Getting rid of cable

[jcoxen]

I'm still paying for cable each month... $120, not including the additional fee for internet. Then on top of that, I'm paying for Netflix. I have wanted to cut the cord for a while now, but I don't know enough about technology to make an educated decision on what to do.

The only thing I watch on cable television religiously is NFL football every fall. Everything else I can watch on Netflix.

With that being said, is there a way I can cut the cord, still be able to watch football since it's on basic cable stations? I don't want a dish either .... I have a bad experience with DirectTV. I do have high-speed internet and wifi in my house. My television is NOT wifi, but would gladly buy a new TV if it would eliminate the need for my $120 cable bill per month. Hell, after a few months of not having a cable bill, the new TV would pay for itself!

What are my options?

I'd recommend a Roku. There are 4 different models - all with WiFi. You get the one that has the appropriate connections for your TV so you don't have to upgrade your TV if you don't want to. The most expensive one - Roku 3 - is for Hi-Def HDMI input flat screens and costs about $100. The least expensive one - Roku 1 - is for older picture tube style TVs and costs about $50. Compare them all here.

BTW, I assume that the ChromeCast and Apple TV solutions (and others) will do the same but I'm familiar with Roku and have been using them for years so that's what I recommend.

Keep your high-speed internet, disconnect the cable. There's a Netflix channel on the Roku - it's a free app. There's also an ESPN channel - description here.

That's all you need for what you said you watch.

Hope this helps.

 

[Airplanedoc]

I second the Roku3. I have 2 of them in my house. Easy to set up and use. My friend just got a amazon fire tv stick, and from what I have seen, and from his comments it is less than impressive. He also has a chromecast and it appears to me to be a happy medium. Having seen the fire tv stick, chromecast, and roku3. I certainly think the Roku 3 is wrth the extra money.

I purchased one of my Roku3 via amazon new, and picked the second up at a pawn shop really cheap.

 

[funnycreature]

The only reason why we have cable right no is because Comcast gave it to us free for one year with the internet package. It recently should have expired but we still get cable. There was a small (~$10) increase in my bill so maybe I'm paying for basic (SD) cable now? I'll definitely drop it though once it gets more expensive.
Netflix and Amazon prime are all we need really.

 

[hunter_le five]

We've a couple Rokus in our house, a #1 and a #2 (I think). They work pretty well. Made the switch from cable to streaming painless.

 

[CraigKing]

Ok, so the million dollar question is, if I get a Roku 3, will I still be able to watch football next fall when it's televised on networks like ABC, CBS, Fox ? Or ONLY when it's on ESPN?

 

[wardens355]

Ok, so the million dollar question is, if I get a Roku 3, will I still be able to watch football next fall when it's televised on networks like ABC, CBS, Fox ? Or ONLY when it's on ESPN?

Get an antenna. I have an antenna for broadcast sports and a Roku for ESPN and everything else.

Anyone know anything about this Sling channel Roku sent an email about recently?

 

[chuckcomm]

I have an antenna in my attic...picks up roughly 60 channels but many are educational...its great for locals. Also have dish but so want to dump it.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

My list of demands. Find me a solution and the DirecTV box gets it!

1) I want one "box" at each TV. Only one box. Not a box and a Chromecast. Not a Roku and a Amazon Fire TV Stick. One box. No changing inputs.
2) It has to be easy to use. If it's not easy to use, my wife will *NOT* allow me to get rid of DirecTV.
3) It must play saved movies (either on its own storage or streamed from a NAS).
4) It should be able to record OTA channels (I will buy an antenna as needed).
5) Preferred to be able to playback Amazon Prime Video and Hulu Plus.
6) Preferred to be able to playback Sling TV.
7) Ideally the "main" box at the primary TV will be able to stream video to the "clients" at each other TV. However, if I have to go to a single server (NAS/etc not connected to TV) and then each TV is purely a client, I can do that too.

I think that's about it. I've been playing with XBMC (now known as Kodi), but it doesn't support Amazon and Hulu. Yes, I know I can get access to basically ANY content through potentially less-than-legal streaming via XBMC add-ons, but frankly I'd rather use a simple interface like Hulu or Amazon because it's easier for the family, and because I feel better about it anyway.

