I'm seriously considering cutting the cord

[sed522002]

I go to a website called couchtuner.eu and watch all the shows that come on cable and regular tv. It has pop up adds on that site, but I use Chrome as my browser and have the adds turned off.

[bMunch]

How do you watch Celtic games, bdm860? I know there are free options , but I can't take the low quality and pop ups. NBA basketball is one of those things I don't mind paying for.

i have nba tv through my ps3. netflix too. no cable.

[TheTruthFot18]

Cable is only worth it with a big (4+) family. I can't justify even the basic package for just me (and gf on weekends).

I currently have an antenna for local and major stations (pats) that cost $50 one time and netflix streaming ($8/ month). For my gf and I that is enough. Tv is horrible these days anyway.

[LarBrd33]

As I type this, the Comcast rep is pulling away from my house with one of my two DVRs.  My homeowners association actually gives me free basic cable.... I downgraded my package.

I'm 100% in support of you cutting the cord.  You should do it... and you will not regret it.

A few months ago I had two Comcast DVR's with EVERY Premium channel.  My bill was outrageous.  We moved into streaming video slowly... but at this point, it's literally all we watch.  I almost NEVER watch live television anymore.  I watch Saturday Night Live... that's it.  And if I had Hulu Plus, it wouldn't matter.

FYI, I bought a ROku 3 over the Apple TV.  I read a lot of reviews and decided it was the way to go.  I have Netflix, Amazon Prime... also I enabled HBO Go using my grandmother's Time Warner account information (side note:  I would have kept paying comcast for HBO, but realized they prevent HBO Go on a Roku... so I told them I was no longer paying them until they resolved this).  Also, "PLEX" is amazing.  I set up a Plex media server on my computer where I can dump all sorts of shows, movies, etc.  Then I can access all of this content on the Roku.  The awesome thing is that PLEX downloads thumbnails, descriptions, actors/actresses, genre information via imdb... so when you access Plex on your roku, it presents all your content in a wonderful netflixy interface. 

As for the NBA, I have NBA LEague Pass Broadband set up on my Roku.  It's fantastic.  I prefer it the experience watching League Pass on cable, because cable often gave me limited choices for HD and limited choices for if I saw home/away.   League Pass Broadband (on the roku) seems to always stream in HD... and I always have a choice of watching the Boston broadcast.

The other beautiful thing about the Roku, btw... is an "all-in-one" search.  If you search "Jim Carrey", for example... it will list all of his movies.  Then if you go down to "Dumb and Dumber", it will show you all your options for streaming the movie.  So if it's available on Netflix or Amazon Prime or HBO GO (presuming you have access to those), it will show you them.  Sometimes there's even content on Roku free channels like Crackle.  And if it's available to rent (for like $2.99) it will show you those services as well (like VUDU).   It's a killer feature that makes websites like "canistreamit.com" irrelevant.

Zero regrets.   Highly recommend the Roku 3.  Your idea of getting an antenna for local stations is a fine one indeed.  These days digital antennas will give you HD local channels.  Personally, we almost never turn on our cable box.  Part of the issue is just how inconvenient it is to find content via Comcast "On Demand" when compared to services like Netflix.  It's a massive headache... an endless maze of slow-responding text menus.   Comcast now has the X1 platform which does indeed look promising ( http://www.comcast.com/x1 ) ... but it's not available in my area yet.  It allows you to access shows/content in a more "netflixy" way.  But it's almost too late now... streaming video services are awesome and significantly cheaper.  You will NOt miss cable.   

[CelticG1]

I have RCN with cable and Internet. Have him, showtime,  starz,  and the sports package as well as Tito for 120 a month.

I tjink it's decent.  I like being able to watch any or all sports games and am pretty obsessed with hbo   showtime do among other stations.

I would be easily convinced if there were other options as well but I don't think I'd get everything.  I have Netflix as well and that is extremely slow to catch up on recent seasons of shows

[JSD]

Thanks IP, I'm growing more and more confident that this is the right decision to make.

I was reading about Roku vs Apple TV, and the article basically said, "look if you have a ton of apple products, Apple TV is better. Other than that go Roku." I'm one of those people that have apple products.

[JSD]

So... If your in the Boston area NBA TV will block Celtic games??? That's what my buddy just told me. That's really cheesy if true

[arctic 3.0]

As I type this, the Comcast rep is pulling away from my house with one of my two DVRs.  My homeowners association actually gives me free basic cable.... I downgraded my package.

I'm 100% in support of you cutting the cord.  You should do it... and you will not regret it.

A few months ago I had two Comcast DVR's with EVERY Premium channel.  My bill was outrageous.  We moved into streaming video slowly... but at this point, it's literally all we watch.  I almost NEVER watch live television anymore.  I watch Saturday Night Live... that's it.  And if I had Hulu Plus, it wouldn't matter.

