Cutting the Cable Cord
 

Has anyone successfully cut the cable cord and now use YouTubeTV, Sling TV, etc? What was your experience? Dish TV is about to almost double my monthly charge.

We cut the cord 7 years ago and never looked back. Until recently, we used an over-the-air antenna plus Roku boxes to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. We recently dropped Hulu and started using YouTubeTV (and also stopped using the over-the-air antenna) because of some additional content we wanted.

We cut the cable about a year ago and it was very easy. There are quite a few streaming options. We had the $35 directv now package for about 10 months but recently switched to youtube tv which includes the golf channel for the same price. It recently went up to $40 for new subscribers. We have amazon prime mainly for the 2 day shipping but their included streaming service is very good. We also have Hulu for about $5 a month. Don’t miss cable tv at all with it’s 150 channels, 95% of which we never watched. We previously were long term subscribers to Netflix until recently when they got a little too political for me.

Who provides your internet and how much?

I’m in the extreme northern part of the Villages and we have century link. They have a $45 a month for life at 25mbps which we started on. We upgraded to 80mbps for $55 but probably could have stayed with the 25mbps.

CenturyLink for $35 per month for 40 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload.

I got rid of DirecTV and went with SlingTV. $29.95 plus opted for the $5/mo. to record. Also have a Netflix subscription. So far, am loving all of it and have had no problems with the streaming.

I have been off of cable at my home here in Florida and in Rochester NY area for three years now. I use centurylink internet here in Florida and Spectrum/TimeWarner at my NY home.

I have the same commercial grade over the air antenna at both locations. I use a Roku device to navigate. I also use Sony's PlayStation Vue for our streaming package. It has slightly more content than YouTubeTV and the other streaming packages. It costs $45 per month and the Internet costs us $45 per month. PlayStation Vue has all of the Broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS). Also has all the Sports you can get on cable.

We never think about going back. It works very well. Our price never changes. And I don't have to spend hours talking to reps to fix pricing issues. Also, on the over the air antenna, the picture quality is superior by far to cable.

Very happy we cut the cord. We have Spectrum internet $45/mo and the Spectrum app at $20/mo. The app gives us 10 live local channels. We also have Amazon Prime and we use Roku

Thank you, OP, for starting this thread.

We have been talking about doing this but then we never get around to it.

I do like a couple of HGTV shows but I can get over them. Besides, they try to make me feel bad because I do not have white kitchen cabinets. But I do not feel one bit bad about it — no matter what those snot-nosed House Hunters say. :girlneener:

All these “absolutely no regrets” after cable-cutting comments are exactly like what we hear from people who finally get rid of all the other stuff they do not need — all that stuff taking up space in rooms, basements, garages, cabinets, drawers, closets, file cabinets, etc. No regrets.

FREEDOM! The time is now — or maybe next week. :)

So you don't have an antenna?

Can someone please give me me a step by step instructions on how to get rid of cable and get these streaming apps. I am not savvy smart in this area at all.

Thank you so much

1. Find out if you have a contract and when it is up with your current cable/dish provider. There is often a charge for breaking your contract early so you want to know this before you start.
2. All of the services that stream require internet, so if your internet was bundled with TV....find out the new charge and compare to other internet only prices available to you from competitors.
3. You need either a smart TV or a streaming player (Roku, Amazon fire stick, etc.) If you are in the market for a new TV then buy one that is a "smart TV" which really means it is able to connect to the internet (it has a microprocessor and WiFi ability) If you like your current TV, then buy a Roku or Fire Stick to add the streaming) They plug into the TV through either the HDMI port or the USB port (older TV's might not have these so check if yours does). (If your TV is 4K, buy the Roku or Fire Stick that is also 4K) You can have some of each in the same house (I have one smart TV, a Roku in another room and a Fire Stick in another....they are all good.)
Now for the monthly $$$: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YoutubeTV, Direct TVnow, Sling are all streaming services that you pay for individually so you can order what fits. You don't need them all. I would suggest starting with YoutubeTV for about $35 a month. You might already have Amazon Prime if you use it for the free shipping from Amazon.
That's the basic nuts and bolts. I hope it helps.

Thank you so very much! This is a great start for me and I so appreciate your help.

We went to hulu live and love it. $39 a month has all the cable channels and more. We just canceled Comcast. So glad to be gone. Hulu tech people are great.

