Comet streaming app

I spoke about this before, but it's been a while and I wanted to do it again. I want to take a few minutes and talk about an app that doesn't get a lot of attention. I think it's one of the most interesting apps, not because of the content necessarily, but because of what the app is.

Comet is the app for the TV network that is carried in several cities. The nearest Comet affiliate to me is WTGS on the sub-channel 28.2. It's possible you have a local channel that carries Comet.

Comet is a science fiction channel. Think SyFy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel) but no new or original programming. It's like TV Land for sci-fi fans.

Comet stands apart form other non-major networks in that it offers a free live stream via their app. If you have a Roku or Apple TV, you can add the Comet app and watch the live stream of their programming. For free. No subscription. You want to watch Comet, just use the Comet app.

If you don't have Apple TV or Roku, you can launch the STIRR app and watch Comet that way. It's easier to watch via the Comet app. Unfortunately, there is not an app for Fire TV or Android/Google TV.

I'd love for other networks to follow this lead. I would enjoy being able to watch MeTV, Antenna TV,  Laff, Grit, Ion, or any of the other minor networks as easy as launching an app.

Now, if you have an antenna (I do), you don't really need the app to watch Comet. You can simply tune you TV to the local station that carries Comet programming and watch. Or, launch Tablo, Air TV, or a similar TV antenna based app and watch it that way.

My Streaming Life is better because of the Comet app. Yes, I have an antenna, but I'll use the app because sometimes that's just easier.

Rethinking Netflix

I stopped watching Netflix years ago. I used the service for years, or paid for the service for years, and realized one day that I rarely watched it. After several years of paying, I stopped. I dropped Netflix.

Over the next several years, I only ever subscribed to Netflix when they brought back Mystery Science Theater 3000, each time for a month when the seasons were released. I also subscribed for a month when they introduced the ad-supported tier. Apart from those times, I didn't subscribe to Netflix.

I did subscribe to other services, however. Only, I rotated the subscriptions. One month, I'd subscribe to HBO Max (now just Max), another month it would be Paramount Plus, another month it would be Disney Plus, and so on. One service for a month, then switch to another service, and over time, I'd watch everything on all the services I wanted for a fraction of the cost. But I didn't include Netflix in the mix. Well, not often, as I mentioned earlier.

Around three weeks ago, Netflix released a new special by Dave Chappelle. Since I enjoy his specials, I decided to subscribe so I could watch it. I did. That was day one of 30. What to do with the other 30? Well, I never did watch Ozark. Now, I've watched some of the episodes, and will try to finish the series before the 30 day subscription ends. And that leads to the change.

I'm not going to keep a subscription to Netflix long term. But I am going to add Netflix to the rotation. Maybe there is content I'll enjoy. I'll look into it over the rest of this month, and again when Netflix's turn comes around.

My Streaming Life contains a lot of content, but only a little at a time. But it adds up, and I'm enjoying it. It'll be weird having Netflix in rotation after all these years.

Picking an antenna

Dropping cable means losing access to all the channels that are included in the cable package. That means not just channels such as Fox News, ESPN, HGTV, Hallmark, and the like, but also local channels. To pick up your local ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC station, you need to either pay for an expensive ($73/month or more) streaming service, or get a TV antenna. The initial cost of an antenna may be more than $73 -- mine was a lot more -- over time, it's actually cheaper.

The problem with getting an antenna is making sure you go about it the right way. Finding the right TV antenna depends on several things, such as your location, your distance from the broadcast towers, and the specific channels that you want to get. So, with that in mind, here are some you'll need to do, if you want to do it right:

