I've said for years, cable TV as we know it is dying. In it's current "bundle package" format and the way the industry delivers its product, it won't last. This current era of TV broadcasting through a coax cable connected to the back of your TV will most likely be the last generation of our society that will consume home entertainment in this fashion. Cable companies have been realizing for a while now that content delivery through linear broadcasting is on its last legs and they must adapt to keep profitable and relevant, here's proof:
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Updated Channel Changes to Stirr TV
Good day, Frugal Streamers:
Just reviewing the updated channel lineup on Stirr TV (https://stirr.com/watchnow). Although they added a few more channels this week, they discontinued others and changed the order of a few more.
Here are all the changes that appear to have occurred:
- Channels added on 1/16: The Beverly Hillbillies Channel 180; Bonanza Channel 187; Sherlock Holmes Channel 193; Stirr Fit Channel 259; Stirr Cooks Channel 260
- Channels discontinued (as quickly as they were added just a few weeks ago): 104 24x7 Space 1999; 175 Fridays; 196 24x7 Family Feud
- Channels renumbered: 219 The Film Detective changed to channel 213; 210 Stirr Biographies changed to channel 230; 218 Docurama changed to channel 231
Happy Streaming, everyone! -GB
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
How to watch the Democratic debate tonight (Jan 14) for free!
The Democratic debate will be broadcast on CNN. The debate will be streamed live for free on CNN.com’s homepage, without requiring a cable provider login. It can also be streamed live for free on CNN apps for Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, XBox One and other devices.
For the convenience of our streamers using Free2View TV, you will be able to watch a free stream on our service tonight, including the pre-debate broadcasts and other anaylses throughout the various news networks. Remember, Free2View TV is absolutely FREE! No subscriptions are needed to enjoy the best free and legal public live streams from all over the world.
Happy Streaming! -GB.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Friday, January 10, 2020
The Free Streaming Service STIRR Adds Six New Channels to Their Lineup
Well, this article from Cord-Cutters News says Stirr TV is up to 88 channels by adding 6 new retro channels yesterday, but by my count Stirr TV is just shy of 100 channels (96 to be exact) when you count the Stingray music channels it added a few weeks back.
ALL of the Stirr TV channels are available as a Bonus playlist I created for IPTV streaming players if you are unable to watch the channels properly on the Stirr TV website or by using their apps on the various streaming platforms. Get the complete Stirr TV playlist from the Free2View TV page on the blog.
Happy Streaming! -GB.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Some of my favorite Cord-Cutter related articles this week...
A few articles that I thought were interesting news...
The Free Streaming Service DistroTV Adds New Channels Including CONtv, COMBAT GO, & More (article). I really like DistroTV, though it is still relatively unknown. It's a similar free streaming network like Xumo and Xumo TV. It is available in Canada, USA, and UK, with a slight difference in the channel line up in each country. At the moment, I have not seen the Cinedigm channels added yet, but still, Distro TV is worth a look for any Frugal Streamer. (Watch Distro TV online here.)
Pluto TV Introduces a New Logo at CES (article). A lot of commentators are saying they like Pluto TV's current logo design. You know, I kinda like the new design! (Watch Pluto TV online here.)
Tubi & Hisense Are Launching a Free New Streaming Service For Cord Cutters (article). What is interesting about this article is that it does not explain if Tubi TV is creating a 24/7-like streaming channel in partnership with their Hisense TV's or if it's just going to be the AVOD service that exists today on the usual platforms. Either way, I like FREE MOVIES! (Check out Tubi TV online here.)
Disney Explains Why Content is Leaving Disney+ (article). Well, this is no real surprise. It is reasonable to expect that Disney had some pre-existing deals with other streaming services that they needed to fulfill. Meh, they'll be back.
The Free Streaming Service STIRR Now Offers 88 Live Channels (article). This is just a run down of the US-only streaming service. If you live in the USA or are using a VPN service, Stirr TV is a great service for Frugal Streamers to check out online here.
Happy Streaming! -GB.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Streaming Service FAQ and Honest Review: Sime TV
Streaming Service FAQ and Honest Review: Sime TV
What is SimeTV?
From their website documentation: "SimeTV as a cable alternative offers cable-quality content for a fraction of the cost. No extra boxes or equipment are needed. Watch right from your TV, or other compatible device with our SimeTV app."
What type of service is this?
Live TV with EPG: Yes, with cable-like programming guide.
Live TV with DVR/Look Back: No, but advised that this feature is coming soon.
Video On Demand Movies: Coming Soon
Video On Demand TV Shows: Coming Soon
Where can I find information about it online?
https://live.simetv.com
How can I watch this service?
SimeTV is available on all major platforms and devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android Store, iOS Apple, Online, and Chromecast.
Where is this service available?
SimeTV has previously indicated that its service is not available in the USA, however the Frugal Streamer (who is located in Canada) was able to install and stream the channels of this service on a USA Roku Account as well as through SimeTV's web-portal using a VPN connected to the USA. The Frugal Streamer can confirm that SimeTV works successfully on an Android powered Chromebook and his Canadian Roku account.