Cutting the Cord - Cable
 

We purchased a Fire TV Stick at the Marion of Market that had a pre-loaded program on it for Movies, TV Shows (not live) and Sports (live). This was while we still had a Dish contract to fulfill.

It was around $100 and then no further charges for what I mentioned above. This way we didn't have to pay fees for Netflix or other streaming devices.

Next we had the same person put his Premium program on the stick. That was $12 for a one month trial. We liked it so much we went for the $100/yr. contract. We get ALL the national and local stations - news from our stations back home, golf, tennis, hbo, starz, diy, hgtv, food network - you name it. However, you can't record with this type of service. It is streaming from our router and our speed is at 25mbps (I think that's the abbreviation). The picture is HD. We have a TV fire stick on each of our 4 TV's but can only watch 2 tv's simultaneously with their premium package. Not sure if you could watch a movie on a 3rd TV if it was using the non-premium streaming feature.

Streaming does not come without faults - and there is a learning curve to using it. However, we're retired - we've got plenty of time.

If you want to check it out for yourself - go to the Market of Marion - Aisle A - I think between C and D - facing towards Ocala. The guys are great. There are other vendors at the MofM, but their boxes are a couple hundred dollars - per TV and a monthly fee several X's more than we are paying.

If recording is a "must" then there's a unit on the market but it has to be used with an antenna or a couple designated streaming sites that are fee-based. I think it's called HD Homerun DVR. Or, stay with your cable or dish company and get the minimum channels that suit your needs for recording and do what we are doing for the rest.

Good luck!!!

Cajulian, Can you tell me the brand of your antennae?

A wifi bluray player will do the same thing as a streaming stick or a smart tv, and it will allow you to play dvds and cds. The library has lots of free dvds. Also, I think that, even if you have a contract with a cable company, you don't pay a cancellation fee as long as you keep their internet service.

Can some who have cut the cable please comment on the availability of local channel programming availability and access.

Secondly we pre record everything we watch. I understand the recording capability of streaming is in it's infancy if available at all.

Thanx!

Is there a company out there that will set it up for you? Also we have 6 T V's, don't ask me why, but can they all work.

Another "beginner" question. Reading the YoutubeTV site, it indicates that one can record multiple programs and never run out of storage space because the DVR library is stored in the cloud. So does one still need a DVR device for the DVR function or does record/play happen by making a selection on the YoutubeTV software?

Clark Howard guide to streaming
 

Clark Howard guide to streaming. Link below.

Best live TV streaming plans: YouTube TV vs. DirecTV Now vs. Sling TV | Clark Howard

Very helpful. Thanx for posting.

I’ve had both youtube tv and directv now. Just switched from YouTube tv to directv now for the free Apple TV. YouTube tv is much more stable than directv now. On directv now it took about 5 minutes this morning to get a stable picture from Fox News. That never happened with youtube tv. A lot more buffering with directv now.

interested in how the spectrum app works, do they install on your tv? is it on all tvs?

The commercial antenna is from an engineering company in Kentucky. I found them after testing many Best Buy retail antennas, that didn’t work well.

The antenna is called Marathon Over the Air antenna. You can search it on you tube to watch some videos. Or Google it.

The company sells it under their web site called FreeSignalTV. Com

Call 859-250-9538. John Berry is the rep.

It’s fairly expensive at about $190 for the antenna, attic or outside mount and it’s amplifier. But it’s a one time cost and is far superior to the store bought ones.

I have done both houses We own and helped several friends. The antenna gets you all the Broadcast networks.

I will say that 3 years ago, when I put the antenna up, the streaming packages were not that good. But now Play Station Vue and YouTubeTV have finally added the broadcast networks along with all the cable content you used to get. Those are ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and FOX.

So now, if you pick the right streaming package to run over your internet, you will have all the Broadcast networks and normal cable programs. You won’t need an antenna.

I do not know if the following has been discussed.

We rented a home in Marblehead MA from a friend. The TV service was Play Station Vue. According to our friend, he has the ability to have 3 sets in 3 different homes access the service for one subscription. He has a home in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire sharing the service. He has Amazon Fire sticks and also Amazon Prime. Might be valuable to those who have more than one residence or a rental.

Also, my son lives in Sao Paulo , Brazil and gets only one US station (CNN), bought an Amazon Firestick, and now has access to Play Station Vue. He had to change his computer ID to replicate a US address. But he now has access to a host of offerings from Play Station Vue.

I understand that, by switching from a cable TV service to a streaming service will save money. But, after everyone switches, aren't the streaming providers going to just increase the cost to what the cable companies charge?

