Cutting the cable TV

[ripvanwinkle]

I was talking to my neighbor who is more tech savvy than me. He's 32. He said to check out Roku or Netflix or Hulu. Anyone have these or something else? What about local news? I'm kind of a news junkie. Will I get local channels?

[Deleted]

Have you tried just an antenna?  I get over 15 local channels with a $20 digital antenna.  I also have a TIVO DVR.  I pay $10/month for the service, but the ability to record everything and the online guide are worth it to me.  Plus, it works like a Roku in that I can get to Netflix or Hulu or Amazon Prime from it.

If you just subscribe to Netflix or Hulu you won't get anything local.  They're both just services to watch previously run shows. 

[justme]

I currently have an antenna and Netflix. Probably getting hulu during new seasons and maybe sling.

[ripvanwinkle]

I went to Netflix. It says I view thru my computer. I want to watch it on my tv not on my computer monitor. How do I get it to my tv from my 6yr old XP computer?

[buster]

A Roku device is basically like a cable box that allows you to stream channels. From the Roku, you add Netflix, Hulu, HBONow, Amazon, etc. When you login to Netflix for the first time from the Roku device it will tell you to go to a specific Netflix URL and get a passcode using your computer. You then load this code within the Roku device and the Roku is now paired to your Netflix account, which means you don't have to login with credentials anymore. Other options besides a Roku are Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire. I Personally am a fan of Roku and rate Apple TV at the bottom of the list, but check out your options and go from there.

To connect the Roku to your TV, it has an HDMI output that carries both sound and video. As long as your TV or home entertainment center support HDMI, you're all set.

[Cookies Galore]

We stream Netflix and Amazon through our Roku. We get basic broadcast channels (ABC, CBS,NBC, etc) over the air.

[ginpin]

Do you have a Blu-ray?  Some Blu-rays have the ability to stream Netflix, Hulu, etc.

[Tiny]

Take this with a grain of salt - I'm sure there's some 'truth' in here:

I've been told I can buy one of those "thumb drive" looking devices (from google for example - I think Netflix may have a stick like device too) that will plug into a USB slot on my new (3 - 4 year old) big screen TV, that in conjuction with my the wifi/wireless effects of my interenet conection will get me streaming of TV shows to my TV via my computer/internet connection.


The issue for me is:  I have a slow connection, the wireless what not doesn't work all that well in my house (most likely NOT computer related - maybe the metal mesh in the walls of my house or the crappy router/modem thingy or the slow connection speed).   

If you are computing in the 21st century (versus me in the 20th century) you should be able to stream to your TV (provided you have a 21st century type TV).  

Also as has been mentioned many of the newer  dvd/blu ray devices also have the ability to 'connect' to Netflix/hulu/etc...   I've got a $50 dvd/blu ray device and it sez it connects - if I had a connection for it to use (no wireless/wifi in my house).

[8 Bit WWBG]

I have Netflix, ad-free hulu (TOTALLY worth the extra $4/mo to not have to see the same Verizon and Ford commercials every time I watch more than one show), Amazon Prime TV, and a service geared towards anime.  For me, the appeal is to watch when *I* want to, not when a show is "on".  I mostly use my PS3 or my media computer to do the watching.  I am still waiting for HBO Now to pull its head out of its butt and offer a standalone streaming service without me having to buy a Chromecast, Fire stick or Apple TV.

I'm definitely doing better with these services than when I paid $85/mo for digital cable I hardly watched.  I know that it is much harder if you are a sports fan.

The challenge will be that networks are starting to pull out of common platforms and go it alone.  CBS seems to be seceding from Hulu, in favor of placing programming on its own site.  Some are going the other direction: Starz and ... something else can be added to one of the services, I forget which.

Not sure about local news stations.

[teen persuasion]

We watch local stations over the air with an antenna, there are lots of "New" stations now, some play retro movies and series, some are children's shows all the time, some are religious, some comedy, some lifestyle...  Now that Canada has gone digital we again get a handful of Canadian stations, too.

