This antenna is different than most “flat” antennas you typically see in stores and on Amazon. 1byone has incorporated two flaps on either side of the antenna that allows you to change the angle of a portion of the antenna and, theoretically, receive more channels that might have otherwise been missed by only having your antenna face one direction.

This does definitely seem to help. You won’t go from receiving no channels to 100 channels, but if you currently find that you have to move your current antenna to get certain channels, the 1byone Folding TV Antenna can help since it can face multiple angles.

The package includes the antenna itself, along with a USB amplifier, a USB wall charger, mounting screws, and two-sided mounting tapes.

Features

The antenna includes an amplifier that can be connected to the included USB wall adapter or to an available USB port on the back of your television. This can help weak signals come in stronger, however, you will need to experiment to see if it actually improves reception. You may find that the reception is fine without it.

Performance

The antenna performed slightly better than my existing RCA antennae, which is larger than the 1byone. I was able to receive the same stations, including my local (and far away) FOX affiliate that typically gives me trouble.

The 120-mile claim is a bit of a stretch. Indoor antennas rarely pick up stations more than 50-miles away. When shopping on Amazon, assume the maximum range of any indoor antenna to be 50 miles (and even that would be under ideal conditions, such as a house on top of a hill).

When testing the amplifier and checking the signal quality in my TV’s settings, I found that the amplifier could increase the signal quality from the 40s to the 60s (on a scale of 1-100).

It’s important to remember that this will not cure all receptions problems. Unfortunately, if you get occasional interference, the amplifier will amplify the interference and you may still get pixelation and blips from time to time.

Interestingly, I could not use the USB port on my television to power the amplifier, as it caused the signal quality to drop in the single digits. This could be because the USB port on my TV is right next to the antenna jack, therefore it might be causing interference.

You will need to do some testing to determine if the amplifier helps or not. Also, be sure to test with both a USB port on your television and the included USB wall adapter. In some cases, the amplifier might actually make things worse, especially if you are relatively close to a broadcast tower.

Important Things to Know Before Buying

• Check what stations your location can receive with these sites: TV Fool, Antenna Web
• You will not receive cable stations, such as: ESPN, The Weather Channel, CNN, FX, AMC, Discovery, HBO, etc. No antenna can receive these as they are not broadcasted over-the-air.
• You will only receive free, over-the-air broadcast stations such as: ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and FOX (and possibly some “bonus” sub-channels, such as MyTV, Laff TV, etc)
• Check out the Cut The Cord page here on Technically Well for more resources!

1byone TV Antenna [2019 Newest] Unique Foldable Antenna, 120 Miles Indoor TV Antenna for Digital...

1byone TV Antenna [2019 Newest] Unique Foldable Antenna, 120 Miles Indoor TV Antenna for Digital...

$35.99

in stock

2 new from $35.99

1 used from $28.79

as of October 10, 2023 1:56 pm

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 10, 2023 1:56 pm

The post 1byone Folding TV Antenna (2019 version) Review appeared first on Technically Well.

What is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is a streaming TV service offering many of your favorite cable package in one, easy-to-understand price without hidden fees, B.S. taxes, or equipment rentals.

What devices can I watch on?

YouTube TV recently expanded to many streaming boxes, including Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast and newer Samsung and LG smart TVs.  See the full list of support devices.

Unfortunately, Amazon’s Fire TV boxes and streaming sticks are not compatible at this time (likely due to the dispute between Amazon and YouTube).

Where is YouTube TV available?

It is only available in certain markets right now.  You can start the sign-up process and it will tell you if your area is eligible.  Or you can check the list of available markets.

What channels do I get?

For $39.99/month: AMD, BBC. Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, E!, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, FOX News, FOX Sports, FreeForm, FX, FXM, FXX, National Geographic, Pop, SyFy, TBS, TNT, truTV, USA and more!  Most markets also have live streaming for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.  During the sign-up process, you will see a list of the channels your specific region can receive before you commit.

