How do cord cutters watch Michigan games?

Submitted by rockediny on

MOD EDIT - BUMPED BECAUSE THIS WILL COME UP TODAY TOO - LSA

I just had my first cable companies suck experience and now know first-hand why people hate them so much. I recently started a graduate program and currently have a basic cable package that includes no sports channels (roommates set this up before I moved in). This obviously sucks because I only watch sports on TV. I know there are several cord cutters here on the board so what are some affordable ways yall catch M games? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Also, have basic sports channels always been a premium service like HBO? That doesn't seem right to me.

EDIT: Thank you so much guys! It seems PlaystationVue is the best option for me. I'll pitch it to my roommates to see if they want cancel the cable (not contracted). I'm getting it regardless but if we share, it'll be cheaper for all of us.

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UMProud

September 2nd, 2016 at 10:03 AM ^

Yep the cheap package doesn't have BTN.

Pricing is based on location...I'm assuming it's a combination of local taxes (Chicago is horrible as you know) and if local broadcast channels are included.

Joined: 12/18/2014

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Jacoby

September 2nd, 2016 at 9:55 AM ^

Sounds like PlayStation Vue is the thing to get.

Question #1: if I sign up for Vue, can I watch on both my computer and my tv?

Question#2: because I live in Louisiana, will I be able to get M games that are on local tv in Michigan but not on local tv in Louisiana?

Question #3. everyone's talking about these sticks and playstations and fires. I don't have any of those things. Can't I just use the Internet? And if I need some sort of box between my internet and my computer/tv, which of those things is cheapest/best?



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jonvalk

September 2nd, 2016 at 10:43 AM ^

the best/cheapest option for Vue is an Amazon FireTV.  You have to create a Playstation account and then you can install the app/start your trial on the FireTV.  Outside of that, the Playstation 3/4 are fantastic multi-use options, but are pricier.  The Vue guide interface on FireTV is great (looks like a cablebox guide, but better) and the streaming has been flawless without interruption for me.  Once you have it installed/set up on a box (FireTV, PS3/4), you can then log in from the mobile app to watch on a tablet/phone.  I hope that answers some of your questions without having to head to a FAQ.

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Ecky Pting

September 2nd, 2016 at 4:38 PM ^

Sounds like it. It had been my understanding that BTN requires a TV service provider subscription in order to obtain the proper credentials for enabling a BTN2GO stream. However, it appears that a Playstation VUE "Core Slim" subscription at $35/month includes BTN. What's more, with a PSV account, one can then log in using a BTN2GO App or web browser from any device. Just like cable/satellite account-based credentials, the PSV credential are valid across platforms.

The questions I still have are:

I don't have a PS system myself, but it's my understanding that it functions as a DVR, and has a programming guide as well to schedule recordings? If not, then I believe a TiVo Roamio will do the trick presuming it has a BTN2GO App available?

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StephenRKass

September 2nd, 2016 at 10:25 AM ^

Obviously there are many different options. I am an old "cord never," and have cobbled together going to games live, watching on network tv, going to a local bar, going to watch with friends and alumni who have vastly more resources. It sounds like Playstation is the way to go for you. 2 other observations. First, it is worth asking, from my perspective, whether some of the options are ethical. That is something only you can decide for yourself. Second, sports is the single thing where live or near live viewing is critical. So yes, it is fair and eminently understandable for sports to alwaus be premium. Assuming you are a young male, you are the single most prized demographic.

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StephenRKass

September 2nd, 2016 at 11:02 AM ^

Not really. I mean, you can ask him for whatever you want. But the theft is really from the company providing the service and the log in, not from you. This is obvious. If you let your brother use your car, you ask him to give you something for gas sometimes. If you have the keys to your neighbor's car, and let your brother use it, he can give you money for gas but the issue is different. Your neighbor's car isn't for you to loan out to others, unless you have explicit permission to loan it out to others.

Regardless, the rule of thumb I'd use is to say, sure, use my log in a couple three times. See if you like it. If you like it, and want to use it regularly, you should buy your own service. Because it is the right thing to do. Or, you should watch the games together, when you yourself log in. But to give him a log in he can use whenever and wherever and however often he wants is not really right. No matter how many people do it.

If I were you, I'd be a bit concerned a bit about Big Brother. That is to say, if you regularly are both logged in at the same time at different locations, I'd imagine they will be able to flag that at some point in time.

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Ni

September 3rd, 2016 at 11:18 AM ^

I find you to have an overly optimistic view of the customer/service provider relationship. I envy you. You must not be a Comcast subscriber.

