We've cut the cable (9 Viewers)

[igbomb]

Just finished reading through all 18 pages of this thread. Unfortunately, I think this is going to cost me more money in the near term. Thinking about adding a Roku and getting Amazon Prime + Netflix. Need Amazon Prime as my daughter can not do without Nickelodeon shows (plus we buy enough from Amazon that the free shipping will be nice). Netflix will then cover the Disney shows.

Hopefully after a while, I can see if usage patterns change and consider cutting cable (though my biggest problem with that right now is sports like everyone else... in particular my local Fox Sports Detroit).

Time to set a SlickDeals alert for Roku.

Are you willing to do a DNS unblock at a rate of about $5/month for fox sports? That's the easy way. To do this with roku is possible, but not nearly as easy as WDLIVE systems.

Will check that option out when the time comes. Thanks.

For Roku make sure you don't activate it until you read the step by steps. Roku has some special handling criteria.

unblock . us is the most well known unblocker. There are many others.

So I've already activated my Roku and cut the cable and am very interested in finding some way to watch my Tigers next summer. Am I SOL?

 

[culdeus]

Just finished reading through all 18 pages of this thread. Unfortunately, I think this is going to cost me more money in the near term. Thinking about adding a Roku and getting Amazon Prime + Netflix. Need Amazon Prime as my daughter can not do without Nickelodeon shows (plus we buy enough from Amazon that the free shipping will be nice). Netflix will then cover the Disney shows.

Hopefully after a while, I can see if usage patterns change and consider cutting cable (though my biggest problem with that right now is sports like everyone else... in particular my local Fox Sports Detroit).

Time to set a SlickDeals alert for Roku.

Are you willing to do a DNS unblock at a rate of about $5/month for fox sports? That's the easy way. To do this with roku is possible, but not nearly as easy as WDLIVE systems.

Will check that option out when the time comes. Thanks.

For Roku make sure you don't activate it until you read the step by steps. Roku has some special handling criteria.

unblock . us is the most well known unblocker. There are many others.

So I've already activated my Roku and cut the cable and am very interested in finding some way to watch my Tigers next summer. Am I SOL?

I'm not sure. It may depend on how mlbtv handles the traffic. ROKU uses a special way of geo authentication to separate regions that most of the other set tops don't.

It will depend on how mlbtv utilizes that content, or if they just look at your IP header like they do with every other configuration.

Surely there is also a way to "hard reset" the box and get it back to square one. I mean people do sell these things on ebay, etc.

 

[igbomb]

Just finished reading through all 18 pages of this thread. Unfortunately, I think this is going to cost me more money in the near term. Thinking about adding a Roku and getting Amazon Prime + Netflix. Need Amazon Prime as my daughter can not do without Nickelodeon shows (plus we buy enough from Amazon that the free shipping will be nice). Netflix will then cover the Disney shows.

Hopefully after a while, I can see if usage patterns change and consider cutting cable (though my biggest problem with that right now is sports like everyone else... in particular my local Fox Sports Detroit).

Time to set a SlickDeals alert for Roku.

Are you willing to do a DNS unblock at a rate of about $5/month for fox sports? That's the easy way. To do this with roku is possible, but not nearly as easy as WDLIVE systems.

Will check that option out when the time comes. Thanks.

For Roku make sure you don't activate it until you read the step by steps. Roku has some special handling criteria.

unblock . us is the most well known unblocker. There are many others.

So I've already activated my Roku and cut the cable and am very interested in finding some way to watch my Tigers next summer. Am I SOL?

I'm not sure. It may depend on how mlbtv handles the traffic. ROKU uses a special way of geo authentication to separate regions that most of the other set tops don't.

It will depend on how mlbtv utilizes that content, or if they just look at your IP header like they do with every other configuration.

Surely there is also a way to "hard reset" the box and get it back to square one. I mean people do sell these things on ebay, etc.

Cool. I'll check it out. Any handy link to the step by step process?

 

[culdeus]

Just finished reading through all 18 pages of this thread. Unfortunately, I think this is going to cost me more money in the near term. Thinking about adding a Roku and getting Amazon Prime + Netflix. Need Amazon Prime as my daughter can not do without Nickelodeon shows (plus we buy enough from Amazon that the free shipping will be nice). Netflix will then cover the Disney shows.

Hopefully after a while, I can see if usage patterns change and consider cutting cable (though my biggest problem with that right now is sports like everyone else... in particular my local Fox Sports Detroit).

Time to set a SlickDeals alert for Roku.

Are you willing to do a DNS unblock at a rate of about $5/month for fox sports? That's the easy way. To do this with roku is possible, but not nearly as easy as WDLIVE systems.

Will check that option out when the time comes. Thanks.

For Roku make sure you don't activate it until you read the step by steps. Roku has some special handling criteria.

unblock . us is the most well known unblocker. There are many others.

