Cord cutting

[billybob476]

I know this is probably the wrong place to post about watching LESS tv, but Fran and I have noticed that we rarely watch our actual satellite TV service much anymore. Almost all of our time i spent on Netflix or streaming stuff from the main computer via PLEX. Between landline, internet and TV we're paying around 220/month. The bulk of that is the TV service we barely use, on top of that we have a land line that is only called by my mother and telemarketers.

So we're thinking of cutting the cord. Dropping our TV and land line and only paying Bell for a 15 meg up/10 meg down unlimited internet connection.

Our current setup is this:

1. Proxy set up on the router so I can hit US netflix and Hulu (and maybe iTunes but I haven't tired that yet)
2. Roku on the upstairs TV (Netflix, PLEX, etc...)
3. XBox (Netflix, PLEX, etc...) and Blue Ray player on the downstairs TV

I'm thinking of adding:

1. Either a Mac Mini or a Windows or Linux based HTPC to the downstairs TV
2. Maybe another Roku on the downstairs TV.
3. an HD antenna to get some local over the air stuff (http://www.tvfool.com/ says I should be able to get 8-10 channels with an indoor antenna)

and for the phone I'll probably convert our local mobile airtime to "Anywhere" minutes to handle long distance coupled with our current 3.00/month skype LD service.

So, that's the plan. Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

[Bryancd]

We have friends here that have done the same thing! We would consider it but Jamie watches a ton of shows on TLC or HGTV, she loves those home improvement shows and lot's of bad reality TV!

[Praxis]

Sounds like a good move to me! We don't have traditional cable or local tv and it works. Between netflix, hulu, and files I put on my little usb drive, we are totally happy. A good side effect (besides saving money) is that all your tv watching becomes a planned and conscious decision.  :thumbsup

[Bromptonboy]

We have been contemplating doing more or less the same thing. 

The only thing keeping me from doing this, is losing HBO Go.  My wife and I watch mostly stuff from Amazon Prime or Netflix, and watch very little TV (other than Big Bang Theory).

I have a hard Skype number, as well as us both having mobile phones.

[billybob476]

Yeah, that was our main thought. The only time we watch actual live TV is when we want some background noise. Also, saving over 100 dollars a month is nice too. Unbundling my internet service will jack it up about 25.00/month (5.00 in bundle savings and 20.00 increase for the unlimited option).

[Bromptonboy]

Yeah, that was our main thought. The only time we watch actual live TV is when we want some background noise. Also, saving over 100 dollars a month is nice too. Unbundling my internet service will jack it up about 25.00/month (5.00 in bundle savings and 20.00 increase for the unlimited option).

$100 a month is nothing to sneeze at - I could boost the college fund deposits...  hmmmm...

[billybob476]

Also interested in maybe getting my hands on a Raspberry Pi and see how that works as a media center "PC". I think Dangelus has that up and running.

[Bromptonboy]

I have been  using Sony's Google TV, and am extremely satisfied.  The mini-keyboard remote is worth it in itself.

[X]

I have too much stuff, but I'm happy that I can see shows that I never thought I wanted to see like Backyard Oil.

Currently we have every cable channel except for The Movie Channel package.

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and XBox music are or non-cable services, but most of those are also used by my brother and his family.

Currently, for all of that and 60/10 internet and land line, I pay about 210 a month after taxes. I can't give up cable because I like the convenience of HBO Go, Max Go, and other bonuses for having the cable. I can run Xfinity off my x-box, so everything really works well for me.

I could do without the landline, but it's actually free or less when added to my bundle.

[KingIsaacLinksr]

Between Netflix, Hulu (which I barely use due to lack of time), YouTube and gaming, I will never ever need cable/satellite. And yeah, there are series worth watching on YouTube.

[Bromptonboy]

Have any of you toyed with Aereo yet?  It is supposed to be coming to my area soon.  That might be the ticket for me.

[Ktrek]

I haven't paid a cable or satellite bill in years and I have never lacked for anything to watch. First I have saved money by not buying cable but I do spend a little to have Netflix streaming service. Second I save time and frustration not wasting time trying to find something to watch. There's no remote control madness in our house.

Kevin

[jedijeff]

Maybe I am a minority here, but what do you do regarding sports? Is there other methods to get that if you would want? I trimmed back my cable bill quite a bit as I was paying more then you were Joe, but I don't think I could ever drop it all together.

[Bryancd]

Maybe I am a minority here, but what do you do regarding sports? Is there other methods to get that if you would want? I trimmed back my cable bill quite a bit as I was paying more then you were Joe, but I don't think I could ever drop it all together.

Yeah, no F1?!

[ChrisMC]

I have cable, but we are canceling it...the bill just went to 250 bucks. Need TV for sports, like Jeff said. But Direct TV has a better deal than Comast right now. I could actually get along with my Rokus and Xbox with Netflix, HuluPlus, and Amazon, but I need my NFL, NBA, and MLB.