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/
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