|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I'll open up with a few thoughts.
A few years ago I experimented with not using any DirecTV and seeing what I could find online. I thought I got maybe 60% there. News is no problem at all. CNN, FOX and all the broadcast networks are online all the time. I use my big screen TV as my computer monitor so pic quality is important to me. If the online video isn't up to the standards of a cable/sat picture then what's the point of having a good quality big screen any more?
But lately things are much better to the point that good YT vids are full hi def and look great and so do the online news shows.
The big problem is still live sports. Baseball, the NFL and NBA are all locked up and not available via live streaming for home games from what I can tell. If you're not with a big provider it's the radio or nothing.
Then I found out about Windows Media Center, and using a cable card along with an HD HomerumPrime 3 tuner box going through my computer. I dropped DirecTV, switched to Verizon (for their cable card) and saved about $30 a month. Not a lot but I had unlimited storage on my hard drives and no DVR to mess with or pay for.
Now I have Win 10, MS killed Media Center so I'm back with Verizon, (now Frontier) with the usual DVR set up.
Like everybody else I only watch a few shows but I'm paying for all the stuff I never use so "cutting the cord" is very appealing.
So, what's new in this area?
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,290
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,290 |
Great topic.
You already taught me new things, Bob. I think someone would have to be in a more urban area than I am to even have choices.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,900 |
A month prior to the Olympics, NBC announced their affiliate stations were permitted to broadcast ALL of NBC's Olympic coverage on secondary channels. Concurrently, ChannelMaster reported a sales boost of 1200% for outside antennas to receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts so obviously many people want to watch sports for free.
In 2006 I spent about $200 for over the air antenna components and my wife and I assembled and erected the 30 feet high antenna system. During NFL football season I can watch OTA games in three markets (Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins or Atlanta Falcons). Without using the rotor my system receives about 27 secondary channels; using the rotor that number rises to over 50.
My satellite provider, DISH, had a receiver that include space for an optional, built-in over-the-air tuner. The over-the-air channels are intermingled with the satellite channels so secondary channels can be selected as well as satellite channels. Unfortunately DISH's program listings do not include OTA secondary channels. DISH is having a contract dispute with Tribune Broadcasting so DISH is not rebroadcasting the FOX network affiliate. That dispute does not affect my ability to receive the station over-the-air.
Free over the air broadcasts is alive and well for those willing to invest in an antenna system. My experience is an antenna system is well worth the investment.
Unfortunately, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) appears to be intent on eliminating or minimizing over the air broadcasts. The frequency spectrum space for UHF channels 50 to 75 has been reallocated from broadcasters and is being sold by auction for other uses. The FCC has issued an advisary notice that it is evaluating reallocating the frequency spectrum space allocated for channels 36 to 50.
Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1211) RB (Build 3) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
Yes wonderful topic Bob.
I was paying 185.00 for internet and TV we rarely watched. We cut everything but internet, which saved us 100.00 per month. We went to Apple TV (it was a Christmas gift)then subscribed to Netflix and Hula both run around 30.00 combined, added a 30.00 indoor antenna for local channels/news with no monthly cost so combined savings is around 850.00 per year.
I have also learned a lot from your post Bob.
Thanks again,
PS: I found I now watch shows I never new existed i.e. many of the music documentaries on Netflix and Hulu.
Last edited by Danny C.; 08/25/16 06:08 AM. Reason: PS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Yes, there is a lot of cool stuff online. I find myself watching YT more than anything else right now.
BUT...for me I'm a big Lakers fan and now that my original hometown team, the LA Rams are back in town I'll be watching them too. Live local games are blacked out from any free services whether it's OTA or online. That's how the big sat/cable companies are fighting the cord cutters. I have heard a few rumblings that may change but I'm guessing if it does, the cost of local game packages will be pretty high.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,364
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,364 |
I'm not saying I know of any current operational sites (but I DO know they exist) but fans of team X do watch a game(s) together virtually.
One member has cable/dish and he shares the link to his slingbox or web server or whatever. If he gets cut off another member sends a new secure link.
All the while everyone can chat online during the game ("can u believe that call?? We got robbed").
If you search you can find them. I ain't interpreting the law here, just sayin'; it's not THAT hard to see the games online if you are determined to .. I had to travel during a couple games. Good luck finding a Lions game on TV when you are in Packers/Bears area .. unless they are playing each other, even then the commentary stinks.
<grin>
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
FOOTBALL!! That's what keeps me on the wire.... Now that my original hometown team, the LA Rams are back in town I'll be watching them too. A lot of bitter folks still coping in St. Louis on that one.....  Luckily I'm a Dallas fan. Good luck finding a Lions game on TV when you are in Packers/Bears area .. unless they are playing each other, even then the commentary stinks. <grin> I grew up in NW IL, complete 50-50 Bears/Packers fan base. Yucccckk.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
A lot of bitter folks still coping in St. Louis on that one..... smile Oh, boo hoo, they can cry me a river. Those lucky $**&%@! got the Rams best years in decades. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
FOOTBALL!! That's what keeps me on the wire.... Now that my original hometown team, the LA Rams are back in town I'll be watching them too. A lot of bitter folks still coping in St. Louis on that one..... Luckily I'm a Dallas fan. Good luck finding a Lions game on TV when you are in Packers/Bears area .. unless they are playing each other, even then the commentary stinks. <grin> I grew up in NW IL, complete 50-50 Bears/Packers fan base. Yucccckk. A Dallas fan, sorry . . . I will keep you in my prayers, LOL! Laster,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Oh, boo hoo, they can cry me a river. Those lucky $**&%@! got the Rams best years in decades. Awesome! You had Dickerson though....  Dallas fan, sorry . . . I will keep you in my prayers, LOL! Yeah, Romo down for the count again, broken bone in his back. It's the new rookie Dak show now.....