So I've already activated my Roku and cut the cable and am very interested in finding some way to watch my Tigers next summer. Am I SOL?

I'm not sure. It may depend on how mlbtv handles the traffic. ROKU uses a special way of geo authentication to separate regions that most of the other set tops don't.

It will depend on how mlbtv utilizes that content, or if they just look at your IP header like they do with every other configuration.

Surely there is also a way to "hard reset" the box and get it back to square one. I mean people do sell these things on ebay, etc.

Cool. I'll check it out. Any handy link to the step by step process?

http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/323038

Here's the one for unblock-us. Each service will probably have their own way to do it.

 

[MCguidance]

Not to derail this, but some of the above is exactly why I built an HTPC. I have my Bluray built in, plays any file format, can stream anything, acts as a server, etc.

Culdeus - can I just run a VPN and set my IP to say, Mexico, and get MLB.tv to play my Mets locally?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

For your OTA question.

Doesn't look good

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Shenandoah&State=VA&ZIP=22849&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=38.5376951&Lon=-78.6341996

edit,

just to show you what a mine looks like

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Richardson&State=TX&ZIP=&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=32.9481789&Lon=-96.7297205

I'm actually one more ridge to the west of that, but yeah.....

Live sports & local news is really all I'll miss if I cut.

I should be able to watch a lot of sports (NCAAB, mostly) & stuff on ESPN3 or WatchESPN if I have someone else's info (same for HBOGo and some others).

NFL, I'm screwed on for now unless I can somehow pick up a local channel. I'm not buying whatever that gaming system is that offered Sunday Ticket last year just for that (I don't play video games).

I guess I can keep up on local news through the internet/apps (it's not like the personalities are riveting, anyway).

Other than those, I don't watch much network/cable TV outside of a couple of series and I can wait on most them when they become available through a streaming service without feeling any loss. The rest is non-current stuff like whatever is on HGTV or sitcom reruns on TBS - easily found elsewhere.

 

[culdeus]

For your OTA question.

Doesn't look good

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Shenandoah&State=VA&ZIP=22849&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=38.5376951&Lon=-78.6341996

edit,

just to show you what a mine looks like

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Richardson&State=TX&ZIP=&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=32.9481789&Lon=-96.7297205

I'm actually one more ridge to the west of that, but yeah.....

Live sports & local news is really all I'll miss if I cut.

I should be able to watch a lot of sports (NCAAB, mostly) & stuff on ESPN3 or WatchESPN if I have someone else's info (same for HBOGo and some others).

NFL, I'm screwed on for now unless I can somehow pick up a local channel. I'm not buying whatever that gaming system is that offered Sunday Ticket last year just for that (I don't play video games).

I guess I can keep up on local news through the internet/apps (it's not like the personalities are riveting, anyway).

Other than those, I don't watch much network/cable TV outside of a couple of series and I can wait on most them when they become available through a streaming service without feeling any loss. The rest is non-current stuff like whatever is on HGTV or sitcom reruns on TBS - easily found elsewhere.

You may be the first one on here that might be a candidate for aereo. I've been wondering if we'd get someone on here to test it out. Your lack of OTA availability seems tailor made for it.

 

[MCguidance]

For your OTA question.

Doesn't look good

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Shenandoah&State=VA&ZIP=22849&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=38.5376951&Lon=-78.6341996

edit,

just to show you what a mine looks like

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Richardson&State=TX&ZIP=&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=32.9481789&Lon=-96.7297205

I'm actually one more ridge to the west of that, but yeah.....

Live sports & local news is really all I'll miss if I cut.

I should be able to watch a lot of sports (NCAAB, mostly) & stuff on ESPN3 or WatchESPN if I have someone else's info (same for HBOGo and some others).

NFL, I'm screwed on for now unless I can somehow pick up a local channel. I'm not buying whatever that gaming system is that offered Sunday Ticket last year just for that (I don't play video games).

I guess I can keep up on local news through the internet/apps (it's not like the personalities are riveting, anyway).

Other than those, I don't watch much network/cable TV outside of a couple of series and I can wait on most them when they become available through a streaming service without feeling any loss. The rest is non-current stuff like whatever is on HGTV or sitcom reruns on TBS - easily found elsewhere.

You may be the first one on here that might be a candidate for aereo. I've been wondering if we'd get someone on here to test it out. Your lack of OTA availability seems tailor made for it.

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. I see no reason why not to try Aereo for 8 bucks a month.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

For your OTA question.

Doesn't look good

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Shenandoah&State=VA&ZIP=22849&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=38.5376951&Lon=-78.6341996

edit,

just to show you what a mine looks like

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Richardson&State=TX&ZIP=&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=32.9481789&Lon=-96.7297205

I'm actually one more ridge to the west of that, but yeah.....

Live sports & local news is really all I'll miss if I cut.

I should be able to watch a lot of sports (NCAAB, mostly) & stuff on ESPN3 or WatchESPN if I have someone else's info (same for HBOGo and some others).

