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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2019 19:06:55 GMT -5
I've never been a tv or even a movie watcher. I am a reader I watch maybe 30 minutes a day.
But I had the "Ultimate" package for DH because that was important to him, particularly for the last year or so. I will never be able to watch another western (Death Valley Days, Maverick, Lawman, Cheyenne, etc.) without thinking about him.
So I called to downsize and figured out it doesn't really matter. I have 2 dvrs and 4 tvs. My fees alone were almost $50 regardless of the package I selected. No plan was less than $130.
One of my tvs is a smart tv. One has a blu-ray dvd player that connects to the internet. The other two have firesticks although I think I will purchase another blu-ray dvd player that connects to the internet for one of them. That is because the current dvd remote doesn't work. I was DH's remote, but I don't think the dog is up to being mine.
All that said, what services should I consider? I have Prime. I don't watch many movies but I was considering Hulu since they have tv series, too.
Any other suggestions?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2019 19:14:49 GMT -5
I went through that after DH died. I no longer needed sports so dropped the paid cable programming. I was lucky- I could get Google Fiber. The clueless cable company quote a higher monthly cost for Internet-only than for Internet plus paid programming and the speed was slower than Google Fiber.
I love Netflix. I pay $13/month and whenever I finish up a series I find another I like, so I'm happy even though I miss some of the stuff on cable. I found setup very easy; most smart TVs and sticks have Hulu and Netflix right on their menu (and sometimes on the remote). You just need to enter your account info once.
You might just start with Prime and see if that's enough.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Oct 24, 2019 19:46:54 GMT -5
We have netflix, prime, and hulu (thats actually dsis account that we can access but rarely use).
Netflix would be enough for me, but dh likes a lot of stuff on prime.
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on Oct 24, 2019 21:16:21 GMT -5
My DH and I never felt the need to get cable. There are lots of stations available via the antenna in the attic. However, DH passed away last year and there are times where the movement of trees on windy days would interfere with my TV reception. DH had gotten a free Roku Streaming Stick+ at a convention and I had played with that a bit. After a particularly windy weekend, I signed up for the free one week trial of Youtube TV. It's not so much that I wanted all the cable stations that it offered. It was more the fact that I could still access CBS, ABC, NBC, etc. but it would be via streaming video. At only $50/month ($53.75 with taxes, etc.), I decided it was worth it. What I particularly like is the ability to watch TV in bed now. We've never had a television in the bedroom. So I bring up Youtube TV on my iPad while I'm surfing the net with my iPad mini or doing crossword puzzles on my iPhone. I do have Amazon Prime Video too, but that's more because my DH signed up for Amazom Prime. I've only watched it a bit. I'm really more of a reader than a movie watcher.
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Oct 24, 2019 23:57:07 GMT -5
I cut the cord a few years back. I replaced it with prime, hulu (no commercials), sling and netflix along with internet. All of that cost less than what I was paying for cable which was ridiculous with the equipment cost and taxes. I cut netflix about two months ago not because they raised the price but because I just wasn't impressed with the content. There were all these movies and shows they were putting out and I just wasn't impressed with them. When the next season of stranger things comes out I'll get netflix, binge it then cancel it after a month. I use roku's to stream and have found some free streaming channels which aren't bad. After dropping cable I realized I didn't miss shows or movies that I didn't see commercials for.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Oct 25, 2019 6:47:08 GMT -5
I cut the cord about a year and a half ago. I have fire sticks on the three tvs in the house. I do need my sports fix, and one of the channels for my local teams isn't available on all of the streaming services, so there has been some trial and error. the most popular option in my area - YouTube TV - only recently became available for fire stick. I am still in my 5-day trial, but I think this is where I will stay. it has that local cable channel AND it has ESPN. none of the other services had both. Sling, PlayStation Vue, fubo. and, its $50/month.
definitely explore all of the services and packages. if there isn't much that you actively watch, maybe Sling would be enough for you. their basic stream is $20/month.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2019 8:10:36 GMT -5
I cut the cord 15 years ago. I use a digital antenna with a Tivo to DVR because I HATE being a slave to live tv. I also share Netflix with my Ex.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Oct 25, 2019 8:36:58 GMT -5
If you don't watch much TV, I would suggest just using the firestick to get the basic channels. Since you have Prime, try to see if you like watching shows on it before you try one of the other services.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Oct 25, 2019 10:23:29 GMT -5
Find out what internet alone is first. You may find that whatever cable stations you receive are going to be dependent upon that package.