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Here's something that's interesting for sports fan cord cutters: http://www.cutcabletoday.com/sports/nba/lakers/I specifically searched for the Lakers but it sounds like all the other NBA teams are part of this too. Not 100% of the way there but it's closer than I thought. I'll see what I can find for football. I don't have to be able to watch every single game plus I go to friends houses and sports bars too. If I can get a decent percentage for 20 bucks a month plus a few other subs I just might be there. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Thanks Bob! I end up going to local sports bars for some Cowboys games since they are not on STL TV very much. This may be a good alternative.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,913 |
On their main page you will find all of the sports that you can watch: http://www.cutcabletoday.com/sports/Unfortunately for me my Buffalo Sabres (NHL) are not listed  Thanx Bob for bringing this to our attention.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
There's a similar thread to this on Keyboard Corner and several guys have tried Sling with completely different experiences. A few said it was good while a few more say it was almost useless. Depends on your internet service I guess. One potentially big deal is one guy said his problem was "Inability to record and a terrible user interface". Lots of things we take for granted with our TV viewing have to considered here.
One thing for sure I learned from my few years with Windows Media Center, you have to be a bit of a nerd to work with stuff like this. Willing to accept tech challenges and work through them. Once I went to Win 10 and lost WMC, I admit I felt some relief at the dead simple reliability of my Verizon (now Frontier) STB. But the cost still really bugs me...
The quest continues.
Bob.
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Hey Bob, after researching Sling from my side on Dallas Cowboys football, I found that I cannot view their games from St. Louis. Fox has regional networks for its sports and Cowboys are part of Fox Sports South or South West. I'm in Fox Sports Midwest. As a result looks like that option is out. Looks like I'll be at the sports bar this coming Sunday.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Yeah, and speaking of football I was excited to see the first LA Rams game in 20 years and they stunk up the place losing 28 to ZERO on Monday night. ZERO!? Couldn't even manage a field goal? There's always next week...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52 |
Cord-cutting is a bit of a taboo topic for me since I used to work at one of Canada's top telco companies. I always got a bit weary in the meetings when they said prices were going up up up, so I understand people's dismay with TV.
That being said, TV has its usefulness in some regards (live events, etc).
Canada's a bit limited in our cord-cutting options since Netflix's content is a bit lacking (they just cracked down on people using VPNs), and Shomi is now out of the picture. Unauthorized streaming hasn't been made illegal here yet, but you can bet something's going to happen there pretty soon.
I hope Google will negotiate to have an on-demand service for YouTube soon. If anyone has the infrastructure for it, they do.
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I still keep reading articles about this but nothing that gets my heart started yet. The holy grail of cord cutting is to have the companies drop the gazillion channel bundles and just sell us whatever we want ala carte. Everything I read about that business says they would go out of business if they did that but that's only because the network broadcasters charge them so much.
Everybody knows that all of us DVR everything and skip through commercials yet the networks still charge huge money for ads on their shows. It's a dirty little secret in that business that nobody talks about. They're all tiptoeing past the graveyard. Because of that they can charge the sat/cable companies big bucks to carry all that content which forces them to force us to eat these huge bundles of channels we never watch. Eventually all that is going to collapse and a whole new model emerges. Maybe.
At least the Rams made a big comeback from that first game...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52 |
In Canada, the CRTC (Canada's FCC) has called for change in the Canada cable industry.
In March of this year, it was determined that cable companies had to have a "skinny basic" package ($25 limited TV option) and smaller bundles (more choice for the customers. More choice unfortunately causes more confusion though).
By December of this year in Canada, cable companies must have a plan in place to sell channels à la carte. The problem with this method though is that yes, you can order the channels you want separately, but how much will it cost? More choice doesn't necessarily mean cheaper bill. Do you need to have a minimum of the $25 package? Will equipment be free like it was before (Probably not)? Etc. There's a lot of factors that go into it.
Shaw, for instance, did not allow you to get sports channels on that $25 skinny basic package except for one package that did not have the two sports channels that people absolutely wanted.
The long story short is that à la carte is coming but I personally don't think it's going to fix anything, and will probably just cause more issues.
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Live sports is the big anchor that most of us can't let go of. I lived in Calgary for 12 years and I became a hockey fan fast. Unfortunately for the Flames this was when Gretsky was earning that statue in Edmonton...
I would go for a basic, basic package plus sports but like you I doubt that's gonna happen or if it did it would be as costly as the full boat packages are now.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,152
Posts789,097
Members39,831
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean