Cable Television Alternative

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Evidently my two year guaranteed price contact with Comcast must be up. My bill just shot up $35.00.

I'm so sick and tired of arguing with these people all the time that I'm at the point of considering an alternative.

I have a couple of problems. One is that I think their product is the best available. Secondly, I use the internet a lot so I need good fast internet. I have a bundle with television, internet, and home security. We don't even use the home security. We only got it because it was cheaper to buy a bundle of three services than it was to buy two services.

I live up in the historic district and I believe that Comcast is the only cable company available up here.

A lot of people around me have Direct TV. I've heard good and bad about it. It seems that for some people it goes out every time it drizzles and for others, it only goes out for a short while when there is major rain and wind. Comcast has been having signal problems lately as well.

So I'm looking for suggestions. Please omit that I stop watching television or get an antenna for local stations only.

Are there other cable companies in my area? Can I keep Comcast internet and get Direct TV? What other internet companies are available to me? I understand that Brighthouse has an office up here, but I'm told they don't service this area.

Thanks

[pauld315]

Call them and tell them to connect you with somebody in retention, they will make a deal

[Nucky]

Evidently my two year guaranteed price contact with Comcast must be up. My bill just shot up $35.00.

I'm so sick and tired of arguing with these people all the time that I'm at the point of considering an alternative.

I have a couple of problems. One is that I think their product is the best available. Secondly, I use the internet a lot so I need good fast internet. I have a bundle with television, internet, and home security. We don't even use the home security. We only got it because it was cheaper to buy a bundle of three services than it was to buy two services.

I live up in the historic district and I believe that Comcast is the only cable company available up here.

A lot of people around me have Direct TV. I've heard good and bad about it. It seems that for some people it goes out every time it drizzles and for others, it only goes out for a short while when there is major rain and wind. Comcast has been having signal problems lately as well.

So I'm looking for suggestions. Please omit that I stop watching television or get an antenna for local stations only.

Are there other cable companies in my area? Can I keep Comcast internet and get Direct TV? What other internet companies are available to me? I understand that Brighthouse has an office up here, but I'm told they don't service this area.

Thanks

There are two ways to set the channels on Direct TV. The secret way allows you to view during bad weather. It is very easy to accomplish. $35 for CenturyLink, no problems except access to TOTV'S twice in almost two years. Direct TV. $70 a month for the best Service on any Vendor we have every had in our home anywhere. Direct TV as the kids say is "The Bomb" :eclipsee_gold_cup: Make sure to ask for a Company Installer instead of a Contractor if you decide to proceed with them. Brighthouse was a no go two years ago because I was shopping price. They don't want to come over to these parts. :a20:

[BobnBev]

There are two ways to set the channels on Direct TV. The secret way allows you to view during bad weather. It is very easy to accomplish. $35 for CenturyLink, no problems except access to TOTV'S twice in almost two years. Direct TV. $70 a month for the best Service on any Vendor we have every had in our home anywhere. Direct TV as the kids say is "The Bomb" :eclipsee_gold_cup: Make sure to ask for a Company Installer instead of a Contractor if you decide to proceed with them. Brighthouse was a no go two years ago because I was shopping price. They don't want to come over to these parts. :a20:

I am a long time customer of DTV, and I don't know any secret way to set the channels. Can you enlighten us?

[retiredguy123]

When my Comcast 2-year agreement was going to go up by $35, I looked at the options and decided to add all of the premium channels. This made the bill go up by $55 instead of $35. But, I now have every premium channel, including hbo, showtime, cinemax, movie chanel and a bunch of other channels. My internet speed also increased to 150 mbps. So, I am paying more, but, I think the extra $20 for all premium channels vs none is worth it. I also have the Comcast Xfinity Mobile cell phone for $45 per month with unlimited data and talk.

[sirknor]

I called when the two year contract was up and got the same price for two more years. I do keep track of the contract date so i don't get a surprise bill.

[aninjamom]

Comcast was going to raise our bill to over $190. My husband and I walked into the new store at Rolling Acres & 441, and a person there said that there was a really good deal for new customers. Hint. hint. So we cancelled my husband's account, and I signed up as a new customer for cable and internet. I have a 2-year contract for about $103/mo, and when that's up my husband will be the "new" customer. I just have to keep track of the 1 year of "extras", and cancel that before the price goes up.

