Charter Spectrum streaming - is it just us?

#1
VolNExile

VolNExile

Easily amused
Joined
May 12, 2011
Messages
34,304
Likes
69,539
#1
So grim cord-cutters that we are (and also too lazy to buy and install an HD antenna), we partially sleazed back to Charter via their a la carte streaming service, which includes networks plus some Fox sports stations. I've noticed that news, evening broadcast TV, etc are pretty much fine, but their CBS games are nearly unwatchable - pixellated jerky video, frequent freezes, etc.

Is this just how it goes with Charter streaming? Are they trying to force us back to a cable subscription? (the way my iPhones seem to start crapping out when a new model comes out...) ESPN and SEC coverage on Sling is fine.

This isn't some 10-zillion-dollar setup. Just a 37 inch HDTV.
 
#3
#3
TJ1985 said:
Charter... ugh.
Click to expand...
Well yeah, that's why we only have internet with them now, no longer cable.

I don't know why live football should be so bad on their streaming when other programming is ok. And Sling seems to be able to carry football well most of the time.

Anyway, looking for suggestions or fellow horror stories.
 
#4
#4
I have a charter streaming package and all the channels I have are pretty reliable. No complaints from me
 
#5
#5
VolNExile said:
Well yeah, that's why we only have internet with them now, no longer cable.

I don't know why live football should be so bad on their streaming when other programming is ok. And Sling seems to be able to carry football well most of the time.

Anyway, looking for suggestions or fellow horror stories.
Click to expand...

Charter is the only provider in my area. We decided to cut the cord a couple years ago. My biggest issue with them was deceptive business. It seems like the more loyal their customers are, the more they try to screw them. I have a few examples of that but don't want to take the time to type. I stream using their internet. I have Sling and a roku. Every now and then I'll have issues with buffering or poor picture quality, but that has usually only happened with the ESPN app. So far this year I have not had any problems.
 
#8
#8
#11
#11
VolNExile said:
Not arguing, but even though sports streamed through Roku/Sling are nearly always fine? I'm trying to figure out if there is some wire I should twiddle or something, but it doesn't make sense, as everything is being carried over the same (Charter) Internet.
Click to expand...

Don't know. Are you wifi or using an ethernet cable?
 
#12
#12
Crazy Ivan said:
Don't know. Are you wifi or using an ethernet cable?
Click to expand...
Ethernet for TV. --but suddenly, it's better. It was acting up last week as well. Baffling.

Thanks for the idea, though. If it screws up again, I'll check the Ethernet line.
 
#13
#13
VolNExile said:
Ethernet for TV. --but suddenly, it's better. It was acting up last week as well. Baffling.

Thanks for the idea, though. If it screws up again, I'll check the Ethernet line.
Click to expand...

Good deal. I use high speed business-class since I work from home, but on rare occasions it will still buffer for a few seconds here and there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: VolNExile
#14
#14
Your cable signal might be leaking. It could be a fitting or a splitter going bad.

We recently had electricity run in on our cable line and fry the wiring where it entered the house. It made our signal do very strange things intermittently.

I would get a note pad and record exactly when your internet is behaving badly. Once you have a few examples, call charter and demand a technician come out. After they came out for ours, I'm actually getting the speeds advertised. Beside fixing the blown out wire, they also replaced 4 fittings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: VolNExile
#15
#15
37620VOL said:
Your cable signal might be leaking. It could be a fitting or a splitter going bad.

We recently had electricity run in on our cable line and fry the wiring where it entered the house. It made our signal do very strange things intermittently.

I would get a note pad and record exactly when your internet is behaving badly. Once you have a few examples, call charter and demand a technician come out. After they came out for ours, I'm actually getting the speeds advertised. Beside fixing the blown out wire, they also replaced 4 fittings.
Click to expand...
Great suggestion! We actually had them come out about 6 months ago, and they replaced the line on the street which had been damaged by squirrels. (Squirrels seemed to come out OK.) And come to think of it, I've had some freezes recently when trying to work (virtual employee.) Maybe the squirrels are at it again. They do appear to be indestructible.
 
#16
#16
VolNexile, I don't really have an answer to your question. I can share my experience and hope it helps in some way. My wife and I cut the cord probably 5 years ago. It was DirecTV at the time and prior to that we had DISH. In both cases, the customer reps got insulting when issues arose. So we quit, installed HDTV antenna from Channel Master with a rotor for directing the antenna. We are rural residents BTW. I orienated it so we gt 28 channels on it, not that we watch them all. Pictures are crystal clear. But on cloudy and stormy days some channels will SOMETIMES pixelate off and on or lose the transmission completely. Yet other times it could be a raging thunderstorm and everything is fine. Same experience on windy but stormless days but only sometimes. I've gone outside at such times and yes, I can see the antenna slightly tremble, just enough to see it has some motion but otherwise very steady. OK, that's the OTA part. We have ROKU and a high speed Internet connection. Oh, forgot, both Dish and DirecTV beg us almost monthly to sign up with them, NO THANKS. Our reception is often just fine for what we watch. I wouldn't be surprised if the cable and satellite service employ some jamming aimed at OTA people from vehicles nearby to encourage return to their services. I do know they employ throttle down over cables to slow Internet speeds. That behavior is increasing now with the old safeguards that Trump & Co. have removed with the net neutrality attacks. We experience slowdowns at times to the point it's like using a 56K modem. Even when I use VPN service but not if I set it to spoof UK, Canada, Mexico, or South American IP addresses. Why is that? I don't have the slightest idea. Corporations do employ filthy ways to siphon your wallet so nothing would surprise we regarding tactics they'd use. It will encourage people to find ways to circumvent their greed.
 
Last edited:
#17
#17
VolNExile said:
So grim cord-cutters that we are (and also too lazy to buy and install an HD antenna), we partially sleazed back to Charter via their a la carte streaming service, which includes networks plus some Fox sports stations. I've noticed that news, evening broadcast TV, etc are pretty much fine, but their CBS games are nearly unwatchable - pixellated jerky video, frequent freezes, etc.

Is this just how it goes with Charter streaming? Are they trying to force us back to a cable subscription? (the way my iPhones seem to start crapping out when a new model comes out...) ESPN and SEC coverage on Sling is fine.

This isn't some 10-zillion-dollar setup. Just a 37 inch HDTV.
Click to expand...
Could be a bunch of things. ISP..your router..your modem..

I upgraded my router a year or two ago to a Netgear Nighthawk X6 and all, and I mean ALL, streaming issues ended. I also have 150mbps internet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jackcrevol and VolNExile
#18
#18
WoodsmanVol said:
VolNexile, I don't really have an answer to your question. I can share my experience and hope it helps in some way. My wife and I cut the cord probably 5 years ago. It was DirecTV at the time and prior to that we had DISH. In both cases, the customer reps got insulting when issues arose. So we quit, installed HDTV antenna from Channel Master with a rotor for directing the antenna. We are rural residents BTW. I orienated it so we gt 28 channels on it, not that we watch them all. Pictures are crystal clear. But on cloudy and stormy days some channels will SOMETIMES pixelate off and on or lose the transmission completely. Yet other times it could a raging thunderstorm and everything is fine. Same experience on windy but stormless days but only sometimes. I've gone outside at such times and yes, I can see the antenna slightly tremble, just enough to see it has some motion but otherwise very steady. OK, that's the OTA part. We have ROKU and a high speed Internet connection. Oh, forgot, both Dish and DirecTV beg us almost monthly to sign up with them, NO THANKS. Our reception is often just fine for what we watch. I wouldn't be surprised if the cable and satellite service employ some jamming aimed at OTA people from vehicles nearby to encourage return to their services. I do know they employ throttle down over cables to slow Internet speeds. That behavior is increasing now with the old safeguards that Trump & Co. have removed with the net neutrality attacks. We experience slowdowns at times to the point it's like using a 56K modem. Even when I use VPN service but not if I set it to spoof UK, Canada, Mexico, or South American IP addresses. Why is that? I don't have the slightest idea. Corporations do employ filthy ways to siphon your wallet so nothing woukld surprise we regarding tactics they'd use. It will encourage people to find ways to circumvent their greed.
Click to expand...
Summary: get hulu
 
#20
#20
TJ1985 said:
Charter is the only provider in my area. We decided to cut the cord a couple years ago. My biggest issue with them was deceptive business. It seems like the more loyal their customers are, the more they try to screw them. I have a few examples of that but don't want to take the time to type. I stream using their internet. I have Sling and a roku. Every now and then I'll have issues with buffering or poor picture quality, but that has usually only happened with the ESPN app. So far this year I have not had any problems.
Click to expand...

You're exactly right because Comcast, TWC, Cox, municipal's, and (insert cable company), are all not for profit.

Get real.
 
#22
#22
jackcrevol said:
You're exactly right because Comcast, TWC, Cox, municipal's, and (insert cable company), are all not for profit.

Get real.
Click to expand...
Listen, bud, just because your panties are all twisted because of this game doesn't mean you need to cop an attitude with me. You get real, keyboard warrior.
 
#23
#23
TJ1985 said:
Listen, bud, just because your panties are all twisted because of this game doesn't mean you need to cop an attitude with me. You get real, keyboard warrior.
Click to expand...

I dont care about the results of the game bud. its a message board, peopl have attitudes. it is what it is. take up with the mods.

if you are butthurt bc you feel singled out by Charter. Move to an area where theres another cable provider, juss saying. I assure you the results wont be any different. if you dont like the price, call retention, now grow up
 
#24
#24
jackcrevol said:
I dont care about the results of the game bud. its a message board, peopl have attitudes. it is what it is. take up with the mods.

if you are butthurt bc you feel singled out by Charter. Move to an area where theres another cable provider, juss saying. I assure you the results wont be any different. if you dont like the price, call retention, now grow up
Click to expand...

Oh, I see, you get butthurt when someone expresses dissatisfaction with a certain company? You must work for Charter. There's no other explanation why you'd choose to start this debate with me.

Oh, and, I should grow up and decide where I move my family based on my cable provider? That's some sound advice.

Have a good night, buddy.
 
#25
#25
I just got ala carte last week and mine are perfect ..Speeds of over 200mbps best in my town for sure...
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.
Advertisement



Back
Top