tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88491073746572528422024-03-18T12:12:18.906-04:00My Streaming LifeThoughts and tips from a long-time cord-cutter & streamer.DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.comBlogger1062125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-24481441723169725572024-03-18T05:00:00.003-04:002024-03-18T12:11:46.886-04:00I still haven't accepted the new Roku dispute terms<p>Recently, Roku updated their dispute resolution terms, and it's caused some controversy. Not the actual terms, which seem okay for most people, but the way they went about it.</p>
<p>Tyler the Antenna Man had some thoughts on it.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lcZLZamEDII" width="560" youtube-src-id="lcZLZamEDII"></iframe></div>
<p>[<a href="https://youtu.be/lcZLZamEDII" target="_blank">YouTube</a>]</p>
<p>I would throw in that there are cheaper ways to go Android or Google TV (almost, but not quite the same thing), such as Google's Chromecast or Walmart's Onn Streaming Box.</p>
<p>But, about the Roku terms ...</p>
<p>I've still not accepted the new terms. My Roku devices have been useless since the update came. But, how long will I leave things that way? Well, I don't know. I'll probably accept them soon. I don't know if I'll send a letter opting out, but I might just to be difficult. Or not.</p>
<p>When I'll accept the terms is unknown. Maybe later today. Maybe never. Probably soon though.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life has used Roku for years, but lately has been using Google TV (primarily Chromecast). I'm very unhappy with the latest Roku move, but I'll get over it. Eventually.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-26134235148397888252024-03-17T05:00:00.001-04:002024-03-18T11:54:58.746-04:00Project Grandson<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLv4YcLMckb5TPzhCkmAO-XrKc-xMpYYE-0r-FbsCuFb2Is_yBHdqDBy_dwGUx2ibwWtzYh2vNLZVCG0iLqHwOyo6LcERdfHXPMsu6EJIrKPN47CuwxG5JlIbOD4oPF5KVCGInYCRGOCGu9g9SyZQDbIkZ6TyODuaI8GWfAgW51FAWY32mQTbmIkpk5U/s800/raspberry-pi-logo.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLv4YcLMckb5TPzhCkmAO-XrKc-xMpYYE-0r-FbsCuFb2Is_yBHdqDBy_dwGUx2ibwWtzYh2vNLZVCG0iLqHwOyo6LcERdfHXPMsu6EJIrKPN47CuwxG5JlIbOD4oPF5KVCGInYCRGOCGu9g9SyZQDbIkZ6TyODuaI8GWfAgW51FAWY32mQTbmIkpk5U/w200-h200/raspberry-pi-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>Lately, I've been working with one of my grandsons on Raspberry Pi projects.<p></p><p>A while back, he heard about the Raspberry Pi and asked me a bunch of questions. After several conversations and discussion, he said he wanted a Raspberry Pi to do products. So, I got him one.</p><p>It went used for a bit -- it seems that things go this way with grandchildren a lot -- because he didn't really have a place to do projects, but that changed recently. He had a workspace and can do his projects in his room.</p><p>The first project was simply putting together a computer. I got him a keyboard and mouse (official Raspberry Pi versions, though any will work), and a monitor, then we set to work.</p><p>He did all the work himself. I was with him, explaining things, but he did the actual work. I put none of the parts of the kit together. I would pick the various piece up and show him, and he'd ask questions, as most 8 year old children will, but he did the actual physical labor.</p><p>The first session ended with his putting together a Raspberry Pi personal computer. So now he has a computer in his room, and is excited about that.</p><p>He's young enough that he's not bothered by it nor running Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS, which are the operating systems he's familiar with, from family members. The Raspberry Pi OS (nee Raspbian) is a version of Linux based on Debian, one of the most popular Linux distribution.</p><p>On the next session, he learn about sending commands from one device to another. He was fascinated. Next is learning certain programming commands (Python programming language).</p><p>It's going to be a fun, exciting, and rewarding learning experience for both of us. My Streaming Life takes a back seat to more important things. This will be fun, and important.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-41732595972035717262024-03-16T05:00:00.001-04:002024-03-16T05:00:00.232-04:00How often should you replace your streaming device?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0pCK_t3PV2deWyTjIusjqfKBObAc0Os_g6QWTmrlfXew65HRJ6FlP5PW9KcBTexgfBvidOCT75RKoIbUQeKna_tt51y3atGwt-89VV2-iH-Hj7nNkTMNlrDeN80lyZ0sxxJSSWlYSjk75lRt4V0wF0mAjHtQApSImporHJnpM9fz8IDW6FMtqVtcO-U/s2000/streaming-devices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0pCK_t3PV2deWyTjIusjqfKBObAc0Os_g6QWTmrlfXew65HRJ6FlP5PW9KcBTexgfBvidOCT75RKoIbUQeKna_tt51y3atGwt-89VV2-iH-Hj7nNkTMNlrDeN80lyZ0sxxJSSWlYSjk75lRt4V0wF0mAjHtQApSImporHJnpM9fz8IDW6FMtqVtcO-U/s320/streaming-devices.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Recently, Tablo Blog had a Q&A where they answered a question about the life of a streaming device. The answer they gave is pretty much on target.<p></p><p>Here was the question:</p><blockquote><p>Our smart TV is only five years old, but it seems to be quite slow compared to the newer Fire TV stick we use on our "dumb TV" in the basement. Do I need to replace my TVs more often now that they're "smart?"</p></blockquote><p>Of course, the answer is no. But Tablo did a good job in explaining why:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>In general, you should plan to replace your streaming TV devices every 5 years. This will ensure that your streaming sticks and boxes get regular updates and have enough memory and horsepower to run your favorite streaming TV apps, including Tablo.</p><p>However, when it comes to smart TVs, there’s no need to spend several hundred dollars or more and create that much e-waste just to enjoy a more responsive streaming experience.</p><p>Instead of tossing your entire smart TV, it’s much easier and more affordable to pick up a top-of-the-line Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV streaming stick or box and connect it to the HDMI port on your older smart TV.</p><p>This will allow you to bypass the built-in smarts on your TV and use the younger, faster 'brain' of the streaming device. It doesn’t even have to be the same platform! If you have a Roku smart TV you can use a Chromecast with Google TV, or if you have an Amazon Fire smart TV you can use a Roku.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>I would add Apple TV to the mix as well. And I've run into this situation myself. I used a family member's old Roku TV for a period of time, and it was extremely sluggish. I added a Roku Stick and just used it. Essentially, I used the Roku TV as a TV only, and put a Roku on it.</p><p>I have Roku and Fire TV devices on a Sony Google TV. That's not necessary, but it's just what I do. I think everyone should find a platform they like and put that on every TV. For example, if someone likes Roku, and have a Roku TV in the living room, but a Fire TV television in the bedroom, I would always suggest they add a Roku to the Fire TV device. That way, they have a consistent experience in every room.</p><p>No, that's not necessary, but is is a good idea to me.</p><p>My Streaming Life has used several platforms over the years. I've replaced devices on average of about 5 years, except for Fire TV. They usually don't last that long. But, in general, plan to replace it every five years.</p>
DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-61369192828059693882024-03-15T06:00:00.001-04:002024-03-15T06:00:00.149-04:00No, you don't really need a live streaming package. Probably.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRkm5Eg4C9D-8fqOjQ_Wzlc65VBxVEpCBIlB_8pFN4ZOH1viCKIrMs7il3UHyIxGqSqnx-Fl-zMIPLLplbVgoR7miV-8-twgi2a-IPE_pZpLa8qngoEZRDheFUXreDtiWFD493MNNLGffx-R3fYBAvBkFHuYc3qjWucOmhfwej34Fql8m-mFC52t3qO4/s2048/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4260642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRkm5Eg4C9D-8fqOjQ_Wzlc65VBxVEpCBIlB_8pFN4ZOH1viCKIrMs7il3UHyIxGqSqnx-Fl-zMIPLLplbVgoR7miV-8-twgi2a-IPE_pZpLa8qngoEZRDheFUXreDtiWFD493MNNLGffx-R3fYBAvBkFHuYc3qjWucOmhfwej34Fql8m-mFC52t3qO4/w200-h134/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4260642.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Nearly three years ago, I asked the question: Do you really need a live streaming package?<p></p><p>I spent a long time not really answering the question. What I eventually said was "if you want one, get one." And that really doesn't answer the question.</p><p>Of course, it's true that if you want one, you can get one. But, do you really need one? No.</p><p>In the last three years, free live streaming services have expanded, so you have a lot more options. But the question is really about cable-like services, such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, Vidgo, and the like.</p><p>If you want cable, but watch it streaming, then those services will give you that. They are simply streaming versions of cable TV. They have much the same content as cable: live TV (well, not so much with Vidgo, and even less with Sling), and the major cable channels.</p><p>But, if you want the same type of programming that you get on cable, you don't really need a pay TV service such as those streaming packages.</p><p>Pluto TV, Tubi, Roku Channel, Plex, Crackle, Sling Freestream, as well as platform specific options such as Live TV from Fire TV and Google TV devices, offer much of the same type of content as a pay TV streaming service.</p><p>Note that I say ":same type of content" rather than "same content." To explain what I mean, let's first look at the top cable channels of 2023.