Once you get hurt by Comcast, you'll make it your life's mission to try and hurt them back as much as possible.



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Kvothe

September 2nd, 2016 at 1:14 PM ^

I exclusively use Kodi but I pay $5 per month for the DexterTv addon. HD streaming of hundreds of live channels. Including BTN, ESPN, local channels, etc. Best decision I made was getting rid of Direct TV.

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CalJr3000

September 2nd, 2016 at 12:13 PM ^

There's usually some HD streams, and I run those to my TV off my computer via HDMI.  I'm usually very satisfied with the quality.  As for Kodi, the quality can be quite good, and that's often the source people use when they make streams available on sites like reddit.

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greensborohill1

September 2nd, 2016 at 11:37 AM ^

Those with playstation Vue (I just got it a couple of months ago), how do you account for games going over their alloted time slot when recording them? Do you just add the show following the game to your "my shows" list as well? 

 

Also, for Michigan games on ABC, is there a way to record those for future consumption as well?

 

 

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PB-J Time

September 2nd, 2016 at 12:39 PM ^

Late to the post here but as a heads up, if anybody in philly area is reading this, 6abc does NOT broadcast in an antenna conducive way unless you are next door neighbors to their signal. So for vue or whatever else you may want to add an antenna to beware



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Wood_Chuckson

September 2nd, 2016 at 12:41 PM ^

Find someone who isn't interested in cutting the cord, buy you a streaming device like Roku and use that person's cable subscription (with their permission of course). Download WatchESPN, BTN, HBOGO and all other sports channels and apps you want. All you'd be paying for is the Internet service to stream the apps with.

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This is Michigan

September 2nd, 2016 at 12:50 PM ^

If I'm not attending the game which usually accounts for about 5 or 6 per year... ABC, Fox - HD antenna ESPN - Sling for $20 B1G - bar or family/friends I was paying $120 for Cable, Hulu and Netflix. I deactivate Sling during the offseason so most months I'm paying $20.

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BlueinOK

September 2nd, 2016 at 1:41 PM ^

I use Sling TV. I love it because I can add and change my plan each month. Once football season is over, it'll be easy to go back to the package with NBC Sports and Fox Sports 1 since I watch a lot of soccer. BTN isn't on there, but I usually can find a friend or two with it or a bar. 

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Its me Dave

September 2nd, 2016 at 9:33 PM ^

but ordered PSVue today.  Works well with my old Roku and I'm watching MSU-Furman now.

I splurged because I think this year's going to be different - because, well, y'all know why.

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FGB

September 2nd, 2016 at 10:00 PM ^

DVR - I maybe could get past the annoyance of buffering and dropped connections but I could never get rid of cable/satellite for the DVR.

You youngsters in college with no time commitments can get by now, but anyone with a family knows you literally can't watch the TV you want to without a DVR. If it's nap time for my daughter the MICH game doesn't pause

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Seth

September 2nd, 2016 at 11:15 PM ^

In case you missed it on the front page, my system was made pretty obvious.

  1. Get a cable company to sponsor your football blog.
  2. STREEEEEAAAAMMMM

In srsly, anyone with a kid in college should take advantage of that. Get your kid the studnet discount (through MGoBlog's link of course) and then stream it at home.

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pauldconyers

September 3rd, 2016 at 8:44 AM ^

I live in Kansas City and this year I'll be working a lot of Saturdays meaning I won't be able to watch all the UM games on TV. Is there a way or an app I can download where I can listen to the official Michigan radio broadcast of the games?

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Luke21079

September 3rd, 2016 at 10:06 AM ^

Had Comcast and got sick of the high price. Got Apple TV and sling and hated sling as it was choppy, the stream was poor quality and the channel selection sucked. Bought a fire tv and signed up for ps Vue and have been very impressed so far. **I'm not techy at all and both fire and Apple TV were a breeze to set up although Vue takes a little bit of work because you have to set it up on your laptop before yu sign in to it on your fire/Roku.

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freelion

September 3rd, 2016 at 10:56 AM ^

I thought this was about fans who abandoned the program during the RIchRod years.  Either that or fathers of newborns. Who knew?

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Swayze Howell Sheen

September 3rd, 2016 at 11:01 AM ^

is the answer to everything.

you can basically pay $100 for football season and then turn it off. it includes BTN, and works just fine with Roku (this part is key) - or PS4 I suppose.

IT IS AMAZING

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