We have Amazon Prime, and use the Wii to watch on the TV.  We will occasionally sign up for a free month of Netflix, and then cancel at the end of the month.  Our DVD player has become unreliable, so we've connected a laptop to the TV to play a DVD from the library.  We've gotten quite a few cable series to watch this way, like Game of Thrones, Dexter, etc.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 13, 2015 10:18:00 GMT -5 8 Bit WWBG said:

I have Netflix, ad-free hulu (TOTALLY worth the extra $4/mo to not have to see the same Verizon and Ford commercials every time I watch more than one show), Amazon Prime TV, and a service geared towards anime.  For me, the appeal is to watch when *I* want to, not when a show is "on".  I mostly use my PS3 or my media computer to do the watching.  I am still waiting for HBO Now to pull its head out of its butt and offer a standalone streaming service without me having to buy a Chromecast, Fire stick or Apple TV.

I'm definitely doing better with these services than when I paid $85/mo for digital cable I hardly watched.  I know that it is much harder if you are a sports fan.

The challenge will be that networks are starting to pull out of common platforms and go it alone.  CBS seems to be seceding from Hulu, in favor of placing programming on its own site.  Some are going the other direction: Starz and ... something else can be added to one of the services, I forget which.

Not sure about local news stations.

I got an email yesterday, I think, that HBO and SHO streaming subscription is available through Amazon Prime.  Whoops, just SHO and STARZ.

[ripvanwinkle]

Ok, let me see if I got this right:

1. I cancel Comcast cable.

2. I get a antenna for local broadcast channels.

3. Then Roku or Netflix acts like a cable box. Gives me national networks programming. TNT, CNN, MSNBC, WGN, BBC etc. What I get on cable now.

4. Hook all up thru my Linksys WRT54G 4 port router if I can and does not have to thru my computer to view my TV.

Have I got it right? And I do not have a dvr or blu ray dvd.

[Lizard Queen]

Not exactly. The stations available thru the Roku are mostly off-brands. The content that might be available for CNN (not sure if there is a CNN station on there), would be different and much more limited. Various TV shows are available thru Hulu, which requires a cheap monthly subscription. Not all shows are available--I don't think any CBS shows are, but you may be able to watch CBS shows via their website.

There used to be Rokus available fairly cheap. I'd get one first before canceling anything, if you're going to be miserable without certain programs. It's a different experience, and requires an adjustment. What is nice is there may be several seasons of a show available, so you can catch up. DH and I caught up on the entire last season of Sleepy Hollow recently.

[Deleted]

Dec 13, 2015 12:19:45 GMT -5 ripvanwinkle said:

Ok, let me see if I got this right:

1. I cancel Comcast cable.
I would hold off on cancelling until you know what you are going to be able to get with an antenna.

2. I get a antenna for local broadcast channels.
Yes
3. Then Roku or Netflix acts like a cable box. Gives me national networks programming. TNT, CNN, MSNBC, WGN, BBC etc. What I get on cable now. 

Roku or amazon TV are the hardware (box).  Netflix is only a content service, as far as I know.  I am not sure what channels you will be able to get.  Most of my Roku channels require a cable subscription or are a separate charge.  

4. Hook all up thru my Linksys WRT54G 4 port router if I can and does not have to thru my computer to view my TV.

Have I got it right? And I do not have a dvr or blu ray dvd.

My comments are in Blue.  We haven't cut the cord yet.  We can't pick up free channels because of the foothills.  We have satellite w/ DVR, 3 Rokus, 1 fire tv stick, a subscription to netflix, and amazon prime. 

[ripvanwinkle]

Hmmm...this is going to take some emotional adjustment. I'm not a "outside the box" kind of guy.