[tophcfa]

Comcast was going to raise our bill to over $190. My husband and I walked into the new store at Rolling Acres & 441, and a person there said that there was a really good deal for new customers. Hint. hint. So we cancelled my husband's account, and I signed up as a new customer for cable and internet. I have a 2-year contract for about $103/mo, and when that's up my husband will be the "new" customer. I just have to keep track of the 1 year of "extras", and cancel that before the price goes up.

That's a good idea.

[Nucky]

I am a long time customer of DTV, and I don't know any secret way to set the channels. Can you enlighten us?

No problem.

1) Settings

2) Display

3) Preferences to Guide Channels. Set to Show All Channels.

When you go to the Guide you will see a choice of two channels for each channel. Use the one that is NOT marked HD.
It has worked like a charm even in the worst storms. So far that is. :pray:

Yesterday I ordered the Old School Remote Controls from Amazon. They were only about $5 each. We think they are easier to use. PM me if you need more help.

[BobnBev]

No problem.

1) Settings

2) Display

3) Preferences to Guide Channels. Se to Show All Channels.

When you go to the Guide you will see a choice of two channels for each channel. Use the one that is NOT marked HD.
It has worked like a charm even in the worst storms. So far that is. :pray:

Yesterday I ordered the Old School Remote Controls from Amazon. They were only about $5 each. We think they are easier to use. PM me if you need more help.

Got it, thanks. I also prefer the old remotes.

[tom_sjc]

I'm going to try Directv now package which is over internet, so no satellite. 60 channels for $35/month. Also no contract so if it doesn't work, I can change.

[TomPerry]

I switched from Comcast to DirecTV Now Streaming. I kept just Comcast Internet. DirecTV Now is great! I would have gotten the lowest package for $35/mo but my wife wanted The Weather Channel so I bumped up to the next package for $50/mo. I became a beta user to get the DVR feature, but now they are coming out with DVR on all packages. What is really nice for me is that I can use my FL account when I go to MA!! One $50/mo bill! Just keep the Internet and that's all you need except for a streaming devise for every TV. I use Fire TV and Fire TV Sticks. $70/mo for Internet at each location and $50/mo for DirecTV Now. - - - $190 for FL & MA!

[Mleeja]

Sony Vue has some good packages that start around $40.00 per month. All include to local stations. You will need to invest in a device such as a roku stick. With the Sony Vue and Comcast internet service you can keep your basic cost around $100.00 per month. When I mentioned this to Comcast, low and behold, they were able to offer a package for a year that meets this pricing. Another suggestion to save a few bucks with Comcast is to used their streaming service for your secondary TVs. To use the service you must have a Comcast box on at least 1 TV. This will save you the cost of renting the converter boxes, you get HD, and the On-Demand services. PM me if you would like more specific details.

[BRN_RI_FL]

YouTube tv with the golf channel is $40 a month. The cheapest directv now package with the golf channel is $60. That’s why I switched to YouTube tv.

[Mleeja]

YouTube tv with the golf channel is $40 a month. The cheapest directv now package with the golf channel is $60. That’s why I switched to YouTube tv.

Do you receive the local stations?

[Bruiser1]

If you are interested,,check with the ATT office. They purchased Direct TV an they are excited about new customers. one of the benefits was they threw in NFL package . You haven't seen NFL until you watch Direct tv with Red Zone.

You could watch the Eagles ( I saw you wearing their Jersey at the Meeting)

[BRN_RI_FL]

Do you receive the local stations?

Yes all four RI local stations. Local stations are based on where you are when you sign up. I keep track of the news back home in RI when I am in The Villages. I would assume that you would get all the Orlando local channels.

[BRN_RI_FL]

I’ve also experienced less buffering with YouTube tv as compared with directv now. YouTube tv also has a dvr which I believe e directv now is just getting now. I pay $35 per month for youtube tv which went up to $40 for new subscribers at the end of March.

[Dan9871]

Y. I would assume that you would get all the Orlando local channels.


No CBS on Directv Now in The Villages.

No NFL Ticket on DirectvNow

[BRN_RI_FL]

I had directv now for almost a year and until recently when they added a second, they offered only one local channel in RI. YouTube tv when I subscribed last month had all four local channels. You can try YouTube tv for free to see what local channels you get.