• Check your Location. Use online tools like AntennaWeb.org or TV Fool to find the direction of the closest towers as well as the distance to them.
• Choose the Right Type: There are indoor and outdoor antennae. Indoor antennae are only useful if your area has a strong signal. I had to get an outdoor antenna, which is better for areas with weaker signals or greater distances from the towers.
• Consider the Range: Antennae have different ranges, so you need to choose one with a range that covers the distance between your location and the towers. A higher range is beneficial for areas with weaker signals. Avoid any antenna that makes outrageous claims about distance. There is no such thing as a 200 mile antenna. Anyone that says their antennae will pick up that range is lying.
• Directional or Multi-Directional: Directional antennae are designed to receive signals from a specific direction. Multi-directional antennae are able to pick up signals from multiple directions. Choose what you need based on the location of the various towers. I was fortunate in that all four towers in my area are all in the same direction.
• Amplified or Non-Amplified: Amplified antennae come with signal boosters. Those can be helpful in areas with weak signals. I have one because I need one. If you are in an area with strong signals, a non-amplified antenna may be fine.
• Check Frequency Bands: Be sure that the antenna you choose supports both VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) channels, as different channels operate on different frequency bands. The online tools mentioned earlier have both the virtual channel and the actual RF channel of the stations. The RF channel is what's important.
• Installation: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Outdoor antennae may require mounting on the roof or a mast. I paid someone to install mine.
• Test and Adjust: After installation, scan for channels on your TV and make adjustments to the antenna position if necessary. This may involve rotating or repositioning the antenna for optimal signal reception. If you pay someone to install your antenna, they should take care of this. You should ensure they do.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of a TV antenna can vary based on your specific location. It might be helpful to consult with a local electronics retailer or seek recommendations from neighbors with similar setups. What worked for them might just work for you.

My Streaming Life has improved since I got my antenna working again. It was a good investment for me.

Another Windows update failure, or Why I suggest Linux or Chrome OS for a secure computer

It seems to happen a lot. Microsoft released a new update, and it broke many installations of Windows 10.

This isn't the first time this has happened, and it won't be the last. Britec has a video about it, with some commentary.

[YouTube]

It's unfortunate that so many people depend on Microsoft Windows. Every version of Windows has had too mamy problems. Not every version is as bad as Windows ME or Windows Vista, but they have all had their share is issues. Windows 10 continues to have them.

If you have a Windows 10 computer, and will have to replace it to run Windows 11, consider switching to Linux or Chrome OS. For most people, Chrome OS would be a good choice, as it is secure -- something that Windows tries to be and gloriously fails time and time again. The privacy concerns I have about Chrome OS are real, but they are not as bad as Windows in that regard. Linux is much more privacy friendly and is secure, but Chrome OS is a good middle ground, keeping the security part, and better at privacy than Microsot.

Sure, Mac OS is an option, and the operating system is great, the computers are well built, and they are easy to use. But the cost is great. For a cheaper secure alternative, Linux and Chrome OS are good options. And of those two, Chrome OS is easier to use.

My Streaming Life does sometimes involve using a computer. Windows can be nightmare at times. That's why I like the alternatives.

Watching the NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

The NFL playoffs continue today with the Divisonal Round. Eight teams are playing, including the six winners from the Wild Card Round, plus the top seeds in each conference.

The Games

Today, there are two games scheduled. Two more are scheduled for tomorrow.

Saturday

• Houston (4th seed, AFC South champions) at Baltimore (1st seed, AFC North champions). ABC, ESPN, ESPN+
• Green Bay (7th seed, wild card) at San Francisco (1st seed, NFC West champions). Fox

Sunday

• Tampa Bay (4th seed, NFC South champions) at Detroit (3rd seed, NFC North champions). NBC, Peacock
• Kansas City (3rd seed, AFC West champions) at Buffalo (2nd seed, AFC East champions). CBS

How to watch

The various networks carrying the games are available to streamers in several different ways.

ABC

• Antenna (free)
• Sling TV (8 markets only) ($45/month)
• Vidgo (Plus) ($70/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($75/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($85/month)

CBS

• Antenna (free)
• Paramount Plus (Premium) $12/month
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($75/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($85/month)

ESPN

• Sling TV (Orange) ($40/month)
• Vidgo (Plus) ($70/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($75/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($85/month)

ESPN+

• ESPN+ (standalone) ($10/month)
• Disney Bundle ($15/month)

Fox

• Antenna (free)
• Sling TV (18 markets only) ($45/month)
• Vidgo (Plus) ($70/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($75/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($85/month)

NBC

• Antenna (free)
• Peacock (Plus) ($12/month)
• Sling TV (11 markets only) ($45/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($75/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($85/month)

Peacock

• Peacock is its own service, and can be used to watch NBC live programming with the $12/month plan.

