What is the point of no TV but watching movies?

[Took]

We turned the satellite reception (the only reception we could get) off the summer the kids were 7 and 9. We were going to be travellign a lot and figured we would just forgo TV for those months and turn it back on in the fall. We did not miss it that much so we never turned it back on (we were in that same house for another 3 1/2 years after that). It saved us about $35 a month.
We had had 3 at a time on Netflix before we shut of the TV reception and we kept that at that level.

Besides saving money, we liked it because any "TV" viewing was purposeful. None of us were every just watching whatever was on and flipping through channels. We still watched lots of movies, and rented entire seasons of TV shows but it was always something we really wanted to watch and not just whatever was on. The net result was less viewing in general and a tendancy to find other thing to do (play games, read) before turning to the TV.
As a bonus we did not see adds.

This is our take on this issue, too. We turned off the "regular" cable package and kept a $12/mo 13-channel package (the major stations, two PBS stations, TVland, and one or two others). Now, we just don't watch as much t.v. as we did when we had the regular cable package.I agree that I don't miss all the commercials.

We get movies at the library or watch hulu or something for certain sporting events. We even will go to a bar (there's a Buffalo Wild Wings a few blocks from our home) to watch some big games. But we do read more now and the house is pretty quiet. DD spends some time on the computer but mostly talks to friends, reads, plays sports, or plays her guitar. We just like it better.


We are considering a temporary upgrade in June to see all the World Cup soccer games in June. We did this four years ago and enjoyed having ESPN for the month. THen, we had to pay when we wanted to downgrade again, but it was still worth it.

 

[Disneyadore]

Come on is this really true? I have family members that our very religious and as long as I have known then the whole family have never watched tv, nor do they watch video's because of their beliefs, but yet they do go over to family and friends houses and have never once asked for the tv to be turned off or for their kids to be in a different room etc...they just more or less ignore the whole thing without any kind of drama. so I just find it hard to beleive a neighbor would DEMAND for your curtains to be closed, these type of people are usually very humble that try to follow after their beliefs.

Yes without any exaggeration.
They live in there own world with there own schools,on Sunday twice a day on foot to there own church, cars or bicycles are forbidden, playing children outside on Sunday are a great sin.
If children of others play outside they knock on your door and ask if you could call them in. Girls are only allowed to wear long dresses and black stockings no matter how hot it is.

Absolutely no work on Sunday, only church visiting and at home singeing psalms to praise the lord.
But on 00.00 the Lord goes to bed and hell breaks lose. Than there work day begins and if they have to wake up the whole neighborhood well that is not there problem.
They do not pay for any social security. They just "know" the lord will take car of them in times of need and sickness. (read the rest of the taxpayers work and pay for them)

 

[FireDancer]

Yes without any exaggeration.
They live in there own world with there own schools,on Sunday twice a day on foot to there own church, cars or bicycles are forbidden, playing children outside on Sunday are a great sin.
If children of others play outside they knock on your door and ask if you could call them in. Girls are only allowed to wear long dresses and black stockings no matter how hot it is.

Absolutely no work on Sunday, only church visiting and at home singeing psalms to praise the lord.
But on 00.00 the Lord goes to bed and hell breaks lose. Than there work day begins and if they have to wake up the whole neighborhood well that is not there problem.
They do not pay for any social security. They just "know" the lord will take car of them in times of need and sickness. (read the rest of the taxpayers work and pay for them)

If you ever have a get together and they bring Kool-Aid do yourself a favor and abstain.

 

[bananda]

wait, so most people have cable? is free tv all just crap? im not trying to be rude or anything, im just curious. freeview in australia is pretty good. there's a sports channel and everything. my family doesn't have cable and the only thing i feel like im missing out on is the disney channel.

 

[Disneyadore]

If you ever have a get together and they bring Kool-Aid do yourself a favor and abstain.

We don't have get together's. They don't like us or the rest of the world because that are sinners.

 

[{Kat}]

To the OP :: The point of not having cable TV but watching movies is simple for me --- I like being able to purchase something, add it to my collection, and then know I can watch it whenever I wish. I do not 'do' Netflix or other movie rental's, as I don't see the point of renting when I can buy. If I don't like it I give it away as a gift.