NFL, I'm screwed on for now unless I can somehow pick up a local channel. I'm not buying whatever that gaming system is that offered Sunday Ticket last year just for that (I don't play video games).

I guess I can keep up on local news through the internet/apps (it's not like the personalities are riveting, anyway).

Other than those, I don't watch much network/cable TV outside of a couple of series and I can wait on most them when they become available through a streaming service without feeling any loss. The rest is non-current stuff like whatever is on HGTV or sitcom reruns on TBS - easily found elsewhere.

You may be the first one on here that might be a candidate for aereo. I've been wondering if we'd get someone on here to test it out. Your lack of OTA availability seems tailor made for it.

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. I see no reason why not to try Aereo for 8 bucks a month.

I've got no problem being a guinea pig. Can you guys explain in layman's terms what you're talking about?

 

[culdeus]

For your OTA question.

Doesn't look good

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Shenandoah&State=VA&ZIP=22849&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=38.5376951&Lon=-78.6341996

edit,

just to show you what a mine looks like

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Richardson&State=TX&ZIP=&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=32.9481789&Lon=-96.7297205

I'm actually one more ridge to the west of that, but yeah.....

Live sports & local news is really all I'll miss if I cut.

I should be able to watch a lot of sports (NCAAB, mostly) & stuff on ESPN3 or WatchESPN if I have someone else's info (same for HBOGo and some others).

NFL, I'm screwed on for now unless I can somehow pick up a local channel. I'm not buying whatever that gaming system is that offered Sunday Ticket last year just for that (I don't play video games).

I guess I can keep up on local news through the internet/apps (it's not like the personalities are riveting, anyway).

Other than those, I don't watch much network/cable TV outside of a couple of series and I can wait on most them when they become available through a streaming service without feeling any loss. The rest is non-current stuff like whatever is on HGTV or sitcom reruns on TBS - easily found elsewhere.

You may be the first one on here that might be a candidate for aereo. I've been wondering if we'd get someone on here to test it out. Your lack of OTA availability seems tailor made for it.

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. I see no reason why not to try Aereo for 8 bucks a month.

I've got no problem being a guinea pig. Can you guys explain in layman's terms what you're talking about?

Take a look here:

https://aereo.com/devices

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Thanks for the link. I think it's telling me it's not available in my area. Am I reading that right?

 

[culdeus]

Thanks for the link. I think it's telling me it's not available in my area. Am I reading that right?

Maybe. Let me look into work arounds.

 

[glock]

For your OTA question.

Doesn't look good

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Shenandoah&State=VA&ZIP=22849&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=38.5376951&Lon=-78.6341996

edit,

just to show you what a mine looks like

http://www.antennaweb.org/Stations.aspx?Address=&City=Richardson&State=TX&ZIP=&Housing=S&Accuracy=4&Height=6&Obstructed=False&StationList=&Lat=32.9481789&Lon=-96.7297205

I'm actually one more ridge to the west of that, but yeah.....

Live sports & local news is really all I'll miss if I cut.

I should be able to watch a lot of sports (NCAAB, mostly) & stuff on ESPN3 or WatchESPN if I have someone else's info (same for HBOGo and some others).

NFL, I'm screwed on for now unless I can somehow pick up a local channel. I'm not buying whatever that gaming system is that offered Sunday Ticket last year just for that (I don't play video games).

I guess I can keep up on local news through the internet/apps (it's not like the personalities are riveting, anyway).

Other than those, I don't watch much network/cable TV outside of a couple of series and I can wait on most them when they become available through a streaming service without feeling any loss. The rest is non-current stuff like whatever is on HGTV or sitcom reruns on TBS - easily found elsewhere.

You may be the first one on here that might be a candidate for aereo. I've been wondering if we'd get someone on here to test it out. Your lack of OTA availability seems tailor made for it.

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. I see no reason why not to try Aereo for 8 bucks a month.

I've got no problem being a guinea pig. Can you guys explain in layman's terms what you're talking about?

Take a look here:

https://aereo.com/devices

I may just do this.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

 

[snogger]

Wife is starting to with the DirectTV expense.... Now with adding Google Chromecast and Netflix yesterday she is starting to wonder about going "Cable" free this Fall when our 2 year contract is up..

Current DirectTV bill is over $1000 per year ..

If we got a OTA to get the local channels, and then Added Netflix, Hulu Plus and even Amazon prime and possibly even throw in a Roku or two, I'm coming up with about $280/year for a savings of $800+ a year...

I guess my biggest question is... if we decide to venture this way come fall .. what do you all do for NFL Network Thursday night games.. and ESPN Monday night games?? TIA!

 

[glock]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

Visit their web site...