My original goal was a mini-PC at the main TV, and then an Intel Compute Stick at each of the other TVs, all running XBMC. But since Amazon and Hulu won't work, I'm not sure where to go...

Thoughts?

 

[CraigKing]

I did some research and thanks to the local topography, there aren't any channels floating around that an antenna will be able to get me.

 

[madscientist451]

Got rid of cable 3-4 years ago, use netflix mail order and streaming and a few internet services. Maybe miss TV at first, but after a while you realize how much time you were just sitting there watching total crap.
Sports are a challenge, if you are a tv sports addict then keep cable.
Now I read more, study things that interest me, rent movies I want to see, and enjoy doing more than being a couch potato.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

I've never paid for cable other than when I split the bill with roommates in college- their choice. I use Netflix, hulu amazon prime etc. Recently got a smart TV with an integrated HD antenna and now I have all the basic local networks through that. I talked a bit about it with a coworker and he needed to cut funds after having another kid, so he both dropped cable and switched his cell phone provider to StraightTalk without contracts- ended up saving about $200/month!

 

[jcoxen]

My list of demands. Find me a solution and the DirecTV box gets it!

1) I want one "box" at each TV. Only one box. Not a box and a Chromecast. Not a Roku and a Amazon Fire TV Stick. One box. No changing inputs.
2) It has to be easy to use. If it's not easy to use, my wife will *NOT* allow me to get rid of DirecTV.
3) It must play saved movies (either on its own storage or streamed from a NAS).
4) It should be able to record OTA channels (I will buy an antenna as needed).
5) Preferred to be able to playback Amazon Prime Video and Hulu Plus.
6) Preferred to be able to playback Sling TV.
7) Ideally the "main" box at the primary TV will be able to stream video to the "clients" at each other TV. However, if I have to go to a single server (NAS/etc not connected to TV) and then each TV is purely a client, I can do that too.

I think that's about it. I've been playing with XBMC (now known as Kodi), but it doesn't support Amazon and Hulu. Yes, I know I can get access to basically ANY content through potentially less-than-legal streaming via XBMC add-ons, but frankly I'd rather use a simple interface like Hulu or Amazon because it's easier for the family, and because I feel better about it anyway.

My original goal was a mini-PC at the main TV, and then an Intel Compute Stick at each of the other TVs, all running XBMC. But since Amazon and Hulu won't work, I'm not sure where to go...

Thoughts?

I live on the dark side of beyond and there aren't any HD channels that can be picked up around here so I can't vouch for the OTA part but the rest of it can be done by the system I use. Sickbeard and SABnzbd get me regular TV shows. Plex on my media server keeps everything organized. A Roku on each TV handles streaming from the server, NetFlix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. I don't use SlingTV but if you want to playback remotely there's a Plex client for Android, Apple, Windows, etc.

Edit: I just checked my email and found one from Roku. They now have a Sling TV channel.

 

[CraigKing]

I live on the dark side of beyond and there aren't any HD channels that can be picked up around here so I can't vouch for the OTA part but the rest of it can be done by the system I use. Sickbeard and SABnzbd get me regular TV shows. Plex on my media server keeps everything organized. A Roku on each TV handles streaming from the server, NetFlix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. I don't use SlingTV but if you want to playback remotely there's a Plex client for Android, Apple, Windows, etc.

Edit: I just checked my email and found one from Roku. They now have a Sling TV channel.

Using your setup, can you catch Pittsburgh Steelers games? It sounds like we might not be too far away from each other geographically. Allegheny Nat'l Forest area.

 

[jcoxen]

Using your setup, can you catch Pittsburgh Steelers games? It sounds like we might not be too far away from each other geographically. Allegheny Nat'l Forest area.

I'm not a sports guy so I've never tried to pick up the Steelers. I don't have a clue whether I can watch them live or not.

 

[grathan]

One day I'll tell my grandchildren about the days when I was a kid and could flick through hundreds of channels instantly.

I can't help but wonder if we're heading towards internet tv where you have to wait for each channel and then each individual show to load.


