I have decided to type up a quick guide on how to be able to watch local sports without having a cable package of your own. I understand that this solution may not be feasible for everyone but I feel that it could help some people so I wanted to formally type this up. The next paragraph is my reasoning behind this project but it is mostly me rambling, to get to the meat and potatoes just skip it.
My main impetus for coming up with this solution is that after scaling back my FIOS TV package to be fairly basic, I was sorely missing my beloved Orioles broadcasts. I figured there MUST be some way to stream the broadcasts by buying a package either from MASN or MLB themselves. I had heard of MLB.TV and thought that would be the answer, it absolutely was not. Even if you opt for the premium season package you are subject to blackout rules therefore eliminating the ability to watch your local team. Lame. This is about the time I started realizing a greedy professional sports organization has still not realized the paradigm shift that is occuring in their fanbase (and potential fanbase). The fans the MLB is trying to lure in, 18-35 in particular, are not sitting at home and tuning in as much as they used to. This demographic is highly tech-savvy and are always looking to cut the cable cord and be more efficient with their monthly expenses. Not having an online presence to stream games in a subscription format is a glaring error on the part of MLB and I hope they decide to change this in the future. Until that fateful day, here is what you need to do:
Required Items:
- A friend or family member with a cable or satellite package which includes the channels you want to watch. Also, a broadband internet connection. Also, an available cable box that isn't being used. This shouldn't be too difficult for most people. Family tends to be better because they may just let you do this without compensation. Friends most likely would like some sort of compensation but even still this will be much cheaper than a $100+ cable package. If there isn't an open cable box just have them add one on to their account, usually $10 or less per month.
- A Slingbox. I chose the M1 model for $150. These can be purchased at most electronics stores or online. I got mine at Best Buy.
- Some sort of media box or HDMI dongle. I chose the Roku TV stick for $50. There are multiple models of Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast will also do the trick.
- The Slingplayer app for Android or iOS. This currently is a one-time cost of $14.99.
- The free Slingplayer app for your PC or Mac.
- Broadband internet in your home.
Total cost for equipment and apps: $199.99 plus tax and $14.99 per mobile device that has the app installed.
Step 1:
Go to friend or family member's house and set up the Slingbox on their home network. This is pretty simple and even easier if they have an available power outlet near their current cable box. It is also crucial that their existing cable box has component out. If the box only has HDMI out you will need to purchase a higher-end Slingbox for $299. After setup is completed you will see the cable stream on your Slingplayer PC or Mac app and any mobile app you have downloaded and logged in to.
Step 2:
Return home and get your media box set up and download the Slingplayer app to the device. This app will connect via the in-home WiFi to your mobile device Slingplayer app. All kinds of streaming going on. IMPORTANT: Always be doing streaming on WiFi. This process will destroy your cellular data. Don't blame me for this. Once logged in with the Slingbox account info you created during the Slingbox install you can connect to the mobile device and bingo, you are watching the cable box in real time. The remote control functions can be a little sluggish but who cares, you just circumvented a large cable bill.
Step 3:
Enjoy! In essence you are just skimming a cable package from a friend or family member so this isn't revolutionary but I felt it had to be written out because in my journey to watch the Orioles sans expensive cable, nobody said this is an option. In my situation my roomate and I had family that was nice enough to not charge us anything seeing as though they had a cable box in the basement not being used. I'd would venture to guess most of you will have to bribe the person or pay something monthly towards their cable but still this is way better than going at the bill alone. For that matter, people can start simply sharing cable packages and that is another simple way to lower bills.
Viva la resistance and play ball!
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Thursday, February 28, 2013
New Xbox Predictions
Last week's Sony PS4 announcement has some people swooning like a woman at a Beatle's concert and other are simply "meh" on the new overly social aspect Sony is pushing. Either way, Sony has done their best to beat their competitor to the press and eventually to the market if their nebulous "holiday" release ends up being true. This is huge for Sony because it is popular opinion that the US release after the Xbox 360 and an initially high price point allowed Microsoft to amass the market share they currently enjoy.