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

Ok, it looks like the antenna has to be in the broadcast range to work. From the article I just read:

Also, Aereo tracks where you are, so you can receive signals only when you're within a certain broadcast range. That means that for now, you're not be able to watch TV shows using Aereo when you travel to another city, although that's a feature the company says it's working on.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/09/aereo-review/index.htm

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

Visit their web site...

I did - I wasn't understanding what I was reading.

 

[culdeus]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

I didn't realize they did a region restriction. I'm not sure if a DNS unblock would work or if you would have to go full VPN. From my initial looking around it seems like a full VPN would be required.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

I didn't realize they did a region restriction. I'm not sure if a DNS unblock would work or if you would have to go full VPN. From my initial looking around it seems like a full VPN would be required.

I don't know what that means, but thanks for checking.

On their coverage map, they have several areas that are in gray - I assume those are areas to be expanded into in the future. DC is one. Based on Baltimore's coverage area, it's possible I could be in range when they do open up the area.

 

[The Ref]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

 

[culdeus]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

I didn't realize they did a region restriction. I'm not sure if a DNS unblock would work or if you would have to go full VPN. From my initial looking around it seems like a full VPN would be required.

I don't know what that means, but thanks for checking.

On their coverage map, they have several areas that are in gray - I assume those are areas to be expanded into in the future. DC is one. Based on Baltimore's coverage area, it's possible I could be in range when they do open up the area.

Well when you deal with a region restriction you really have two options.

VPN basically picks your internet up and puts it somewhere else you want it. To the outside world it looks as if you are where the VPN is. In this case you'd get a NY/NY VPN and get NY content from Aereo. This would for sure work for your situation if you were so inclined to do so. It's not hard and VPN services run about $7/month. Lots of parnaoid tinfoil hat types do them by default for extra security and fully anonymous browsing. HideMyAss.com is the most popular service.

A DNS unblocker works in a similar way, but typically they don't host them in such a way that a service like aereo will validate you. They like to stick them in some server farm in peoria so they can serve all needs of all people. This service is cheaper, usually <$5/month. The downshot here is that the DNS unblocker can see all the traffic you push through it. So if you are shy about your scat porn habit, or are plotting to blow something up someone (And truly, many others with some effort) can see everything you do. Everything. Putting it on a set top box is mostly harmless, imo. Unblock-us.com is the most popular service.

 

[glock]

I'd be ok using either a Baltimore or DC Aereo location. I have people living in both coverage areas. But I don't really understand how the thing works. Would they have anyway of knowing I was using it out of market?

Visit their web site...

I did - I wasn't understanding what I was reading.

Basically- they are sending OTA programming- that THEY receive on THEIR antenna- to you via your internet service provider, after which you then use one of the recommended devices to get that programming onto your TV. I am 35 miles outside NYC, so I have been contemplating an antenna to receive that programming. I will definitely be looking into this service as an option.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Thanks, guys, for all of the explanations. VPN may be further than I want to go at this point but I'll keep it in my back pocket.

 

[Politician Spock]

Wife is starting to with the DirectTV expense.... Now with adding Google Chromecast and Netflix yesterday she is starting to wonder about going "Cable" free this Fall when our 2 year contract is up..

Current DirectTV bill is over $1000 per year ..

If we got a OTA to get the local channels, and then Added Netflix, Hulu Plus and even Amazon prime and possibly even throw in a Roku or two, I'm coming up with about $280/year for a savings of $800+ a year...

I guess my biggest question is... if we decide to venture this way come fall .. what do you all do for NFL Network Thursday night games.. and ESPN Monday night games?? TIA!

If I want to watch them I go to a sports bar... but to be honest, most of the time it is teams I don't care about.

That being said, my Verizon smartphone is apparently capable of seeing the Thursday night and Monday night games via an agreement Verizon has with the NFL... but I've never tried it, so I don't know how good it is.

 

[MCguidance]

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN I use and works great.

I think it was $35 for the year if you paid up front? Not expensive.

 

[17seconds]

Wife is starting to with the DirectTV expense.... Now with adding Google Chromecast and Netflix yesterday she is starting to wonder about going "Cable" free this Fall when our 2 year contract is up..

Current DirectTV bill is over $1000 per year ..

If we got a OTA to get the local channels, and then Added Netflix, Hulu Plus and even Amazon prime and possibly even throw in a Roku or two, I'm coming up with about $280/year for a savings of $800+ a year...

I guess my biggest question is... if we decide to venture this way come fall .. what do you all do for NFL Network Thursday night games.. and ESPN Monday night games?? TIA!

If I want to watch them I go to a sports bar... but to be honest, most of the time it is teams I don't care about.

That being said, my Verizon smartphone is apparently capable of seeing the Thursday night and Monday night games via an agreement Verizon has with the NFL... but I've never tried it, so I don't know how good it is.

Looks like it is $5/month for TNF, SNF, MNF, Redzone, and NFL network. Not bad.

I'm also a Verizon customer, may be an option for me when I cut the cord. I guess I'd plug my phone in HDMI to the TV when I use it.

