The thing that brought me here and got me into IPTV was not that I dont care about paying people for their IP but rather the enshittification of literally every service in existence (I pay for physical media for newer stuff to support it to put it on my jellyfin). The current state of media streaming, specifically sports, is a hellish mix of content blackouts, price gouging, and data collection. As someone who doesnt live in the “service area” of my home town anymore there is no reasonable way to access my local teams without paying out an insane amount of money for NHL, NFL, and MLB premium services. But even with that, I was able to setup a raspberryPi vpn at my mom’s house to make it work. But then the reality that not only am I paying a premium to be inconvenienced, I am paying a premium to be spied on. I moved over to self-hosting services – invidious, jellyfin, dispatcharr(behind a vpn)… I have a Buzz bow that I connect to those 3 services and have it blocked from outbound internet through my router (the Android 14 + not super consistent security updates + not knowing exactly how Buzz uses that data make me squeamish about having it connected to the internet). I use a usb to add apks as needed for different things like retro emulators etc.
Anyone else in this camp where they had every intention of going ‘by the book’ and just getting burned out by price, privacy, and convenience?
I use a Few IPTV services and KODI and get every live sporting event, Movie, and TV show I want to watch. Unlike you I could care less about being spied on. Don’t use a VPN and don’t care who if anyone is spying on me. I really think cord cutters in general and especially a lot of folks here at The Insider are overly paranoid. That’s fine everyone is entitled to their level of protection.
I’ve never had any issues with privacy and just am not paranoid about that stuff
I self-host my own home videos and photos which contain my kids… for security and privacy I take my home network very seriously. Everyone has different threat models. I wouldnt say I am paranoid, just aware of risks.
Using a VPN protects you from your ISP throwing a hissyfit as much as it protects you from a bad actor IPTV service. I’d say something like Surfshark, Nord, or Mullvad is a reasonable cost-to-entry when dealing with IPTV/piracy/torrenting.
When your car–that you own-- phones home to tell Chevy how you drive so they can sell that to insurance companies is it really paranoia?
@wager5889 Not only this but every scammer, hacker and enemy that wants to steal everything they can from bank accounts, credit cards etc. If you let your guard down, you can lose much in the blink of an eye. Never get complacent and stay vigilant as AI gets stronger and more sneaky. It’s an evil world out there and one can get destroyed if not watchful.
I’m so sorry I missed your anniversary! My Momma just went to heaven a week ago and I have been grieving and missing her so very VERY MUCH So, a belated HAPPY ANNIVERSARY @GraceWilson
I’m so sorry @Patachou, my deepest sympathies. I know from talking to you all these years just how close you were to her. We all hurt because you hurt. Let us know how we can help.
Deer @Patachou you are a wonderful insider and a blessing to our family here, I can only imagine that the woman who raised you was every bit as wonderful. Huge hugs and well wishes from the heart. May your mother rest in peace. We’re all here when you need us and if you need to talk then my PM is always open for you. Be well.
@Miki There are not enough words in my heart to describe how much I appreciate you and how much I want to thank you for everything you do and have done for me. My Momma, Joan would thank you for taking care of me
a week ago and I have been grieving and missing her so very VERY MUCH 
So, a belated HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 