After seeing what Sony has planned I fear for them because you can bet Microsoft will be ready to counter any momentum Sony has accumulated and then some. Here is my prediction list for the next Xbox console launch:
- Halo 5 a Launch Title: 343 has been very vocal in admitting that they would have liked to do much more with Halo 4 both technically and story wise. We also know that Halo 4 was the beginning of a trilogy. It isn't hard to put two and two together and see why this has a high likelihood of happening. This would also DEMOLISH the Sony FPS launch title of Killzone.
- Forza 5 also a Launch Title: Forza Horizon was a welcome departure from the intense tuning and marathon racing of Forza 4 but it was merely a diversion while Turn 10 was hard at work on the next entry into their insanely popular racing simulation. Even if this is a "launch window" title it will still beat any Gran Turismo PS4 game to the market by 3 years and will destroy Driveclub.
- Embracing the PC Gamers: It is time in the history of gaming for this rift to be closed between console and PC gamers and who better than Microsoft to make this happen. Imagine full standard USB support for legacy mice and keyboards. Yeah, yeah, I know it could give some users an advantage in FPS' but it is time for this gap to close. This would also allow for the option to use a full keyboard when necessary or simply a mouse to navigate the Windows 8-like interface. This brings me to my next prediction...
- Microsoft Invasion: There is nothing Microsoft would like more than to fully occupy your home. Chances are they already are involved in your home computing. They would LOVE to be your tablet and phone choice as well. The next Xbox will be the final piece to get the ball rolling on Windows 8 and Windows RT adoption for the masses. With plenty of interesting and useful "second screen" opportunities through major titles such as Halo 5 and the next Forza. This will absolutely sell Microsoft-based tablets especially if they simultaneously announce an affordable 7" (possibly Xbox branded) tablet.
- Backwards Compatibility: One of the rumored primary reasons the PS3 games are not compatible with the PS4 is due to the fact that Sony used the Cell processor on the PS3 while the PS4 is a more standard PC-like architecture. These two architectures are not compatible with each other so the PS3 games would have to either be emulated or essentially a mini PS3 would have to be housed inside the PS4 case. According to most programmers, the Xbox 360 has always been easy to develop for in a PC-like environment and this will continue in the next Xbox thus allowing for backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games. This backwards compatibility will be for controllers as well because Microsoft will not dramatically change the new Xbox controllers and add any Kinect sensors or silly touch pads (that is what the tablet is for).
- New Kinect: This has almost been confirmed already but a new, ultra sensitive Kinect will launch with the new Xbox and allow for extremely accurate motion gaming. Let's hope they do not go overboard and require all big name games to integrate Kinect controls. Oh, and Dance Central 4 is almost a lock for launch to go with this.
- Xbox Live Marketplace Purchases Still Good: In a direct slap in the face to Sony, Microsoft will allow the new Xbox to use all previously purchased content on the new console.
- League of Legends: Yes, you read that right. Arguably the most played game in the world right now would look right at home with mouse/keyboard support on the new Xbox. This would also be a direct response to the lackluster Diablo 3 being released on PS3/PS4. Free to play as well, thus giving all new Xbox owners something to play immediately after turning on their console even if they aren't too fond of the launch titles. New characters and skins will generate plenty of revenue for Riot and will be found in a store on Xbox Live Marketplace.
- Early Release and Fair Price: Microsoft will jump the gun and beat Sony to the market, again. Look for a late October/early November release with Sony getting their console out in late November. As far as price, it has been quoted by one Sony rep that they "hope" to get the price of the PS4 under $599. Microsoft will have at least 3 SKUs available at launch. Premium console will be $499 with the new Kinect and two controllers, standard SKU will be $349 sans Kinect and one controller, and a $299 model will require a 2-year agreement for Xbox Live service at $15 per month and will be the same bundle as the $499 albeit two hundred dollars cheaper.
- Name Letdown: Look for the next Xbox console to be named simply "Xbox". I know this is disappointing but did you all really think they would call it Xbox 720? It just makes sense, the Xbox brand has become pretty large and there are Xbox live tiles on Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Windows RT/Pro tablets. Xbox has become ubiquitous with gaming and Microsoft really wants to drive that home, literally.
Whew, I am spent. It felt good to get that all out. Let's see what happens at E3 or if a rumored possible April announcement is made prior to E3. All I can say is that Sony better have a few more tricks up their sleeve for E3 or else they will be in danger of losing this fight before it even begins.