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>NBC</li><li>CBS</li><li>ABC</li><li>Fox</li><li>Fox News</li><li>ESPN</li><li>Univision</li><li>MSNBC</li><li>Ion</li><li>HGTV</li><li>TNT</li><li>Hallmark Channel</li><li>Telemundo</li><li>TBS</li><li>History</li><li>TLC</li><li>INSP</li><li>Discovery Channel</li><li>USA Network</li><li>Food Network</li></ol><p></p><p>The first four are the major broadcast networks. I'll skip those, at least for now. I'm looking at the major FAST (Free Ad Supported Television) services:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pluto TV</li><li>Tubi</li><li>Xumo Play</li><li>Freestream</li><li>Local Now</li><li>Roku Channel</li><li>Plex</li><li>Crackle</li></ul><p></p><p>At 5 is Fox News, while MSNBC is 8. Those FAST services have lots of news channels. Ion (9), Hallmark (12), INSP (17), Discovery (18), and Food Network (20) have content of the type that can be found on the FAST services. In fact, apart from the broadcast networks, only ESPN with its live major sports coverage doesn't have a substitute channel on the FAST services.</p><p>If you want ESPN, then yes, you need a pay TV live streaming service. If you want the major broadcast networks, you can get an antenna, or subscribe to a live TV streaming service.</p><p>If you don't care to watch those five channels, then you can find the same type of content on a FAST service.</p><p>My Streaming Life doesn't involve a pay TV service most of the time. I do like ESPN during college football season, but the rest of the time, I don't care for that channel. I have an antenna. I don't need a pay TV live streaming service. Maybe you don't either.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-35971796815293120962024-03-14T05:00:00.001-04:002024-03-14T05:00:00.139-04:00Definitely more Chromecast<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uKsuif-o6Fx9JpBlbdvlKhKOPpHhH2aS28rvGIQlnMsX6gukuAXVhijE63dhYnSL1YTodLD9q6X_ogpafbyH1t8VyBm2FIDS54WNm1CJnzz7Uyq9DSlkfRau0uvoRChZTuOzFmieg9HzaVR0ARRfoTjfuAH6lMGNJLTUKLcwCWOp-t2ze6p4NlOwTSw/s1080/google-tv.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uKsuif-o6Fx9JpBlbdvlKhKOPpHhH2aS28rvGIQlnMsX6gukuAXVhijE63dhYnSL1YTodLD9q6X_ogpafbyH1t8VyBm2FIDS54WNm1CJnzz7Uyq9DSlkfRau0uvoRChZTuOzFmieg9HzaVR0ARRfoTjfuAH6lMGNJLTUKLcwCWOp-t2ze6p4NlOwTSw/w200-h200/google-tv.png" width="200" /></a></div>Nearly six months ago, three weeks into September 2023, I wrote that I was going to use more Chromecast. What I said was:<p></p><p></p><blockquote><p>I've used all four of the major platforms, and like Roku best overall. However, some family members seem to really like Fire TV. Lately, I've used more Fire TV, but still stick with Roku when it's just me watching TV.</p><p>This has come at the expense of my familiarity with Android/Google TV and Apple TV. I'm not comfortable with that. Beginning this weekend, I'm going to start using more Android/Google TV. Chromecast will be the the primary device I use. I have Chromecast attached to all my TVs already, so it'll be a matter of setting out the Chromecast remote in place of the Roku remote.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>It's now 25 weeks later, and I have used more Chromecast. I mean, I have really used more Chromecast.</p><p>Actually, I've used more than just Chromecast. I've use Walmart's Onn Streaming Box, as well as the Onn Streaming Stick, I've used the NVIDIA Shield, in addition to Chromecast.</p><p>The Walmart Onn devices and the Chromecast have the Google TV interface. The NVIDIA Shield device is Android TV, but doesn't have the Google TV interface. Similar, but not quite the same.</p><p>I said I would focus on those "for the next month or so." It's been a lot longer than that. I've used other devices, including my beloved Roku, but I have used the Google TV devices, primarily the Chromecast, as my main device.</p><p>My Streaming Life began with Roku, and it's been a part of it ever since. But I've rarely used it in the last six months. I kinda miss it. But I'm still liking Google TV in all its forms.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-4596606435711100902024-03-13T05:00:00.007-04:002024-03-13T05:00:00.133-04:00Roku credit card breach<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHQGOxdB-cxiNEdHbRgFK8yUeZQzcbW_lBdlQ3V9eUXHOPwf87HsUJNXlbuRU_oViE4MPzc26xLXLqvTLVv6wQpNEF0eapUMVJ3hdsqehiIcp0TL-sVT8MCOimzSI4QR4-X38QxdVTR3kfaIZ4rSx9jlp1WxQ9xHaxt1mh1RUTAyJ3G3ERXuoQPwHZ28/s400/thief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="380" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHQGOxdB-cxiNEdHbRgFK8yUeZQzcbW_lBdlQ3V9eUXHOPwf87HsUJNXlbuRU_oViE4MPzc26xLXLqvTLVv6wQpNEF0eapUMVJ3hdsqehiIcp0TL-sVT8MCOimzSI4QR4-X38QxdVTR3kfaIZ4rSx9jlp1WxQ9xHaxt1mh1RUTAyJ3G3ERXuoQPwHZ28/w190-h200/thief.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>When I <a href="https://www.mystreaminglife.com/2024/03/how-to-not-be-billed-by-roku.html">posted yesterday</a> about how to remove credit card information from your Roku account, I hadn't heard about the data breach.<p></p><p>Now, I wish I had posted it earlier. I had it ready to go a while back, but kept putting it off. I'm sorry I waited.</p><p>As far as I know, I wasn't impacted by the Roku data breach, as I've not received a notification that I understand they sent to those impacted. Maybe they just haven't gotten to me yet, but I'm guessing I wasn't actually impacted.</p><p>According to reports, some 15,000 Roku accounts were compromised. Roku has 80-million user accounts, so the number is actually a small percentage. That doesn't make it okay, just that it's unlikely I'm impacted. </p><p>Bleeping Computer says Roku <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/" target="_blank">announced the breach on March 8</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>On Friday, Roku first disclosed the data breach, warning that 15,363 customer accounts were hacked in a credential stuffing attack.</p><p>A credential stuffing attack is when threat actors collect credentials exposed in data breaches and then attempt to use them to log in to other sites, in this case, Roku.com.</p><p>The company says that once an account was breached, it allowed threat actors to change the information on the account, including passwords, email addresses, and shipping addresses.</p><p>This effectively locked a user out of the account, allowing the threat actors to make purchases using stored credit card information without the legitimate account holder receiving order confirmation emails.</p><p>"It appears likely that the same username/password combinations had been used as login information for such third-party services as well as certain individual Roku accounts," reads the data breach notice.</p><p>"As a result, unauthorized actors were able to obtain login information from third-party sources and then use it to access certain individual Roku accounts."</p><p>"After gaining access, they then changed the Roku login information for the affected individual Roku accounts, and, in a limited number of cases, attempted to purchase streaming subscriptions.</p><p>Roku says that it secured the impacted accounts and forced a password reset upon detecting the incident.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Since I can log into Roku without having to reset my password, I assume I wasn't impacted.</p><p>I don't like the way Roku has handled this. They're downplaying it, and that's not good. Any data breach is bad. If someone's account is compromised because they have an easy password, then that's not Roku's fault. But if the Roku systems were breached, that is Roku's fault, and that's inexcusable. No reputable company should experience that type of data breach.</p><p>My Streaming Life has involved Roku since 2010. The recent actions of the company have disappointed me greatly.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-15418995742463201042024-03-12T05:00:00.001-04:002024-03-12T05:00:00.146-04:00How to not be billed by Roku<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBVnX2_j4mbNJCqpLzX7zSQ3cIm5u5ry40_psAXClOYI9YN4UtOj9UzhyJOdxFS4d_4Ks5al74hTj6rYc1XxRO5JkFkwK6qJ4s2dRMROpoEIBahUrzF1UoPh-pHPrTjVqWEJNVgGX17Adj800XSdTx43BFRpwjiewm_iwScCHVsfYVrmu61izYghGKlQ/s1280/Roku-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBVnX2_j4mbNJCqpLzX7zSQ3cIm5u5ry40_psAXClOYI9YN4UtOj9UzhyJOdxFS4d_4Ks5al74hTj6rYc1XxRO5JkFkwK6qJ4s2dRMROpoEIBahUrzF1UoPh-pHPrTjVqWEJNVgGX17Adj800XSdTx43BFRpwjiewm_iwScCHVsfYVrmu61izYghGKlQ/w200-h113/Roku-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Do you have a Roku device? Most streamers do.<p></p><p>Well, maybe not "most" but certainly there are more Roku devices in use than other devices, and by a pretty decent margin.</p><p>So, if you have a Roku device, did you notice that when you set it up, it asked you for a credit card? And if you did at the time, did you forget about it?</p><p>If you have a Roku account, there's a good chance you have a credit card tied to the account. That may or may not be a good thing. Here's why.</p><p>If you have a credit card tied to your Roku, it's really easy to purchase stuff. Mostly, I'm talking subscriptions to services through Roku Pay, which is what the Roku payment service is called. Maybe you really want that. The ease of subscribing to a service is nice if all you have to do is click "Subscribe" and there it is.</p><p>One problem with having a credit card on Roku is that is someone buying something without realizing it. And yes, that happens.</p><p>Another is forgetting about a subscription, then getting billed for it again. If you subscribed through Roku, then stopped using the subscription, if you haven't canceled it, you will still get billed.