Cutting the cord and so confused!

[cjnix29]

I was quoted $88 for internet alone! So then I went to best buy to ask about an attic antennae, and they only said they had tv ones and they didn't carry attic ones. ugh! they are all in collusion, I think!

 

[njpyro]

We have a great system that saves us a ton of money. We get internet through Optimum (49.95 a month for the highest speed available and optimum hotspots which are all around our area). Then we stream netflix and amazon prime (which we actually get our moneys worth in free two day shipping alone) through a ps3 in one room and a roku in another room. We have a digital antenna on our roof that gets us all the basic channels for free (cbs, abc, nbc, fox, etc), but we are near broadcast towers for NYC, so we get a strong signal of popular channels. I would imagine if you are in a rural area, an antenna would be much less helpful.

 

[ryansstitch]

We have Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime. The amazon prime was a deal when we bought my updated kindle and I am not sure we will do it again. 13 year old mostly watches it and she is very frustrated that they take so many things on and off (whether they do or not I am not sure but that is her complaint) We stream through a ps4, wii, and blueray player. Kids and hubby watch a lot on you tube too, especially teen boys. Only complaint is hulu tends to freeze up a lot (but we live in the sticks so internet may be the problem but we have the only place so no choice there)

As far as local we just check online. We bought a weather radio and check weather online as well. Most everything else is on hulu or eventually on netflix. If it is not very often it is somewhere else online and it gets watched on the computer/laptop. Over the last few years there have been a few things we have missed but I think so many people (especially young people) who are now streaming everything will go to this.

Your daughter is right. They switch a lot from prime programming to regular rental programming. I made a watch list a couple years ago and none of the items on it are still free on prime. We are about to break up with directv. It's too expensive and we watch maybe 5 channels. Most days we might get a couple Mickey Mouse clubhouse episodes in and the news, if that. We use roku to access most other programming and disney channel does have some offerings on it. I'm not sure what is paid and what isn't with disney though. Anyway, I think we could all benefit from more reading, so no love lost

 

[Colleen27]

I have never had a problem getting my rate reduced back to the introductory rate.

This is another of those things that depends on how much competition they have in a particular market. . They know full well that any threat I'd make to leave would be more or less empty - there isn't a competitor they could lose me to - so I have had a very hard time getting even smaller discounts after the introductory rate expires. I've never been successful in keeping the introductory rate but can usually, after getting transferred around a bit, get a $20-30/mo break to keep it from going all the way up to the full price.

 

[Ariel484]

We semi cut the cord about 5 months ago (just in time for season 3 of House of Cards!). We have 2 AppleTVs (one in our family room and one in our workout room) along with Time Warner basic cable (so we can watch local sports), faster internet through Time Warner, Netflix, Hulu and MLB.tv. If MLB lifted their local blackout restrictions we'd be able to dump the basic cable package, but alas...

We weren't paying as much as some of you have said in the first place (I think it was $140-$150 per month?) and with our new set-up it's more like $100 per month for everything I listed above. I do think we watch MORE TV because as someone said above, we binge-watch stuff. I don't miss our old set-up at all...except for HGTV.

@ruadisneyfan2 Our main reason for having Hulu is to watch current shows - the show airs on TV as usual and then shows up in Hulu something that evening/the next day. It's sort of like having a DVR. The catch is that you have to watch limited commercials with Hulu...that's how they are able to offer current shows and charge $8 per month or whatever. There are also some Hulu-only series, movies, etc. But we use it to watch The Tonight Show, Colbert Report (well, we did when it was on), Booklyn Nine-Nine, etc.

 

[peg110]

Unless you start binge watching entire series you missed out on when they were on air. I've watched 10 years worth of Stargate: SG-1, 5 years of Stargate: Atlantis, 7 years of Star Trek: The Next Generation, 2 years (so far) of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine... Firefly, Third Rock From the Sun, Farscape... I think you get the idea.