My Streaming Life does not often involve professional football, particularly NFL games. But, there is no denying the popularity of the NFL. If you want to watch the games and are a streamer, or if you're thinking about becoming a streamer, maybe this will let you know just what you would need to do to watch the games.

More ads on the Roku home screen

Roku has always had a clean, simple interface. And ads.

The original layout was simple, with a single line of icons for the apps that were installed. There was a space for a banner ad at the bottom. I realize that many of you may not remember that old layout, but from the start, Roku had ads on the interface.

See? Not pretty, is it? But there is the ad at the bottom. Roku has always had ads on the home screen.

A lot of people have complained about the ads on the current home screen. They have sought ways to stop the ads, complaining that Roku has suddenly added them. People have been fussing like that since Roku went to the current home screen layout almost a decade ago. But the fact is, ads have always been on the Roku home screen. And now there are about to be more.

According to Ad Exchanger, Roku wants to have even more ads on the home screen. But "more ads" has a couple of different meanings. It doesn't mean that more space on the home screen will be used to try to sell you something. Rather, it means that Roku will offer more options to advertisers:

The goal of Roku’s budding TV hardware business is, of course, to get its software into more households, [Roku VP of global ad sales and partnerships, Kristina] Shepard said.

And with more reach comes more opportunity for advertising, she said.

Roku began transforming “Roku City” into an advertising hub in June when it allowed all brands to run ads on its home screen. This option was previously only available to media and entertainment marketers. Brands can retarget viewers who click on their ads, including off platform through Roku’s OneView DSP.

Also in June, Roku launched full-screen interactive ads called “showrooms,” which let viewers click around a virtual product catalog. It first tested its showrooms with Subaru, Shepard said, and is opening up this inventory to other verticals this quarter, including QSR and travel.

Is this a good thing? Well, maybe. Maybe not.

If it doesn't take up more screen real estate while you're using the device, then that's okay. If it doesn't delay you getting to your content after selecting it, then it's okay. If there are more ads in the screen saver, then it's okay.

It's not okay if streaming options, such as apps, are removed to make way for more real estate set aside for ads. It's not okay if you have to watch an ad after selecting your content, when previously the app just launched.

My Streaming Life has included Roku since 2010. And Roku has included ads in the home screen since 2010. This may not be a big deal. Or it could be awful. We'll have to see how it plays out.

Panasonic joins Fire TV

Last week, Panasonic announced new TVs using the Fire TV platform, representing a change in platforms.

According to a release, the devices will be available some time this year. No specific date was announced.

In a world of content overload, the Z95A and Z93A stand out with their ability to aggregate content from both broadcast and streaming services. This content-forward approach, made possible by Fire TV built in, offers viewers a streamlined experience in content discovery and consumption.

"With such vast options, the real challenge becomes pinpointing exactly what you want to watch. Therefore, our new mission goes beyond just providing great picture and sound. It’s about simplifying the process of content discovery, ensuring it's not just easy but delightful," says Mr Akira Toyoshima, President, CEO of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.

The integration ensures that users will have an elevated, simplified user experience and access to an extensive range of the top streaming apps and services. These OLED TVs are also not just entertainment devices but also hubs for smart home management. Fully compatible with Alexa-enabled devices, they feature a smart home dashboard, enabling users to monitor and control their connected home ecosystem seamlessly. Furthermore, the Z95A and Z93A are compatible with Apple Home and AirPlay, meaning users can control their TV using Siri and effortlessly stream movies, music, games, and photos, right from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Panasonic TVs have used a variety of operating systems to drive their smart TVs over the years. One was called Viera Cast and Viera Connect, another used a Firefox OS fork called My Home Screen, and some used Android TV (but not the Google TV interface).

The Fire TV interface is a much improved interface over the last few years. Perhaps this will stick. The other platforms Panasonic tried just didn't have it. Fire TV may be a good choice.

My Streaming Life prefers the Google TV interface over Fire TV, but either is good. Roku would have been a good choice for a platform as well. If the new TVs are as good as they appear to be, this will be a good thing.