Cutting the Time Warner Cable: Internet / Apple TV / Roku Questions

We are considering finally dropping our Time Warner cable TV/internet/phone bundle and going with Apple TV or Roku.  From what I have researched, Roku has more channel options (netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc) than Apple TV and is about half the price.  Apple works great if you have other apple dveices you want to share the media on (iPads, etc) and betting against the ability of Apple to dominate the space in the next few years seems risky as well.  I’d love to hear about other experiences with either of these two services. Additionally, another concern with this is that we currently have Time Warner Cable internet which is soooo slow.  We really want to drop them but are unsure of alternatives that will support aformentioned devices.  We live in Cobble Hill and don’t have Fios yet.  I would consider a Verizon 4G hotspot as well but am not sure if has the bandwidth and reliability to support streaming movies.  Looking to hear others’ experiences with internet alternatives and Roku v. Apple TV. Thanks,

teepeeteee

in Television 12 years and 10 months ago

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eekahil | 12 years and 3 months ago

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Wondering what the OP has decided to do – teepeetee, have you come up with a solution that works for you yet?

slvillager | 12 years and 10 months ago

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apple tv is aweome and they just got hulu this week!

fexleycb | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Consider an Ooma for telephone. I have TW for Internet (29.99 per month), Netflix through a Roku and over the air broadcast digital television (free), as well as an Ooma – which gives me free phone calls. Definitely the cheapest way to go.

widthom | 12 years and 10 months ago

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You might also consider this:  I purchase Internet from Time Warner but not TV.  However, when they turned on the coax for the modem, it also carries all the basic local channels – and then some.  So put in a splitter before the modem then connect the coax to the input on the back of your TV and have it automatically scan for channels. There’s a lot of rif-raf but you’ll get all the major networks in HD plus NY1, etc.   I suppliment with Apple-TV not becuase it’s better than Roku – but I like the ability to play from iTunes, iPad, etc.   Good luck!

Juno106 | 12 years and 10 months ago

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I’m with the company that everybody hates -TWC. Until Fios is available, its really the only way to go. TWC recently offered me a quicker download speed for $5 additional a month (promotional price for a year)

teepeeteee | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks for the responses.  Question for nalusurf & juno106: What type of internet service are you using? Cable? Hot spot? DSL?  I’m guessing whatever it is you are using works well with Roku (which sounds like a great option).

Juno106 | 12 years and 10 months ago

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I have both the Roku and Apple TV and although I’m a diehard Apple fan, I have to say that the Roku wins hands down. Roku has more options (channels) and the user interface/remote is really simple and easy. The only reason to have an Apple TV is iPad/iPhone and MAC (with the latest OS update) mirroring . Also you can’t access your iTunes content on the Roku.

slopegirl | 12 years and 10 months ago

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We have an antenna and get lots of channels free and OTA… 3 PBS stations, tbs, al Jazeera and all networks. Very happy with Verizon dsl.

nalusurf | 12 years and 10 months ago

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We never had cable, just too expensive.  We own very few Apple devices, two old version, refurbished iPod Touches.  We bought a Roku about a year ago and it has been fantastic!  Very easy to set up and over the course of the year only one time did we have to reset it due to the system “freezing.”  Called technical support for this and they were fast and helpful.  We enjoy Netflix, not a bad selection of instant download movies for adults, family and kids.  Plus it has Pandora which now allows us to use our TV as our radio.   I really cannot say anything bad about it.  Never used Apple TV but a neighbor of mine who has Apple TV and is an extreme “tech person” said Roku is just as good.  Highly recommend this product as it is our “budget-minded” solution to expensive cable!  Hope this helps.