Now I do go the cinema, but only when I really want to watch something. The last movies I went to were Sherlock Holmes & Avatar. Both I shall purchase, but Sherlock Holmes is a Must have while Avatar is a "sure when it goes cheaper, I'll buy it" type of movie for me.

Personally I am a snob when it comes to my TV programme viewing, and generally prefer to watch British programmes...

Here is what I have watched that is currently on TV in the US :: Dexter (Own Series 1-3 on dvd, and will purchase 4 the moment it comes out, but on blue-ray. Intend to watch Series 5!); True Blood (Will watch it when it starts); United States of Tara (Love this quirky show to bits!); Leverage (Like it); Big Love (forgot to watch it this year); Mercy (loosing interest rapidly); Heroes (Still pretending to like it, whilst trying to remain a loyal fan).

Most of the time I'm attracted to British mini series as they offer more. State of Play is excellent, as is the BBC 2005 production of Bleak House. As for regular shows :: Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Skins.

There is a chance Torchwood is over, and done with which is sad.

As far as past programme's Life on Mars (The UK version, mind) was and always shall be my favourite.

 

[shortbun]

We have upgraded cable, DVRs and big screen TVs so I'm not one of those people. My friends who don't have cable, any TV but rental movies are afraid of not being able to censor television for their children and themselves. They also want to limit screen time to a very small amount of time.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

To the OP :: The point of not having cable TV but watching movies is simple for me --- I like being able to purchase something, add it to my collection, and then know I can watch it whenever I wish. I do not 'do' Netflix or other movie rental's, as I don't see the point of renting when I can buy. If I don't like it I give it away as a gift.

I just have to point out that I am the polar opposite of you. I do not want movies hanging around and loathe to buy them.

Love your choices, had to laugh at the Heroes comment. My dd and I dropped it when they reincarnated the "twin". Forget her name it has been awhile, Nicky maybe?

Now see I rent the series from Netflix. There is no way on earth that I would purchase a series.

I will admit to buying the latest Star Trek Movie, but that was a great movie. "Sylar" was fantastic. Still have not watched it.
I did see it in the movies.

 

[Sugardimples]

We have family who do not have TV, just rents movies. But they are frequently at my house watching my cable and have several programs that they record on my DVR.

 

[lovesmurfs]

We've done this for 5+ years. I LOVE not having the kids seeing what I view as Rated R commercials, and the kids only see the shows that we agree upon. We rent series (Stargate is the current one, intermingled with iCarly for DD). I have a couple of series that I watch on Hulu (Chuck, Castle).

I can't say I miss cable in any way, shape or form. DS16 and DH agree. DD10, watching TV at her afterschool program, would love to have Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

 

[NHdisneylover]

We have family who do not have TV, just rents movies. But they are frequently at my house watching my cable and have several programs that they record on my DVR.

That just strikes me as downright rude. If you want the use of an item/service then you need to pay for it yourself--not mooch off of others. I think if I were you I would just tell them no. It reminds me of people who do not get their children a cell phone becuase they can "always borrow someone elses to call home" (I have no issus with someone not wanting their kid to have a cell becuase they do not need it, but if the kid DOES need it more than a truly rare once or twice a year then do not count on others to pay for it). Same goes for the neighbor who habitually borrows the lawn mower, etc. I am all i nfavour of neighbors helping each other out but it needs to be by mutual agreement and helping EACH OTHER--a two way street.

 

[PollyannaMom]

....Besides saving money, we liked it because any "TV" viewing was purposeful. None of us were every just watching whatever was on and flipping through channels. We still watched lots of movies, and rented entire seasons of TV shows but it was always something we really wanted to watch and not just whatever was on. The net result was less viewing in general and a tendancy to find other thing to do (play games, read) before turning to the TV.
As a bonus we did not see adds.

I think this may be the best answer to the OP's question. People who are giving up TV but still renting movies maybe aren't doing it because of the content, but the time. They've set it up so that they can still watch what they want, when they go out of their way to watch it, but won't be tempted to just sit and watch whatever is on without thinking about it.