FYI, I bought a ROku 3 over the Apple TV.  I read a lot of reviews and decided it was the way to go.  I have Netflix, Amazon Prime... also I enabled HBO Go using my grandmother's Time Warner account information (side note:  I would have kept paying comcast for HBO, but realized they prevent HBO Go on a Roku... so I told them I was no longer paying them until they resolved this).  Also, "PLEX" is amazing.  I set up a Plex media server on my computer where I can dump all sorts of shows, movies, etc.  Then I can access all of this content on the Roku.  The awesome thing is that PLEX downloads thumbnails, descriptions, actors/actresses, genre information via imdb... so when you access Plex on your roku, it presents all your content in a wonderful netflixy interface. 

As for the NBA, I have NBA LEague Pass Broadband set up on my Roku.  It's fantastic.  I prefer it the experience watching League Pass on cable, because cable often gave me limited choices for HD and limited choices for if I saw home/away.   League Pass Broadband (on the roku) seems to always stream in HD... and I always have a choice of watching the Boston broadcast.

The other beautiful thing about the Roku, btw... is an "all-in-one" search.  If you search "Jim Carrey", for example... it will list all of his movies.  Then if you go down to "Dumb and Dumber", it will show you all your options for streaming the movie.  So if it's available on Netflix or Amazon Prime or HBO GO (presuming you have access to those), it will show you them.  Sometimes there's even content on Roku free channels like Crackle.  And if it's available to rent (for like $2.99) it will show you those services as well (like VUDU).   It's a killer feature that makes websites like "canistreamit.com" irrelevant.

Zero regrets.   Highly recommend the Roku 3.  Your idea of getting an antenna for local stations is a fine one indeed.  These days digital antennas will give you HD local channels.  Personally, we almost never turn on our cable box.  Part of the issue is just how inconvenient it is to find content via Comcast "On Demand" when compared to services like Netflix.  It's a massive headache... an endless maze of slow-responding text menus.   Comcast now has the X1 platform which does indeed look promising ( http://www.comcast.com/x1 ) ... but it's not available in my area yet.  It allows you to access shows/content in a more "netflixy" way.  But it's almost too late now... streaming video services are awesome and significantly cheaper.  You will NOt miss cable.   

Larbird,
I've been thinking about league pass broadband on the roku but thought I wouldn't be able to watch the c's because of local black out restrictions. I'm in New England, do you know if it will work?

[LarBrd33]

As I type this, the Comcast rep is pulling away from my house with one of my two DVRs.  My homeowners association actually gives me free basic cable.... I downgraded my package.

I'm 100% in support of you cutting the cord.  You should do it... and you will not regret it.

A few months ago I had two Comcast DVR's with EVERY Premium channel.  My bill was outrageous.  We moved into streaming video slowly... but at this point, it's literally all we watch.  I almost NEVER watch live television anymore.  I watch Saturday Night Live... that's it.  And if I had Hulu Plus, it wouldn't matter.

FYI, I bought a ROku 3 over the Apple TV.  I read a lot of reviews and decided it was the way to go.  I have Netflix, Amazon Prime... also I enabled HBO Go using my grandmother's Time Warner account information (side note:  I would have kept paying comcast for HBO, but realized they prevent HBO Go on a Roku... so I told them I was no longer paying them until they resolved this).  Also, "PLEX" is amazing.  I set up a Plex media server on my computer where I can dump all sorts of shows, movies, etc.  Then I can access all of this content on the Roku.  The awesome thing is that PLEX downloads thumbnails, descriptions, actors/actresses, genre information via imdb... so when you access Plex on your roku, it presents all your content in a wonderful netflixy interface. 

As for the NBA, I have NBA LEague Pass Broadband set up on my Roku.  It's fantastic.  I prefer it the experience watching League Pass on cable, because cable often gave me limited choices for HD and limited choices for if I saw home/away.   League Pass Broadband (on the roku) seems to always stream in HD... and I always have a choice of watching the Boston broadcast.

The other beautiful thing about the Roku, btw... is an "all-in-one" search.  If you search "Jim Carrey", for example... it will list all of his movies.  Then if you go down to "Dumb and Dumber", it will show you all your options for streaming the movie.  So if it's available on Netflix or Amazon Prime or HBO GO (presuming you have access to those), it will show you them.  Sometimes there's even content on Roku free channels like Crackle.  And if it's available to rent (for like $2.99) it will show you those services as well (like VUDU).   It's a killer feature that makes websites like "canistreamit.com" irrelevant.