What channels can I watch?
As of this posting, SimeTV offers 1 promo channel and 29 network channels including all major broadcast networks from Canada and the US. Channels include:
Channel 01. Sime TV Promo
Broadcast networks from Canada:
Channel 06. CBLT CBC
Channel 07. CFTO CTV
Channel 08. CITY City TV
Channel 09. Global Toronto
Channel 24. TVO (TV Ontario)
Broadcast networks from USA:
Channel 02. WGRZ NBC
Channel 03. WKBW ABC
Channel 04. WIVB CBS
Channel 05. WUTV Fox
Channel 10. WNED PBS
Channel 12. WNLO CW
Channel 13. MyTV HD
Channel 23. PBS Kids
Over-The-Air networks from USA:
Channel 11. ION Television
Channel 14. Grit TV
Channel 15. Laff
Channel 16. Charge!
Channel 17. Court TV
Channel 18. Bounce
Channel 19. Get TV
Channel 20. Escape
Channel 21. Comet
Channel 22. Create
Channel 25. Qubo
Channel 26. Stadium
Channel 27. TBD
Additional Specialty Channels:
Channel 28. Cala Action
Channel 29. Cala Classics
Channel 30. Cala Westerns
How much does it cost and can I try it before I buy a subscription?
As per the SimeTV website: Watch Your Favourite TV Channels online or get our Roku, AppleTV, Android & iOS apps! ONLY $9.99 PER MONTH! START YOUR FREE 7 DAY TRIAL!
On how many screens at the same time can I use it?
The Frugal Streamer tried this service out on up to 3 screens/devices without an additional charge. There is an option to sign up for 3 EXTRA devices when buyers checkout for only $2/month more.
Tell me, Frugal Streamer, what is your honest review about this streaming service?
The Frugal Streamer has just completed his third trial of this service and he says, "Third time is the charm." For the first trial, SimeTV only had a third of the channels that are listed in this article, and for the channels that were available, there were very few in HD, incorrect aspect ratios and overall bad stream quality. A second trial of SimeTV several months later revealed that the service had added up to a total of 20 channels or so, with improved stream quality. The Frugal Streamer still found, however, that due to the lack of quality channels and no video on demand to speak of, the service still did not have any real value despite its cheap monthly cost. Upon completing the third trial of SimeTV precisely one year from his first try, the Frugal Streamer can confidently say that SimeTV has been much improved from its initial launch. From a total of 30 channels that are currently available, all of the major network streams are a decent quality in high definition while the over-the-air channels are solid, but mostly in standard definition. The on-screen cable-like programming guide has been usually accurate with the ability to scroll ahead program listings up to about 24-hours. During the trial, a few channels were unable to connect at times and others were still displaying at the wrong aspect ratio (though much fewer than before), making the TV picture appear squeezed to the center of the screen. There is still no VOD to speak of, but a representative on their social media support informed that it is coming soon even though she could not elaborate further on any ETA. The Frugal Streamer has not been able to get over-the-air channels in his area using an antenna, so the inclusion of a growing list of OTA channels is very much welcomed; Charge! and Comet are especially enjoyable channels among his favorites. FINAL ASSESSMENT: There is still room for improvement for SimeTV to be the true go-to cordcutting service for frugal streamers, but if it continues to add new channels, fixes the aspect ratio issues it has with some of their streams, and eventually opens up a library of VOD programming without increasing their appealing sub-$10 price tag, SimeTV will become a great option for the budget-conscious streamer. The immediate customer service responses on their social media pages also contributed to the positive impressions of this review. The Frugal Streamer gives SimeTV 3.5 stars out of 5.
Is The Frugal Streamer being sponsored by SimeTV for its honest review?
No, absolutely not, the Frugal Streamer has not been paid or influenced in any way for his Honest Review of this product.
Source Articles used for this post:
http://live.simetv.com/manual/website-frontend/how-to-start-watching-tv-with-streaming-platform/
From their website documentation: "SimeTV as a cable alternative offers cable-quality content for a fraction of the cost. No extra boxes or equipment are needed. Watch right from your TV, or other compatible device with our SimeTV app."
What type of service is this?
Live TV with EPG: Yes, with cable-like programming guide.
Live TV with DVR/Look Back: No, but advised that this feature is coming soon.
Video On Demand Movies: Coming Soon
Video On Demand TV Shows: Coming Soon
Where can I find information about it online?
https://live.simetv.com
How can I watch this service?
SimeTV is available on all major platforms and devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android Store, iOS Apple, Online, and Chromecast.
Where is this service available?
SimeTV has previously indicated that its service is not available in the USA, however the Frugal Streamer (who is located in Canada) was able to install and stream the channels of this service on a USA Roku Account as well as through SimeTV's web-portal using a VPN connected to the USA. The Frugal Streamer can confirm that SimeTV works successfully on an Android powered Chromebook and his Canadian Roku account.