</p><p>Then, there is the recent update of Terms of Service that Roku announced.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>We wanted to let you know that we have made changes to our Dispute Resolution Terms, which describe how you can resolve disputes with Roku. We encourage you to read the updated Dispute Resolution Terms. By continuing to use our products or services, you are agreeing to these updated terms.</p><p>Thank you for making Roku part of your entertainment experience. </p><p>The Roku Team</p></blockquote><p></p><p></p><p>A lot of people don't like the way Roku went about the change in terms.</p><p>Anyway, if you don't want to have a card on file with Roku, then remove it. It's <a href="https://support.roku.com/article/1500010179301" target="_blank">easy to do</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>To remove your payment method and stop using Roku® Pay:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Sign in to your Roku account</li><li>Select Update under Payment method</li><li>Select Remove payment method at the bottom of the page</li><li>Select Remove</li></ol><p></p><p>Once removed, you’ll be prompted to update your payment information the next time you make a purchase. Before your payment method can be removed, you must cancel or turn off auto-renew for any active subscriptions billed through Roku Pay.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>My Streaming Life has used Roku since 2010, before I finally cut cable in 2011. I don't have a credit card on file with them. I prefer it that way.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-56555325311663240552024-03-11T05:00:00.001-04:002024-03-11T05:00:00.138-04:00More password crackdowns: Max<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAyQS43_z4gkfpfMTGHnAT1H9yQASklB21J2P2gndSoNHj9aEbfpRsBE46T4Lghpyps_KBAfjQAfi5odeDsIc6aWu2Orvk7Xos-hYewPVvaqkMTsjyJgjwUgbyGW1bc6Q1eENWW2qzrvxJqsaR4aWRQudBsPzuX3vcEmOO6h1zSkcJ77XcUaaDuPoN_8/s847/max-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="847" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAyQS43_z4gkfpfMTGHnAT1H9yQASklB21J2P2gndSoNHj9aEbfpRsBE46T4Lghpyps_KBAfjQAfi5odeDsIc6aWu2Orvk7Xos-hYewPVvaqkMTsjyJgjwUgbyGW1bc6Q1eENWW2qzrvxJqsaR4aWRQudBsPzuX3vcEmOO6h1zSkcJ77XcUaaDuPoN_8/w200-h171/max-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>Password sharing crackdowns continue across the streaming landscape. The latest to crackdown on password sharing is the Max app, formerly HBO Max.<p></p><p>Reports in the last week talk about this new attack on password sharing.</p><p>Of course, you're going to know what I say, if you've seen my earlier posts on other companies who have done this: "Eh."</p><p>If the rules are you can't share passwords, then you can't share passwords. Most of the complaints are from people who are freeloading on family members, either with or without permission. But their complaints haven't stopped companies from <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/max-officially-announces-password-sharing-crackdown-is-coming-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">cracking down</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Netflix kicked off the movement, veering away from a feature of streaming that it had once championed, back in early 2023 with the first major password-sharing crackdown. People were outraged, assumed it was a massive error on Netflix's part and expected subscription numbers to collapse.</p><p>And then ... they didn't. In fact, it worked brilliantly for Netflix. Netflix reported "more new subscriptions in the U.S. ... than in any other four-day period" during the end of May and 6 million new subscribers in Q2 2023. That number grew in Q3, with another 8.8 million subscribers joining the streaming service and Netflix declaring itself "completely satisfied" with the password-sharing crackdown.</p><p>So it's no surprise that the other streaming services — all of which are still struggling to turn a profit — are following Netflix's example. Hulu announced its password-sharing crackdown on Feb. 1 and Disney Plus confirmed its password-sharing crackdown a mere six days later. Both password-sharing crackdowns will begin rolling out on March 14.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Again, it's okay with me if they stop people from violating their terms of service. Personally, if a company has a service I want, I'll pay for it.</p><p>My Streaming Life doesn't involve any paid service I'm not paying for.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-16729735711473394962024-03-10T05:00:00.001-04:002024-03-10T05:00:00.128-04:00Microsoft and forced Windows updates<p>Microsoft was forcing updates to Windows 10 and Windows 11 users recently. That has now changed.</p>
<p>Britec has the information on its YouTube channel.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gulUIvRzL-I" width="560" youtube-src-id="gulUIvRzL-I"></iframe></div>
<p>[<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gulUIvRzL-I" target="_blank">YouTube</a>]</p>
<p>I'm of both minds on this issue. On the one hand, I don't like the idea of being forced to get features I don't want. On the other hand, I see Microsoft's side that security is improved.</p>
<p>I really don't that that secuity is Microsoft's motivation. It's the ability to gather more data from users to sell. These features are for that reason, when you get right down to it.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Microsoft making money. I just don't like that they gather data from me and sell it.</p>
<p>Not that Google is any better. I think that for security, ChromeOS, being a version of Linux, is much more secure than any version of Windows. Privacy is the biggest issue I have with ChromeOS. I like most things about it, such as its ease of use, it's security, its lightweight use of resources, and how well everything works together. But it takes a lot of work to tweak the settings so that your data isn't passed to Google, who uses it to push their search results. That's why Google is generally a more reliable search engine.</p>
<p>I don't really mind turning off Windows features I don't want. But this isn't something most people can or will do. Microsoft knows that, and looks to exploit it.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life doesn't rely on Windows. My every day life doesn't either. But many people's every day life do rely on Windows. Microsoft making these updates optional is the better way to go..</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-81478057480894269112024-03-09T05:00:00.000-05:002024-03-09T05:00:00.129-05:00Best streaming players (according to Tom's Guide)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC65yKNCm08IZjPAcB1eIkH9V57F9CB6v5Py99KQ7Ls-ooJ7kdjNAc_3zAI3LCglQ9DC4l8ANndYnLLEUn2ZUN_HEDUqriN1TVC1yMJv26IakwTz5RE50N0KAtCYrXYaHiL_7s6vp5juqm25MM689-Z6lu4ZP7vuUZvitQzzDgNO_ACc2qcKVf6lIUQ0/s1800/pexels-cottonbro-4009409.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC65yKNCm08IZjPAcB1eIkH9V57F9CB6v5Py99KQ7Ls-ooJ7kdjNAc_3zAI3LCglQ9DC4l8ANndYnLLEUn2ZUN_HEDUqriN1TVC1yMJv26IakwTz5RE50N0KAtCYrXYaHiL_7s6vp5juqm25MM689-Z6lu4ZP7vuUZvitQzzDgNO_ACc2qcKVf6lIUQ0/w200-h133/pexels-cottonbro-4009409.png" width="200" /></a></div>Tom's Guide recently had a review it called "<a href=" https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-streaming-players,review-2140.html" target="_blank">Best streaming devices in 2024</a>."<p></p><p>I thought they did a good job covering the devices. I don't agree with all the choices, but the selections they made are some I can't really argue, because the devices are still good devices.</p><p>Straight to the conclusion first, their overall pick is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Our current pick for the very best streaming device overall is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. This model added faster performance and Dolby Vision on top of its predecessor. Some of us at Tom's Guide own multiple entries from this list of the best streaming devices, to see how they evolve over time. Not only do we spend hours and hours watching shows and movies from the top streaming services on these devices, but we compare them against those with similar prices, to help you figure out which is best for your budget.</p><p>Using all of these devices often shows us the benefits of spending more on your streaming device, as the cheaper Fire TV devices control your whole home screen experience, while the Apple TV has no ads and more customization. ...</p></blockquote><p></p><p>That last paragraph shows that there is no one device that has everything everyone wants. It's their pick of the best. I would suggest the Roku Ultra as the best, with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K a close second.</p><p>And while it would be good to <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-streaming-players,review-2140.html" target="_blank">click through to the entire article</a>, here are their top devices:</p><p></p><blockquote><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The best streaming device: Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)</li><li>The best budget streaming device: Roku Express 4K Plus</li><li>The best for live TV: Chromecast with Google TV</li><li>The fastest streaming device: Apple TV 4K (2022)</li><li>The best Android TV streaming device: Nvidia Shield TV</li><li>The best Fire TV Stick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max</li></ul><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p>I have a couple of nits to pick regarding a couple of items. First, the "best for live TV" is an Android TV device, but not the "best Android TV streaming device." How can that be?