[nhkim]

You'll need to do some homework before making any switch. First, create a list of all the shows and live programming you watch. Then do an Internet search of what streaming service(s) each one is associated with. Some services are bundled, some are attached to other things (i.e., Prime is attached to Amazon; Paramount+ is attached to Walmart; Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu as a package are attached to my Verizon Wireless plan).

Most streaming services also create their own original content. Both Apple TV and Prime have many excellent original series. No one mentioned Max, which is going to revert to its prior name of HBO Max in June. Hulu is connected to ABC, which means that current shows on ABC are available for streaming on Hulu the day after they first air. CBS is connected to Paramount+. NBC is connected to Peacock (another one no one mentioned).

Most, if not all, of these services have a basic version with commercials and an upgraded commercial version for a few bucks more a month.

Live sports are now filtered throughout various streaming services (NFL Thursday Night Football is on Amazon Prime, for example).

YouTube TV (not to be confused with YouTube) is probably the closest thing to cable TV as we know it. There's a whole list of channels, just like cable, but I'm not sure if you add the cost of YouTube TV and Internet that you'll see much difference in cost compared to cable.

There were a couple mentions of Apple TV. Apple in its infinite wisdom decided to call two entirely different things "Apple TV." One is a small hardware device that plugs into your TV to make it a smart TV. Roku and Firestick devices are competitors of that product. There's also Apple TV, the streaming service, that you'll pay a monthly fee for, whether you have an Apple TV device or Roku or Firestick.

Here's a way to really cut costs, but there's work involved. Every service is a month-to-month contract, and it's easy to cancel and restart subscriptions. A person could be vigilant, sign up for one or two services, watch everything on their list for that month, then cancel those services and repeat with another one or two services and keep rotating around. To make sure you don't forget to cancel a subscription, cancel it the day after you sign up for it. You'll have paid for the month, and you'll still have the service for the entire 30 days, and then it will automatically cancel. Like I said, this requires some work and notetaking, but if I really wanted to slash my costs and have all the viewing options I want, this is what I would do.

Lastly, the good old days of channel surfing are no more, I'm afraid. You can surf through each streaming service separately, but not everything together. I'm hopeful that someday we'll be able to scroll through everything together. However, the good news is that all your apps will keep track of where you are. Say you're working your way through The Wire or The Sopranos on Max, both of which have several seasons. The next time you want to watch it, Max will know exactly where you left off, even if you take a several-month break. And if you're watching a current show like Matlock on Paramount+, if you're caught up, you'll be alerted when a new episode is available. We do this all the time with movies. We'll start a movie, then it gets too late so we stop it and pick it up later.

Good luck with all your research. No matter what, you need Internet unless you're a total Luddite. Then an antenna might be your answer.

[dawabeav]

IPTV is the way to go. Educate yourself. You will be glad you did.

[Larryandlinda]

We have not had cable ‘ back up north’ since the 80’s and have rooftop rabbit ears that get 100 OTA stations from DC and Baltimore.
In TV we have one in the attic but may add a tower up top of the roof - while ‘the covenants’ in TV say no aerials , the FCC (for now) says sorry Mr developer , you can’t do anything to restrict deceiving a broadcast signal.
Same with our clothesline - the environmental departments of the gov say the developer can’t interfere with something that helps keep the planet cleaner ( and our clothing fresher)

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by nhkim

You'll need to do some homework before making any switch.. NBC is connected to Peacock (another one no one mentioned).

Originally Posted by BrianL99

Various providers offer "packages", just like your old Cable company did. YouTube, Hulu, Sling, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Netflx.

Originally Posted by RoadToad

Favorites seem to be Netflix, Peacock, Paramount+, Hulu, Sling, literally hundreds available.

...

[MsPCGenius]

At one time -- don't know if it is still -- this was an offering via The Villages Enrichment Academy. That means a class you must pay for to attend (as opposed to a social group that will provide information for free). They were asking $50/person for residents.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Larryandlinda

We have not had cable ‘ back up north’ since the 80’s and have rooftop rabbit ears that get 100 OTA stations from DC and Baltimore.
In TV we have one in the attic but may add a tower up top of the roof - while ‘the covenants’ in TV say no aerials , the FCC (for now) says sorry Mr developer , you can’t do anything to restrict deceiving a broadcast signal.
Same with our clothesline - the environmental departments of the gov say the developer can’t interfere with something that helps keep the planet cleaner ( and our clothing fresher)

The FCC doesn't quite say that. Better to check with Community Standards ahead of time - this is not a case where it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Larryandlinda

We have not had cable ‘ back up north’ since the 80’s and have rooftop rabbit ears that get 100 OTA stations from DC and Baltimore.