We just looked into this before we left on vacation. Internet alone would be well over $100. We have a basic package that brings it up to $170. We dropped our package total, but the cable was the lessor part of the cable/internet package.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2019 10:27:03 GMT -5
Find out what internet alone is first. You may find that whatever cable stations you receive are going to be dependent upon that package. We just looked into this before we left on vacation. Internet alone would be well over $100. We have a basic package that brings it up to $170. We dropped our package total, but the cable was the lessor part of the cable/internet package. Jeez. Are there no other options? I live out in the sticks and there isn't even cable available here. Wireless broadband is $50/month. We used to have satellite internet which I thought was spendy but not $100 spendy!
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andi9899
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Post by andi9899 on Oct 25, 2019 10:35:48 GMT -5
I have Hulu ($9) Netflix ($16) and Sling ($38 with add ons) and pay $63/month including taxes and add ons. If you count my internet which is through Google Fiber ($50), I pay $113/month for everything. If you only have a show or two you watch, you may not need all those. Check to see which streaming app your shows are on and get the cheapest one. Keep in mind that Sling is live, but you can DVR with an add on. Hulu you'll have to wait until the next day to watch. Netflix you'll have to wait until the entire season is over to watch.
My cousin also has Direct TV that she streams through an app which is basically like having cable. She pays $62/month. There are so many options out there. I don't know too many people who have cable anymore.
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andi9899
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Post by andi9899 on Oct 25, 2019 10:38:36 GMT -5
I cut the cord about a year and a half ago. I have fire sticks on the three tvs in the house. I do need my sports fix, and one of the channels for my local teams isn't available on all of the streaming services, so there has been some trial and error. the most popular option in my area - YouTube TV - only recently became available for fire stick. I am still in my 5-day trial, but I think this is where I will stay. it has that local cable channel AND it has ESPN. none of the other services had both. Sling, PlayStation Vue, fubo. and, its $50/month. definitely explore all of the services and packages. if there isn't much that you actively watch, maybe Sling would be enough for you. their basic stream is $20/month. You can buy an antenna to get local channels. My dad bought one which I believe was either $100 or $200, but it is a one time purchase and not a monthly subscription. I watch the Chiefs games with him sometimes with it. I may just go out and get one myself.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Oct 25, 2019 10:41:05 GMT -5
Find out what internet alone is first. You may find that whatever cable stations you receive are going to be dependent upon that package. We just looked into this before we left on vacation. Internet alone would be well over $100. We have a basic package that brings it up to $170. We dropped our package total, but the cable was the lessor part of the cable/internet package. Jeez. Are there no other options? I live out in the sticks and there isn't even cable available here. Wireless broadband is $50/month. We used to have satellite internet which I thought was spendy but not $100 spendy! There are other options, but the service is well known for being really crappy. We are surrounded by huge trees, which obstructs a lot of signals. We do have good internet, just need to pay for it. It isn’t just the sticks, but the environment. I had a classmate who used to used to come over and download things. Where she lived, she had very limited internet access. She also lived on the side of a mountain.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Oct 25, 2019 10:45:25 GMT -5
I cut the cord about a year and a half ago. I have fire sticks on the three tvs in the house. I do need my sports fix, and one of the channels for my local teams isn't available on all of the streaming services, so there has been some trial and error. the most popular option in my area - YouTube TV - only recently became available for fire stick. I am still in my 5-day trial, but I think this is where I will stay. it has that local cable channel AND it has ESPN. none of the other services had both. Sling, PlayStation Vue, fubo. and, its $50/month. definitely explore all of the services and packages. if there isn't much that you actively watch, maybe Sling would be enough for you. their basic stream is $20/month. You can buy an antenna to get local channels. My dad bought one which I believe was either $100 or $200, but it is a one time purchase and not a monthly subscription. I watch the Chiefs games with him sometimes with it. I may just go out and get one myself. I have an antenna as well, but it doesn't do much for hockey and baseball - coverage for both those teams is on that local channel I had to have. also, I am 60 miles as the crow flies, from both Boston and Providence. the wind blows stronger than a nice breeze, and I don't pick up much on the antenna. mine is an 85mi range, and had to be installed by an electrician up on the roof, fully grounded.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2019 11:10:26 GMT -5