[BRN_RI_FL]

For many years up north we had internet, landline phone and cable tv for approximately $200 a month. Then Verizon Fios decided to make the golf channel only available in a more expensive package so i decided to try streaming. We haven’t missed cable at all. Also we were paying Verizon about $50 every month in HD equipment rental charges which is ridiculous. All you need for streaming is a one-time charge for a roku or Apple TV or fire stick. Still paying about $120 for both homes for internet though.

[billethkid]

Seems like once one settles on the internet provider.....$40 to $60 per month getting the desired television programming in one fashion or another still gets the monthly bill close to or over $100.

Convenience is worth something in the equation. Streaming is still too complicated for some of us. We like to record all of what we watch in advance and watch what we like when ever we choose to do so.

I not aware streaming allows that mode of operating.....very conveniently.

I am always open to a better/less expensive way that does not require a degree in communications/electronics/gadgetry:)

[UpNorth]

YouTube TV is great - you should try it. We get all the Orlando locals while in Florida, and watch the NY locals when we move north for the Summer. You can watch on your computer, cell phone or TV through a $30 Roku Express streamer. They have a great cloud-based DVR feature with unlimited storage. Cancel your bundle and re-subscribe to the best internet-only deal you can get. If you need a home phone, you can buy a OOMA box for less than $100 and pay only state tax (less than $5) for unlimited calls each month (you can port your existing phone number to the OOMA box for about $40). You can also get all the local networks with a roof antenna, but it's not as complete as YouTube TV. There is also Hulu, Philo, SlingTV and DirectTV now if you want to try other streaming TV services. No contracts, no cable guy showing up!

[Dan9871]

We like to record all of what we watch in advance and watch what we like when ever we choose to do so.

I not aware streaming allows that mode of operating.....very conveniently.


Directtv Now is in the process of adding that feature.

However Directv Now still isn't as stable or user friendly as cable/satellite (often you have to "restart" it to get streaming working and the guide/selection is pretty primitive).

[njbchbum]

Why is anyone arguing with a cable/internet provider when their introductory or specially priced package term is over? They are aware that the price was for a limited time only and would rise at the end of that period - no?

[photo1902]

Why is anyone arguing with a cable/internet provider when their introductory or specially priced package term is over? They are aware that the price was for a limited time only and would rise at the end of that period - no?

Exactly right. Just like with Sirius, they make it abundantly clear when you sign up what the rates will be at the end of the term when it renews.

[biker1]

Yes, that is true. It is also true that you can enter into a negotiation with them to maintain the "new customer" price or you will drop them. They can decide whether to keep you as a customer or not. That is the great thing about having the kind of leverage that only competition provides.

Why is anyone arguing with a cable/internet provider when their introductory or specially priced package term is over? They are aware that the price was for a limited time only and would rise at the end of that period - no?

[Daddymac]

I cut the cord. All i have is internet,, with a Firestick. And downloaded the Free TV Apps. It take a little time to get use to it.
I also have Netflix ( FREE) My nephew added me to his plan. If you are “Snowbird” You can get the “Sling player”
NOT THE SLING BOX.... “””” SLING PLAYER””””. Check that out.

[jebartle]

I feel your pain doc.

Someday, an internet geek will offer this set-up service to all of us without those special talents! I would LOVE to cut the cord but not ready to bite my nose to spite my face. I want the effort to PAY for itself. Doesn't make sense to buy equipment that far exceeds original charge for Internet and tv.

[Nucky]

Why is anyone arguing with a cable/internet provider when their introductory or specially priced package term is over? They are aware that the price was for a limited time only and would rise at the end of that period - no?

Hello there my friend. Thru negotiating and staying on top of these Cabal's like companies you can save a bundle of money.

1) CenturyLink $45 for life--nope $35 because the speed on our
side of the street is slower. DSL not Cable.
2) DirecTV-- Next to the biggest package with the Giants & Jets
for the Football season for free with all deductions and help
from shedding a tear. $70 a month total with taxes and fees.
3) My Very Favorite--Verizon. I almost switched to Cricket
because I respect and remembered your post but the terms for
buying an Iphone were not as good as Verizon so the fun and
games continue with them but it has gotten much easier with
them, a 55+ plan with Unlimited Data for 2 lines for $80.
Please, now we can listen to Sirius in the Golf Cart when we
wonder around aimlessly on a relaxing ride nearly every night
without worrying about exceeding the Data. I still turn it off
immediately when we're done.
4) Homeowners, Car, Golf Cart Insurance thoroughly shopped
and investigated yearly. To bad N.J. Manufacturers doesn't
service Florida, they service Pennsylvania now.