You can also add ShowTime for $11/month.

Price and channels may change since this article was last updated. Check the website for the latest offerings.

How many devices can I stream to simultaneously?

You can watch on 3 devices at the same time.

Can each person have their own login and shows?

Yes!  You can link up to 6 Google accounts together and each person can have their own set of shows to DVR.  Switching accounts in the YouTube TV app is a little cumbersome (one person needs to sign out and another person needs to sign in), so this works best if each person has their own device to watch on.

Do I get DVR?

Yes! You can mark your favorite shows and they will “record” to the cloud whenever they air.  There are no storage limits, although recordings expire after 9 months.  When you watch a DVR recording, you can fast-forward through commercials, but YouTube TV will sometimes replace recordings with an “On Demand” version that can’t be fast-forwarded (boo1).

Do I get On-Demand?

Yes, when you add a show to your library, you will see the On-Demand versions available.  Unfortunately, YouTube does gives priority to the On-Demand version over the DVR recordings, which prevents you from fast-forwarding through commercials.

Is there a contract? “Broadcast Fee”? Box rentals? Other hidden fees?

Nope, but you will likely need to pay your local sales tax on the monthly charge  You can cancel at any time without an additional fee.

Can I authenticate with network apps? For example, can I log in to the CNN app?

Yes, many apps allow you to select YouTube TV as your provider.

Can I use this service when I’m away from home?

Yes, if you stay in the United States.  You’ll lose access to your local channels if you leave your home area, but you can watch other local channels if you are in an area serviced by YouTube TV.  You can access your DVR recordings anywhere (even DVR recordings from your local channels) as long as you have an internet connection.  There may be some other regional viewing restrictions in place as well.

A free 7-day trial of the service is available, so try it out and let me know what you think in the comments!

The post YouTube TV FAQs: Stream Locals with DVR appeared first on Technically Well.

I cut the cord several years ago after watching my cable rise steadily.  I love Netflix and Amazon Prime Streaming, but at times I miss not being able to watch The Walking Dead in real-time so I can stand by the water cooler the next morning with my co-workers.  Sony recently announced that their streaming service — PlayStation Vue — is available nationwide, and it’s a surprisingly good deal.

What is Playstation Vue?

PlayStation Vue is a streaming TV service offering many of your favorite cable package in one, easy-to-understand price without hidden fees, B.S. taxes, or equipment rentals.

So do I need a PlayStation game console to use it?

Surprisingly, no!  While the service obviously works with the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, it also works on the Amazon Fire TV (including the less-expensive Stick), Chromecast, and iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads.  The tricky part is that you first need to authenticate your location with a PlayStation 3, 4, or a Fire TV device before the service will work on the Chromecast and iOS devices.  This is done to verify that your IP address’ location matches the information in your PlayStation profile.

What channels do I get?

For $39.99/month: AMC, Animal Planet, BET, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CMT, CNBC, CNN, Comedy Central, Destination America, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, DIY Network, E!, ESPN, ESPN2, Food Network, Fox Business, Fox News, Freeform, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, FX, FXX, HGTV, HLN, IDTV, MSNBC, NatGeo, NBCSN, Nick Jr, Nickelodeon, NicToons, OWN, Oxygen, POP, Science Channel, Spike, SyFy, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, TruTV, TV Land, USA, WE tv.  Additional On-Demand only offerings: ABC, NBC, Fox (no live streaming of these networks)

There are upgraded tiers available, but many people will find what they need in the base package.

Price and channels may change since this article was last updated. Check the website for the latest offerings.

How many devices can I stream to simultaneously?

The short answer: 5.  The long answer: You can only stream to one type of a device at a time.  So you can stream to a PlayStation 3 and a Fire TV at the same time, but you can not stream to a PlayStation 3 and a PlayStation 3 at the same time.

5 devices? So I can, uh, “share” my login with my friends?

Nope! All the devices must come from one IP address.