</p><p>Well, although it's Android TV, the Chromecast has the Google TV interface, which is great for live TV, while the NVIDIA Shield doesn't have the Google TV interface. It's a great device, but the interface isn't as good as the Chromecast, or the $20 Walmart Onn Streaming Box.</p><p>And, they had to specify specific platforms to get the NVIDIA Shield and any Amazon Fire TV device to top a category. At least Apple TV didn't need an Apple TV category to top a category. Or Roku for that matter.</p><p>Don't get me wrong, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a good device. But it's not the best of any particular category, unless you are specifically looking for a Fire TV Stick. Then, yes, it's definitely the best.</p><p>And the NVIDIA Shield is a great device, but I would have picked the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro device, since it also has much better specs. <a href="https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/" target="_blank">Compare them yourself and see</a>.</p><p>The other disagreement is the "best budget streaming device" category. I think Walmart's Onn Streaming Box is the better deal. The specs on the Roku are better, but the Onn device is good, and cheaper.</p><p>My Streaming Life has a lot of experience with many streaming devices. But Tom's Guide is usually a very good source for this kind of lists. You won't go wrong with any of the choices they made, but do consider mine as well before you decide anything based on that list.</p><div><br /></div>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-39087435722758748402024-03-08T05:00:00.049-05:002024-03-08T05:00:00.148-05:00When am I getting my new Google TV home screen? Now.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7qYr0i2177lX1Owpe5cS9eNuzf9s-IUhyphenhyphen9eWoFFrneyc662ieTZNjfZvc-ryXdM3E_ImS-4YYQ171aoE11WG9tUrIvsnTxItKIf7LQL5MEKukycMm-AdccPwe17kp9n7DGaUZ-OFN8VNUFP-H9pZmA59ouvglRBhvplA3hRasOkogRfonLLRSOVEsFs/s1080/google-tv.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7qYr0i2177lX1Owpe5cS9eNuzf9s-IUhyphenhyphen9eWoFFrneyc662ieTZNjfZvc-ryXdM3E_ImS-4YYQ171aoE11WG9tUrIvsnTxItKIf7LQL5MEKukycMm-AdccPwe17kp9n7DGaUZ-OFN8VNUFP-H9pZmA59ouvglRBhvplA3hRasOkogRfonLLRSOVEsFs/w200-h200/google-tv.png" width="200" /></a></div>A couple of days ago, I asked when I would be getting the new Google TV home screen.<p></p>
<p>I have my answer: now.</p>
<p>Yesterday, when I turned the TV on after getting home from work, I noticed the home screen on my Onn Streaming Box looked different. It took me a minute before I realized it was the new update.</p><p>I was happy, and surprised, to see it. I had settled on expecting it in a month or so. The day or so update was very unexpected.</p><p>So, what is it like? Well, let's look at it.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sR_o7Bnx3jc1cx9dhvlxQvrm61klE_CqIJxSvnjSJlpg74WBv4rbH5mqRSYEN7pvH5ft7YustfbxlSXODlJM3uQS020vH76DRkTl-2IAxSJXntPSk4oE00-3DlYeO-zvBUhOngVYWMYU274NQxf7szHQsxaDJkcj9fxgcy2P0H4Agc2zVV2ph6KHnsk/s1280/google-tv-new.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sR_o7Bnx3jc1cx9dhvlxQvrm61klE_CqIJxSvnjSJlpg74WBv4rbH5mqRSYEN7pvH5ft7YustfbxlSXODlJM3uQS020vH76DRkTl-2IAxSJXntPSk4oE00-3DlYeO-zvBUhOngVYWMYU274NQxf7szHQsxaDJkcj9fxgcy2P0H4Agc2zVV2ph6KHnsk/w640-h360/google-tv-new.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Note that the image isn't from my TV. But this example image is an accurate representation of what it looks like.</p>
<p>First, the obvious. The round icons allow for more to show on the home screen. I have 18 apps installed on one device, and now all 18 show on the home screen. From the looks of things, all apps show as I don't see an option to see all, as the older home screen had.</p>
<p>Next, there is a "Free TV Channels" app. This isn't the same thing as the Live item in the top menu on the Google TV Home Screen. It is a live TV section, but the layout is not like the channel guide you get on Live TV. It's simply a live streaming channel, with select other "now playing" items listed. It doesn't have everything. You can get more live TV channels from the Live TV menu tab.</p>
<p>Finally, it seemed a little sluggish. Now, I have to admin that it could the the Onn Streaming Box, which is the only device I tried last night. Maybe after I look at it on Chromecast, I'll have better info. For now, the update seems to have caused my Onn Streaming Box to run like the original Onn Box (and that's bad). I hope it was simplty a one-night glitch, and not how things are going forward.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life has involved Chromecast in all its forms since it launched. And I like the idea of the Google TV updates. I don't like how my Onn Streaming Box is responding. Mabye it'll be better tomorrow. I certainly hope so.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-85964429358050766892024-03-07T05:00:00.000-05:002024-03-07T05:00:00.148-05:00An update to Chromecast?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8oocGaXe_lBa9XnsVqnZj97XT-HAb4Ifelj1cRIvYFjlLHM45qC9NGO_SZqOajZe_PidzBh5NuiZLHAxlQcRIUqPfpN3CSfEkdc0_pkRTMHH8o-icnc5rpW1kZiPqUB3NlUaRTnwt9_ECbKQnNYtGVWyoVplTWfv2HQ2tn93rD8jGGE8Y1laqkWW1Mk/s1000/ChromecastwithGoogleTV_Snow_Upright_v2.max-1000x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="922" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8oocGaXe_lBa9XnsVqnZj97XT-HAb4Ifelj1cRIvYFjlLHM45qC9NGO_SZqOajZe_PidzBh5NuiZLHAxlQcRIUqPfpN3CSfEkdc0_pkRTMHH8o-icnc5rpW1kZiPqUB3NlUaRTnwt9_ECbKQnNYtGVWyoVplTWfv2HQ2tn93rD8jGGE8Y1laqkWW1Mk/w184-h200/ChromecastwithGoogleTV_Snow_Upright_v2.max-1000x1000.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>Google Chromecast has been around for over a decade. Of course, at first, it was simple for casting from a mobile device to a TV with the first release in 2013. It wasn't until seven years later that it really became a general purpose streaming device.<p></p><p>Chromecast with Google TV added a remote and a Google TV interface to Android TV and suddenly Chromecast was the real deal. Well, mostly. It was a little under-powered and wasn't as efficient in how it handled apps.</p><p>In 2022, a new Chromecast was released, but it wasn't an upgrade. It was an expansion of the line, adding a cheaper HD (1080) device to go along with the 4K/UHD device that was the 2020 version.</p><p>Now, word is a new Chromecast is coming.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>In recent updates to the Google Home app, the company has introduced a handful of previously unseen models to the internal list of Google Cast-compatible devices. Three new listings are explicitly labeled as being last year’s line of JBL Authentics speakers.</p><p>However, a new mystery device, “YTD,” appears side-by-side the HD and 4K models of Chromecast with Google TV. Further, we can confirm that Google Home treats YTD just like the existing Chromecast models, while Google TV devices from OEMs get treated differently. All of that is to say that we’re fairly confident that this is a sign of Google preparing to launch a new TV dongle.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>This is the second new Chromecast-likely device discovered in the past year. No new release happened, and it's not known with any certainty if two new Chromecast devices are coming, or if the one found last year is replaced by the one recently discovered.</p><p>I would like to see a more powerful Chromecast device released. The current device is okay. Well, better than okay, but not as good as it could be.</p><p>My Streaming Life has used Chromecast and other Google TV devices more recently, and I'm happy with it. A better device would be a great thing.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-37393619305012035582024-03-06T05:00:00.002-05:002024-03-06T05:00:00.131-05:00So, when am I getting my new Google TV home screen?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4_xJbI60kSDLVG87ahUeMWTJrHFknoaQoFMM6IYf4u-YRqs3tmUumc8En2J1pph3EJMiHbqWyK4s6eQX58PlH3xoYJJd6tIJZuXvhE5LqQbwEdYvFXdOM-e5fTAxw8EISUd6oWHmB9seAHCoyQgdKW8M1ItbiGsI8Qn9yKnfLE-OKsHj5IdamSGHaRk/s1080/google-tv.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4_xJbI60kSDLVG87ahUeMWTJrHFknoaQoFMM6IYf4u-YRqs3tmUumc8En2J1pph3EJMiHbqWyK4s6eQX58PlH3xoYJJd6tIJZuXvhE5LqQbwEdYvFXdOM-e5fTAxw8EISUd6oWHmB9seAHCoyQgdKW8M1ItbiGsI8Qn9yKnfLE-OKsHj5IdamSGHaRk/w200-h200/google-tv.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>A week ago, Google posted that the <a href="https://support.google.com/googletv/thread/261005780/a-new-look-for-%E2%80%9Cyour-apps%E2%80%9D-row" target="_blank">Google TV screen was getting a makeover</a>. Not a huge makover, but still an improved look.</p>
<p>I've seen screenshots and do agree it looks fine.</p>
<p>But that last sentence tells about the problem. I've seen it in screenshots, not on my TV. Not on any of my TVs.</p>