Crouse
After seeing what Sony has planned I fear for them because you can bet Microsoft will be ready to counter any momentum Sony has accumulated and then some. Here is my prediction list for the next Xbox console launch:
- Halo 5 a Launch Title: 343 has been very vocal in admitting that they would have liked to do much more with Halo 4 both technically and story wise. We also know that Halo 4 was the beginning of a trilogy. It isn't hard to put two and two together and see why this has a high likelihood of happening. This would also DEMOLISH the Sony FPS launch title of Killzone.
- Forza 5 also a Launch Title: Forza Horizon was a welcome departure from the intense tuning and marathon racing of Forza 4 but it was merely a diversion while Turn 10 was hard at work on the next entry into their insanely popular racing simulation. Even if this is a "launch window" title it will still beat any Gran Turismo PS4 game to the market by 3 years and will destroy Driveclub.
- Embracing the PC Gamers: It is time in the history of gaming for this rift to be closed between console and PC gamers and who better than Microsoft to make this happen. Imagine full standard USB support for legacy mice and keyboards. Yeah, yeah, I know it could give some users an advantage in FPS' but it is time for this gap to close. This would also allow for the option to use a full keyboard when necessary or simply a mouse to navigate the Windows 8-like interface. This brings me to my next prediction...
- Microsoft Invasion: There is nothing Microsoft would like more than to fully occupy your home. Chances are they already are involved in your home computing. They would LOVE to be your tablet and phone choice as well. The next Xbox will be the final piece to get the ball rolling on Windows 8 and Windows RT adoption for the masses. With plenty of interesting and useful "second screen" opportunities through major titles such as Halo 5 and the next Forza. This will absolutely sell Microsoft-based tablets especially if they simultaneously announce an affordable 7" (possibly Xbox branded) tablet.
- Backwards Compatibility: One of the rumored primary reasons the PS3 games are not compatible with the PS4 is due to the fact that Sony used the Cell processor on the PS3 while the PS4 is a more standard PC-like architecture. These two architectures are not compatible with each other so the PS3 games would have to either be emulated or essentially a mini PS3 would have to be housed inside the PS4 case. According to most programmers, the Xbox 360 has always been easy to develop for in a PC-like environment and this will continue in the next Xbox thus allowing for backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games. This backwards compatibility will be for controllers as well because Microsoft will not dramatically change the new Xbox controllers and add any Kinect sensors or silly touch pads (that is what the tablet is for).
- New Kinect: This has almost been confirmed already but a new, ultra sensitive Kinect will launch with the new Xbox and allow for extremely accurate motion gaming. Let's hope they do not go overboard and require all big name games to integrate Kinect controls. Oh, and Dance Central 4 is almost a lock for launch to go with this.
- Xbox Live Marketplace Purchases Still Good: In a direct slap in the face to Sony, Microsoft will allow the new Xbox to use all previously purchased content on the new console.
- League of Legends: Yes, you read that right. Arguably the most played game in the world right now would look right at home with mouse/keyboard support on the new Xbox. This would also be a direct response to the lackluster Diablo 3 being released on PS3/PS4. Free to play as well, thus giving all new Xbox owners something to play immediately after turning on their console even if they aren't too fond of the launch titles. New characters and skins will generate plenty of revenue for Riot and will be found in a store on Xbox Live Marketplace.
- Early Release and Fair Price: Microsoft will jump the gun and beat Sony to the market, again. Look for a late October/early November release with Sony getting their console out in late November. As far as price, it has been quoted by one Sony rep that they "hope" to get the price of the PS4 under $599. Microsoft will have at least 3 SKUs available at launch. Premium console will be $499 with the new Kinect and two controllers, standard SKU will be $349 sans Kinect and one controller, and a $299 model will require a 2-year agreement for Xbox Live service at $15 per month and will be the same bundle as the $499 albeit two hundred dollars cheaper.
- Name Letdown: Look for the next Xbox console to be named simply "Xbox". I know this is disappointing but did you all really think they would call it Xbox 720? It just makes sense, the Xbox brand has become pretty large and there are Xbox live tiles on Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Windows RT/Pro tablets. Xbox has become ubiquitous with gaming and Microsoft really wants to drive that home, literally.