Do I get DVR?

Yes! You can mark your favorite shows and they will “record” to the cloud.  Really, I think Sony just records everything by default, and then tags which users belong to which recording.  You can fast-forward through commercials and rewind as needed, but you can only access the recordings for 28 days.

Do I get On-Demand?

Yes! Many networks offer On-Demand much like cable providers do.  For example, I’ve been catching up on many current season FX shows, but see that the ABC On-Demand option offers far fewer episodes.

Is there a contract? “Broadcast Fee”? Hidden taxes? Box rentals? Uncontrollable urges to cry when the bill arrives?

No.  As a Comcast survivor, I found this hard to believe.  And you can cancel at any time without an additional fee.

Can I authenticate with network apps? For example, can I log in to the AMC app?

Yes! This is another nice benefit. Many of the top networks allow you to sign in with your PlayStation Vue credentials.

Can I use this service when I’m away from home?

No. Live streaming is limited to in-home viewing from your established IP address.  However, some On-Demand content is available while you’re away from home in the iOS app.  DVR recordings are limited to in-home only.

How much bandwidth do I need?

10mbps or higher is recommended.

Sling TV sucks on the Fire TV Stick. How is the PlayStation Vue?

It’s a lot better, surprisingly.  PlayStation Vue’s UI is a little slow on the Fire TV Stick, but streaming is fairly smooth and a lot less glitchy compared to Sling TV’s app.

A free 7-day trial of the service is available, so try it out and let me know what you think in the comments!

The post PlayStation Vue FAQs: A Great Value for Cord Cutters appeared first on Technically Well.

Content providers get a little (OK, they get “a lot”) crazy with streaming restrictions.  Try to visit Hulu’s website on a mobile device and you’re redirected to their paid service, even though you could stream the same show for free with Hulu on a computer.  The full Windows 10 environment found on the VOYO V2 gives you access to your favorite websites and programs, including KODI (a.k.a XBMC).

The VOYO V2 comes packed with the following features:

• Intel Atom Z3735 Quad-Core Processor: Intel’s low-powered yet high-performing processor brings snappy performance to play your HD videos.
• 64GB SD: You can store plenty of programs and even some video files thanks to the 64GB of (speedy) solid state storage on the device.
• Bluetooth 4.0: Easily connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to the unit.
• 5,000mAh Power Bank: Charge your smartphone 1-2 times thanks to the power bank built-in to this mini-computer.
• Sleek Design: The compact, sleek design of this unit looks great next to your TV (it sure beats having a full-sized desktop computer laying on the floor of your living room).

So if you enjoy streaming videos from your favorite website (but hate restrictions that you typically find on mobile devices and dedicated streaming boxes).

Check out the VOYO V2 Windows TV Box on GearBest

This sponsored post is brought to you by my friends at Gearbest, a great online store for buying great gadgets at some of the best prices you’ll find.  

The post Stream Content from Your Favorite Sites with the GearBest VOYO V2 TV Box appeared first on Technically Well.

Check out the features packs into the GearBest M8S+ box:

• KODI (aka XBMC) pre-installed: This is one of the most popular apps for managing your movies, TV shows, music, and other media.  This comes with over 50 of the most popular XBMC add-ons already installed.
• Android 4.4.2 OS: If you have an Android phone, you’ll feel right at home with this box.  Load up the Facebook app to check out what your friends and family are up to from your TV screen.  Or load up YouTube to check out the latest trending videos.
• 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual WiFi: If you live in an area with a lot of competing WiFi signals, a router that supports the 5GHz band can help alleviate WiFi congestion by using the less-used 5GHz spectrum.  This Android box supports 5GHz connections to give you a more stable streaming connection.  Or use a wired connections thanks to the Gigabit LAN connection.
• 2GB RAM + 8GB ROM, 32GB maximum extended capacity: 2GB of RAM allows this box to run multiple apps at once and quickly switch between them.  The 8GB of space gives you plenty of space to download apps and games, and can be expanded with SD storage.
• Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity: Easily pair a Bluetooth keyboard or headphones with this unit.