<p>I have three different types of Google TV interfaces at home: Chromecast, Onn Streaming Stick, Sony TV. My NVIDIA Shield actually runs Android TV but not the Google TV interface. I'm not seeing the updated home screen on any of those Google TV devices.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37jkt31EuM0YD2jgCIx1rm5RnKgGFeMrMqQaSreI04RuWoR8n_whzAaP-MDyAHoUzN-ju_97rjVhbLGcZ9_thU8ptRABPvEE0KQj8NAhr2pML4IyfU5rPpZhcHiCBeIkIF8eQd3Su_kLLu_IGk9AAyutmTBeWDpJ6XB40NaduHZrUtijLMJ_kIR0HNDg/s1280/google-tv-new.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37jkt31EuM0YD2jgCIx1rm5RnKgGFeMrMqQaSreI04RuWoR8n_whzAaP-MDyAHoUzN-ju_97rjVhbLGcZ9_thU8ptRABPvEE0KQj8NAhr2pML4IyfU5rPpZhcHiCBeIkIF8eQd3Su_kLLu_IGk9AAyutmTBeWDpJ6XB40NaduHZrUtijLMJ_kIR0HNDg/w640-h360/google-tv-new.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Yes, it does say "over the next few months" in regards to <a href="https://support.google.com/googletv/thread/261005780/a-new-look-for-%E2%80%9Cyour-apps%E2%80%9D-row" target="_blank">rolling out</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Starting today, and rolling out to all devices over the next few months, we’re introducing some new updates to the “Your apps” row, giving you a sleeker, more streamlined look, making it easier to access your favorite apps.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, I just need to be patient. And this really isn't unusual for my streaming devices. Roku has spread rollouts over months ever since I got my first Roku in 2010. I really am used to it. But, I'm not used to it with Chromecast. The device hasn't been on the market nearly as long as Roku devices, and the interface hasn't changed much in that time. This is the biggest change I've noticed, and it's taking a while, it seem. Just like Roku.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life works just fine with things as they are. If improvements come, great. I'm looking forward to this one, but I'll just have to wait. And if waiting on an update to Google TV was my biggest problem, I'd be in pretty good shape.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-12693596414333172632024-03-05T05:00:00.057-05:002024-03-05T05:00:00.177-05:00Roku's new Terms of Service <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe50E7XYpqSIfj5Gf9kSAc5XoUs9iMR1ud-pQIAKOPbHvbP-HO8tGHuEM2mRAlJVwt6Q2vxKopXlG9cLngwDldU2Jry8mFKhIHagV4_6FnldVG6Ngxcyx3lSP164t98GcNWPvL48dlr6F8Va6TXlpDnGNB9-B4nGlQ6xqon_Wbb_GvCsvwBZpm4VB688/s1280/Roku-logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe50E7XYpqSIfj5Gf9kSAc5XoUs9iMR1ud-pQIAKOPbHvbP-HO8tGHuEM2mRAlJVwt6Q2vxKopXlG9cLngwDldU2Jry8mFKhIHagV4_6FnldVG6Ngxcyx3lSP164t98GcNWPvL48dlr6F8Va6TXlpDnGNB9-B4nGlQ6xqon_Wbb_GvCsvwBZpm4VB688/w200-h113/Roku-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>Roku updated their terms of service recently. And they did it in a way that has really upset some people (<a href="https://cordcuttersnews.com/roku-issues-a-mandatory-terms-of-service-update-that-you-must-agree-to-or-you-cant-use-your-roku/" target="_blank">link to Cord Cutters News story</a>). And I'm not too happy about it either.</p>
<p>Oh, I understand that all companies update Terms of Service from time to time. I realize that Google, Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and other cell phone device and software companies do this. I just don't like the way Roku went about it.</p>
<p>What Roku should have done was presented a screen, with the options to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Read the terms (which they did)</li>
<li>Accept the terms (which they did)</li>
<li>Reject the terms (not doing this is the problem)</li><li>
</li></ul>
<p>It would have been simple enough for a "Reject" action to take the user to a screen saying that the Terms would go into effect on a pre-determined date (30, 60, 90, etc. days out), and there be a link to a Website that did whatever their actual "write a letter" process would do.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8sZiEuo_48UEx46tM6OWzgt78Gyh6XUUpwzFldml821eFw2tRd_keDxzVSqqz6xvRCsVlEpP6KXhmMhlFGI_r2BPfUxPf4dnPeqA-5_xhysaiFyUtgrbTawE_4ZWTbPqKeC3Mi8JnMK_3QTeC4TdgkiwaQcBrWE2OZPqsdBFO4cMwolW7U8FSEqL7Qw/s3738/PXL_20240305_024330123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2103" data-original-width="3738" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8sZiEuo_48UEx46tM6OWzgt78Gyh6XUUpwzFldml821eFw2tRd_keDxzVSqqz6xvRCsVlEpP6KXhmMhlFGI_r2BPfUxPf4dnPeqA-5_xhysaiFyUtgrbTawE_4ZWTbPqKeC3Mi8JnMK_3QTeC4TdgkiwaQcBrWE2OZPqsdBFO4cMwolW7U8FSEqL7Qw/w640-h360/PXL_20240305_024330123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>They don't want to make it easy to opt out. And if I didn't like using a Roku device so much, I would do the whole "write a letter" thing. Heck, I might anyway.</p>
<p>Who am I kidding. I won't. I just haven't accepted the terms yet, and I'm not sure when I will. For now, I'm not using my Roku. Of course, I've used Google TV devices more lately, so it really isn't an inconvenience. Just an annoyance. And I'm very annoyed by this.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life has included Roku from the start. It will continue to include Roku. I don't have a problem with the actual terms of service, just they way they deployed this update. That's not how I like things done. Roku is now just like every other company, and not in a good way.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-3768568998989607302024-03-04T05:00:00.004-05:002024-03-04T05:00:00.140-05:00Is Netflix going to raise prices again?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBiZj8-8wds8Kq2LmNGd9LzvlltaiSoac2vDpV2iU_BVzLnu-WIo-MDc1q31M6Wc6f_ED2O6yOtg1UfaWC9KmpvuXEZa-T8HfbgIjdY6eJiBTkO5UB4Me8SOs8trflthRQkj4Aa_iF6sJgw2FXNkYIym68_ith4ySKFXPoCUgs-WVRFOd6cUGczsD1jE/s469/good-news-everyone.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="469" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBiZj8-8wds8Kq2LmNGd9LzvlltaiSoac2vDpV2iU_BVzLnu-WIo-MDc1q31M6Wc6f_ED2O6yOtg1UfaWC9KmpvuXEZa-T8HfbgIjdY6eJiBTkO5UB4Me8SOs8trflthRQkj4Aa_iF6sJgw2FXNkYIym68_ith4ySKFXPoCUgs-WVRFOd6cUGczsD1jE/w200-h200/good-news-everyone.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>Good news, everyone!</p>
<p>Netflix is going to raise prices again this year!</p>
<p>Oh, did I say "good news?" I didn't mean that. I meant "here we go again."</p>
<p>Actually, Netflix has not announced a price increase. But a report in Variety says analysts expect a price increase. They base it on hints from Netflix in last quarter's earnings call.</p>
<p>Last October, Netflix increased the price of the Basic plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month in the U.S., and also hiked prices of the tier in the U.K. and France. Netflix hasn't announced specific plans to hike subscription prices in 2024, but execs have said rate increases are on the table.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>On the company's Q4 2023 earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters noted that last year the streamer had "largely put price increases on hold" while it was rolling out the paid-sharing program — "because we saw that as a form of substitute price increase. Now that we're through that, we're able to resume our sort of standard approach toward price increases. And price increases, you've seen us do that in the U.S., U.K. and France. Those changes went well better than we forecasted."</p>
<p>Peters continued, "We will continue to monitor other countries and try and assess… when we've delivered enough additional entertainment value" to "ask [customers] to pay a bit more to keep that positive flywheel going and we can invest in more great films, series and games for those members. So, you know, the summary statement might be, 'Back to business as usual.'"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And, it is expected that "business as usual" means regular price increases.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life does not alway incorporate Netflix. It is again in my regular rotation of services. I'll subscribe to a service for 30 days, then cancel, and then when I find something I want on another service, I'll subscribe there for 30 days. Lots of content from a wide selection of services, but not a lot of subscription fees. I think Netflix is on target for April. Let's see if the price increase beats me.</p>
DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-30392222250769428992024-03-03T05:00:00.001-05:002024-03-03T05:00:00.129-05:00MIcrosoft is bricking laptops<p>Microsoft updates can brick some laptops. Not intentionally, but it happens.</p>
<p>Britec has the details:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3wlbeGGLMp0" width="560" youtube-src-id="3wlbeGGLMp0"></iframe></div>
<p>[<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wlbeGGLMp0" target="_blank">YouTube</a>]</p>
<p>My Streaming Life doesn't involve Windows much. My current Plex server is running on Windows, but apart from that, I'm not using Windows. And I don't use Windows in general. But most people do use Windows, and these problems can be very serious.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-71834619384845125192024-03-02T05:00:00.001-05:002024-03-02T05:00:00.142-05:00YouTube Kids app shutting down<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE9B7BrJqORMj1iN68XudlBYGNW0FRYfWUVx8N2Ms87qhkhnZ3fQOG3In93Xb7kv1AxvH1v41Vqhw7p3DoMPxZJCT__nDSlxpBdISHfkCOcR5og8DUGYBq2kRs-ksXhsoe1xbkn_7KSIIdxJlkw3kU7aceWgGNSdHOv5Jhrdr9TCtZg-Gk9PRLpX0nY0/s936/YouTube%20Kids.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="936" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE9B7BrJqORMj1iN68XudlBYGNW0FRYfWUVx8N2Ms87qhkhnZ3fQOG3In93Xb7kv1AxvH1v41Vqhw7p3DoMPxZJCT__nDSlxpBdISHfkCOcR5og8DUGYBq2kRs-ksXhsoe1xbkn_7KSIIdxJlkw3kU7aceWgGNSdHOv5Jhrdr9TCtZg-Gk9PRLpX0nY0/w200-h200/YouTube%20Kids.png" width="200" /></a></div>It was <a href="https://cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-kids-app-is-shutting-down-on-tvs-moving-to-youtube/" target="_blank">reported</a> that the YouTube Kids app was shutting down. Now, before parents (and grandparents) get upset by this, it's just the app that is shutting down, not the service (or feature).<p></p>
<p>Currently, there is a YouTube Kids app that presents an interface for kids, and filters content to make it suitable for children. The app is going away. The functionality is part of the YouTube app, and Google is focusing on that going forward.</p><p>The message from Google provides the basic information:</p><blockquote>