The cable companies in most cases own the internet that the streaming is delivered to you on. I’m not an expert but my guess is I can see them increasing the cost of the internet when cable subscriptions fall off more than they have.

We just dropped DISH after over 10 years and all they could say was sorry. Lost signal every time it rains. Now 100% streaming with HULU. Cost went from $175/mo to $94. Internet is with Comcast at 25mbs. All local channels, plus premium and all sports including Big 10 network (comcast just dropped Big 10) 200 hours of cloud DVR storage and unlimited devices.

Not sure how much longer the major satellite and cable providers can stay in business once more and more customers switch to streaming.

The cable providers are providing your internet access. Why would they go out of business?

Does anyone know if any of the streaming services offer NHL hockey games, we are big hockey fans, and this is a must have, even if an additional cost.

DirectvNow has NHL network.

Stream TV, Watch Live Television Online | DIRECTV NOW

The cable companies don't have a monopoly on internet service. Internet service can be delivered by satellite, phone lines (DSL), cell towers, wifi hotspots, etc.

I posted this 5 days ago on another thread:

The other site had a story 2 days ago about the VHA putting on an encore presentation of "Cutting the Cord from Cable TV Providers". They are going to do it 3 more times and places in Aug.(this month)

Last time they turned people away for lack of seating space. This will be the same as last time - first come - first served. You have to be a VHA member also.


Learn from experts about the evolving marketplace for entertainment alternatives (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Huku, Roku and others), what equipment you need to access them, and a host of related topics like television set options and antenna options.

The programs will be offered at:

• 1 p.m. Sat. Aug. 25 at Paradise Rec. Center

• 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 30 at Mulberry Grove Rec. Center

• 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 31 at La Hacienda Rec. Center

:ho:

I have YouTube TV at $45 per month. I got rid of Spectrum cable two months ago. I have homes in Kansas City and TV, and it gives me total flexibility to use at either location. Since I signed up in KC, I get KC local channels in TV, which is my preference. I also get the Fox Sports Kansas City channel which gives me the KC Royals games in TV. If I need local Orlando channels I can get a power antenna for about $30 which will do the trick.

Have pretty much same experience as Biker1. Use Roku, subscribe to YouTube TV for stations, have Netflix and Amazon Prime for additional programming. Check out Sling Blue and Orange. Do a search on your browser for Jared Newman and Cordcutter Weekly.This is a great resource. Also, there is a cord cutting group forming in TV. Keep looking for announcements this fall.

I cut the cord last winter. I use Roku to get HULU. My HULU subscription is the $39.99/mo plan. With that I get all the major networks i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN etc. You can see all the Chanel's you will get at HULU.com. I use Century Link in TV and Comcast in NH for Internet. Century link is $55/mo for 80mbps. So with HULU I pay a total of about $95/mo and I am very happy with service. The only thing with streaming is you want to get a fast internet service. 25mbps to me is the minimum. I found the faster the Internet the better the streaming when watching live TV. That's why I went to 80. Century link will only garantee you 80% of what you are paying for. So for 80 I can expect 60mbps. Comcast offers 400mbps in NH and I have very little problems with that speed. With Century Link I get buffering at times and if I am getting less than 60mbps as shown when I do speed test I end up calling them to fix speed. Bottom line is the faster the speed of the Internet the less problems you will have. I strongly recommend both Hulu and Roku.

Go to directvnow.com, it's easy to do yourself and works great. You just need a good internet connection with a strong wi-fi signal. We did it about a month ago and are saving $75 per month compared to our previous service cost. They have a free 7 day trial and multiple packages to choose from plus, there is NO CONTRACT!

Hi! I've been using YouTubeTV for about a year now and I really love it. I originally had a Comcast TV basic package, which had a very minimal download speed. I found that there was a lot of buffering when I played a game on my iPad and watched TV at the same time.

I called Comcast to inquire about upgrading my speed and they gave me a price that would increase my bill by about $40!!!!!! I told them that was not acceptable and I would look elsewhere for a better price. The tech immediately transferred me to customer service. Fancy that!

Customer service gave me a 1 year deal that increased my bill by $10... The catch is that I'll have to call in a year and renegotiate.

I can live with that and if negotiations don't go my way in 2019, I'll find someone else to offer a "deal."

BOTTOM LINE: I'm in a love-hate relationship with internet service provider, but I'm willing to stay in as long as rates don't double.