LazBro
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Posts: 10,278 
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Post by LazBro on Nov 30, 2015 15:30:39 GMT -5
Couldn't decide if this was better here or on the TV thread. It's really both.
The Snapes are thinking of pulling the plug. Not on TV, of course, that would be crazytown, but we are thinking of finally following in the steps of so many and eliminating cable/satellite from our lives. I have some general information for you, followed by a couple questions.
General Information:
- Primary channels: 90% of TV we watch is on Comedy Central, Food Network and Cooking Channel, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Syfy and Disney.
- We don't watch any sport ever. Maybe the Superbowl if we can sucker people into coming over.
- Real-time is not very important, as we're often weeks if not months behind on shows.
- Technology we already have: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Chromecast, HDTV w/o built-in bluetooth/wireless or other "smart" functions.
- Services we already have: Netflix streaming.
- We only have one TV.
- We spend around $100 a month on just the DirecTV, not including Internet. This is mostly due to incremental stuff like DVR, HD receiver, etc.
Goals:
- To access as much of the primary channel content above as possible for way less than we spend now.
- To do so legally.
Questions:
1. Any general recommendations?
2. Is there a website that provides lists of what services offer which channels and/or shows all in one place so that services can be quickly and easily cross-referenced? Is there a service that allows you to pick channels/shows you want to watch and then it throws together recommendations for you?
3. If the answer to either question in #2 is "no," I have a great new idea and am looking for a young, self-motivated programmer who is willing to work for beer and is looking to get in on the ground floor of an exciting new venture.
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Post by Ben Grimm on Nov 30, 2015 16:03:55 GMT -5
I've been thinking of posting something like this, so I'll be watching what people say. I helped my parents drop their cable service a little while back (I had bought them a Roku not long before) and, given my experience with the Roku, I'd recommend it - it's much easier to use than our Vizio with the built-in internet apps.
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Post by Some Kind of Munster on Nov 30, 2015 16:08:03 GMT -5
This won’t help with figuring out what shows are available on which streaming services but if you’re thinking about getting an HD antenna to pull in the over-the-air networks this site should give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll be able to get in your area. I spent about $100 all-in for an antenna, mounting hardware and cable and we get around 15 channels (and I know a few neighbours with better antennas who get closer to 20 channels) so it may be a worthwhile investment if you watch a lot of network TV. Also, the HD signal is really impressive – like noticeably better than HD cable, even with my shitty eyesight. |
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Post by boooourns on Nov 30, 2015 16:27:46 GMT -5
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Smacks
Shoutbox Elitist 
Smacks from the Dead
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Post by Smacks on Nov 30, 2015 19:13:16 GMT -5
Snapes! I've been cable-free for 5 years now. Once I moved out of the house I shared with my ex-husband, I didn't find it necessary, (or in the budget) to pay for cable. I don't even have a TV, although I do have a pretty snazzy laptop. I'll tell you though, I do like the addition of Hulu, as it has more shows that are currently on-air than Netflix does. I feel that the two of them get the job done. Amazon Prime is pretty awesome too, and you can have all three for less than cable costs you these days although I just don't use AP as much. I get my news on the webz. As soon as I log on, Yahoo or Google will give me the what-what. I thought I'd miss it but I don't! There's always friend's houses or bars for sportz if you find yourself inclined. It's also pretty amazing what you can find streaming online (hello YouTube and your glorious Miami Ink channel) (hello and hubba hubba Chris Nunez). And I do mean legally, not that I mind so much about that, but pirating scares me for OTHER reasons so I've actually never done it. I'll let Nathan Explosion say it: PULL THE PLUG |
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Post by Buon Funerale Amigos on Nov 30, 2015 20:48:32 GMT -5
I haven't had cable since the Verizon guy noticed I was stealing it back in 2003. I get along with Netflix and Amazon Prime mostly, but I am not above piracy when it comes to Doctor Who (Mister Fibuli!!). I will see your Nathan Explosion and raise you a Chuck Schuldiner. |
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Baron von Costume
TI Forumite
Like an iron maiden made of pillows... the punishment is decadence!
Posts: 4,683
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Post by Baron von Costume on Dec 1, 2015 11:10:19 GMT -5
As someone likely to go that route once my intro cable package runs out (though I'm waiting to see just how the new canadian legislation that a basic package has to be available cheap + pick and play individual channels works out) I've looked into it a bit.
1. Do some research into what you can get over the air (both with a set top antenna and through possibly running an HD antenna up to your roof.) There are sites out there where you input your ZIP and it'll tell you what you'll get with various height antennas.