 

[LisaR]

I think this may be the best answer to the OP's question. People who are giving up TV but still renting movies maybe aren't doing it because of the content, but the time. They've set it up so that they can still watch what they want, when they go out of their way to watch it, but won't be tempted to just sit and watch whatever is on without thinking about it.

Again, I don't have any problem with that. My only problem is with the ones that feel superior because they don't have cable; the ones that look down on us because we expose our precious snowflakes to *junk* yet these same people allow their kids to rent some of that exact same junk, Facebook and You Tube. I honestly don't care if you don't have cable. We have gone without it ourselves but we always go back. The price makes me insane so I always threaten to cancel. My only point is don't feel superior if you choose to live without cable. (and by YOU, I don't mean PollyannaMom, I mean You in general).

Yes without any exaggeration.
They live in there own world with there own schools,on Sunday twice a day on foot to there own church, cars or bicycles are forbidden, playing children outside on Sunday are a great sin.
If children of others play outside they knock on your door and ask if you could call them in. Girls are only allowed to wear long dresses and black stockings no matter how hot it is.

Absolutely no work on Sunday, only church visiting and at home singeing psalms to praise the lord.
But on 00.00 the Lord goes to bed and hell breaks lose. Than there work day begins and if they have to wake up the whole neighborhood well that is not there problem.
They do not pay for any social security. They just "know" the lord will take car of them in times of need and sickness. (read the rest of the taxpayers work and pay for them)

I could change the title of this thread to easily accommodate this situation and to me it isn't any different than the TV question. We live in a very Mormon community. Sunday is their day to spend with family. It took my kids some time to figure out what this meant exactly. To almost every one of their Mormon friends, this means that they have to stay home all day on Sunday BUT they can talk on the phone for hours, Facebook, play video games with my kids via WiFi, etc. Again, I don't care at all. What does bother me is when one of their parents would look down on us when we would say something like, "this Sunday we are going to Disney." I would literally get lectured on how Sunday was a day of rest and we were suppose to spend it with family. Yeah, your kid on the phone for three hours with my kid is "family time." It all comes down to the superiority thing that drives me crazy. I don't care if it is religion or cable. You do what you want to do and I will do what I want to do. Neither of us is better because of our choices.

 

[trip]

I know a couple that does this. Knowing them, it's because they want to show they are superior in their choices/sacrifices for what they feel is "right" for their family. But mainly it's because they are cheap.

These are probably the same people that years ago would have said that they only watch PBS.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

To the OP :: The point of not having cable TV but watching movies is simple for me --- I like being able to purchase something, add it to my collection, and then know I can watch it whenever I wish. I do not 'do' Netflix or other movie rental's, as I don't see the point of renting when I can buy. If I don't like it I give it away as a gift.

Now I do go the cinema, but only when I really want to watch something. The last movies I went to were Sherlock Holmes & Avatar. Both I shall purchase, but Sherlock Holmes is a Must have while Avatar is a "sure when it goes cheaper, I'll buy it" type of movie for me.

Personally I am a snob when it comes to my TV programme viewing, and generally prefer to watch British programmes...

Here is what I have watched that is currently on TV in the US :: Dexter (Own Series 1-3 on dvd, and will purchase 4 the moment it comes out, but on blue-ray. Intend to watch Series 5!); True Blood (Will watch it when it starts); United States of Tara (Love this quirky show to bits!); Leverage (Like it); Big Love (forgot to watch it this year); Mercy (loosing interest rapidly); Heroes (Still pretending to like it, whilst trying to remain a loyal fan).

Most of the time I'm attracted to British mini series as they offer more. State of Play is excellent, as is the BBC 2005 production of Bleak House. As for regular shows :: Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Skins.

There is a chance Torchwood is over, and done with which is sad.

As far as past programme's Life on Mars (The UK version, mind) was and always shall be my favourite.

the point of netflix is so you don't have to spend money on movies that you will probably only ever watch once, or so you don't have to spend the money right away on a series that you want to check out, and could possibly not even like. i'm not gonna waste money on something, then try and pawn it off as a "gift" to someone. what if none of my friends even like the movie/show i'm trying to give away?

i've liked a lot of current UK shows lately. Robin Hood, Merlin, and Demons are the three i got into within the past few years. UK television shows tend to be better than US tv shows, anyway.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

I agree, if they are doing it for cost savings it makes complete sense, if they are doing it for content, it makes zero sense if they are watching inappropriate movies. There is plenty of good tv out there and even with cable/satellite it doesn't mean you HAVE to watch shows you don't like.

plus they have ways you can block stations out that play content you don't want your kids to watch.