The sad thing is that the large cable companies also own the internet. Time Warner clears %95 profit on internet and still tacks on modem lease fees and keeps moving towards tiered packages that count the number of MB you use. YUP, you are gonna end up paying cable style prices just for internet in the end. And you'll be paying extra for the shows on top of that.

 

[treacheroustexan]

I pay $15 for time warners basic internet, and I can still watch hulu, netflix and play on xbox live with no issues.

 

[reelmower]

I cut my cable cord about a year ago. I have rabbit ears for an antenna and pull in a beautiful digital signal for the local network stations and PBS. I also have a Roku. Provided you have decent internet service and a decent router .. you can get quality streaming signals on the Roku. Unfortunately .. anything other than PBS worth watching you still have to pay for. There are loads of free viewing content .. but not much worth watching. Everything free viewing except for PBS is pretty lame. You can watch some college football, college basketball, and NFL games provided it's being broadcast by your local network stations. If the rabbit ears don't pull in the signal strong enough .. you can put a better antenna in the attic or on your roof .. and even get a rotor .. to spin the antenna around for directional situations .. like in the 1960's.
If you are a MLB fan like myself .. I figured I would get the MLB package on Roku .. and I'd be set. Wrong. If MLB considers your team .. your local team .. MLB will black the game out .. until the game is over. I live near Charlotte, NC .. and want to watch the Atlanta Braves from almost two states away .. but MLB says that's my local team .. so it's blacked out. You may be able to get around the black out .. by fooling MLB into thinking you live in another section of the country .. but you have to pay for that service too .. and it's probably borderline illegal. You can use something like "Sling" .. but someone still has to pay for the cable service and I think only one person can use "Sling" at a time.

I don't miss my cable at all .. except for sports viewing. I find the commercials on the network stations even more irritating now that I don't have cable. I don't think I will ever go back to cable or a service like "Dish". In the mean time .. I keep my eyes and ears open for methods to view the content I want to view .. when I want to watch it.

 

[Culinarytracker]

I haven't paid for TV service in at least 5 years.

I do pay for netflix and hulu, I watch tons of stuff on youtube related to whatever topic I happen to be obsessed with at the moment. And a little knowledge on how to use torrents goes a LONG way.

I do however pay extra for a fast internet connection.

 

[broadbill]

The sad thing is that the large cable companies also own the internet. Time Warner clears %95 profit on internet and still tacks on modem lease fees and keeps moving towards tiered packages that count the number of MB you use. YUP, you are gonna end up paying cable style prices just for internet in the end. And you'll be paying extra for the shows on top of that.

I don't think this will happen. The expectation has already been established that internet access is unlimited, I don't think TWC can put that cat back in the bag. Also, Google Fiber has been rolled out in many cities, with more to come. Other cities are building their own wireless networks. Those types of services will put downward price pressure on the traditional cable/internet companies and they'll have to start competing for business.

As long as the public remains aware of the things like net neutrality and sweetheart deals between cable companies and the gov...I see internet getting cheaper, not more expensive.

 

[grathan]

The biggest things would be the FCC regulating the internet. Opening up the power poles to companies like Google Fiber.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I don't think this will happen. The expectation has already been established that internet access is unlimited, I don't think TWC can put that cat back in the bag.

It is already happening. AT&T, TW, Cox, and many others have silently implemented a soft bandwidth limit on accounts. I say soft because, so far, I dunno how heavily they are enforcing it.

I am consistently 50GB over my limit according to the letters I get.

I have yet to be charged but they do urge me to upgrade to the next tier for more available bandwidth. I refuse, I have had this very same account for nearly 12 years and there was no bandwidth limit when I bought in.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

BW and speed limits were HUGE issues when I was going to college in Montreal. I couldn't fathom being BW limited and had friends that were getting slapped with huge fees for going over insanely low (like 10-15 gig) caps.

Since I wanted neither a landline or TV I went with some small, unheard of company with no caps.

 

[DrunkleJon]

My list of demands. Find me a solution and the DirecTV box gets it!