Funny thing is I'd be using WiFi at home. So I'd be using Cox's internet bandwidth to avoid paying Cox for those channels, and Verizon takes a $5/mo cut for me to do it.

 

[Politician Spock]

Wife is starting to with the DirectTV expense.... Now with adding Google Chromecast and Netflix yesterday she is starting to wonder about going "Cable" free this Fall when our 2 year contract is up..

Current DirectTV bill is over $1000 per year ..

If we got a OTA to get the local channels, and then Added Netflix, Hulu Plus and even Amazon prime and possibly even throw in a Roku or two, I'm coming up with about $280/year for a savings of $800+ a year...

I guess my biggest question is... if we decide to venture this way come fall .. what do you all do for NFL Network Thursday night games.. and ESPN Monday night games?? TIA!

If I want to watch them I go to a sports bar... but to be honest, most of the time it is teams I don't care about.

That being said, my Verizon smartphone is apparently capable of seeing the Thursday night and Monday night games via an agreement Verizon has with the NFL... but I've never tried it, so I don't know how good it is.

Looks like it is $5/month for TNF, SNF, MNF, Redzone, and NFL network. Not bad.

I'm also a Verizon customer, may be an option for me when I cut the cord. I guess I'd plug my phone in HDMI to the TV when I use it.

Funny thing is I'd be using WiFi at home. So I'd be using Cox's internet bandwidth to avoid paying Cox for those channels, and Verizon takes a $5/mo cut for me to do it.

I didn't realize it had Redzone. That might be worth it.

I passed on it because I thought it was just the night games, and I already get the Sunday night game OTA, so $60 a year for two more games a week (already get 4 per week for free OTA) seemed a bit much, given as I said before I don't care about most teams. Until the playoffs, the only teams I care to watch are Cincy, Cleveland, Pitt, and Baltimore.

Redzone for $60/year.... hmmm... interesting.....

 

[OC Zed]

Cut the cord today... I cancelled DirecTV and will be rolling with my Mohu Leaf (thanks to this thread) and will be using my XBox One and PS4 for streaming. I wish I had done this a year ago.

Follow-up: I got a call from DirecTV's customer retention department this morning offering to cut my monthly bill in half from $80 to $40 for the next year for all of the same programming and the HD DVR service. It was really tempting, but I still said no. If I'm not watching TV at $80/month, then why would I watch it at $40/month?

The loss of the NFL is the only thing that will really sting, but I can go back to the sports bar scene again on Sundays like I used to do for most of the last decade.

 

[Zasada]

TL;DR - I want a BR/HT player with multiple HDMI ports.

What you really want is a home theatre receiver. It will give you much more flexibility in the future to add/remove devices. It will also give you the ability to add a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup, which is a HUGE improvement over your TV speakers.

That said, you don't have to do any of that now except get more HDMI inputs. And it doesn't have to be expensive:

Onkyo TX-SR313 5.1 Receiver with 4 HDMI inputs for $199

If you're willing to watch Slickdeals for a few weeks you'll probably find a better model for a similar price. But the above is a great entry into the home theatre market.

A combo BD/Receiver is just going to keep you tied to both in the future. What if you want to upgrade the BD player in the future? Or the receiver? Better to go modular and scalable.

My two cents.

Thanks. So keep my existing Blue Ray and add a receiver? Then all I need to do is switch my existing HT speakers from the Blu Ray to the receiver and run the Blu Ray (& everything else - Roku, etc..) through the receiver - right?

That's right. Provided that your HT speakers aren't some unique variety that are compatible only with your BD player. You then route everything (Roku, ChromeCast, DirecTV, BDPlayer, etc) to the receiver and then the receiver to the TV. You never have to change the input on your TV, and instead the receiver does that. The receiver will also manage the sound/volume of your media instead of your TV.

 

[The Ref]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

 

[snogger]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

Can't answer specifically to you, but here is our plan..

The more we talk about it the more we think this August when our DirectTV contract is up we will do the following.

Purchase an OTA for local channels like this one

Purchase at least one Roku device for the living room, and then maybe a 2nd one for downstairs. This will be added to our current Googel Chromecast device which we will put in the bedroom.

Purchase Netflix and Hulu+ ( in your case you could purchase HBO).. For us. it would be a little over $190 a year, compared to over $1000 a year we currently pay for DirectTV.

The only thing I won't have going that route is NFL Network, so will miss out on Thursday night games, and Even though it has a ESPN App, I think you'd need a cable subscription to get that so I'd lose Monday night games also.... But that alone isn't enough to justify the $800+ more a year to me

 

[Ned]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

Can't answer specifically to you, but here is our plan..

The more we talk about it the more we think this August when our DirectTV contract is up we will do the following.

Purchase an OTA for local channels like this one

Purchase at least one Roku device for the living room, and then maybe a 2nd one for downstairs. This will be added to our current Googel Chromecast device which we will put in the bedroom.