2. There absolutely are, but looking at my bookmarks the one my friend recommended is now gone. I'm sure they still exist. Personally my plan is to have a VPN enabled netflix (so I can access US/UK versions) and then budget a second floating subscription to various other things
(I wrote this yesterday but then didn't submit before the power went out at work, but posting it anyway)
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Post by ganews on Dec 1, 2015 11:34:29 GMT -5
I do appreciate watching certain things in real time, so I'm not ready to cut cable entirely. When we moved into the new house early this year we signed on for Verizon's new pseudo-a la carte system. You don't choose channels individually, but in packages. Grouping the channels LazBro listed by the package they belong to: Comedy Central, Syfy Disney Food Network, Cooking Channel ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX So three plus network. You might check it out. |
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Post by sarapen on Dec 1, 2015 14:12:44 GMT -5
There are consulting services out there that help you figure out how to replace your cable with streaming, at least according to a news article I read a while ago. They come to your house, interview you on your viewing habits, then come up with the combination of streaming services that work for you. Apparently they can also sometimes recommend you keep your cable if you're really into live sports and such. Unfortunately I don't remember what the companies are called, though I do remember they were really small local operations - there were only two examples given and one was like in Chicago or something and the other was I think in Toronto. Anyway if you install the Plex app on Roku and sign up for and install channel PEAR through Plex you can watch a lot of those networks, possibly all of them. I'm not sure because a lot are region-locked and I'm not in the US. Comedy Central and Food Network are definitely on there, as well as the major networks. I believe it works by connecting to the videos that are stored on the TV shows' website. |
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Post by Jean-Luc Lemur on Dec 1, 2015 14:30:21 GMT -5
I am functionally unplugged, given that essentially all the TV I watch is through streaming services, but still have super-basic cable because it was a cheaper package with fast internet. I never leave the cable box plugged in after watching something (typically Bob’s Burgers), though, because it’s a big power suck.
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Post by nowimnothing on Dec 1, 2015 14:36:40 GMT -5
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Post by sarapen on Dec 1, 2015 15:11:48 GMT -5
Looks like a handy website but FYI all, the latest movies being featured are NSFW, unless your workplace is cool with the movie poster for Erotic Diary of an Office Lady showing up on your screen. Just full frontal chica wearing nothing but knee highs and a Red Riding Hood cloak. I assume she's the Office Lady whose Erotic Diary is the focus of the film. |
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Post by nowimnothing on Dec 1, 2015 15:29:40 GMT -5
Looks like a handy website but FYI all, the latest movies being featured are NSFW, unless your workplace is cool with the movie poster for Erotic Diary of an Office Lady showing up on your screen. Just full frontal chica wearing nothing but knee highs and a Red Riding Hood cloak. I assume she's the Office Lady whose Erotic Diary is the focus of the film. Huh? Where is my Erotic Diary? All I get is a bunch of Hunger Games posters. ahhh, there it is, it looks like each refresh brings up a different set of posters from different streaming services. Damn you Fandor! |
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Post by Jean-Luc Lemur on Dec 1, 2015 17:58:33 GMT -5
I didn’t get the Office Lady’s Erotic Diary, but I did get Boobs: One Woman’s Search for Perfection.
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Post by Floyd Diabolical Barber on Feb 15, 2016 22:13:43 GMT -5
Doing a little shameless self-promoting here. I started a thread Cord Cutting: Roku Roundup on the TV board to review some streaming channels I found on my Roku. There's a lot of free stuff out there. Most of these streaming services are also available on mobile devices, desktop computers and other streaming devices. |
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Post by WKRP Jimmy Drop on Feb 20, 2016 0:47:55 GMT -5
My friend just got SlingTV this week, which I'd never heard of. Apparently you get a package of channels, and then can add ala carte, including HBO, which is interesting, as they tend to be waaaaaaaay behind the curve on the very idea of kids today and their "streaming". SlingTV |
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Post by Floyd Diabolical Barber on Feb 20, 2016 12:43:02 GMT -5
My friend just got SlingTV this week, which I'd never heard of. Apparently you get a package of channels, and then can add ala carte, including HBO, which is interesting, as they tend to be waaaaaaaay behind the curve on the very idea of kids today and their "streaming". SlingTVI think right now you can get a free 10 day trial of sling TV if you have Roku. Don't know about deals for other streaming devices. We are still working our way through our free trials and haven't done sling yet. Sling is owned by Dish, so they could add more channels, but I can't see them becoming really competitive in the immediate future. |
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Post by WKRP Jimmy Drop on Feb 23, 2016 20:47:27 GMT -5
My friend just got SlingTV this week, which I'd never heard of. Apparently you get a package of channels, and then can add ala carte, including HBO, which is interesting, as they tend to be waaaaaaaay behind the curve on the very idea of kids today and their "streaming". SlingTVI think right now you can get a free 10 day trial of sling TV if you have Roku. Don't know about deals for other streaming devices. We are still working our way through our free trials and haven't done sling yet. Sling is owned by Dish, so they could add more channels, but I can't see them becoming really competitive in the immediate future. Yeah, I'm doing fine with my Roku, but she's all excited about Sling.  |
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Post by Not a real doctor on Aug 15, 2016 17:29:48 GMT -5
I think right now you can get a free 10 day trial of sling TV if you have Roku. Don't know about deals for other streaming devices. We are still working our way through our free trials and haven't done sling yet. Sling is owned by Dish, so they could add more channels, but I can't see them becoming really competitive in the immediate future. Yeah, I'm doing fine with my Roku, but she's all excited about Sling. Any word on how Sling is working out for your friend? My new place has pretty meager over the air offerings and I'm considering it since I already have a Roku. I don't watch a ton of TV but I like the sort of background noise live TV can provide. |
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Post by WKRP Jimmy Drop on Aug 15, 2016 20:22:22 GMT -5
Yeah, I'm doing fine with my Roku, but she's all excited about Sling. Any word on how Sling is working out for your friend? My new place has pretty meager over the air offerings and I'm considering it since I already have a Roku. I don't watch a ton of TV but I like the sort of background noise live TV can provide. They weren't actually using it enough to justify paying for it, so she cancelled it. They have Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Starz through Prime, and HBO Go, so they have plenty of choices. I like background noise, too; I tend to put on a series I don't really want to watch and just let it go. It can jack up my recommendations, though. |
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Post by Desert Dweller on Aug 22, 2016 0:58:17 GMT -5
So, I spent today crunching numbers to see if I could afford that trip to Austria with my choir. I think if I pull the plug on satellite that I will get close. May go to Prime/Amazon/Hulu for the next year. We'll see how this goes.