1) I want one "box" at each TV. Only one box. Not a box and a Chromecast. Not a Roku and a Amazon Fire TV Stick. One box. No changing inputs.
2) It has to be easy to use. If it's not easy to use, my wife will *NOT* allow me to get rid of DirecTV.
3) It must play saved movies (either on its own storage or streamed from a NAS).
4) It should be able to record OTA channels (I will buy an antenna as needed).
5) Preferred to be able to playback Amazon Prime Video and Hulu Plus.
6) Preferred to be able to playback Sling TV.
7) Ideally the "main" box at the primary TV will be able to stream video to the "clients" at each other TV. However, if I have to go to a single server (NAS/etc not connected to TV) and then each TV is purely a client, I can do that too.

I think that's about it. I've been playing with XBMC (now known as Kodi), but it doesn't support Amazon and Hulu. Yes, I know I can get access to basically ANY content through potentially less-than-legal streaming via XBMC add-ons, but frankly I'd rather use a simple interface like Hulu or Amazon because it's easier for the family, and because I feel better about it anyway.

My original goal was a mini-PC at the main TV, and then an Intel Compute Stick at each of the other TVs, all running XBMC. But since Amazon and Hulu won't work, I'm not sure where to go...

Thoughts?

MOst of those can be done by a Roku. Especially paired up with a PC and the prior mentioned Plex. The recording portion would have to be done in computer most likely with a tv capture/tuner card. Shouldnt be any issues with a good antenna connection. Setting it all up to work would be your biggest hassle. Use should be easy for the more technologically luddite.

Edit: Didnt realize there was another page.. my mistake

It is already happening. AT&T, TW, Cox, and many others have silently implemented a soft bandwidth limit on accounts. I say soft because, so far, I dunno how heavily they are enforcing it.

I am consistently 50GB over my limit according to the letters I get.

I have yet to be charged but they do urge me to upgrade to the next tier for more available bandwidth. I refuse, I have had this very same account for nearly 12 years and there was no bandwidth limit when I bought in.

They way they enforce their soft limits is to throttle your bandwidth. They slow down your maximum connection speed more and more depending on how much you use.

 

[jcoxen]

MOst of those can be done by a Roku. Especially paired up with a PC and the prior mentioned Plex. The recording portion would have to be done in computer most likely with a tv capture/tuner card. Shouldnt be any issues with a good antenna connection. Setting it all up to work would be your biggest hassle. Use should be easy for the more technologically luddite.

You only need the tuner card if you're recording off of cable, satellite or antenna. If you're getting your shows off the internet via SickBeard or similar all then you need is an internet connection.

 

[DrunkleJon]

You only need the tuner card if you're recording off of cable, satellite or antenna. If you're getting your shows off the internet via SickBeard or similar all then you need is an internet connection.

Was referring to point 4

4) It should be able to record OTA channels (I will buy an antenna as needed).

Not sure of sickbeard or similar, they must be streaming of OTA shows then?

 

[cjokrap]

I cut the cord last year, and use an OTA antenna to get my locals, and Netflix/Hulu/Amazon for most other things. That said, I use some...let's call them grey area websites to stream sports...

MLB is looking to remove their blackout restrictions soon. At that point, I would gladly pay for MLB.TV. In fact, I would GLADLY pay for cable if I got some sort of a la carte option. I hate paying $80/month when I'm only really watching 5 channels. Let me pay $20/month for JUST those channels, and you have a deal.

 

[BreezyBrew]

I'm seriously thinking about this. I have a bundle right now that's running about $150 with a pretty fast bandwith connection. I need that for work. I talked to a rep, and if I dropped the cable, then my internet bill will go up to $82 a month. I don't know... they have me in a headlock.

 

[grathan]

You guys are starting have an impact...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...an-companywide-job-cuts-as-tv-ratings-decline

 

[DrunkleJon]

what if you downgraded to basic cable and got rid of all boxes? You dont actually need a box to get more than the basic stuff

 

[jcoxen]

Was referring to point 4



Not sure of sickbeard or similar, they must be streaming of OTA shows then?

I'm 2-3 hours drive through the mountains from the nearest city with a TV station. Antennas are not an option for me so I've never looked to see if SickBeard or it's competitors support OTA streaming. Since SickBeard looks for NZB files and then turns them over to a downloader program I'd doubt it but who knows.

And frankly, I've never really needed the OTA recording since I'm getting pretty much any show out there within minutes of an episode ending...often, yes, streaming from the broadcaster's website.