[bookkeeper]

We have been on the air antenna for the last year.  My husband has missed some sporting events (all were available at a bar 4 blocks away from home).  I missed out on a bunch of HGTV.  Big whoop.  We lost some weight, read some books, went to the movies and did other things beside sit in front of the TV.  

In South Dakota we get the network basics.  In Phoenix we get 40 or so channels over the air.  

Personally, I think pay TV is a status trap like driving new cars.  It really doesn't do anything for you but empty your checking account.

[NoNamePerson]

I'm just curious as to how much Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and any other independent streaming choices cost per month/per year. I'm not making any changes but just reading all these options in place of cable has me wondering.

[Cookies Galore]

Dec 13, 2015 18:46:16 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I'm just curious as to how much Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and any other independent streaming choices cost per month/per year. I'm not making any changes but just reading all these options in place of cable has me wondering.

Streaming services hover around $8-$12/month. Prime is $99 a year, which based on how much Prime TV we watch and how much I buy from Amazon, is well worth it. I might breakdown and add a Hulu subscription so I can watch The Mindy Project. Stupid Fox for cancelling that show, but yay Hulu for picking it up.

[buster]

Dec 13, 2015 15:28:03 GMT -5 ripvanwinkle said:

Hmmm...this is going to take some emotional adjustment. I'm not a "outside the box" kind of guy.

Just buy a Roku 3 ($80 on Amazon right now, link below) or Roku 4, ensure you have an HDMI cable to connect from your Roku to your TV, then connect the Roku to your household wireless network (assuming you have one). Pick up a Netflix subscription for $8/month and test it out. There is no monthly fee for the Roku, it's a one-time purchase. If you like what you see and how it performs, then cut your cable. I'm a tech guy and it was an easy change for me, but it took my wife a bit of using the device before she was comfortable not having cable TV. She's now hooked and would never go back to paying for a cable TV subscription. I would also consider getting a Hulu plus subscription as this will cover a lot of the TV shows on TV today that will not be available on Netflix.

www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-4230R-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1450056889&sr=1-2&keywords=roku+4

While you can use a Blu-ray player or possibly TV for Netflix streaming, the interface and speed of the device will not be very good and you won't enjoy the experience as much. It is worth it to pay for one of the dedicated streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Google Chromecast, etc...).

To answer question 4, your computer will not be used for any of your streaming to your TV. You will only need your computer to setup your subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, HBONow, etc...). Everything you watch will be through the Roku and your computer doesn't even need to be turned on.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't save much by cutting satellite, maybe $25 a month, once I increase my data cap for internet and subscribe to sling and Hulu.  For $25 a month I would rather have the convenience of cable.

[movingforward]

I currently have cable because they gave me a great deal for one year but I find that I watch Netflix more than regular TV so it will be no big deal for me to switch back to no cable (I did for 3 yrs prior to adding cable). 

Seriously, all you need is a roku box with Netlfix and Hulu.  Also get an antenna if you want.  You can get one for $25. 

Of course, I also HATE the fact that we have news 24/7 so I don't care about news channels.  I just read my news online.  

[emma1420]

I cut the cord several years ago.

I pay for Netflix and Hulu (it's $15.98 a month for the two of them), and then use an antenna.  I use apple tv as my streaming hardware device because I love the fact you can mirror your ipad or iphone.  That allows me to play shows from the networks that don't put shows on Hulu or Netflix on my television.

I think I save about $50 a month not having cable.   There are some shows I miss, but I don't miss those shows enough to pay an additional $50 a month.

[geenamercile]

We have Netflix and crunchy roll.  Besides that I watch shows off their websites.   Normally you have to wait a week or so for them to be open and sometimes there is still an add every 15 mins.  But to me it is worth it.      

[gooddecisions]

If it were me, I'd buy the Roku and antennae and hook up another t.v. maybe in a room you've been wanting a t.v and just see how much you like the experience before committing.