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Post by Floyd Diabolical Barber on Aug 22, 2016 20:24:53 GMT -5
I spotted this on the Roku a few days ago, and it's available on the web, and other streaming devices. USTVnow is listed as a service for Americans overseas, which allows you to view American TV programs. They saw they have a free service that includes the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, CW, and something called My9). They also have paid services with more channels. I think you possibly need to sign up from an IP address outside the US to activate the free service *coughVPNcough* , but it seems like it would be very useful for persons overseas. I am cross posting this to my Roku Roundup thread also. |
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LazBro
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Post by LazBro on Aug 23, 2016 7:36:14 GMT -5
The Snapes are thinking of pulling the plug. Finally did this. Literally yesterday. Just cutting the DirectTV for now, since we mostly watch Netflix or Hulu anyway. I'll miss Food Network and Comedy Central - my two main "kill a half-hour waiting for Mrs. Snape to finish putting baby to bed" channels - but the $120 a month we save should lessen the blow. Though I will say, the precipitous discount they offered to stay - same channels for $50 less a month locked in for 24 months plus limited-time free accessories (DVR, HD) - did give me a moment's hesitation. But I still went through with the cancellation. This is as much spiritual as practical. |
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Post by nowimnothing on Aug 23, 2016 18:33:13 GMT -5
Not quite cutting the cord yet, but I did get to drop Comcast this past weekend in favor of fiber internet and TV. In order to avoid the hard sales pitch, I just told Comcast that I was moving to somewhere outside their service area. After that, the process was pretty painless. I do still have to drop off my equipment though, that will probably entail an hour long BMV type experience.
My service and cost has not changed much. Pretty much the same channels and internet speed. I did lose free HBO but I gained whole house DVR.
But I do feel a lot better just knowing that I don't have to deal with them anymore.
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LazBro
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Post by LazBro on Oct 20, 2016 20:29:46 GMT -5
Update: we are happy.
Part of this is surely because we've been entrenched in Person of Interest, available in full on Netflix.
But the better surprise has been just how much of our daily intake can be supplemented by Hulu. Daily Show, Drunk History, SNL, @midnight. The staples that get us through life are still there.
I do miss my food shows. A LOT. But my unhealthy relationship with Buzzfeed Tasty is helping me cope.
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LazBro
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Posts: 10,278
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Post by LazBro on Oct 20, 2016 21:09:43 GMT -5
Oh, and Brooklyn 99. Also on Hulu.
Hulu kinda kicks ass!
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Post by Not a real doctor on Oct 22, 2016 16:18:40 GMT -5
Update: we are happy. Part of this is surely because we've been entrenched in Person of Interest, available in full on Netflix. But the better surprise has been just how much of our daily intake can be supplemented by Hulu. Daily Show, Drunk History, SNL, @midnight. The staples that get us through life are still there. I do miss my food shows. A LOT. But my unhealthy relationship with Buzzfeed Tasty is helping me cope. I got Sling a couple months ago and even though I never had cable before, I find myself watching a shit-ton of Food Network now. |
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Post by Desert Dweller on Jan 17, 2017 0:37:14 GMT -5
Well, I did cut satellite, but I'm now going to try DirecTV Now. This has a lot of the sports channels I watch. It is half the price of my old satellite subscription, and they kicked in Apple TV if you pre-paid for 3 months. Think I can still afford Austria if I do this.
No contract is nice. So, if I end up not really using it, I can just cancel after 3 months.
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