What channels can I watch?
As of this posting, SimeTV offers 1 promo channel and 29 network channels including all major broadcast networks from Canada and the US. Channels include:
Channel 01. Sime TV Promo
Broadcast networks from Canada:
Channel 06. CBLT CBC
Channel 07. CFTO CTV
Channel 08. CITY City TV
Channel 09. Global Toronto
Channel 24. TVO (TV Ontario)
Broadcast networks from USA:
Channel 02. WGRZ NBC
Channel 03. WKBW ABC
Channel 04. WIVB CBS
Channel 05. WUTV Fox
Channel 10. WNED PBS
Channel 12. WNLO CW
Channel 13. MyTV HD
Channel 23. PBS Kids
Over-The-Air networks from USA:
Channel 11. ION Television
Channel 14. Grit TV
Channel 15. Laff
Channel 16. Charge!
Channel 17. Court TV
Channel 18. Bounce
Channel 19. Get TV
Channel 20. Escape
Channel 21. Comet
Channel 22. Create
Channel 25. Qubo
Channel 26. Stadium
Channel 27. TBD
Additional Specialty Channels:
Channel 28. Cala Action
Channel 29. Cala Classics
Channel 30. Cala Westerns
How much does it cost and can I try it before I buy a subscription?
As per the SimeTV website: Watch Your Favourite TV Channels online or get our Roku, AppleTV, Android & iOS apps! ONLY $9.99 PER MONTH! START YOUR FREE 7 DAY TRIAL!
On how many screens at the same time can I use it?
The Frugal Streamer tried this service out on up to 3 screens/devices without an additional charge. There is an option to sign up for 3 EXTRA devices when buyers checkout for only $2/month more.
Tell me, Frugal Streamer, what is your honest review about this streaming service?
The Frugal Streamer has just completed his third trial of this service and he says, "Third time is the charm." For the first trial, SimeTV only had a third of the channels that are listed in this article, and for the channels that were available, there were very few in HD, incorrect aspect ratios and overall bad stream quality. A second trial of SimeTV several months later revealed that the service had added up to a total of 20 channels or so, with improved stream quality. The Frugal Streamer still found, however, that due to the lack of quality channels and no video on demand to speak of, the service still did not have any real value despite its cheap monthly cost. Upon completing the third trial of SimeTV precisely one year from his first try, the Frugal Streamer can confidently say that SimeTV has been much improved from its initial launch. From a total of 30 channels that are currently available, all of the major network streams are a decent quality in high definition while the over-the-air channels are solid, but mostly in standard definition. The on-screen cable-like programming guide has been usually accurate with the ability to scroll ahead program listings up to about 24-hours. During the trial, a few channels were unable to connect at times and others were still displaying at the wrong aspect ratio (though much fewer than before), making the TV picture appear squeezed to the center of the screen. There is still no VOD to speak of, but a representative on their social media support informed that it is coming soon even though she could not elaborate further on any ETA. The Frugal Streamer has not been able to get over-the-air channels in his area using an antenna, so the inclusion of a growing list of OTA channels is very much welcomed; Charge! and Comet are especially enjoyable channels among his favorites. FINAL ASSESSMENT: There is still room for improvement for SimeTV to be the true go-to cordcutting service for frugal streamers, but if it continues to add new channels, fixes the aspect ratio issues it has with some of their streams, and eventually opens up a library of VOD programming without increasing their appealing sub-$10 price tag, SimeTV will become a great option for the budget-conscious streamer. The immediate customer service responses on their social media pages also contributed to the positive impressions of this review. The Frugal Streamer gives SimeTV 3.5 stars out of 5.
Is The Frugal Streamer being sponsored by SimeTV for its honest review?
No, absolutely not, the Frugal Streamer has not been paid or influenced in any way for his Honest Review of this product.
Source Articles used for this post:
http://live.simetv.com/manual/website-frontend/how-to-start-watching-tv-with-streaming-platform/
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
The Roaring Twenties Are Back! The Film Detective Celebrates the New Year With a Tribute to the Twenties
Starting Jan. 1, The Film Detective will deliver a tribute to the Twenties, featuring Douglas Fairbanks and a slew of swashbucklers, comedic masters Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, and horror classics like John Barrymore's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920). Such early talkies as Carole Lombard's Big News (1929) will join the lineup to honor one of the most influential shifts of 1920s film: the advent of sound.
Read the full press release here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-roaring-twenties-are-back-the-film-detective-celebrates-the-new-year-with-a-tribute-to-the-twenties-300980018.html
The Film Detective live channel is available for free on the free online streaming networks Stirr TV (USA only) and Distro TV (worldwide). You can also watch The Film Detective as one of over 150 channels available for free to everyone in my Free2View TV playlist, compatible with all streaming devices including USB-equipped Roku devices. Download the Free2View TV playlist from here!
Happy Streaming! -GB
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