<p>YouTube Kids is moving: In July, the YouTube Kids app icon on your TV will be going away. But, you can still use YouTube Kids on your TV by going to your child’s profile in the YouTube app.</p>
<p>To get started using this new experience, download the YouTube app on your smart TV, streaming device, or game console. Learn more about <a href="https://support.google.com/youtubekids/answer/9618031?sjid=2243061754863547069-NA#signedin" target="_blank">entering YouTube Kids through the YouTube app.</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I understand why Google (who owns YouTube) is making the decision, but I really don't like it. To me, it seem easier for parents (and grandparents) to make an app available to a child, rather than trying to teach a child about profiles. This is particularly true for younger children.</p><p>Now, there will be children that previously didn't use the YouTube app (because they used the YouTube Kids app) that will be looking for kids content, and be on Mommy's profile or on Daddy's profile searching for stuff that will start showing up in Mommy or Daddy's suggestions.</p><p>Of course, maybe that's Google's idea. However, the whole idea of profiles to begin with is to keep the content and preferences separate. Children who don't understand that will just screw it up. Not on purpose, but because something they are used to will no longer work like it did.</p><p>This can all go horribly wrong. Well, not for the long haul, but for the short term, this will be a problem.</p><p>My Streaming Life doesn't involve young children much, as my youngest has children of his own. And, when they visit, I'll be watching TV with them. But at home, this could cause problems.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-18131904983589109002024-03-01T05:00:00.000-05:002024-03-01T05:00:00.135-05:00MLB and VPNs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQlpDGs2BeDHF2pvtNzjFe_I59YmYQwdViwxG7ZaBol1oJyxisxBYW0A3VBlmyessmrJJICP-rzOCWhldxRjc0hogLtUsWUeFr0mRa_pdHWchQC6Ml7o27mjciTJsGnzUXzRojuSriAonRA3bRHkkDLZHrLU_bW2g6kuCI8K2jMWpiYs0kfPm3cbRndo/s640/mlb-tv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQlpDGs2BeDHF2pvtNzjFe_I59YmYQwdViwxG7ZaBol1oJyxisxBYW0A3VBlmyessmrJJICP-rzOCWhldxRjc0hogLtUsWUeFr0mRa_pdHWchQC6Ml7o27mjciTJsGnzUXzRojuSriAonRA3bRHkkDLZHrLU_bW2g6kuCI8K2jMWpiYs0kfPm3cbRndo/w200-h113/mlb-tv.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>TV Answer Man Phillip Swann recently answered a question about VPNs and Major League Baseball. I understand why he answered the question. Someone asked, and he gave an honest answer. No problem.</p>
<p>What I didn't like about it was that he couched the headline in a way that seemed to advocate using a VPN.</p>
<p>If you haven't realized it, I'm against using VPNs for the purpose of circumventing geo-location restrictions. I don't like those restrictions, but I also feel the content owner can set whatever restrictions it wants. I think content owners have the right to be total jackasses. I have the right to call them total jackasses and not do business with them.</p>
<p>The title of TV Answer Man's post was "A VPN Could Be Your Ticket to Blackout-Free Baseball" and covered the <a href="https://tvanswerman.com/2024/02/26/a-vpn-could-be-your-ticket-to-blackout-free-baseball/" target="_blank">question asked of him</a>:</p>
<p></p>
<blockquote>
<p>... we live in Iowa and we want to watch the Cardinals but the games are blacked out on MLB TV even though we live hours away from the Cardinals stadium. Can you explain how a VPN works and whether it could eliminate the blackouts?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The answer was straightforward and provided information that many might not realize:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can beat the blackouts, but there are a number of questions regarding its legality. Let me try here to put those questions to bed now before the regular season begins with the Dodgers and Padres in Korea on March 20-21.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Saying "there are a number of questions regarding its legality" is absolutely on point. But, he also pointed out that MLB has not been actively pursuing people that violate the blackout policy by using a VPN:</p>
<p>For the first time, MLB acknowledged it had never tried to sue or prosecute anyone for VPN use and the league didn't even have a position on whether it opposes the use of VPNs. Since that interview, there is no indication that the league's position has changed nor prosecuted or sued someone who has used a VPN while watching MLB TV.</p>
<p>This runs counter to the public perception that MLB is trying to crack down on VPN use and is prepared to use the courts when necessary. This is not to suggest that MLB is saying you should use a VPN. (The pay TV services that pay handsomely to carry regional sports channels wouldn't appreciate that. If everyone used a VPN for MLB TV, they wouldn't need to subscribe to the pay TV services.) But the league certainly isn't telling you not to use a VPN.</p>
<p>In the past when addressing this topic, I've noted there's also an ethical question here. By using a VPN, you are clearly attempting to "circumvent" a blackout restriction, which is against the MLB TV rules. But the league's current neutral stance on VPN use would seem to soften that concern.</p>
<p>Don't misunderstand me; I do not like blackouts. If there were no blackouts, I would have subscribed to MLB TV for many years now. But, they have their rules in place. Although I don't agree with the rules, it's there right, and I respect the rights of others, even when they abuse those rights.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life doesn't involve as much baseball as I would like, because of the blackouts. I won't violate ethics juse because I don't like what they are doing. But they are missing my subscription money, and my eyes on their advertisers. And the subscription money and advertising eyes of those who don't subscribe because of blackouts.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-5876224221149333882024-02-29T05:00:00.003-05:002024-02-29T05:00:00.128-05:00Hallmark Family<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0hEEtjzgDCVWOmpS92te7F4Rd4yDMI7acYZze5SrZtDSlMrAVoo2DZLOO4vQcYQ6ud51TbAeC4KUGMqVwzLhP31hbTGtbkCPHlET8xHa8mDKhRuJsFQPQ0_2NQGtmgCaPg1QnfL0GOERVylYs_faylpn8DG_ZaV1E9kDoQk_KWzm0lhMvGqRcMDsk90/s500/hallmark-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0hEEtjzgDCVWOmpS92te7F4Rd4yDMI7acYZze5SrZtDSlMrAVoo2DZLOO4vQcYQ6ud51TbAeC4KUGMqVwzLhP31hbTGtbkCPHlET8xHa8mDKhRuJsFQPQ0_2NQGtmgCaPg1QnfL0GOERVylYs_faylpn8DG_ZaV1E9kDoQk_KWzm0lhMvGqRcMDsk90/w200-h200/hallmark-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>There's a new channel on streaming services (and cable). Only it's not new. It's just a new name.<p></p><p>Hallmark Family debuted yesterday, with the same stuff it's been playing for a while. Yes, that actually does make sense.</p><p>Before Wednesday, the channel was called Hallmark Drama. But, on Wednesday, it became <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HallmarkFamily/videos/289281620644096/" target="_blank">Hallmark Family</a>.</p><p>Only the name changed.</p><p>Why the change? Well, I don't really know. I suspect that Great American Family channel is why. That competitor from former Hallmark executives has made inroads into the traditional Hallmark market. Enough that it could be the reason Hallmark rebranded Hallmark Drama as Hallmark Family.</p><p>Or, it could have nothing to do with it. (I really think it did.)</p>
<p>Hallmark Family is available streaming from most streaming services, as this chart shows.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppp8-hLZDlI1ynIihrCTKNH0bbxq5SIk0uGubdN8Akscmllk1ivGr_26TieFaXPC907qIMpJyV0fXtTvpH8iQfIq84BDFX5PcnGQ0obapRMPpNeyrsjsCeacN1JT300e6b1nezPXh_h9qhcJId6nKikvT7-Nqc0hZT3gqhKPhu6g7SqBjCEwPeeZDeA4/s1153/Screenshot%20Hallmark%20Channels%20streamers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1153" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppp8-hLZDlI1ynIihrCTKNH0bbxq5SIk0uGubdN8Akscmllk1ivGr_26TieFaXPC907qIMpJyV0fXtTvpH8iQfIq84BDFX5PcnGQ0obapRMPpNeyrsjsCeacN1JT300e6b1nezPXh_h9qhcJId6nKikvT7-Nqc0hZT3gqhKPhu6g7SqBjCEwPeeZDeA4/w640-h472/Screenshot%20Hallmark%20Channels%20streamers.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>My Streaming Life has enjoyed Hallmark Drama (now Hallmark Family) for a while through Frndly TV, the cheapest way to watch the three Hallmark channels. Oh, and yes, the Great American Family channel and other channels from that group, too. I don't know if there are any real changes in store for Hallmark Family apart from that new name. As long as they offer family friendly programming, I'm happy.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-14444929634820194002024-02-28T05:00:00.005-05:002024-02-28T05:00:00.131-05:00A new Locast, but will it succeed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsddKBeLHMwkdS6m1VJ4cYX8TtdFLrzDL_9yOvZQYbxKeuajdknMSvtwO2nxKtEtEoTl9e26jUYPud3I7XWW1AfF5NqBBfFL9Ddx9dJZKz698faTR_J82wDTCJj_ARCYl961GbiwXrxG0Sc-wwvJzi84vkj6-zfsr5XCacw_yf4EvKezP0GXvt87II0mc/s2048/pexels-yan-krukov-6817735.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsddKBeLHMwkdS6m1VJ4cYX8TtdFLrzDL_9yOvZQYbxKeuajdknMSvtwO2nxKtEtEoTl9e26jUYPud3I7XWW1AfF5NqBBfFL9Ddx9dJZKz698faTR_J82wDTCJj_ARCYl961GbiwXrxG0Sc-wwvJzi84vkj6-zfsr5XCacw_yf4EvKezP0GXvt87II0mc/w200-h133/pexels-yan-krukov-6817735.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>I saw a couple of articles yesterday about a new service offering local channels via streaming.</p>
