So it's been since Friday night when the satellite service to Foxtel was switched off. There are a few observations since then, but also some observations before then that are also worth mentioning.
Firstly, when I rang Foxtel to cancel the satellite, they made a lot of effort to keep me on as a satellite subscriber, even though I told them I would still be getting the OTT version. For example, they offered the full platinum package for $89 a month for 12 months - of course, after the 12 months, I would go back to paying the full price for the platinum package, which is about $135 a month. My current service was around $115 a month.
They also allowed me to suspend my service for a fee of $5 a month. I had hoped to do this anyways, at it means that I don't have to pay the $200 installation fee if I go back onto the satellite service.
Ok, some of the observations since the change over:
Firstly, the viewing experience is not as good. There is the tendency for the vision to jump, and the buffering when changing channels is a headache. The loss of a DVR function and the inability to fast-forward through ads is also tiresome, as is having to watch programs linearly - I.e., as they're being screened without time delay.
The fidelity and crispness of the picture is also not quite as nice, although the Formula 1 was still very good. I also think some picture quality may be due to the chromecast. I've just spent a huge amount on a new PC, which, when built, I will hook up to the television and log into Foxtel Now through the desktop version, and hopefully the speeds will be quicker that way. There does seem to be less buffering and lag when I watch it on the PC at work that way.
The app itself is not the greatest. It has a tendency to freeze and crash, and the program information isn't as easy as the EPG on the FoxBox. I think it has the right look and feel to it, but it's just not very reliable. Again, the cynic in me wonders if this is a deliberate ploy to entice the viewer back to the satellite.
I also completely reconfigured my iPad at home, because this has become effectively the remote control for the Foxtel Now. So all my streaming apps are now on the home screen. While there is some drain on the battery, it's really not too much of a problem, although obviously no where near as convenient as the Fox remote control. I'm also not worried now about turning off the chromecast when I go out because I've upgraded to unlimited data. There doesn't seem to be too much of a drag, and non-sports shows still look excellent, but I'm keen to see it running without chromecast, which runs on WiFi, and instead through the new PC, which will be connected via Ethernet.
There are also less Ethernet cables altogether though, because the FoxBox is now an ornament. It was unfortunate that when the satellite was stopped, I can't even playback the shows I had saved on the DVR. I can't see how this is any real benefit.
But obviously I'm excited, and can't wait to not have to pay so much money every month.
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