Whew, I am spent. It felt good to get that all out. Let's see what happens at E3 or if a rumored possible April announcement is made prior to E3. All I can say is that Sony better have a few more tricks up their sleeve for E3 or else they will be in danger of losing this fight before it even begins.
Crouse
Thursday, February 21, 2013
PS4 - More like PSBORE AMIRITE?
For those of you that do not know me very well, I am a notorious Xbox fan and supporter. I do own both an Xbox 360 (Halo 4 Limited Edition, thank you very much) and a PS3 (160GB Slim), along with a 3DSXL and I have owned a PSX, multiple PSPs and a Vita. Obviously I am not anti-Sony and I wish nothing but the best for them in the next generation of video game consoles because as a gamer first and foremost I want to experience the most incredible games possible, no matter what brand is slapped on the front of the console.
This brings me to the PS4 announcement gala extraordinaire that took place yesterday. This press event made most Apple events seems quick and enthralling in comparison. After numerous hardware and software leaks over the past year the entire video game community was treated to these juicy tidbits:
- Dual Shock 4 (leaked all over the net last week, still looks kind of silly with the touch panel)
- Move compatible (nobody cares) and new controller works in a similar fashion as a Move
- New PS4 Eye sensor
- Considerably reduced load times (praise the Lord), always on standby
- Potential availability of entire PlayStation back catalog via streaming technology
- Remote Play has expanded to include PS4 titles (take that, WiiU)
- Share button on DS4 SHOULD allow for instant live streaming of your l33t skillz
- Obligatory tech specs that are predictably powerful for a new console, but not in the least impressive to high-end PC gamers
- A few new exclusive IPs such as Knack, a whimsical action game involving a Pixar reject, Driveclub, and updates to existing exclusive IPs in Killzone: Shadow Fall and Infamous: Second Son
- Expected support from all of the big boy developers such as EA, Capcom, Square Enix, etc.
- iOS and Android apps to further enhance the "always connected" experience Sony's marketing department is completely in love with
- Diablo 3. Seriously.
Take a look at that list for a second. Let that all sink in. Be honest, is there anything that really floats your boat or gets those gamer glands salivating?
Better yet, how many of those newfangled features do you see working right out of the box flawlessly? WiiU recently had major critical backlash when many of their interactive TV features did not work at launch. If I were a betting man, AND I AM, I would place a wager that the Share streaming functionality will not be present at launch. We can facilitate this through PayPal if anyone wants to bet.
Speaking of not learning from the competition, Sony announced that all current PSN purchases will not transfer to PS4. REALLY? SONY, DID YOU NOT SEE HOW PISSED PEOPLE WERE WHEN SWITCHING FROM ANY NINTENDO CONSOLE TO ANY OTHER NINTENDO CONSOLE?!? I do not care how technically difficult this process could be, you make it happen or lose a lot of potential early adopter sales from your most loving of fanboys/girls. To me, this is just as crazy of a flaw than if Apple released the iPhone 5S this fall and all of the content purchased via iTunes and the App Store was incompatible. The streets would flood with the tears of iSheep everywhere.
Even with none of the big exclusive franchises being announced yesterday such as God of War, Gran Turismo, Uncharted, Little Big Planet, Ratchet and Clank, I am still excited at how the extra horsepower in the system RAM, processor, and graphics hardware will allow for incredible lighting and physics. Knack seemingly was created expressly as a tech demo for the physics and particle capabilities of the PS4 and in that respect they have succeeded. Seeing Knack transform and revert back to his small form is impressive and bodes well for the power of the console. For years now I have been blabbing to all of my friends that the major aspects of graphics that will continue to grow exponentially with new tech would be photo-realistic lighting and even more accurate physics models. This may be the first generation of hardware that will allow for 55,000 unique fans being present in a stadium during a game of MLB: The Show or Madden. No more cardboard cutouts that stare blankly at your moderate achievement of pounding a 9 year old 56-0 using RGIII on every play.
Ok, we are entering TL:DR territory so I will stop now. I will be back later, going to go preorder a PS4.