Purchase Netflix and Hulu+ ( in your case you could purchase HBO).. For us. it would be a little over $190 a year, compared to over $1000 a year we currently pay for DirectTV.

The only thing I won't have going that route is NFL Network, so will miss out on Thursday night games, and Even though it has a ESPN App, I think you'd need a cable subscription to get that so I'd lose Monday night games also.... But that alone isn't enough to justify the $800+ more a year to me

How can you purchase HBO without cable??

 

[MCguidance]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

Can't answer specifically to you, but here is our plan..

The more we talk about it the more we think this August when our DirectTV contract is up we will do the following.

Purchase an OTA for local channels like this one

Purchase at least one Roku device for the living room, and then maybe a 2nd one for downstairs. This will be added to our current Googel Chromecast device which we will put in the bedroom.

Purchase Netflix and Hulu+ ( in your case you could purchase HBO).. For us. it would be a little over $190 a year, compared to over $1000 a year we currently pay for DirectTV.

The only thing I won't have going that route is NFL Network, so will miss out on Thursday night games, and Even though it has a ESPN App, I think you'd need a cable subscription to get that so I'd lose Monday night games also.... But that alone isn't enough to justify the $800+ more a year to me

How can you purchase HBO without cable??

I don't think you can in the US.

You can ask someone who has HBO for their log in credentials and pay them a few bucks a month.

 

[Bogart]

Going to be Captain Obvious here, but I have to say, I really don't miss TV all that much and learning to go without, even with my options still available.

Was out of town for business for three weeks in Jan and never turned the hotel TV on other than for the AFC/NFC Championship games. I would have on The Daily Show/Colbert/@midnight while working out in the gym or ESPNNews depending on the time I was down there, but that was it.

And now I have been home for a week and the only time I have turned on the TV was to catch some of the Grammys, and I was doing other things around the house.

I know it's not prime time season for shows and for me I don't live and die regular season hockey and basketball, but it's felt good not to kill three hours every night on the couch.

 

[Jobber]

Going to be Captain Obvious here, but I have to say, I really don't miss TV all that much and learning to go without, even with my options still available.

Was out of town for business for three weeks in Jan and never turned the hotel TV on other than for the AFC/NFC Championship games. I would have on The Daily Show/Colbert/@midnight while working out in the gym or ESPNNews depending on the time I was down there, but that was it.

And now I have been home for a week and the only time I have turned on the TV was to catch some of the Grammys, and I was doing other things around the house.

I know it's not prime time season for shows and for me I don't live and die regular season hockey and basketball, but it's felt good not to kill three hours every night on the couch.

So true. Cutting the cable is more about a lifestyle change, than money saving opportunity. It really helps cut down on the TV watching just for the sake of watching.

 

[culdeus]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

You are going to have some difficulties. The most difficult thing to get is NCAA Football from your list. There are solid workarounds for all pro sports, Network TV, and Disney Jr. without doing anything quasi-illegal. HBO will require you to get someone's credentials which is illegal, but HBO says they will not press charges for this type of activity so do what you want there.

But NCAA is going to #### you. Even with a friend's ESPN credential they still won't deal you all the games streaming. This is more or less the situation i find myself in.

 

[snogger]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

Can't answer specifically to you, but here is our plan..

The more we talk about it the more we think this August when our DirectTV contract is up we will do the following.

Purchase an OTA for local channels like this one

Purchase at least one Roku device for the living room, and then maybe a 2nd one for downstairs. This will be added to our current Googel Chromecast device which we will put in the bedroom.

Purchase Netflix and Hulu+ ( in your case you could purchase HBO).. For us. it would be a little over $190 a year, compared to over $1000 a year we currently pay for DirectTV.

The only thing I won't have going that route is NFL Network, so will miss out on Thursday night games, and Even though it has a ESPN App, I think you'd need a cable subscription to get that so I'd lose Monday night games also.... But that alone isn't enough to justify the $800+ more a year to me

How can you purchase HBO without cable??

My bad.. I don't purchase HBO now but figured that since the Roku had HBO-Go available it meant you could purchase it San Cable TV..

just read the page now and based on this I guess not:

With HBO GO, stream your favorite HBO® original series, movies and more, right to your TV. It's every episode of every season of the best of HBO - all FREE with your HBO subscription through participating TV providers. Any way you watch it, HBO brings you the best.

Kind of surprised they don't just allow you to purchase a "streaming" contract

 

[culdeus]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

Can't answer specifically to you, but here is our plan..

The more we talk about it the more we think this August when our DirectTV contract is up we will do the following.

Purchase an OTA for local channels like this one

Purchase at least one Roku device for the living room, and then maybe a 2nd one for downstairs. This will be added to our current Googel Chromecast device which we will put in the bedroom.

Purchase Netflix and Hulu+ ( in your case you could purchase HBO).. For us. it would be a little over $190 a year, compared to over $1000 a year we currently pay for DirectTV.