<p>Locast did something like this a couple of years back, but were sued and lost, forcing a shutdown of that service. However, the reason for the ruling was that Locast was practically forcing users to "donate" $5/month for the service, and used it to expand, making them a for-profit business, rather than a not-for-profit business.</p>
<p>Had Locast been declared a not-for-profit business that was following proper rules and regulations, they may have won and still be in operation. But that's not what happened.</p>
<p>Now, a couple of reports are out about a company called <a href="https://www.pokharel.org/2022/08/27/announcing-local-tv/" target="_blank">LocalTV+</a> that currently operates in Boston. So far, there have been no legal challenges to the company and its service, <a href="https://cordcuttersnews.com/a-new-locast-like-streaming-service-is-offering-free-abc-cbs-fox-nbc/" target="_blank">according to Cord Cutters News</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>... a new service called LocalTV+ has launched to offer free ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in the Boston area. It is also accepting donations, and now the question is whether it will avoid the same fate as Locast did.</p>
<p>LocalTV+ apparently first quietly launched back in 2022 and is now available in the Boston area.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I thought I also read an article by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntennaManPA" target="_blank">Tyler the Antenna Man</a>, but I can't find it now. If my memory is correct, he expected them to be challenged and lose.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life involved over the air TV via an antenna I own. However, I could certainly see such a service being useful. But, like some others, I don't have high hopes of them staying in business if they try to expand.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-49061959060345984122024-02-27T05:00:00.001-05:002024-02-27T05:00:00.136-05:00Amazon Prime benefits: -$100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJgm7GZKKqVmn9XYTCot69iRkkhTHwBmji9_OoZN5kp-HpO9Myg5J6vkACXBl8_uk4rmlLjJPTXhoshM9LdLNQCs09TDUaGfkhRLOjzE9YiRwbfUGmmlax2SPChqcyRqJhV6bDH39h6rnY_nFiaX3XU-Ci-cdsYyHjfAgip_MJ7YedYpRn24i1GpoYow/s500/amazon-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJgm7GZKKqVmn9XYTCot69iRkkhTHwBmji9_OoZN5kp-HpO9Myg5J6vkACXBl8_uk4rmlLjJPTXhoshM9LdLNQCs09TDUaGfkhRLOjzE9YiRwbfUGmmlax2SPChqcyRqJhV6bDH39h6rnY_nFiaX3XU-Ci-cdsYyHjfAgip_MJ7YedYpRn24i1GpoYow/w200-h200/amazon-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>I've considered dropping Amazon Prime for some time. I went ahead and let it renew last month. I almost didn't, but until Walmart Plus gets shipping on par with Amazon, I can't talk myself into dropping Amazon Prime.</p>
<p>I don't use the Prime Video service much, but I do use the shipping benefits. I've been a member since that's all Amazon Prime was: shipping benefits. Before Prime Video even existed, I was an Amazon Prime member.</p>
<p>So, with the price now at $139/year, how much benefit am I getting? Well, Amazon says I'm getting $39.44 of benefit from my $139 subscription.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYT169iSR4B-eXntyR5mrhrzDqrHCTL7Y6nSpRj8iRtgs7WUflZEiJJCB-9rzvzfbSn_mvW9A2wuS4l2xgK6XskrmzZhOTECRpbKzH7ov8u_nIHfjnhUm1x1nwNKuqjbPb8VH1aOFrM5081NchsO8ClTpfWvdQLLQmmAZCSZqWBDlwbOj8rP9oYoRiCg/s1621/prime-benefits.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="1621" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYT169iSR4B-eXntyR5mrhrzDqrHCTL7Y6nSpRj8iRtgs7WUflZEiJJCB-9rzvzfbSn_mvW9A2wuS4l2xgK6XskrmzZhOTECRpbKzH7ov8u_nIHfjnhUm1x1nwNKuqjbPb8VH1aOFrM5081NchsO8ClTpfWvdQLLQmmAZCSZqWBDlwbOj8rP9oYoRiCg/w640-h174/prime-benefits.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>That means, according to Amazon's own numbers, I'm behind by $99.56 over the past 12 months. And I believe it.</p>
<p>Maybe I should be watching more Prime Video. They would have to have more that I want to watch for that to happen.</p>
<p>Maybe I should order more. They would have to have more stuff that I couldn't find elsewhere for that to happen.</p>
<p>Or maybe, just maybe, I should drop Amazon Prime. That's within the realm of possibility.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life doesn't involve a lot of Prime Video. I will look at doing that between now and the end of the year. By January, when the subscription would renew, I'll see if I'm getting $139 in value from Amazon Prime. If not, I'll be saving some money when I drop it.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-19875335452227298092024-02-26T05:00:00.013-05:002024-02-26T05:00:00.251-05:00Frndly TV's new home screen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcFn5b7cJGRldIaYpJns3GtyPJ2eJzO-dQJksP5cJdGsN5EKapiicqBtYswAHN5hf7xVt7xiajDL_HCqcZiEno1rLVYeE50X62d1vjM7cxZOMlmCFSKQhqliy1NFoqiDKIYWre109g3r3hYlNBd2yi2LHnVuaBn7QFyTXqLF_Jbzzxtoz7XNxLTEdbsA/s1600/frndlytv.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcFn5b7cJGRldIaYpJns3GtyPJ2eJzO-dQJksP5cJdGsN5EKapiicqBtYswAHN5hf7xVt7xiajDL_HCqcZiEno1rLVYeE50X62d1vjM7cxZOMlmCFSKQhqliy1NFoqiDKIYWre109g3r3hYlNBd2yi2LHnVuaBn7QFyTXqLF_Jbzzxtoz7XNxLTEdbsA/w200-h113/frndlytv.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>Frndly TV has been a favorite of mine since the service launched in 2019. It is cheap, starting at $7/month, and lives up to its name in being a source of family friendly TV.</p>
<p>The interface has always been simple, defaulting to a cable-style TV guide. It also had a section for on-demand movies and on-demand TV shows, plus a place where your recordings were stored.</p>
<p>Now, Frndly TV has added a new home screen that makes it more like other services.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0Eg1s16b52bNkZrnj_CsOc3GYOPPTPjs52IrFbdBOPLljINLGBo_9RK1JTFEE4XjKaJpfM2ycE2ziFXkGR-6ZEk6lv-uZ66kfKdpmSqmXpvsswrioz3A6GMbRU3Ebjm_mKcfF2loD3o5D1F9QNgvKG0GquSVwy4ZG-_GrgbSlQJ6t48-KsVsIMBQXlg/s1404/frndly-tv-home-screen.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1404" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0Eg1s16b52bNkZrnj_CsOc3GYOPPTPjs52IrFbdBOPLljINLGBo_9RK1JTFEE4XjKaJpfM2ycE2ziFXkGR-6ZEk6lv-uZ66kfKdpmSqmXpvsswrioz3A6GMbRU3Ebjm_mKcfF2loD3o5D1F9QNgvKG0GquSVwy4ZG-_GrgbSlQJ6t48-KsVsIMBQXlg/w640-h324/frndly-tv-home-screen.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>As you can see, it has the top carousel of suggested content, with live TV suggestions below. Scrolling down gets you a "Continue Watching" section, a "Recommended For You" section, a "Tending Now" row, a "Coming Soon" row, "Critically Acclaimed," followed by other rows of content.</p>
<p>It's new, and I really haven't decided if I like it or not. Maybe I will come to really like it. Or maybe I'll jump straight to the Guide each time. I can see why some would like it, and maybe that will include me. One day.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life has enjoyed Frndly TV for years. It will enjoy it for years to come. And I may enjoy this latest change to the system. Time will tell.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-78054031509732465142024-02-25T05:00:00.001-05:002024-02-25T05:00:00.175-05:00Computers that won't run Windows 11<p>Next year, Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10. If you don't have any Windows 10 computers, you don't need to worry about that. But, if you run Windows 10, and if your computer won't install and run Windows 11, you have a very big problem.</p>
<p>Your options are to buy a new computer, use an unsupported hack to install Windows 11 anyway (there are many reasons to not do this), or to switch to another operating system.</p>
<p>Recently, a new requirement for Windows 11 emerged, but in this case, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Here's a video about the new requirement:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JoYSZjrXYyY" width="560" youtube-src-id="JoYSZjrXYyY"></iframe></div>
<p>[<a href="https://youtu.be/JoYSZjrXYyY" target="_blank">YouTube</a>]</p>
<p>This specific requirement isn't a really big deal for most people. However, as the video said, this could simply be the first of changes that will impact more and more older computers.</p>
<p>The reason this isn't that big of a deal is that this new requirement only impacts computers over 15 years old. It's probably time for an upgrade.</p>
<p>That's easy enough to say, but not everyone can afford to use an older computer. What then?</p>
<ul>
<li>Continue to run an unsupported system, which is a serious concern.</li>
<li>Install another operating sytem that will run on the older hardware:
<ul>
<li>Linux</li>
<li>ChromeOS</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>There really aren't any other options. And for a device that old, ChromeOS may not be the way to go. Another version of Linux might be the best option, if you want to keep using the old hardware.</p>
<p>My Streaming Life doesn't extend to really old computer hardware. But I really do understand the desire to keep older hardware running, and not simply toss it in a landfill.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-46391432169555300682024-02-24T05:00:00.001-05:002024-02-24T05:00:00.341-05:00Ask the Robots: Why should I cut the cord?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qeCQBU6pk4je5MppZRjg8Kk-bLgmMUaLcqu6ae9WuIwjRQITVcfYzgkCDdJx0MA9iFl4V3IjarV0jTGoXrCNCqYsuhJr1SWUNwD88vcKtsjA6pfAhbUQJU6KH8zlee20LHGDjHUZJYFUm2zmILgLGDSSPNGFPCSFHbSc0HIU9lous8k-HF25rmKB-to/s883/war-of-the-robots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="883" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qeCQBU6pk4je5MppZRjg8Kk-bLgmMUaLcqu6ae9WuIwjRQITVcfYzgkCDdJx0MA9iFl4V3IjarV0jTGoXrCNCqYsuhJr1SWUNwD88vcKtsjA6pfAhbUQJU6KH8zlee20LHGDjHUZJYFUm2zmILgLGDSSPNGFPCSFHbSc0HIU9lous8k-HF25rmKB-to/s320/war-of-the-robots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I cut the cord in 2011 to save money. That was the actual reason. Sure, I thought it was an interesting idea and I wanted to try something new and different, but I wasn't going to do it if it cost more money. So, I compared prices of cable vs streaming. And, after two years of research (I put some serious thought and research into it), I pulled the plug in January 2011.<p></p>