The point is there is no more loyalty from these companies
toward us so why would I be loyal to them? I have owned a
New Ford every 3 years since the 80's. Not this time around.
What did my loyalty get me? Cacca su Una Ghiaia. Nothing.
Gets me a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty instead of 10 year
100,000 mile warranty. I'm finished with them all. Best deal is
the name of the game. Sorry for the rant but I've been on with
non speaking tech support for close to 8 hours to resolve a
problem so I can sell my Dell and HP Computers. It's nerve
wracking. Take Care my Very Favorite Bums! LOL Bless You!

P.S. Sirius, my favorite and easiest. Just say you are going to
cancel and you keep getting the $30 for 6 month promotion and
it include streaming to your phone and computer if you keep
threatening to quit. Can't show any weakness or they will win.

[coffeebean]

No problem.

1) Settings

2) Display

3) Preferences to Guide Channels. Set to Show All Channels.

When you go to the Guide you will see a choice of two channels for each channel. Use the one that is NOT marked HD.
It has worked like a charm even in the worst storms. So far that is. :pray:

Yesterday I ordered the Old School Remote Controls from Amazon. They were only about $5 each. We think they are easier to use. PM me if you need more help.

So....you view your TV in standard definition only during the times your TV goes out because of weather? Do I understand that correctly?

[Nucky]

So....you view your TV in standard definition only during the times your TV goes out because of weather? Do I understand that correctly?

Yes that is true. Works like a charm. It has not let us down yet. There is a difference in the quality of the picture but at least we have service 98% of the time.

My son said the TV will always work better at his house if somebody remembers to pay the bill. Kids. :ohdear:

[B-flat]

I cut the cord. All i have is internet,, with a Firestick. And downloaded the Free TV Apps. It take a little time to get use to it.
I also have Netflix ( FREE) My nephew added me to his plan. If you are “Snowbird” You can get the “Sling player”
NOT THE SLING BOX.... “””” SLING PLAYER””””. Check that out.

Can you elaborate or provide a link for the SLING PLayer? What is it exactly?

[B-flat]

I had directv now for almost a year and until recently when they added a second, they offered only one local channel in RI. YouTube tv when I subscribed last month had all four local channels. You can try YouTube tv for free to see what local channels you get.

Brucernelson
I know where Chepachet I’m just a little east of there in Johnston. We are in the process of buying a villa in Calumet Grove.

[Dan9871]

Can you elaborate or provide a link for the SLING PLayer? What is it exactly?

Slingbox.com - Slingplayer Apps (http://www.slingbox.com/Products/SlingplayerApps.aspx)

[PennBF]

First I start with no one is looking out for the consumer in the TV World! When was the last time has anyone seen a Cable Co being challenged by the Florida politicians? There are no controls over that business and the consumer is at their mercy. The major cable stores on 441 are there as retail stores and allegedly receive commisions if they can get someone to cancel a cable co and get the consumer to go to another co. Consumers should be sure to deal only with the "Corporate Stores". Example: If you have a remote fail call the store on 441 to replace it and see what the price is. Next call the Corp. Service people and see what the price is. Enough said. We have Direct TV and love it. But like the others you have to watch them. If you call for service make sure it is not a sub contractor or you are signing up for DirectTVNOW which is Streaming and $35 added to your bill. Their NFL Ticket is great but expensive, about $200 for 6 months. It is a typical..Buyer Beware!! :bowdown:

[UpNorth]

Can you elaborate or provide a link for the SLING PLayer? What is it exactly?

There is Sling TV, a pay-for-service TV streaming system similar to Hulu, YouTube TV and Direct TV Vow. You need a smart TV or Roku box to watch.

Slingplayer is an app that allows you to watch your TV from a remote location. You need to buy and connect a SlingBOX at that remote location. It transmits your TV signals to anywhere you have internet. I have used it for years down here in Florida and it works pretty well. But now I subscribe to YouTube TV and can watch anywhere on any device.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Brucernelson
I know where Chepachet I’m just a little east of there in Johnston. We are in the process of buying a villa in Calumet Grove.

Welcome! I sent you a PM.