Zero regrets.   Highly recommend the Roku 3.  Your idea of getting an antenna for local stations is a fine one indeed.  These days digital antennas will give you HD local channels.  Personally, we almost never turn on our cable box.  Part of the issue is just how inconvenient it is to find content via Comcast "On Demand" when compared to services like Netflix.  It's a massive headache... an endless maze of slow-responding text menus.   Comcast now has the X1 platform which does indeed look promising ( http://www.comcast.com/x1 ) ... but it's not available in my area yet.  It allows you to access shows/content in a more "netflixy" way.  But it's almost too late now... streaming video services are awesome and significantly cheaper.  You will NOt miss cable.   

Larbird,
I've been thinking about league pass broadband on the roku but thought I wouldn't be able to watch the c's because of local black out restrictions. I'm in New England, do you know if it will work?

That's a really good question.  I'm actually not sure.  I live in Seattle.  We have no team to black out here.  I wonder if LP Broadband really knows or cares where your "home" is.  I assumed it was only blacking out nationally televised games on ESPN and stuff.

[celtic -_- pride]

I haven't owned cable tele in a long long time. It's just not worth it anymore. I watch the celtics and the walking dead and that's about it. Everything else I use Netflix for and I just recently got that. If you have Internet you can literally watch what ever you want. It's how
I watch both programs I mentioned. I've gotten in big arguments over this with roommates who wanted it but as long as the bill is In my name there won't be cable. They eventually came around and were glad on saving $$$ and how you really don't need it. Plus I think tv with all the crap shows and commercials slowly degrades your mind.

[arctic 3.0]

As I type this, the Comcast rep is pulling away from my house with one of my two DVRs.  My homeowners association actually gives me free basic cable.... I downgraded my package.

I'm 100% in support of you cutting the cord.  You should do it... and you will not regret it.

A few months ago I had two Comcast DVR's with EVERY Premium channel.  My bill was outrageous.  We moved into streaming video slowly... but at this point, it's literally all we watch.  I almost NEVER watch live television anymore.  I watch Saturday Night Live... that's it.  And if I had Hulu Plus, it wouldn't matter.

FYI, I bought a ROku 3 over the Apple TV.  I read a lot of reviews and decided it was the way to go.  I have Netflix, Amazon Prime... also I enabled HBO Go using my grandmother's Time Warner account information (side note:  I would have kept paying comcast for HBO, but realized they prevent HBO Go on a Roku... so I told them I was no longer paying them until they resolved this).  Also, "PLEX" is amazing.  I set up a Plex media server on my computer where I can dump all sorts of shows, movies, etc.  Then I can access all of this content on the Roku.  The awesome thing is that PLEX downloads thumbnails, descriptions, actors/actresses, genre information via imdb... so when you access Plex on your roku, it presents all your content in a wonderful netflixy interface. 

As for the NBA, I have NBA LEague Pass Broadband set up on my Roku.  It's fantastic.  I prefer it the experience watching League Pass on cable, because cable often gave me limited choices for HD and limited choices for if I saw home/away.   League Pass Broadband (on the roku) seems to always stream in HD... and I always have a choice of watching the Boston broadcast.

The other beautiful thing about the Roku, btw... is an "all-in-one" search.  If you search "Jim Carrey", for example... it will list all of his movies.  Then if you go down to "Dumb and Dumber", it will show you all your options for streaming the movie.  So if it's available on Netflix or Amazon Prime or HBO GO (presuming you have access to those), it will show you them.  Sometimes there's even content on Roku free channels like Crackle.  And if it's available to rent (for like $2.99) it will show you those services as well (like VUDU).   It's a killer feature that makes websites like "canistreamit.com" irrelevant.

Zero regrets.   Highly recommend the Roku 3.  Your idea of getting an antenna for local stations is a fine one indeed.  These days digital antennas will give you HD local channels.  Personally, we almost never turn on our cable box.  Part of the issue is just how inconvenient it is to find content via Comcast "On Demand" when compared to services like Netflix.  It's a massive headache... an endless maze of slow-responding text menus.   Comcast now has the X1 platform which does indeed look promising ( http://www.comcast.com/x1 ) ... but it's not available in my area yet.  It allows you to access shows/content in a more "netflixy" way.  But it's almost too late now... streaming video services are awesome and significantly cheaper.  You will NOt miss cable.   

Larbird,
I've been thinking about league pass broadband on the roku but thought I wouldn't be able to watch the c's because of local black out restrictions. I'm in New England, do you know if it will work?

That's a really good question.  I'm actually not sure.  I live in Seattle.  We have no team to black out here.  I wonder if LP Broadband really knows or cares where your "home" is.  I assumed it was only blacking out nationally televised games on ESPN and stuff.

Thanks LB33
Anyone?

[guava_wrench]

I cut the cord, haven't looked back since.