<p>But why would someone today cut the cord? Well, I asked Google Gemini and ChatGPT both the same question: Why should I consider cutting the cord?</p>
<p>Here is what each said.</p>
<h3>Google Gemini</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>There are many reasons why you might consider cutting the cord, depending on your priorities and viewing habits. Here are some of the main pros:</p>
<p><b>Cost savings</b>: This is often the biggest motivator. Cable bills can be expensive, and with streaming services, you have more control over what you pay for. You can choose individual services for shows and movies you actually watch, rather than paying for a bundle of channels you never use.</p>
<p><b>Greater control and flexibility</b>: You're not tied to a contract, so you can easily switch between services or cancel them altogether if you're not using them. You can also watch on your own terms, with on-demand content and the ability to pause, rewind, and fast-forward.</p>
<p><b>Wider content selection</b>: Streaming services offer a vast library of content, including original shows, movies, documentaries, and more. You can also access niche channels and international content that might not be available on cable.</p>
<p><b>Improved viewing experience</b>: Many streaming services offer high-definition and even 4K content, with Dolby Atmos sound for an immersive experience.</p>
<p><b>Mobile and device flexibility</b>: You can watch your favorite shows and movies on any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.</p>
<p>However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:</p>
<p><b>Upfront costs</b>: You may need to purchase streaming devices like Roku or Chromecast if you don't already have them.</p>
<p><b>Internet dependence</b>: Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for smooth streaming, and data usage can add up quickly.</p>
<p><b>Live TV</b>: While some streaming services offer live TV options, they may not cover all local channels or sporting events you want to watch.</p>
<p><b>Subscription fatigue</b>: With so many streaming services available, you can easily end up paying for multiple subscriptions, which can negate the cost savings.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cut the cord is a personal one. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs and preferences. To help you decide, consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on TV?</li>
<li>Your viewing habits: What kind of content do you watch the most?</li>
<li>Your technology: Do you have the necessary devices and internet connection?</li>
<li>Your priorities: How important is flexibility, control, and specific content to you?</li>
</ul>
<p>By carefully considering these factors, you can decide if cutting the cord is the right move for you.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>ChapGPT</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>Cutting the cord refers to cancelling traditional cable or satellite TV services in favor of alternative options, such as streaming services or over-the-air broadcasts. There are several reasons why you might consider cutting the cord:</p>
<ol>
<li>Cost Savings: Cable and satellite TV subscriptions can be expensive, often including fees for equipment rental, installation, and premium channels. Streaming services typically offer more affordable monthly subscriptions with a variety of content options.</li>
<li>Flexibility: Streaming services allow you to watch content on-demand, whenever and wherever you want, on multiple devices. You're not tied to a specific schedule or location, giving you more freedom in how you consume entertainment.</li>
<li>Content Variety: Streaming services offer a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, original programming, and live sports. You can often find niche or specialized content that may not be available through traditional TV providers.</li>
<li>Ad-free Options: Many streaming services offer ad-free or limited-advertising options, providing a more seamless viewing experience compared to traditional TV, where commercials are often abundant.</li>
<li>Customization: With streaming services, you can customize your entertainment lineup to suit your preferences, subscribing only to the services that offer the content you enjoy. This can result in a more tailored and cost-effective entertainment experience.</li>
<li>Better User Experience: Streaming platforms often have intuitive interfaces, personalized recommendations, and features like offline viewing, which can enhance your overall entertainment experience.</li>
<li>Environmental Impact: Cutting the cord can reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for physical cable boxes and reducing energy consumption associated with traditional TV services.</li></ol>
<p>Overall, cutting the cord can offer financial savings, greater flexibility, and access to a wider range of content, making it an appealing option for many consumers. However, it's essential to consider your specific viewing habits and preferences before making the switch.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, what do you think? Does either AI provide you enough infomation to make an informed decision? And is that decision to cut the cord?</p>
<p>My Streaming Life has been about saving money. But, the other advantages mentioned are real. So are some of the drawbacks. For me, it was the best decision.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849107374657252842.post-32270261324201537102024-02-23T05:00:00.005-05:002024-02-23T05:00:00.245-05:00Freevee going away?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B8pY8Gzg3IRs31ECjfen5cHa0JfSWfYGqJGj8ICEd6MwTYzGOSMRqBDIxCgawzJdcKy0yaMy_3avmszmgeZBpu82apfK-IY3afVi03AGpQQUj1pgrHOVkYy0dAimDwwglhViDXL72hBsQ2hAW2RDLSAIet4Wvn-lTNf_3spNYWeBwo-AInTIPvS5DOk/s800/freevee-800.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B8pY8Gzg3IRs31ECjfen5cHa0JfSWfYGqJGj8ICEd6MwTYzGOSMRqBDIxCgawzJdcKy0yaMy_3avmszmgeZBpu82apfK-IY3afVi03AGpQQUj1pgrHOVkYy0dAimDwwglhViDXL72hBsQ2hAW2RDLSAIet4Wvn-lTNf_3spNYWeBwo-AInTIPvS5DOk/w200-h200/freevee-800.png" width="200" /></a></div>There have been reports recently that Amazon will be shutting down Freevee. There are a number of reports that say it isn't shutting down.<p></p><p>The source for all the shutdown rumors is an article in AdWeek. The story by quotes three people described as "familiar with the strategy," "familiar with the matter," or "familiar with the situation" saying the service will shut down <a href="https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/amazon-sunset-freevee/" target="_blank">within the next three months</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Freevee, which Amazon rebranded from IMDb TV in April 2022, has historically functioned as a free, ad-supported alternative to Prime Video, where content largely requires an Amazon Prime subscription for access.</p><p>But when Amazon introduced advertising to Prime Video in January, the decision threw the fate of Freevee into question. With both services already sharing certain titles, Amazon is essentially hosting a similar slate of ad-supported programming on two separate apps.</p><p>This redundancy, combined with several other factors, compelled Amazon to wind down Freevee, according to three people familiar with the matter. </p></blockquote><p></p><p>The report also includes an update where Amazon denies the shuttering claim.</p><blockquote><p>"There are no changes to Freevee," said an Amazon representative. "Amazon Freevee remains an important streaming offering providing both Prime and non-Prime customers thousands of hit movies, shows, and Originals, all for free."</p></blockquote><p>It would seem to make sense that Amazon won't keep two services, particularly when Freevee content can be accessed within the Prime Video app.</p><p>Perhaps it's the app that is being shuttered, not the service. After all, Sling TV's Freestream is simply the free part of Sling TV. There is no Freestream app, just a section of Sling TV that is free, and that's called Freestream. If the free part of Prime Video was bundled together with the Freevee offerings, and called Freevee, the retirement of the app wouldn't really mean a lot.</p><p>When Freevee content started showing up in Prime Video, I wondered how long they would keep a separate Freevee app. This isn't to say that I have any inside information. I do see how what is being rumored could be true to a large degree, and how Amazon's statement could also be true.</p><p>My Streaming Life has used Freevee some, particularly watching older episodes of <i>Midsomer Murders</i>. I actually use Freevee more than Prime Video, at least in part because it's not easy to find free stuff in Prime Video. And if I drop Amazon Prime service, I still want to watch free videos such as is on Freevee. I don't care if Amazon does away with the Freevee app, as long as I can easily find that content. I don't think Amazon will do a good job of it, however.</p>DBDukeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802956158769823637noreply@blogger.com0