The only thing I won't have going that route is NFL Network, so will miss out on Thursday night games, and Even though it has a ESPN App, I think you'd need a cable subscription to get that so I'd lose Monday night games also.... But that alone isn't enough to justify the $800+ more a year to me

How can you purchase HBO without cable??

My bad.. I don't purchase HBO now but figured that since the Roku had HBO-Go available it meant you could purchase it San Cable TV..

just read the page now and based on this I guess not:

With HBO GO, stream your favorite HBO® original series, movies and more, right to your TV. It's every episode of every season of the best of HBO - all FREE with your HBO subscription through participating TV providers. Any way you watch it, HBO brings you the best.

Kind of surprised they don't just allow you to purchase a "streaming" contract

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CFkQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftakemymoneyhbo.com%2F&ei=9rLqUvTwCvGFyQGC3IHwDQ&usg=AFQjCNFsSkpkTVIhMTlscmXAjfgDpiY9PQ&sig2=XjSYrcxNXhU_nT8LhiPPQg&bvm=bv.60444564,d.aWc

 

[snogger]

Going to be Captain Obvious here, but I have to say, I really don't miss TV all that much and learning to go without, even with my options still available.

Was out of town for business for three weeks in Jan and never turned the hotel TV on other than for the AFC/NFC Championship games. I would have on The Daily Show/Colbert/@midnight while working out in the gym or ESPNNews depending on the time I was down there, but that was it.

And now I have been home for a week and the only time I have turned on the TV was to catch some of the Grammys, and I was doing other things around the house.

I know it's not prime time season for shows and for me I don't live and die regular season hockey and basketball, but it's felt good not to kill three hours every night on the couch.

I would say the only thing that is going to make cutting DirectTv slightly difficult to get use to is having to wait until Monday to watch "The Walking Dead" .. It is the only show on TV right now that I always make sure I'm home to watch..

 

[Ned]

Going to be Captain Obvious here, but I have to say, I really don't miss TV all that much and learning to go without, even with my options still available.

Was out of town for business for three weeks in Jan and never turned the hotel TV on other than for the AFC/NFC Championship games. I would have on The Daily Show/Colbert/@midnight while working out in the gym or ESPNNews depending on the time I was down there, but that was it.

And now I have been home for a week and the only time I have turned on the TV was to catch some of the Grammys, and I was doing other things around the house.

I know it's not prime time season for shows and for me I don't live and die regular season hockey and basketball, but it's felt good not to kill three hours every night on the couch.

I would say the only thing that is going to make cutting DirectTv slightly difficult to get use to is having to wait until Monday to watch "The Walking Dead" .. It is the only show on TV right now that I always make sure I'm home to watch..

Meh.... I bet you'll enjoy it more after the fact since you won't have to worry about the stupid commercials.

 

[Politician Spock]

Going to be Captain Obvious here, but I have to say, I really don't miss TV all that much and learning to go without, even with my options still available.

Was out of town for business for three weeks in Jan and never turned the hotel TV on other than for the AFC/NFC Championship games. I would have on The Daily Show/Colbert/@midnight while working out in the gym or ESPNNews depending on the time I was down there, but that was it.

And now I have been home for a week and the only time I have turned on the TV was to catch some of the Grammys, and I was doing other things around the house.

I know it's not prime time season for shows and for me I don't live and die regular season hockey and basketball, but it's felt good not to kill three hours every night on the couch.

I would say the only thing that is going to make cutting DirectTv slightly difficult to get use to is having to wait until Monday to watch "The Walking Dead" .. It is the only show on TV right now that I always make sure I'm home to watch..

Meh.... I bet you'll enjoy it more after the fact since you won't have to worry about the stupid commercials.

Everything except sports and news is better when watched on demand. In fact, most news is fine on demand too. Breaking news is the only thing I need to see as it's being broadcasted... in addition to sports of course.

 

[snogger]

Going to be Captain Obvious here, but I have to say, I really don't miss TV all that much and learning to go without, even with my options still available.

Was out of town for business for three weeks in Jan and never turned the hotel TV on other than for the AFC/NFC Championship games. I would have on The Daily Show/Colbert/@midnight while working out in the gym or ESPNNews depending on the time I was down there, but that was it.

And now I have been home for a week and the only time I have turned on the TV was to catch some of the Grammys, and I was doing other things around the house.

I know it's not prime time season for shows and for me I don't live and die regular season hockey and basketball, but it's felt good not to kill three hours every night on the couch.

I would say the only thing that is going to make cutting DirectTv slightly difficult to get use to is having to wait until Monday to watch "The Walking Dead" .. It is the only show on TV right now that I always make sure I'm home to watch..

Meh.... I bet you'll enjoy it more after the fact since you won't have to worry about the stupid commercials.

Oh I'm sure I will.. Just going to take some getting used to. at least I don't have to worry about that until the fall..