I cut the cord about a year and a half ago. I have fire sticks on the three tvs in the house. I do need my sports fix, and one of the channels for my local teams isn't available on all of the streaming services, so there has been some trial and error. the most popular option in my area - YouTube TV - only recently became available for fire stick. I am still in my 5-day trial, but I think this is where I will stay. it has that local cable channel AND it has ESPN. none of the other services had both. Sling, PlayStation Vue, fubo. and, its $50/month. definitely explore all of the services and packages. if there isn't much that you actively watch, maybe Sling would be enough for you. their basic stream is $20/month. You can buy an antenna to get local channels. My dad bought one which I believe was either $100 or $200, but it is a one time purchase and not a monthly subscription. I watch the Chiefs games with him sometimes with it. I may just go out and get one myself. Mine was less than $30 and picks up stations as far as 50 miles away. You might not need an expensive one. There are websites out there that you put your address in and they will tell you what range/type you need.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Oct 25, 2019 12:10:10 GMT -5
Every time I see this thread title, the first thing which comes to mind is an intro class into umbilical cord cutting for home births. Reading the comments though. About to cut out much of my service from Comcast/Exfinity.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Oct 25, 2019 15:32:28 GMT -5
You can buy an antenna to get local channels. My dad bought one which I believe was either $100 or $200, but it is a one time purchase and not a monthly subscription. I watch the Chiefs games with him sometimes with it. I may just go out and get one myself. Mine was less than $30 and picks up stations as far as 50 miles away. You might not need an expensive one. There are websites out there that you put your address in and they will tell you what range/type you need. I checked out a lot of these the last time we looked at cutting the cord. All of them said we have no signals available locally.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Oct 25, 2019 16:32:14 GMT -5
Mine was less than $30 and picks up stations as far as 50 miles away. You might not need an expensive one. There are websites out there that you put your address in and they will tell you what range/type you need. I checked out a lot of these the last time we looked at cutting the cord. All of them said we have no signals available locally. how far out are you, and how windy does it get where you are? my 85mi antenna was like $50 on Amazon. I can send you the link. my only complaint is its crap in wind, which is going to be the case with any antenna.
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bookkeeper
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Post by bookkeeper on Oct 25, 2019 16:35:32 GMT -5
We sent back our Dish Network equipment when we retired and moved to another state in 2014. We both were carrying too much weight and agreed to less TV time to address the problem. We have an air antenna which pulls in the networks and public television. I pay $47/month for internet and our son gave us a Roku for Christmas last year. I like the Roku and watch the free stuff, but have yet to subscribe to anything. One son put Amazon Prime on our TV the other one did Netflix. I grew up with only 4 channels, so I have had no problem giving up pay TV.
This is the time of year my air antenna works best, when the leaves are off the trees!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2019 18:57:59 GMT -5
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Oct 25, 2019 20:04:46 GMT -5
I checked out a lot of these the last time we looked at cutting the cord. All of them said we have no signals available locally. how far out are you, and how windy does it get where you are? my 85mi antenna was like $50 on Amazon. I can send you the link. my only complaint is its crap in wind, which is going to be the case with any antenna. It is not the wind, it is the terrain. Lots of tall trees and steep hills.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 26, 2019 7:27:25 GMT -5
I have the same problem with distance and terrain. Some people have huge antennas on their roof. I'm not doing that.
