Cutting cable - HGTV, Food Network, History!

[DisneyMomma81]

We use very few channels but the ones we watch we really watch.
How do those who like these channels watch the shows without cable?

 

[littleelf]

We use very few channels but the ones we watch we really watch.
How do those who like these channels watch the shows without cable?

I'm interested in knowing, too!

 

[LJSquishy]

You don't.

I love HGTV but we haven't had a cable package with it for several years so I don't get to watch it. We get 30 cable channels (basics only, no ABC Family, TLC, Nick, etc) and I don't watch a single one of them. Our internet is the same price with or without cable tv otherwise we would drop cable tv.

 

[wendow]

We watch previous seasons of *some* HGTV shows on Netflix but nothing current.

ETA: I think the HGTV shows are on Amazon, not Netflix. We are Prime members so we use that streaming also.

 

[Caseheidi]

We are planning to cut cable as well, and have purchased a Roku to stream Netflix and Amazon Prime (DH also considering Hulu Plus) and many of the shows we watch are included. Some are not free for a few seasons ( like Top Chef or Project Runway - the ones I will miss) but eventually come out as free on these services. It is much less expensive then cable. I would recommend you check out these services to see if your sows are included. I was also told that with Hulu plus, some of the shows you can watch on the computer right away, but wait a few seasons to watch with streaming on your television .

 

[vacationer1954]

Here is a link to a tool that will help you figure out if you can cut the cord:

http://projects.marketwatch.com/are-you-ready-to-cut-the-cable-cord-interactive-calculator-2013/

I entered just three shows: HGTV Design Star, Food Network Star, and Vikings, and it offered only one cord-cutting option, for $99 upfront and $6.58 per month, covering only "33%" of the shows (just Vikings - it didn't include the other two). I'm not sure I'd really call that an "option".

 

[icicle]

We just watch a lot more PBS.

 

[DawnM]

I don't know what you watch on there but check out Hulu Plus. It is $8/mo and a few of the cooking shows are offered there.

However, I am not sure because we were so resolved to save $1,200/year on TV that we decided it was worth going without.

So far, we have gone over 3 years and saved almost $4,000.

 

[Nayan]

With those channels, not many of the shows are available through streaming, especially new episodes. For example, Pawn Stars is only available on disc through Netflix and they haven't even released season 3 (2010) yet.

 

[tvguy]

With those channels, not many of the shows are available through streaming, especially new episodes. For example, Pawn Stars is only available on disc through Netflix and they haven't even released season 3 (2010) yet.

If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can watch a lot of History channel shows on their App. I watch them at the gym on my tablet.

 

[Nayan]

If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can watch a lot of History channel shows on their App. I watch them at the gym on my tablet.

I have it, but it is tied to my cable provider and you have to have the cable channel in order for it to work (and it only works at the house, I can't travel with it). My provider offers nothing for free sadly.

 

[fbb]

We use very few channels but the ones we watch we really watch.
How do those who like these channels watch the shows without cable?

youtube

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Yup! The only real loss since cutting the cable cord is HGTV. Youtube is a good option.

 

[wiigirl]

If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can watch a lot of History channel shows on their App. I watch them at the gym on my tablet.

 

[Iowajes]

They have a lot of episodes online, but not new ones.

I've not had cable for a very long time, and occasionally enjoy watching these shows at the gym- but if anything, I feel very liberated from TV that kind of consumed me.

We still watch TV, but WAY less.

 

[tvguy]

I have it, but it is tied to my cable provider and you have to have the cable channel in order for it to work (and it only works at the house, I can't travel with it). My provider offers nothing for free sadly.

Get the actual History Channel App, not the one from your cable provider.

 

[littleelf]

It doesn't look like we would save much money if we subscribed to Netflix and Hulu Plus, kept our internet for around $55/month, plus went back to Verizon for a landline. We could drop the landline but I like having a house phone where we can all be reached, and right now we only have one smart phone with a plan, and my cheap phone only costs $100/year. Guess my kids will be happy we're keeping cable for now.

 

[hipchickie]

We get hulu plus during the winter to watch new shows, and dump it in the summer when everything is re-runs and we don't watch as much TV anyway because we are outside

 

[hsmamato2]

probably you will do what all of us tend to do....start watching other things! it kind of just...happens! I found my shows changing when we cut the cord,and since there always seesm to be plenty of ther options, I havne't missed much. And there are so many ways to stream shows now..... check Hulu, Hulu plus, Netflix,Amazon,and there more out there, but who's got time for that?
My ds loves food shows, he tends to find various things on PBS, and streaming Amazon and Netflix stuff.....it's out there,and I don't know why anyone pays for tv anymore......

 

[mcgregml]

I cut the cord five or six years ago and one of the best purchases I made was a product called PlayOn and it's sister product PlayLater. These computer programs (in conjunction with a Roku, PlayStation 3, Wii or other compatible device) allow me to watch Hulu (the free one!), Netflix, and a variety of other channels on my TV. The Hulu is especially nice for me as I didn't want to pay for both Netflix and Hulu Plus; this way I can still watch everything comfortably on my TV and lose one subscription plan. You can either get PlayOn as a monthly subscription or purchase it outright.

Additionally, the PlayLater program acts as a DVR on your computer. This allows me to record the TV program (from Hulu, Netflix, whatever) to my computer and save it there permanently if I want. I can even have the program convert the files and import them to my AppleTV (heaven!).

The developers also have a lot of add-ons (Cartoon Network, HGTV, etc.) so that videos on those websites can be played, recorded, whatever on your TV. It's been a real life saver for me!