This Android box from GearBest gives you a lot of flexibility by allowing you to use your favorite Android streaming apps, while also allowing you to take advantage of the multimedia powers of KODI.  The small form factor of this box also looks right at home next to your TV.

Check out the GearBest M8S+ Android TV Box on GearBest

This sponsored post is brought to you by my friends at Gearbest, a great online store for buying great gadgets at some of the best prices you’ll find.  

The post Enjoy Your Media With The GearBest M8S+ Android TV Box with KODI appeared first on Technically Well.

The Beeline i68 comes packed with the following features.

• Android 5.1: The latest and greatest version of Android brings you faster performance and the latest security and stability features.
• Your favorite apps: Since this box runs Android, you have access to Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and more.
• KODI (a.k.a. XBMC) pre-installed: KODI is one of the best media center applications available.  And GearBest even pre-installs KODI for you, as well as over 50 of the most popular add-ons.
• 8-core processor: The octa-core RK3368 processor gives you top-notch performance for your favorite streaming apps.  Performance also gets a boost from the generous 2GB of RAM included.
• 8GB of storage:  This gives you plenty of room for your media apps, but if you need more storage for your own video files, you can add additional storage with inexpensive Micro SD cards or by using the USB ports.
• Plenty of connections: There is a standard HDMI port, a SPDIF port (audio), 3 USB ports, and OTG access.

So if you’re looking to enjoy your favorite streaming apps or video files on your TV, you should be pleased with the performance and expandability of this Android box.

Check out the Beelink i68 on GearBest

This sponsored post is brought to you by my friends at Gearbest, a great online store for buying great gadgets at some of the best prices you’ll find.  

The post The GearBest Beelink i68 Android Box Brings Lollipop to Your TV appeared first on Technically Well.

PROs

• Android on the big screen: You probably already know that there are plenty of streaming video apps for Android, like Netflix. So instead of watching them on your phone’s small screen, you can now enjoy them on your main TV thanks to this box. It’s basically an Android phone without a built-in screen. Instead, it has an HDMI out to connect to your TV.
• TV-friendly interface: The box boots into a large interface suitable for the TV screen. You can customize the entertainment and music apps that appear in this interface. There is also a link to the Google Play store that allows you to install additional apps.
• Entertainment-centric: This box has its own menu system which makes it easy to navigate on a TV screen. The included remote control allows you to explore the different options and many entertainment apps are already loaded, such as Kodi (XBMC) and Netflix.
• Game controller: I have the unit that includes a game controller, and this opens up a large library of entertainment. The included “Eagle Games” app directs you to compatible games with a built-in directory organized by category (like Action and RPG). Upon first use of Eagle Games, the on-screen instructions guide you through the pairing process (although it did take me a couple attempts to get it linked up). The controller uses a standard Micro USB to recharge.
• HDMI cable included: I was surprised to find an HDMI cord is included with this box (that wasn’t the case with my Apple TV).

CONs

• App crashes: I did experience some random app crashes, especially with the Eagle Games app.

TIP

• USB Keyboard: I was able to connect a USB keyboard I had laying around to one of the USB ports on the box, which made logging in and typing passwords much easier.

Overall, this is a great way to enjoy some of your Android video and game apps on your TV screen. While there are some bugs, I did find the interface to be responsive and app loading times were fairly quick.

— Sample provided for review

The post SmartBB S805 Streaming Android TV Box Review appeared first on Technically Well.

Today, we have more options than ever for receiving our in-home entertainment. Streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus provide a wide array of viewing options, and small streaming devices make setup a breeze. However, “cord cutting” does take some effort to find the content you love.

When I saw my cable TV bill hit $80, I knew it was time to make a change.  A quick breakdown revealed I was paying:

• $55 for my somewhat limited cable TV package
• $10 for a HD cable box
• $10 for HD service (what?!)
• $7 “broadcast” fee (wh-what?!)

So how do you get started with cutting the cord?  Let’s break it down in 5 steps.

Step 1: Internet Connection

First, you will need a broadband internet service, which many times comes from the cable company. And, if you’re service provider is like mine, it’s probably cheaper to pay about $10 for basic cable and receive a discount on your internet for “bundling” the two services. Be sure to research the prices with your provider before cutting the cord completely, as you may still need that cord to truly save.

In my case, changing from a $60 bundled internet plan to standalone internet brought the price up to about $74 for internet only.

You’ll want an internet speed of at least  3 megabits per second to minimize buffering and receive decent picture quality while streaming.

Step 2: Streaming Services

You have several options when it comes to streaming entertainment.

The Big Ones

• Netflix is one of the most popular for TV shows and movies, and works with almost every device.  They even have original programming (such as Orange is the New Black). However, it does not typically contain the current season of TV shows.
• Hulu Plus may be a better option for current TV seasons, but this is where things get tricky.  You can watch many shows the day after they air on Hulu.com for free, but not all of this free content is available for streaming to your device through Hulu Plus.  Confused?  Yeah, so am I.  Go to your favorite show’s page on Hulu.com and you should see a note stating if that show is available for streaming to devices.
• Amazon Prime also has its own streaming video service.  And they recently added a lot of content from HBO (but no current seasons, sadly).  Amazon is also creating original content.  Amazon Prime also gets you 2-day shipping, unlimited photo storage, and the Kindle lending library. Try Amazon Prime with a 30-Day Free Trial
• Crackle (free) offers a constantly changing selection of movies and TV shows, also the selection is somewhat small compared to the other services.  This service is ad-supported and is available on many streaming devices.

Streaming Channel Packages

• Sling TV gets you ESPN, TNT, TBS, CNN, Adult Swim, Free Form, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, AMC, HGTV, Travel Channel and more. There are also add-on Sports, Kids, and News packages available for $5 per package per month.
• Playstation Vue offers a wider range of channels than Sling TV, such as FX, FXX, and SyFy.  It also features on-demand access to ABC, NBC, and FOX.  It’s unique Cloud DVR features also sets it apart, allowing to mark shows to watch later (Vue stores them for 28 days).  You’ll need either a Playstion 3/4, Fire TV (including the Stick), Roku or Apple TV to sign-up, but it’s available on iOS, Android and Chromecast as well. Unfortunately, Playstation Vue plans to shut down in January 2020.
• Direct TV Now is similar to Sling TV and Playstation Vue, allowing you to select a package of channels based on your viewing habits.  DVR service is expected to come in the near future.  Apps are available on all the major platforms.
• YouTube TV Google is getting into the streaming TV scene with a package similar to PlayStation Vue and Direct TV Now.  Cloud DVR is included and each family member can use their own Google account to setup an individual profile of shows and recordings.  It works on Apple TV, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Android TV and Chromecast devices (not Fire TV support at this time).
• Philo TV  If you don’t care about sports, you can save a lot of money with Philo’s “no-sports” approach to channel packages.  You get access channels like AMC, HGTV, MTV, Comedy Central and more.

Not so obvious services

• CBS All Access allows you to stream your favorite CBS shows on many devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Fire TV.  You also get access to a live stream of your local CBS affiliate (where available), allowing you to catch local newscasts and programming when you’re on the go.
• Pluto TV (free) is an underrated service that provides the familiar comfort of an onscreen guide.  The service aggregates web videos from a wide range of sources an organizes them into “channels,” such as News, Technology, and 90s TV Shows.
• Tubi TV (free) has a large library of over 46,000 movies and TV shows, but don’t expect top-rated content.  However, the service is entirely free thanks to occasional commercials.  The app is available on a wide range of devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku.
• Yahoo View (free) now hosts most of the free content that was previously available on Hulu.   The app is available on computers, iOS and Android. Yahoo View has been discontinued.
• Hoopla (free from most local libraries) offers a selection of free movies and TV shows if your local library participates.  And you don’t need to worry about returning anything to avoid library late fees.