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bobosensei
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Post by bobosensei on Oct 27, 2019 6:58:51 GMT -5
I have a couple of digital antennas. One is in the attic and gets the most channels despite being 1/2 the range of the other one (I tried both up there). I pay 70 a month for the fastest internet, and also have prime. I use a Netflix password from DBs mom, and he gets hulu through his cell phone provider. We also pay for youtube tv now that it is football season because he says there are games that aren't on the channels we get from the antenna he wants to see. I suppose we will cut it off in a few months. What we do now isn't cheaper than when I paid for cable, but we get better content this way and we get DVR with the youtube TV which we didn't have before. DB likes to record the games and then start them later so he can fast forward through the commercials.
If he wasn't here I wouldn't have the youtube tv, but I would get myself netflix and possibly hulu.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Oct 31, 2019 2:52:14 GMT -5
I woke up and can't sleep, my usual body pain and feet.
We got rid of a bunch, landline, most of our cable. Have basic $44, starz, prime, with amazon, and one other, can't think of it right now, about $10 for those, then internt $63, so about a $100. but before our bill had gotten to $250 and I like to died. Hubs likes Rachel Maddow, but we at some point are thinking of cutting the rest of the cable. I can hear enough on other channels, but she is excellent that's for sure. Or her researchers are.
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jeffreymo
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Post by jeffreymo on Oct 31, 2019 8:57:36 GMT -5
My suggestion would be Hulu Basic for 5.99. You’ll get a lot of programming, but still have commercials. You should be able to use it with your fire sticks/smart tv.
Pair that with an indoor antenna (if you’re within 40 miles) of a metro area to get NBC ABC CBS FOX PBS, so you can watch news or live programming. Should be able to get the antenna for $30 or so.
Then see if you can get your cable provider to give you internet only - 100mbps for $50/month or less.
Or if you want similar variety to your current cable setup you could go with YouTube TV for $50/month. It will most likely include your local stations.
Our setup as of the launch of Disney+ is going to be a bundle of Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu Basic for $12.99 + fees.
Antenna
100 MBPS for $35
We have the benefit of being within 25 miles of a big TV market and 3 internet providers to choose from.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Oct 31, 2019 10:46:31 GMT -5
We never had a cord to cut since we get broadcast channels fine and I've just always refused to pay for cable. We have: -An antennae on our third floor to help boost signal (we're 10 miles from radio/tv towers) -Roku TV -Hulu basic for $5.99 -friends Netflix account -Amazon Prime annual membership $119 (we use just about all the Prime features outside of video) -Internet only for $55/month
So roughly $70/month to entertain ourselves. Add 6% sales tax to the Hulu and Prime if you really want. The $55 for internet is a flat fee.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2019 7:53:25 GMT -5
We never had a cord to cut since we get broadcast channels fine and I've just always refused to pay for cable. I guess it depends on the area. I moved from Cincinnati to NNJ in 1978 and still remember the shock- I had access to broadcast channels from Cincinnati AND Dayton including UHF (remember UHF?) and now that I lived in a valley in NJ there was almost nothing but static even though it was in commuting distance to NYC. I never dd try an antenna but moved to a different town a year later and got some broadcast reception. My brother in Lexington, SC has an antenna only. He's perfectly happy watching reruns of "Columbo". My Ex had Cadillac tastes and after he moved out I called and cancelled most of the cable extras- my main priorities were the standard broadcast channels and whatever package had Nickelodeon for DS. The bill was halved.
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CCL
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Post by CCL on Nov 2, 2019 22:34:54 GMT -5
I got an RCA antennae with signal booster from Amazon for $20. Installed it in the attic and it works great. No wind up there. I think we get about 35 channels. I connected it to my cable line so it's connected to all the cable outlets in the house. Also really like Sling. I have Amazon Prime, but don't use it much.
Recently ditched Comcrap for broadband Internet, so price went from $100 to $60 and twice as fast.
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Pants
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Post by Pants on Nov 3, 2019 12:21:59 GMT -5
OMG, FINALLY convinced DH to give up cable! We have 6 days till next billing cycle, I ordered rokus - we can test them and hopefully downgrade before next month!
Going down to just internet should save us something like $140/month.
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Nov 3, 2019 20:01:29 GMT -5
Finally ordered a digital antenna after seeing it mentioned in other threads and now in this one. $20, delivered the next day and it found over 50 channels most importantly CBS and ABC which I don't get live with sling and will give me more live sporting events.
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