I hear you on this. I am on a "Repeat" of the FRINGE binge. Given what you have been watching I think you might like Fringe too!

I was quoted $88 for internet alone! So then I went to best buy to ask about an attic antennae, and they only said they had tv ones and they didn't carry attic ones. ugh! they are all in collusion, I think!

I read this and I almost think it was a misunderstanding. The "Attic Antennae" IS a "TV Antenna". In fact, I have a "TV Antenna" that I can put on the TV (albeit it's larger and you would need to make a "Mount") or mount it on a pole or put it in the attic. Location of the antenna is just a matter of choice for most of them (except for those REALLY HUGE ones that you really have to mount outside or on the roof). All you need to put it in the Attic is a place to mount it and a cable to run to the TV.

You can also "Split" the Antenna signal to multiple TVs so you don't have to buy multiple antennas as well.

I haven't "Cut" the cord yet but I am really close. First let me say I ABHOR comcast. Not for the quality of their service (cable), but the quality of their "CUSTOMER Service". So I have "Dish" for TV. I currently have their top 200 package and 4 receivers. No DVR, no sport package, no premium channels. I (currently) pay just over $25.00 a month. Why? Because there is about 10 to 12 channels we actually watch. Like most we use Netflix or similar (we don't use Hulu at least not yet). I can't continue to pay $60, $80, $100+ for crap TV. Even the channels we do watch it's more because there is nothing else on.

I can get about 15 channels on the Antenna (all the main networks. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, etc..). Every time they Jack up my rate I call and tell them I am going to cancel. It's not a threat, I plan on cancelling the first time they don't lower the rate. It's just not worth it. Problem is, is if they lose to many subscribers, then they lose the "Advertising" dollars too, not just your subscription.

To that end, I have an Antenna, netflix, amazon prime (although I don't really stream it, but I can. I use the free shipping that makes it worthwhile for me). Plus I have a SkyStreamX box. I suggest it to anyone that is looking to cut the cable and still have shows. Lots (AND LOTS) of FREE Streaming through XBMC/Kodi. There is a learning curve on it, but I like it and so do my kids.

For Internet I can use Verizon DSL (Which I have), Comcast (which I abhor) or Satellite (which is EXPENSIVE and LIMITED). My Verizon DSL isn't bad, but it isn't SUPER either. I pay about $60/month for DSL and Phone (Unlimited nationwide calling, VM, Caller ID, Call Waiting, 3 Way calling, etc... ) I have about 3-5 Mbps. Comcast (again, did I mention I abhor them) wants more for Internet only then they do for Internet +Basic TV. Why? Because again, They can say they have that many more TV Subscribers for Advertising regardless if you watch it or not. Still they wanted about $80/month PLUS Modem Rental (I could negotiate it down to about $50 if I wanted it though), but they are a shared medium so even there speed is not guaranteed AND it's bandwidth limited. So if you stream a lot fo video you will exceed your monthly maximum of 300 GBs and believe me, it can happen quickly if you aren't careful.

Satellite is just too expensive ($60-$100/month) AND it's limited in bandwidth. Typically at 10 GBs a month and really is not much faster than DSL. If I would go down that path, I think I would just update my cell phone data plan and tether my phone to use. Of course this means little to no more streaming at all.

All this being said, I look at TV this way, if I don't have it, then I won't be wasting time watching it and I probably would be more productive in the long run. So..... I am REALLY close to cutting it. With DW okay with it, DD17 getting ready for college and not really needing it, it's coming down to the dollar versus the dd10 (who watches Netflix and SkyStreamX most of the time anyway). She still likes her Disney channel though. Go figure, right?

 

[cjnix29]

Ok, I did it. Canceled cable yesterday! Comcast rep tried all sorts of "offers" to get me to stay, none were at my price point. So we have our antennas at each tv. We'll see how it goes. DH was in mourning yesterday, says he just needs to get used to it. But I'll take my extra $120 a month! Looking into sling tv perhaps, instead of hulu, but still exploring options. thanks to all for your input!

