Cable TV Problem!

Can you switch providers? Or is there only 1 option for your building?

Maybe somebody is tapping into your lline.

Sunspots

Cable is quickly going under due to too many people having ended cable service due to streaming being more popular and cheaper. So, cable can't afford to update or upgrade its equipment and network. It's decaying and they don't have the money or staff to update or fit. It's a sinking ship, like anyone attempting to maintain landline service. Sadly.

We had that same problem about 5-6 years ago. We solved it by getting rid of cable.

If only cable companies could swallow their pride and give customers what they want, perhaps they'd be profitable again. Who needs 800 channels playing Law and Order SVU???

We only have cable and dsl here, how do you stream without the internet? We dropped comcast cable for just internet and of course the price goes up substantially.

R1, I could choose at least two others, Verizon being one of them. Problem is that Verizon probably comes through the same "tubes" as Optimum. This is a city area, and there is tons of stuff under the street such as all cable and electrical lines.

I've had Verizon twice - only for a couple of weeks at a time because their service sucks too, and the last time was ten years ago, long before streaming became the norm.

Tell your cable company that if they will not fix your problem you are closing your account. And follow through.

Does the problem seem to get worse after, say, you've had a couple afternoon drinks, OP? Why can no-one but you seem to notice the problem? Hmmmmm...

The only reason I keep cable, it's actually cheaper than paying for streaming services.

For $55 a month tax included, I get two DVR cable boxes, a modem, the Internet and four premium channels. This is from Spectrum. I live in a co-op complex. The board guaranteed Spectrum that everyone in the co-op complex would subscribe, then, we got a extremely low rate. The board signs 3 year contracts.

Another thing, when you call, the call goes all over the world (like it does with most companies), and I've had trouble getting customer service to understand the issue. The last one I spoke to Fri though I was complaining about not getting a few channels, and switched me to sales. He didn't understand what "synch" was.

Ha ha, R10. My neighbor saw it this morning at 9AM, neither of us were drinking.

Good for you, R11.

If you have a smart TV and Spectrum, get a Roku. Then add their app and stream their channels. I used to get a lot of pixelation and that eliminated it.

Op, get with the times and drop cable. What a waste of money.

What's the cheapest monthly price to watch cable and streaming services?

How about just going to illegal websites?! Since EVIL went from CBS to Paramount+, I now simply watch it at one of those illegal websites.

[quote]If you have a smart TV and Spectrum, get a Roku. Then add their app and stream their channels. I used to get a lot of pixelation and that eliminated it.

You just buy the Roku device and no more monthly fees?

Anyone know if Verizon is good?

R8 Also, you're sure it's not the TV, right?

Assuming it's not and you don't want to cut the cord, your only option is to try switching cable providers. Optimum cannot fix the problem, end of story. It's actually surprising and good that you have two other choices.

I would try to make this Verizon's (or the other potential provider's) problem. Optimum may not be keeping their own equipment up to date even if they have switched your box out.

Call Verizon's (or other's) sales line which of course is the only line that ever picks up and tell them you are thinking of switching, what are the $$ benefits, etc. Tell them about the synch issues and have them come to install. They will sometimes match the install with a more experienced installer.

Until then, try to use your phone to record what you are watching when it goes out of synch. Always good to have evidence even if it is just 10 seconds of whatever is playing on your TV that you record from your phone while sitting on your sofa. Note the exact broadcaster/channels, too, so you can tell the installer.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, get a Firestick.

Thanks, R18, but It's on TWO TVs. Plus I've recorded some bad stuff on DVR (hadn't thought of that) to show them - if they ever come out again.

I'm wondering, does 4K programing change picture/sound? My TVs are 4 1/2 and six years old.