Crouse
This brings me to the PS4 announcement gala extraordinaire that took place yesterday. This press event made most Apple events seems quick and enthralling in comparison. After numerous hardware and software leaks over the past year the entire video game community was treated to these juicy tidbits:
- Dual Shock 4 (leaked all over the net last week, still looks kind of silly with the touch panel)
- Move compatible (nobody cares) and new controller works in a similar fashion as a Move
- New PS4 Eye sensor
- Considerably reduced load times (praise the Lord), always on standby
- Potential availability of entire PlayStation back catalog via streaming technology
- Remote Play has expanded to include PS4 titles (take that, WiiU)
- Share button on DS4 SHOULD allow for instant live streaming of your l33t skillz
- Obligatory tech specs that are predictably powerful for a new console, but not in the least impressive to high-end PC gamers
- A few new exclusive IPs such as Knack, a whimsical action game involving a Pixar reject, Driveclub, and updates to existing exclusive IPs in Killzone: Shadow Fall and Infamous: Second Son
- Expected support from all of the big boy developers such as EA, Capcom, Square Enix, etc.
- iOS and Android apps to further enhance the "always connected" experience Sony's marketing department is completely in love with
- Diablo 3. Seriously.
Take a look at that list for a second. Let that all sink in. Be honest, is there anything that really floats your boat or gets those gamer glands salivating?
Better yet, how many of those newfangled features do you see working right out of the box flawlessly? WiiU recently had major critical backlash when many of their interactive TV features did not work at launch. If I were a betting man, AND I AM, I would place a wager that the Share streaming functionality will not be present at launch. We can facilitate this through PayPal if anyone wants to bet.
Speaking of not learning from the competition, Sony announced that all current PSN purchases will not transfer to PS4. REALLY? SONY, DID YOU NOT SEE HOW PISSED PEOPLE WERE WHEN SWITCHING FROM ANY NINTENDO CONSOLE TO ANY OTHER NINTENDO CONSOLE?!? I do not care how technically difficult this process could be, you make it happen or lose a lot of potential early adopter sales from your most loving of fanboys/girls. To me, this is just as crazy of a flaw than if Apple released the iPhone 5S this fall and all of the content purchased via iTunes and the App Store was incompatible. The streets would flood with the tears of iSheep everywhere.
Even with none of the big exclusive franchises being announced yesterday such as God of War, Gran Turismo, Uncharted, Little Big Planet, Ratchet and Clank, I am still excited at how the extra horsepower in the system RAM, processor, and graphics hardware will allow for incredible lighting and physics. Knack seemingly was created expressly as a tech demo for the physics and particle capabilities of the PS4 and in that respect they have succeeded. Seeing Knack transform and revert back to his small form is impressive and bodes well for the power of the console. For years now I have been blabbing to all of my friends that the major aspects of graphics that will continue to grow exponentially with new tech would be photo-realistic lighting and even more accurate physics models. This may be the first generation of hardware that will allow for 55,000 unique fans being present in a stadium during a game of MLB: The Show or Madden. No more cardboard cutouts that stare blankly at your moderate achievement of pounding a 9 year old 56-0 using RGIII on every play.
Ok, we are entering TL:DR territory so I will stop now. I will be back later, going to go preorder a PS4.
Welcome Everyone!
I know. Another personal blog. This cannot be worth reading, right?
WRONG.
Welcome to the Crouse House, AKA Crouse of Course, AKA the best source of nerdy insight and discussion. I will do my best to keep this free of mindless venting and stick to discussing tech-related news with the occasional editorial. It has become apparent that Facebook, while omnipresent, is not exactly the best place to bombard my acquaintances with nerdy news and other items that catch my attention and get me fired up so I have decided to give this a shot.
Happy nerding, let's begin!
Crouse
WRONG.
Welcome to the Crouse House, AKA Crouse of Course, AKA the best source of nerdy insight and discussion. I will do my best to keep this free of mindless venting and stick to discussing tech-related news with the occasional editorial. It has become apparent that Facebook, while omnipresent, is not exactly the best place to bombard my acquaintances with nerdy news and other items that catch my attention and get me fired up so I have decided to give this a shot.
Happy nerding, let's begin!
Crouse
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