 

[peg110]

Awesome for you. Again, I suggest looking into SkyStreamX This is the one I have. It's pretty cool. Again there is a learning curve, but if you are at all remotely tech savvy I think you would be fine. Only the initial purchase (and internet access) to consider.

 

[Nennie]

We have an antenna in the attic, and it's wired to every TV in the house. Got it from http://www.dennysantennaservice.com/ They have really good customer service, and will get on the phone with you to troubleshoot if you ever have a problem.

We also have internet with Comcast for $40/month, with Amazon Prime and a Roku. We watch a lot less TV than before, but the TV we do watch is more meaningful/enjoyable, as we don't have it on in the background, or watch a bunch of re-runs of Law and Order, like we used to do when we had cable! We tend to binge watch shows on Amazon. Right now we are on season 2 of Sons of Anarchy, so that will keep us busy for a while!

 

[Sandy61]

I live in the middle of nowhere and the fastest internet I can get is 12mb. Would a box with Kodi installed work for me?

 

[Princess Minnie321]

We cut 7 months ago and I am so happy about it. We were paying $205 for Verizon and at the time we were only watching a few shows on regular tv and the rest on Netflix. We bought a Google voice box for $47 and this is how we get our phone service. It works great and is free. We just pay $15 per year to make emergency calls. We bought an antenna for our family room for sports for $35 and it gets a good picture. I have Netflix, Amazon prime, cbs all access, and Hulu plus. I watch current shows on cbs the day after they air and I can watch live tv, just not sports from cbs. I have Hulu plus for shows on abc. In my area, I had to have an abc log in from my cable company to watch for free. With Hulu plus, I can watch the next day. I did the offer with commercials for $8 to save more money. I also watch a lot on Netflix. My kids were mainly watching Netflix when we cut the cord and there is also stuff on Amazon prime and Hulu plus for them. I am so glad we did this! Even with the channels I subscribe to and the Internet we are still saving $105 per month!

I also bought the roku 2 for my two tvs and it works great.

 

[eliza61]

following along. Comcast announced they are raising their rates by 4%. so I'm out. I had a 2 year contract that ends the 28th. currently I'm paying 250/month for cable (5 boxes. yikes) internet and home alarm system. my alarm system cannot be canceled. I do have a premium package so I'm getting rid of that.

funny thing about the whole situation is that I watch 2 shows regularly. Big bang theory and the Muppets. lol both are network tv.

 

[eliza61]

all the major channels you can get on your laptop/computer/tablet. CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC all let you stream for Free most of their shows.

We use Netflix for the kids.

ugg, I hate watching tv on my laptop. it really prevents the whole family from watching at one time. even though that rarely happens, also I usually watch tv while doing something else. if I'm in the kitchen I'll cook and/or clean up and watch the news. hard to do that on the lap top. I only have a 13 inch screen

 

[Marionnette]

ugg, I hate watching tv on my laptop. it really prevents the whole family from watching at one time. even though that rarely happens, also I usually watch tv while doing something else. if I'm in the kitchen I'll cook and/or clean up and watch the news. hard to do that on the lap top. I only have a 13 inch screen

How about getting an HD antenna for the local channels?

 

[sk!mom]

following along. Comcast announced they are raising their rates by 4%. so I'm out. I had a 2 year contract that ends the 28th. currently I'm paying 250/month for cable (5 boxes. yikes) internet and home alarm system. my alarm system cannot be canceled. I do have a premium package so I'm getting rid of that.

funny thing about the whole situation is that I watch 2 shows regularly. Big bang theory and the Muppets. lol both are network tv.

ugg, I hate watching tv on my laptop. it really prevents the whole family from watching at one time. even though that rarely happens, also I usually watch tv while doing something else. if I'm in the kitchen I'll cook and/or clean up and watch the news. hard to do that on the lap top. I only have a 13 inch screen

We cut the cord a year ago and couldn't be happier. We had Amazon Prime and Netflix prior to canceling cable and we added Hulu Plus and HBO Now after. We tried CBS All Access but found it to be a terrible service. Weird commercial breaks and really only wanted it for Big Bang and Big Brother so we cancelled after Big Bang's season ended last Spring.