So you haven't read books 3 & 4 then? There's plenty of violence in Eclipse and lots of sex in Breaking Dawn.

.......are you serious?? they don't go into ANY kind of detail about the sex. it's "Edward and i got into bed.....AND THE NEXT MORNING I AWOKE TO FEATHERS FLOATING AROUND ALL OVER THE PLACE"....and i'm not kidding....that's EXACTLY what happens in the book. i remember thinking to myself "how do you just FADE to black in a BOOK???"

and the only "violence" i can see in the 4th book is when Bela is "giving birth" and....i don't think i'd consider that "violence". maybe a bit gory/bloody.....but not violent. it's one of maybe 3 times someone even gets bit in the series.

man, if you think THAT'S filled with violence and sex, you'd probably be really afraid to see the rest of my book collection, because those are probably some of the tamest books i own.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

the point of netflix is so you don't have to spend money on movies that you will probably only ever watch once, or so you don't have to spend the money right away on a series that you want to check out, and could possibly not even like. i'm not gonna waste money on something, then try and pawn it off as a "gift" to someone. what if none of my friends even like the movie/show i'm trying to give away?

i've liked a lot of current UK shows lately. Robin Hood, Merlin, and Demons are the three i got into within the past few years. UK television shows tend to be better than US tv shows, anyway.

When I buy a series on DVD, or anything for that matter, I almost never watch it just once. I have 30 Rock, United States of Tara, Californication, 24, House, Friends, Monk, Weeds, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, True Blood, Dead Like Me, Buffy and Sex and the City all on DVD and I have watched all of them multiple times, some of these I've seen a ridiculous amount of times.

I even have great cable set up at both my house and DFiance's house, as well. Premium channels, movie channels, sports channels... I love TV. Maybe I'm the opposite of these people in the thread's topic. If movies went away forever, I wouldn't be extremely upset. If TV did, I would be VERY upset.


ETA: If I buy a DVD and I don't like it I won't gift it out, I just sell it on half.com.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

I've known some truly tv free families, meaning no tv, no movies, no dvds, nothing.

And some no buying cable or dish but allowing a few pre-selected dvds. There is more control over what is being watched, it's easier to limit and there are no commercials. Some people are more upset about the marketing to kids than the tv show content.

I like my tv and dvd habits so I'm not in either camp :lol.

 

[J3nn78]

We are canceling our Dish network tomorrow. We have the $8.99 month netflix with instant view and 1 dvd at a time.

We are canceling because
1. We watch too much TV and we don't need to.
2. Save money

Sure, we will still have our family movie night, and watch other shows and movies with our ROKU, but our TV won't just be on to be on. I want our kids to not rely on TV for entertainment. I am not against TV, just want to limit it and this is a good way to do so and save some money too.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

When I buy a series on DVD, or anything for that matter, I almost never watch it just once. I have 30 Rock, United States of Tara, Californication, 24, House, Friends, Monk, Weeds, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, True Blood, Dead Like Me, Buffy and Sex and the City all on DVD and I have watched all of them multiple times, some of these I've seen a ridiculous amount of times.

I even have great cable set up at both my house and DFiance's house, as well. Premium channels, movie channels, sports channels... I love TV. Maybe I'm the opposite of these people in the thread's topic. If movies went away forever, I wouldn't be extremely upset. If TV did, I would be VERY upset.

what i was getting at is, there are plenty of movies that i have watched that i've not liked and was glad i didn't waste the money on buying it, or that i watched once and said "well it was good to watch once, but i won't bother again"

and sometimes i'll want to check out a tv show to see if i'd like it, and end up not caring for it. i tried to watch Legend of the Seeker(i didn't catch it from the beginning so i went online to netflix to try and watch the first season) and i realized it wasn't something i would ever want to watch, and luckily i didn't waste $30+ on it when i didn't even like it. and none of my friends watch it, so i would have been stuck with it had it not been for me being able to just rent it and check it out.