Don't even have Netflix or Hulu Plus either.  Now while I understand Netflix, don't really understand why people get that AND Hulu Plus.  Like you said, you already get NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, etc.  So you get all those ahows for free, plus you get them free online the next day on their websites or regular free Hulu (Fox makes you wait a week though), in my experience, they typically offer the last 5 episodes free online. Tried the free trial of Hulu Plus, but didn't think they brought any value for $9 per month, since all they really offered was you can watch the full season online, which most of the time was episodes I already saw.

Have Amazon Prime though, got it for free 2 day shippimg, but their free instant video stuff is decent enough if you're trying to be really frugal, although they offer nowhere near as much as Netflix.  I would say it's like: Netflix is to the premium cable package with 300 channels, while Amazon Prime is to the basic cable package with 50 channels.

Don't have any smart TVs either, run everything through my PS3 or I just use the HDMI hookup on my laptop.

Definitely cut the cord though. So many legal and free or cheap alternatives out there.

HULU goes way beyond those basic channels and allows you to watch your favorite shows on demand when you want to with very few and short commercials. Me and my family cut the cord 3 years ago and haven't looked back. We purchased a Roku player and love it. We currently use Redbox instant streaming, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon instant video (Free with Amazon Prime). We literally never run out of things to watch. We also only pay for one of the services and share with family. For example, Mother and Father pay for one, Sister pays for the other, Me and my wife pay for one and we each get to share all three of them together. That's another way to save money.

I'd rather do hulu for free than pay for hulu+ every month. Paying monthly for hulu+ feels like as big a ripoff as cable.

I have moved to using a ChromeCast for streaming video to the TV, though I also have a PS3. The problem with the PS3 is the boot time.

[guava_wrench]

That's a really good question.  I'm actually not sure.  I live in Seattle.  We have no team to black out here.  I wonder if LP Broadband really knows or cares where your "home" is.  I assumed it was only blacking out nationally televised games on ESPN and stuff.

As with pretty much every major team sport, local games are blacked out due to the exclusive rights of the local networks. While this annoys me to no end as CSN doesn't offer an online option -- what would be expect from COMCAST SportsNet.

You can get around the local blackouts by using a VPN service. I sometimes do this with my work VPN to watch C's games on league pass. My antivirus software (Avast!) offers a pay VPN service that lets you choose a geographic location. There are also many other VPN services out there.

Using a VPN to watch league pass is a violation of terms of service.

[guava_wrench]

I cut the cord, haven't looked back since.

Don't even have Netflix or Hulu Plus either.  Now while I understand Netflix, don't really understand why people get that AND Hulu Plus.  Like you said, you already get NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, etc.  So you get all those shows for free, plus you get them free online the next day on their websites or regular free Hulu (Fox makes you wait a week though), in my experience, they typically offer the last 5 episodes free online. Tried the free trial of Hulu Plus, but didn't think they brought any value for $9 per month, since all they really offered was you can watch the full season online, which most of the time was episodes I already saw.

Have Amazon Prime though, got it for free 2 day shippimg, but their free instant video stuff is decent enough if you're trying to be really frugal, although they offer nowhere near as much as Netflix.  I would say it's like: Netflix is to the premium cable package with 300 channels, while Amazon Prime is to the basic cable package with 50 channels.

Don't have any smart TVs either, run everything through my PS3 or I just use the HDMI hookup on my laptop.

Definitely cut the cord though. So many legal and free or cheap alternatives out there.

I agree completely on Hulu+. Feels like such a scam. I can just stream Hulu to my Chromecast from a Chrome tab in Windows (this requires a powerful enough CPU to decode and re-encode the video. If I don't want to use the Chromecast, I can also use my very long HDMI cable.

I managed to get a deal with Comcast where I got basic cable (with a few extras like SciFy, CNN, Comedy Central) and HBO for just an additional $5 on top of my Internet. The cable box is not HD, but that is fine since it means I can access all that content through the xfinity website or HBOGo (the latter will run on chromecast). Somehow the deal did not expire when it was supposed to so I've had this for a while now.

Aereo is a new service. The company has dedicated antennas for each customer with a dedicated DVR. This means that they can provide you all the over the air networks over the Internet since you are, in essence, just watching a receiver dedicated to you. They have been successful so far in the courts, but the cable companies and networks are trying to put them out of business. They have free one month trials if anyone is interest. You can't get content on demand, but you can rewatch anything you DVRed whenever you like.

[guava_wrench]

I go to a website called couchtuner.eu and watch all the shows that come on cable and regular tv. It has pop up adds on that site, but I use Chrome as my browser and have the adds turned off.

Watching that site in the US might be illegal. One thing for sure -- a lot of popups usually means security hazard. You should run sites like that in a sandbox so that they cannot harm your computer. I have set up my Opera browser to always run in an Avast! sandbox. I use it for anything I'm not sure about. Never watch sites like that in the same browser where you enter passwords to sites or do any e-commerce.