We have tried a few streaming options- through a game system, Roku, and just the smart TV alone. Our favorite is Apple TV. It connects so quickly and never hangs up. We now own 3. For Amazon I still have to go through my Smart TV or I can screen share from my Macbook to my Apple TV.

For those few shows that aren't available on one of these services, we buy a season pass on Amazon. We have passes right now for American Horror Story (DH and DD can't wait.) and Big Bang (but I won't buy it again, we've decided that we're over it.) This past year we also bought Project Runway and Big Brother. Even with the few season passes and adding Hulu and HBO, we've saved a ton in the past year.

My DD away at college loves it too. She's able to use our services.

 

[Alesia]

ugg, I hate watching tv on my laptop. it really prevents the whole family from watching at one time. even though that rarely happens, also I usually watch tv while doing something else. if I'm in the kitchen I'll cook and/or clean up and watch the news. hard to do that on the lap top. I only have a 13 inch screen

Get Chromecast. Or use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop to the TV.

 

[Princess Minnie321]

We cut the cord a year ago and couldn't be happier. We had Amazon Prime and Netflix prior to canceling cable and we added Hulu Plus and HBO Now after. We tried CBS All Access but found it to be a terrible service. Weird commercial breaks and really only wanted it for Big Bang and Big Brother so we cancelled after Big Bang's season ended last Spring.

We have tried a few streaming options- through a game system, Roku, and just the smart TV alone. Our favorite is Apple TV. It connects so quickly and never hangs up. We now own 3. For Amazon I still have to go through my Smart TV or I can screen share from my Macbook to my Apple TV.

For those few shows that aren't available on one of these services, we buy a season pass on Amazon. We have passes right now for American Horror Story (DH and DD can't wait.) and Big Bang (but I won't buy it again, we've decided that we're over it.) This past year we also bought Project Runway and Big Brother. Even with the few season passes and adding Hulu and HBO, we've saved a ton in the past year.

My DD away at college loves it too. She's able to use our services.

I got cbs for a few shows that I used to watch including Big Bang. I have been bored with their shows lately too. After the finales end in May, I am canceling since I know I will not watch anything on that channel all summer and I probably will not subscribe again in the fall.

 

[eliza61]

How about getting an HD antenna for the local channels?

Thanks for the tip. definitely will investigate

 

[eliza61]

How about getting an HD antenna for the local channels?

We cut the cord a year ago and couldn't be happier. We had Amazon Prime and Netflix prior to canceling cable and we added Hulu Plus and HBO Now after. We tried CBS All Access but found it to be a terrible service. Weird commercial breaks and really only wanted it for Big Bang and Big Brother so we cancelled after Big Bang's season ended last Spring.

We have tried a few streaming options- through a game system, Roku, and just the smart TV alone. Our favorite is Apple TV. It connects so quickly and never hangs up. We now own 3. For Amazon I still have to go through my Smart TV or I can screen share from my Macbook to my Apple TV.

For those few shows that aren't available on one of these services, we buy a season pass on Amazon. We have passes right now for American Horror Story (DH and DD can't wait.) and Big Bang (but I won't buy it again, we've decided that we're over it.) This past year we also bought Project Runway and Big Brother. Even with the few season passes and adding Hulu and HBO, we've saved a ton in the past year.

My DD away at college loves it too. She's able to use our services.

Get Chromecast. Or use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop to the TV.

Thanks guys for the tips. I will definitely be looking into them. I'm over cable.

 

[Alesia]

How about getting an HD antenna for the local channels?

We did this and spent $60 on an antenna that gets us 2 channels.