Finally, a Roku TV

For years, I've had a Roku device. But I've never had a Roku TV.

There weren't any such thing when I started streaming in 2010, and my Roku was a set top box that worked really well with my existing TV.

I did try a Roku stick when they were introduced. If you wonder what that has to do with a Roku TV, you may remember (or just now be finding out) that the first Roku Sticks were MHL devices, not standard HDMI devices, and were initially sold as part of a "Roku Ready TV." I never had one of those, but when they came out with an HDMI version, I bought one.

I own a Roku Streambar, which is a third form factor Roku device. But in all this time I never owned a Roku TV.

I've used Roku TV devices. My sister had one at my mothers, and when my mother passed away, I had to handle a lot of things on site for a while and actually stayed there for a period of time. I used the Roku TV then, hated it, and attached a Roku Stick to it, making the fact it was a Roku TV no longer a factor. I used the attached Roku device, and just the screen and sound from the TV, not the Roku software and interface of the TV.

The reason is that the TV was very slow and sluggish. Well, at least compared to the higher end Roku devices I had attached to my TVs. I didn't like the infrared remote that came with the TV -- it was the infrared, line of sight part that I didn't like -- so I was going to get a Voice Remote anyway, so I just got a Stick for a few dollars more, since it included the Voice Remote anyway.

So while I never owned a Roku TV, I have used Roku TV, but wasn't impressed.

That could change. The owning part has actually changed.

I decided to add a third TV to the mix, putting TVs in the living room (existing) and two bedrooms (a TV was already in one bedroom). And, when I decided to make the purchase, the new Roku built TVs were on sale at Best Buy. So, I bought one.

I've installed it and used it a little. And I like it, so far. I'm going to try it for a bit and see if I continue to like it, or if my opinion will change.

My Streaming Life has never included a Roku TV of my own. Until now. I'll let you know how it goes.

Why Netflix won't sell its DVD business to Redbox

You may have heard that Netflix is shutting down its DVD business. That's kind of a big deal.

Netflix started as a DVD business, and did that for several years before they started a streaming line. Now, it's primarily a streaming business and DVDs are an afterthought.

With the recent news about Netflix getting out of the DVD business, some may have wondered by they don't sell the business to Redbox.

So, why don't they sell the business to Redbox?

TV Answer Man Phillip Swann was asked that very question recently, and explained it very well:

Why wouldn’t Netflix sell? Money is money, right? The unit is closing anyway so why not get a few more dollars from the old girl?

My guess is that Netflix believes that a Redbox sale would help boost the DVD business at a time when Netflix wants to keep the world focused exclusively on streaming. That is Netflix’s priority now. While the sale would bring in some money, the relatively small amount that Redbox would pay for less than two million subscribers is not worth it to Netflix. Putting another nail in the DVD category is more important.

That makes sense. Netflix must figure that what they'll make on streaming is more than what they'd get from selling the DVD business.

My Streaming Life hasn't included DVD rentals for a very long time. I've ripped DVDs I own and added them to my local video library, but actual DVDs from rental? Nope. I won't miss Netflix DVDs, not really. But I hate that those that use the service won't easily transfer to another service like Redbox.

Frndly TV viewership increases

For a while, I've been a fan of Frndly TV. It's a good selection of family friendly TV at a low cost. In fact, it is the only year-round live TV streaming service I use.

Now I know that I mention that I don't use a live TV streaming service, but the fact is I have subscribe to Frndly TV for years. I don't use the expensive ones that get most of the major cable channels because I don't care for the content that's available. If I did have one of those services, the content I would watch would be the same content you get on Frndly TV, or a close approximation.

I've thought of Frndly TV as a well kept secret and never understood why more people didn't subscribe. Well, more people are subscribing.

A report this week says that the viewership for April (so far) is up 90% over last April. It has nearly doubled in a year:

Here is a quick breakdown of what Frndly TV announced about its 1st quarter 2023 numbers:

• Total viewership on Frndly TV increased 82%
• Viewership per subscriber increased 50% per week
• Weekly active users increased 30%
• Impressions increased 90%
• Ad sales revenue increased 78%

"These numbers show the continuing appeal of Frndly TV to both our subscribers and advertisers," said Steve Sklar, Frndly TV Head of Advertising Sales. "We are demonstrating to the marketplace that quality, feel-good programming at a very accessible price is a model of success."

Frndly TV did not disclose subscriber numbers at this time.

For $7/month, you get a lot of content, including the three Hallmark channels, as well as a lot of other family friendly programming. I actually use the $9/month plan that includes HD (1080), DVR, and two streams.

My Streaming Life includes Frndly TV, and you may want to consider it for yours.

YouTube TV upgrades

There are many that cut the cord that turn around and subscribe to a live streaming service such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, or others. That's not something I did, or do.

The reason I didn't is that when I cut the cord, they didn't exist. I cut the cord in January 2011, and the first live streaming service didn't launch until 2015. After over four years, I found that I didn't need to pay for such a service. And, more importantly, I didn't want to.

I mention this so you'll have a better perspective on what I'm writing. When upgrades or changes happen to these live streaming services, they don't usually impact me. I don't get as excited about these things as others, because quite honestly, it doesn't really matter to me.

However, I realize that many who cut the cord are simply transferring their bills from one company to another. I cut the cord to save money, not to simply pay someone else the money.

Sure, many people are paying less money for a live streaming service than they paid for cable or satellite, but I'm paying even less, because I found that I don't need such a service. At least, I don't need it year round.

I read an article recently about upgrades to YouTube TV. It's mostly about picture quality, but that is a big deal. Getting a better picture for the same money is a good thing. Only, it's not for the same money, since it's for an extra $8/month:

The biggest one though is listed as "Picture Quality Experiments" and this could make the extra $8 a month actually worth it.

The first of these picture quality experiments is a transcoding upgrade that will improve the bitrate for live HD content — aka content in 1080p. Practically, this should reduce visible compression and pixelation and create a noticeably better picture. According to YouTube TV, this bitrate improvement will be targeted at "devices that support the VP9 codec with high-speed internet connections" and is temporary for now but could become permanent this summer.

The article also mentions Multiview, that rolled out for March Madness to allow subscribers to watch multiple games at the same time.

Improvements to YouTube TV are going to be very helpful to subscribers. My Streaming Life doesn't involve YouTube TV -- not at the moment, anyway -- but if yours does, this may be a welcome upgrade and option.

PBS coming to Local Now

I've been a supporter of PBS for years. No, I don't like everything they air, but I do appreciate what they do, and feel it's worthwhile to support. And I do.

I first became a PBS supporter, giving back in the 1970s. It was a result of one of those fundraisers that everyone hates, but are necessary because, well, quite honestly, they work. It worked on me, and I'm a tough nut to crack.

Anyway, I am a PBS supporter, and use the PBS app. As a supporter, I can access the Passport content.

I was happy when I saw an article recently that PBS was coming to Local Now:

Not all markets are live yet on the Local Now app, but PBS stations are starting to go live. If your market is not let yet by the end of 2023, you should find your local PBS on Local Now.

"The addition of local PBS stations is a major achievement for Local Now and cements our position as the leader of free-streaming local news and entertainment in America," said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group, the parent company of Local Now told Deadline. "Viewers of all ages know and love PBS, and soon they will be able to stream this amazing content for free, anytime."

I checked this morning, and it's not yet available for me. I'm assuming being in southeast Georgia, I'm not high on their priority list. It's like that for a lot of things. Many of the networks don't think about us, or like us. Well, me anyway.

Still, the news that PBS is coming is a thing I was happy to see. My Streaming Life is getting better.

Housekeeping

One of the things I struggle with regarding this blog is the appearance. I like traditional things, and this blog has had a traditional look since it launched. However, I realize that sometimes things need to change. So we changed.

Is it change for the sake of change? Well, yes, I suppose it is. I hate change for the sake of change. If something is working, why mess with it? Sure, if there is a reason, then great, make the change. If things are better, or can be better, then change. But to change just to change? I don't like that.

I hate it when grocery stores or other retailers change things up. The old adage about Walmart rearranging everything just about the time you figure out where everything is rings true. So, did I do the same thing here?

Well, probably. I've tried to justify it, but I'm not sure if there was a good reason to change.

The look is a more modern look, which I'm thinking of in the line of a new shirt or new trousers or a new haircut. Of course, my wardrobe is a simple one, with many of the same style shirts and trousers, so any change is a big change for me.

I hope I get used to the change here. I hope you get used to the change here. And another change may be coming. I want things to look good, but I'm not really sure what it is I want.

My Streaming Life is pretty simple, and I want the blog of the same name to be that way too. Changing when it needs to, but remaining simple and comfortable.

Amazon Internet is coming ... next year

Amazon announced this past week that its Internet service would begin service in 2024.

No exact date beyond that was announced in the letter to shareholders sent out last week.

CEO Andy Jassy also said that the expected price for equipment would be about $200 less than that of Starlink.

Beta service will begin some time next year:

Our teams have developed low-cost antennas (i.e. customer terminals) that will lower the barriers to access. We recently unveiled the new terminals that will communicate with the satellites passing overhead, and we expect to be able to produce our standard residential version for less than $400 each. They’re small: 11 inches square, 1 inch thick, and weigh less than 5 pounds without their mounting bracket, but they deliver speeds up to 400 megabits per second. And they’re powered by Amazon-designed baseband chips. We’re preparing to launch two prototype satellites to test the entire end-to-end communications network this year, and plan to be in beta with commercial customers in 2024.

While I'm happy with my Comcast home Internet service, it's nice to have other options. I may become unhappy with Comcast service one day, and want to have a viable option. Starlink is an option now, but an additional option is welcome, especially if the startup cost is cheaper. My Streaming Life is good, but I want to keep my options open.

Installing an antenna

How easy is it to install an antenna?

Well, it's not always that easy. There are a lot of things involved in it. But, you can do it. Maybe.

So, just what is involved?

I've wanted to write about this for some time, but as there are many factors to consider, it's not something I've followed through on. But TV Answer Man Phillip Swann did.

He has broken it out into seven steps. And the second step is the most important:

2. Choose the right antenna

Once you know where the broadcast towers are located, you can choose the right antenna. There are many different types of antennas available on the market, so make sure to choose one that is designed to receive signals from the direction of your local broadcast towers. If you are unsure, consult with a professional or ask for recommendations at your local electronics store.

Let me add that I've also found that Tyler the Antenna Man offers a very good service for helping with that. Don't skimp on an antenna. If you put the money into an antenna, you might as well do it right.

My Streaming Life is better with an antenna. Yours might be as well.

Netflix DVDs are going away

The news hit this past week that Netflix was exiting the DVD market.

For those that may not remember, or who never knew, Netflix started as a DVD rental service where you would use a Web page on the Internet to order movies on DVD.

Think about it. You used the Internet (Net) to order movies ("flicks"). Net, flicks. Net, flix. Netflix.

And you thought it was just for streaming.

Well, soon it will be. Reports came out this week that Netflix announced it's dwindling DVD service will go away:

While times have changed since our first shipment in March 1998, our goal has remained the same: to provide you with access to the broadest collection of movies and shows possible, delivered directly to your door, with no due dates or late fees.

As the DVD business continues to shrink, it’s going to become increasingly difficult to achieve that goal. In our final season, we’ll continue providing you the best service possible, all the way to the very last shipment.

I stopped using DVDs some time ago, and before they moved the DVD service to it's own Website. My Streaming Life has supplanted the need for DVDs. But I have to admit, I'll miss the service not being there, even though I've not used it in years.

Netflix password sharing limits coming to USA

If you are sharing your Netflix password with others, you may start encountering some push back from Netflix soon.

The company has announced that the crackdown on password sharing is coming to the United States.

Netflix has been doing this in other countries for a little bit now, and so far the results have been good. Well, good for Netflix, which is why they're doing this.

Now, the USA is going to be part of the crackdown:

After testing out its password sharing crackdown in several markets, including Canada, Netflix says they saw subscriber numbers go up after the crackdown.

"A Netflix account is meant to be shared in one household (people who live in the same location with the account owner)," Netflix says on the customer-help section. "People who are not in your household will need to sign up for their own account to watch Netflix."

This won't be a big deal for me. I found out years ago that the content on Netflix wasn't enough for me to keep the subscription. I'll subscribe to the service from time to time, as part of my subscription rotation, but it's not something I watch with any regularity.

However, Netflix is a very popular streaming service, and part of that is the password sharing. That's ending soon in the USA. Well, you can pay more to share passwords, which is the whole idea.

The cost for sharing is nearly as much as the cost for a separate subscription, meaning that many will simply pay for a new subscription rather than for a sharing plan. My Streaming Life won't be impacted by this, but yours might.