I do tend to think it's not as much savings as you'd expect. People aren't just paying for the program service, they have to pay for internet too and internet is always more expensive without a bundle. Internet from a cable company is anywhere from $50-$85/month after taxes/fees and low introductory rates. Amazon Prime works out to $8.25/month, Netflix- $10/month, Hulu $11.99/month. And, no you're not going to get CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News or any of the other cable news channels. With the antennae, you'll get your local stations. With the other services you'll get series of shows- some old, some original, some current and movies. They may have what you like or may not depending on licensing agreements.

I'm tempted to cut the cable every time Comcast jacks my rates, but then I call them and it's bearable again. Yes, I pay about $50 more than if I cut the cable, but with the DVR and On demand, I'm watching what I want, when I want and without the commercials. My budget is not so tight that I have to worry about that $50. Let us know what you decide!

[Cookies Galore]

Dec 15, 2015 21:25:50 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

If it were me, I'd buy the Roku and antennae and hook up another t.v. maybe in a room you've been wanting a t.v and just see how much you like the experience before committing.

I do tend to think it's not as much savings as you'd expect. People aren't just paying for the program service, they have to pay for internet too and internet is always more expensive without a bundle. Internet from a cable company is anywhere from $50-$85/month after taxes/fees and low introductory rates. Amazon Prime works out to $8.25/month, Netflix- $10/month, Hulu $11.99/month. And, no you're not going to get CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News or any of the other cable news channels. With the antennae, you'll get your local stations. With the other services you'll get series of shows- some old, some original, some current and movies. They may have what you like or may not depending on licensing agreements.

I'm tempted to cut the cable every time Comcast jacks my rates, but then I call them and it's bearable again. Yes, I pay about $50 more than if I cut the cable, but with the DVR and On demand, I'm watching what I want, when I want and without the commercials. My budget is not so tight that I have to worry about that $50. Let us know what you decide!

I don't know where you live, but I don't pay added taxes or fees with my internet-only service. We pay $60/month and that's it. If we added cable TV then all the crazy taxes, fees, and equipment rental fees would be added. I'd rather take that money and eat or drink it! I've never paid for cable and I don't intend to start, so I'm biased in all these cut the cord threads. :-) We do have Prime but use our friend's Netflix account.

[Deleted]

We don't have any bundling around here.  I pay $51.95 for internet, but am thinking of switching to new company that is $44/month.  There are not added taxes or fees on that.   I pay $10 for the DVR and $8.54 for Netflix.  I honestly couldn't find the time to watch more TV than I already do.  I really should cut back.

[yogiii]

Dec 15, 2015 21:25:50 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

If it were me, I'd buy the Roku and antennae and hook up another t.v. maybe in a room you've been wanting a t.v and just see how much you like the experience before committing.

I do tend to think it's not as much savings as you'd expect. People aren't just paying for the program service, they have to pay for internet too and internet is always more expensive without a bundle. Internet from a cable company is anywhere from $50-$85/month after taxes/fees and low introductory rates. Amazon Prime works out to $8.25/month, Netflix- $10/month, Hulu $11.99/month. And, no you're not going to get CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News or any of the other cable news channels. With the antennae, you'll get your local stations. With the other services you'll get series of shows- some old, some original, some current and movies. They may have what you like or may not depending on licensing agreements.

I'm tempted to cut the cable every time Comcast jacks my rates, but then I call them and it's bearable again. Yes, I pay about $50 more than if I cut the cable, but with the DVR and On demand, I'm watching what I want, when I want and without the commercials. My budget is not so tight that I have to worry about that $50. Let us know what you decide!

Similar story here. I called last January to cut cable and they offered me basic cable plus HBO for a year for only $12/month more than just internet alone. I'll call again in a few weeks saying I want to cancel cable and see what happens. I'm willing to cancel for a decent savings but for only $12/month I'll keep it.  

I live in some sort of weird spot where I can't get anything from an antenna so that is out.   If we cut cable, we'll have Prime only and I'm fine with that.