hulu, Netflix and Amazon. Everyone is very satisfied.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
06-17-2017 05:46 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
MWC Tex Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 7,850
Joined: Aug 2012
Reputation: 179
I Root For: MW
Location: TX
Post: #16
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 12:53 PM)solohawks Wrote:  Hey MWC. Check out fubo.tv and add them to your summary

Thanks. Summary added and post is updated.
06-17-2017 05:56 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


MWC Tex Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 7,850
Joined: Aug 2012
Reputation: 179
I Root For: MW
Location: TX
Post: #17
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 04:46 PM)teamvsn Wrote:  One thing you need to note about any of these. You need a very good internet connection, and you need to be aware of the data limitations of your internet account. My ISP is my cable company, 60mbps, and a 1000 gb data limit. I will probably downgrade to 40mbps with the same 1000gb limit. I've done some estimates, and it appears if I leave the streaming running all the time I will exceed my limit.

So, I must change my habits. I can no longer simply turn off my TV when I am done viewing. I must remember to exit the PS-Vue app to stop the data flow. And I must click on the PS-Vue app to start viewing. That sounds minor, but to some people it could be a big deal.

Maybe depending where you are or the number in household, but with 3 of us in the household, we have had little issues streaming 2 TV's and web surfing on phones/tablets with the 12 mbs service with AT&T.
06-17-2017 06:43 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
teamvsn Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,015
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation: 64
I Root For: NAIA
Location: Reno as of 2023
Post: #18
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 06:43 PM)MWC Tex Wrote:  
(06-17-2017 04:46 PM)teamvsn Wrote:  One thing you need to note about any of these. You need a very good internet connection, and you need to be aware of the data limitations of your internet account. My ISP is my cable company, 60mbps, and a 1000 gb data limit. I will probably downgrade to 40mbps with the same 1000gb limit. I've done some estimates, and it appears if I leave the streaming running all the time I will exceed my limit.

So, I must change my habits. I can no longer simply turn off my TV when I am done viewing. I must remember to exit the PS-Vue app to stop the data flow. And I must click on the PS-Vue app to start viewing. That sounds minor, but to some people it could be a big deal.

Maybe depending where you are or the number in household, but with 3 of us in the household, we have had little issues streaming 2 TV's and web surfing on phones/tablets with the 12 mbs service with AT&T.

Yes, I have read that the minimum speed for streaming should be 10mbps. However I am an IT guy and need fast internet for other reasons. 40 mbps should be adequate for me overall.
06-17-2017 07:27 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
TexanMark Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 26,061
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation: 1397
I Root For: Syracuse
Location: St. Augustine, FL
Post: #19
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 04:43 PM)Jjoey52 Wrote:  I used sling for awhile and didn't care for it as the only way you could get decent sports was to take both Blue and Orange. When you do that the only channels not on Blue are ESPN, 2 and Disney. It is rigged so you need both. Cost for both $45


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Actually if you are a hard core ACC or SEC Fan Sling Orange is great. The SEC fanboys would need to get CBS OTA.

I'm thinking about grabbing the FS1/2/CBS College Sports for FB season on Hulu or Youtube but frankly I can live without it...only $10 more a month for 3 months might make it worth it.
(This post was last modified: 06-17-2017 07:39 PM by TexanMark.)
06-17-2017 07:37 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
teamvsn Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,015
Joined: Feb 2016
Reputation: 64
I Root For: NAIA
Location: Reno as of 2023
Post: #20
RE: An Analysis of TV OTT Platforms
(06-17-2017 07:37 PM)TexanMark Wrote:  
(06-17-2017 04:43 PM)Jjoey52 Wrote:  I used sling for awhile and didn't care for it as the only way you could get decent sports was to take both Blue and Orange. When you do that the only channels not on Blue are ESPN, 2 and Disney. It is rigged so you need both. Cost for both $45


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Actually if you are a hard core ACC or SEC Fan Sling Orange is great. The SEC fanboys would need to get CBS OTA.

I'm thinking about grabbing the FS1/2/CBS College Sports for FB season on Hulu or Youtube but frankly I can live without it...only $10 more a month for 3 months might make it worth it.

Be sure you try it first. I just signed up for me free trial and it's already buffered twice on the first show I am watching live. 55mbps connection tested right now on speedtest.net while I am streaming. So it's not my connection that's the problem.
06-17-2017 07:48 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Post Reply 




User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


Copyright © 2002-2024 Collegiate Sports Nation Bulletin Board System (CSNbbs), All Rights Reserved.
CSNbbs is an independent fan site and is in no way affiliated to the NCAA or any of the schools and conferences it represents.
This site monetizes links. FTC Disclosure.
We allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our web site. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioral advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit http://www.networkadvertising.org.
Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group.