In TV we have one in the attic but may add a tower up top of the roof - while ‘the covenants’ in TV say no aerials , the FCC (for now) says sorry Mr developer , you can’t do anything to restrict deceiving a broadcast signal.

Same with our clothesline - the environmental departments of the gov say the developer can’t interfere with something that helps keep the planet cleaner ( and our clothing fresher)

Why not stay "back up North", where you get free TV and your wants aren't in conflict with the community standards of The Villages?

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Larryandlinda

We have not had cable ‘ back up north’ since the 80’s and have rooftop rabbit ears that get 100 OTA stations from DC and Baltimore.
In TV we have one in the attic but may add a tower up top of the roof - while ‘the covenants’ in TV say no aerials , the FCC (for now) says sorry Mr developer , you can’t do anything to restrict deceiving a broadcast signal.
Same with our clothesline - the environmental departments of the gov say the developer can’t interfere with something that helps keep the planet cleaner ( and our clothing fresher)

True they can't stop you from installing an antenna but you need to get permission on where to put it, meaning the CCD or HOA can regulate where you can and can't put a dish or any other antenna. For example, can't bolt an antenna on the front window frame of your house but the side is probably fine.

[BobbyM46]

Before Covid, there were a number of technology clubs that gave monthly presentations on various IT subjects. Cutting The Cord was a very popular subject. With Covid the presentations went away. Don’t know if they ever resumed. Check the club listings.

[Maker]

Originally Posted by jrref

True they can't stop you from installing an antenna but you need to get permission on where to put it, meaning the CCD or HOA can regulate where you can and can't put a dish or any other antenna. For example, can't bolt an antenna on the front window frame of your house but the side is probably fine.

The FCC would disagree partially. A sat dish needs a clear view of the sky. If that path is blocked by neighbor's tree, it won't work properly. So location there is not possible.
A over the air antenna works best if there are no obstructions between you and the TV tower. If ARC says put is where it points directly into your neighbor's roof, that may not work properly. You have the FCC on your side because the law says you put it where it needs to go so that it works properly.
ARC cannot block locating it where it works best, no matter where that location might be. Even if that happens to be on a tall tower.

[Sparky99]

Do a search for antenna or OTA channels. Install a roof antenna.

[MacScuba]

We got a package from Spectrum that gives Internet plus a dozen “regular” cable channels like ESPN using the Spectrum app on the smart TV . So still no cable box.

[Tvflguy]

Is there a Villages Cord Cutters Club?

Well all 3 of my "kids" (in their 40's 50's now) were Cesarean. Back then the docs would not let the father go into the op room. That said, I can't comment on the topic.

But, considering the age of couples in TV, why would the Op want to know about a club as that???

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by jrref

True they can't stop you from installing an antenna but you need to get permission on where to put it, meaning the CCD or HOA can regulate where you can and can't put a dish or any other antenna. For example, can't bolt an antenna on the front window frame of your house but the side is probably fine.

Originally Posted by Maker

The FCC would disagree partially. A sat dish needs a clear view of the sky. If that path is blocked by neighbor's tree, it won't work properly. So location there is not possible.
A over the air antenna works best if there are no obstructions between you and the TV tower. If ARC says put is where it points directly into your neighbor's roof, that may not work properly. You have the FCC on your side because the law says you put it where it needs to go so that it works properly.
ARC cannot block locating it where it works best, no matter where that location might be. Even if that happens to be on a tall tower.

The FCC page on OTA Devices Rule has a useful Q and A section. Search for the question that begins:

Q: What restrictions prevent reception of transmission of an acceptable quality signal? Can a homeowners association or other restricting entity establish enforceable preferences for antenna locations?

A: Enforceable placement preferences must be clearly articulated in writing and made available to all residents of the community in question. ...

The ARC CAN block locating it from where it works *best*. What they cannot do is block locating it from where it works *acceptably*.

[MikeVillages]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

Why not stay "back up North", where you get free TV and your wants aren't in conflict with the community standards of The Villages?

Originally Posted by jrref

... you need to get permission on where to put it, meaning the CCD or HOA can regulate where you can and can't put a dish or any other antenna. For example, can't bolt an antenna on the front window frame of your house but the side is probably fine.

FAUSE! Read the federal law. The FCC law clearly states a CCD, HMO, ect cannot forbid nor require pre-approval for an antenna or dish use for OTA television. The FCC has examples such as a dish on the front roof where they tried to fine a homeowner. The homeowner sent the information to the FCC and the HMO lost. Just follow the FCC rules and there is nothing “community standards" can do.