There are also free trials available for most of these services so you can test them out and see if they’ll work with the shows you want to watch.

Step 3: Equipment

Next, you’ll need a device to view the streaming content. And, luckily, there is a wide array of devices available. Below is a quick summary of some of your options.  If you’re not sure which device to buy, CNET has put together this extremely useful chart that shows which devices can use which apps.

• Roku: Streams Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and a bunch of 3rd party apps from its own “app store”.
• Apple TV: Streams movies and TV purchased from iTunes, as well as Netflix and Hulu Plus. The latest generation of the Apple TV comes with its own App Store, allowing you to install other streaming services such as Crackle, Comedy Central, Fox Now, etc.  There are even games available for playing with the motion-sensitive remote. While Amazon Instant Video isn’t directly supported, you can use the Amazon Instant Video app on your iPhone or iPad to Airplay the video to your TV.
• Chromecast: The Chromecast can stream from a wide variety of services (Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, YouTube, etc) and uses your smartphone or tablet as the “remote”.  It also has support for games.
• Amazon Fire TV stick: About the same form factor of the Chromecast, the Amazon Fire TV stick offers a wide variety of installable apps for Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle and Sling TV.  It’s also one of the few dedicated streaming devices that directly supports Amazon Instant Video. One nice bonus that this has over the Chromecast: it comes with a remote.
• Smart TVs and BluRay Players: Check out the features on your current devices as they may already have streaming services built-in.  Netflix is available on many newer TVs, BluRay players, and game consoles. I’m surprised my toaster can’t stream Netflix yet.
• A plain ol’ computer: Many laptops today have an HDMI port, making connections to your TV easy. Also, many TVs have VGA ports, so if you have an older computer, it’s worth trying out, too. Having a computer hooked up to the TV seems to be the best solution as you can then watch directly from the network’s website and not have to worry about device-specific support. However, it can be less than ideal as you need to have a keyboard and mouse laying around in your living room (well, maybe this keyboard can help) and it can be difficult to navigate on a TV screen if you’re too far away on the couch. Plus, there’s technical issues you have to deal with; for example, although a computer may stream fine to your monitor, once you plug it into a TV and it suddenly has to support a very highly detailed 1080p resolution, you may find the streaming becomes more choppy.

Step 4: Over-the-Air Channels

You may find that streaming services such as Netflix and Sling TV cover most of your viewing, but there may be times when you want to watch the local news or programming from the major networks like NBC and ABC.

Plug your address into TVFool.com to see what TV towers are near you and what type of antenna you’ll need.  Then, just hook up the antenna to your TV and do a channel scan. You may be surprised how many channels you can get for free!

If you miss your DVR, there are a few models available specifically designed for recording over-the-air broadcasts, such as Tablo and the Tivo Roamio.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Now you can enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies without worrying about what your cable TV rate will jump to next month.  If there are some gaps in your setup and your missing some of your favorite shows, you may find that buying individual episodes on Amazon’s Instant Video service or iTunes to be a cost effective option.

Cutting the cord definitely takes some homework, but once you find a service that supports a majority of the shows you like and then figure out which devices can stream them, you’ll soon find that you won’t miss those huge cable bills at all.

TV photo copyright aforero 

Updated Dec 2014 with additional services and devices. Updated Feb 2015 with information about Sling TV.  Updated Jan 2016 with more devices and services.  Updated March 2016 with Playstation Vue information. Updated February 2017 to add antenna information, Tubi TV and Yahoo View and to update other service offerings. Updated February 2018 to add YouTube TV and Philo TV. Updated December 2019 to remove Playstation Vue and Yahoo View as both services have been discontinued.

The post Cutting the Cord on Cable and Still Enjoying TV appeared first on Technically Well.