ᐅ Is a "Free TV" Connection Still Worth It?

Created on: 12 Aug 2018 12:18
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M4rvin
Hi!
In our new build, there is a provision for a satellite system as well as multiple satellite outlets in every room. Now I’m wondering, is that really necessary? Will my children ever watch anything on free-to-air TV?
My children and I mainly watch Netflix/Amazon, and only my wife occasionally watches crime shows on free-to-air TV.

So my thought is to skip the whole satellite setup and instead install more LAN ports...

How have you handled this?
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Elina
5 Oct 2018 20:42
This is available on Burning Series, and since the site has been running for years without being shut down, and streaming is still considered a legal gray area, it is at least not illegal. There was advertising, yes—but after I installed a very good real-time antivirus program (the paid version of Malwarebytes), there has been complete peace. No (annoying) ads and no strange viruses anymore.
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Deliverer
8 Oct 2018 10:28
I’m afraid I have to disappoint you – this is clearly illegal.

Whether exactly what the site does is lawful is a matter of debate. However, consuming a stream from it is definitely not legal. That is also the reason why the larger ".to" portals have been shut down multiple times.
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Nordlys
8 Oct 2018 10:48
Hmm, some people watch TV through dubious servers from Novosibirsk just to save a few euros on a satellite dish. Quite an unusual method.
M4rvin9 Oct 2018 18:56
Since my mom is moving soon, she’s facing a similar situation. She only watches TV occasionally, but actually almost never. To save about 20€ (around $22) per month on cable, I advised her to simply give Zattoo a try!
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Mottenhausen
10 Oct 2018 13:14
This is definitely a challenging topic, as media consumption is changing. This thread is a perfect example—there are hundreds of alternatives to traditional TV, usually either subscription-based, heavily ad-supported, or operating in a legal gray area. Until a clear market leader emerges that offers everything without compromises, I wouldn’t want to give up classic satellite TV (or cable TV, if available and affordable, especially when combined with very fast internet).

What currently bothers me, for example, are problems with 4K streaming through apps on TV devices... as soon as you don’t have the latest TV, issues start. We must not forget that internet infrastructure in rural areas of Germany is a disaster, and streaming 4K is impossible with less than 50 Mbit (megabits per second). Satellite TV (assuming you have an HD-Plus card) also offers more and more 4K content, because this was doubted earlier in the thread. For example, RTL UHD broadcasts select shows (such as Formula 1) in 4K as a test.

You can skip satellite TV if you
A) have a fast internet connection,
B) subscribe to multiple paid streaming services like Netflix, Prime, etc.,
C) use the latest devices and plan for decent star wiring in the house,
D) have permanently moved away from the classic “TV on, head off—I just let myself be entertained by anything” approach. Not everyone is mentally there yet, and as we all get older, our consumption habits may shift slowly toward the traditional, passive style.

My conclusion: satellite TV will be installed.
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Lobster
10 Oct 2018 16:11
@Mottenhausen good summary – I honestly see it similarly.

Additionally, the stage of life you are in always plays a role. My wife and I are currently building a house for our future, which includes plans for 1-3 children.

A few years ago, when my parents sold their house, they considered building a home just for themselves.

If I were only thinking about myself now, I would certainly have made some different decisions – including those regarding the free-to-air TV connection.