 

[Tiger Fan]

I think I just had the final straw with Cox. They raised their rates across the board. I'm now paying $175/mo for internet + cable on 1 TV with HD and DVR, no premium channels. What a ####### ripoff.

The internet (which is great at 28Mbps) is $65 of that. I can't believe the $110 for TV.

First step will be to get a Leaf Ultimate. NBC HD is 50mi from me so hopefully it works.

i'm in the same boat

 

[Tiger Fan]

I've done some reading but I'm still a relative newcomer to the whole cut to cord concept. I'd greatly appreciate some advice if someone would be so kind.

I'm with Comcast/Xfintiy for both my Cable and Internet. We don't have a home phone (cell phones). The Comcast Internet Service is a must have as I work from home and need the dependability.... not that it matters because I think the idea is to use the internet to replace Cable. I live in a HOA and basic cable comes "free", although there was some talk about dropping it from the monthly HOA dues in the future.

The Television part of my Comcast bill is $75. $20 for HD. $18 for the next tier up of programing. $17 for HBO. $10 for the Sports tier. And an additional $10 for a third HD box.

Right now I have 3 TV's "in" the house. The main one in the living room, one is the guest room mainly for my Grandmother, Parents In Laws when they stay over (like 3 days a month on average between them), and a outdoor TV by the pool mainly for Football Sat/Sun when the weather is nice. Frankly I can give a damn about the Guest room TV so long as it gets something a little more robust then basic TV. As I said the outside TV is for Football/Redone channel almost exclusively. The living room TV is the main TV in the house.

The guest room TV is a small samsung and I dont think its a smart TV. The outside TV is a 5 year old LCD TV not a smart TV. The family room TV is a 42 inch samsung smart TV. I think I need to buy a router for this model TV as it didn't come with one installed. I own a Wii and a Xbox 360. I don't have a subscription to Netflix or anything else for that matter.

As far as "required" programing goes. I'd like the basics for all the TV's. I'd like to be able to watch the NFL/NCAA games outside incl redzone if possible. The Main TV Id like network TV, NFL/MLB/NHL games, HBO and Disney Jr.

So whats my options here?

I think we're in a very similar boat. Here's what I think I'm going to do:

1. Purchase a HD Leaf Antenna from Amazon (already confirmed with them I can return it if it doesn't work as intended). I'll test it out to make sure it picks up all the OTA stations so the wife is cool with that

2. Ditch the cable and subscribe to Hulu Plus (we have 2 rokus, chromecast and netflix already)

3. I fully expect to subscribe to cable again only for football season, but if I can save $110/month for 6 months out of the year, I'll do that

I won't be able to tolerate buffering or whatnot during key games. Plus, I don't think there's an easy answer for getting non OTA football games

 

[BlueDredSo]

Sounds like a good set up, I'm thinking the same. HD Antenna (so far the Leaf is a popular choice), a couple Roku's, probably Chromecast since it's cheap and seems like it has a lot of room to grow, a TiVO of some sort (the box and lifetime membership is expensive but worth it in long-run).

Is there any way to wirelessly transmit the antenna signal? I've looked all over the place and can only find sketchy solutions. Is it because of broadcast laws? If there is something that can hook up to the Leaf and transmit a wireless signal to the other TV's or receivers on the other TV's that'd be great. So far I'm coming up blank though. Any ideas without having to run cables all over the place?

 

[culdeus]

Sounds like a good set up, I'm thinking the same. HD Antenna (so far the Leaf is a popular choice), a couple Roku's, probably Chromecast since it's cheap and seems like it has a lot of room to grow, a TiVO of some sort (the box and lifetime membership is expensive but worth it in long-run).

Is there any way to wirelessly transmit the antenna signal? I've looked all over the place and can only find sketchy solutions. Is it because of broadcast laws? If there is something that can hook up to the Leaf and transmit a wireless signal to the other TV's or receivers on the other TV's that'd be great. So far I'm coming up blank though. Any ideas without having to run cables all over the place?

Most people in this situation would just get one antenna per TV or else run a splitter in the attic.

 

[Politician Spock]

Sounds like a good set up, I'm thinking the same. HD Antenna (so far the Leaf is a popular choice), a couple Roku's, probably Chromecast since it's cheap and seems like it has a lot of room to grow, a TiVO of some sort (the box and lifetime membership is expensive but worth it in long-run).

Is there any way to wirelessly transmit the antenna signal? I've looked all over the place and can only find sketchy solutions. Is it because of broadcast laws? If there is something that can hook up to the Leaf and transmit a wireless signal to the other TV's or receivers on the other TV's that'd be great. So far I'm coming up blank though. Any ideas without having to run cables all over the place?

Outside of buying a Tivo Mini that can use your wifi to watch live TV from the Tivo Roamio's OTA tuner, I don't know of another wireless solution. Just getting an antenna for the 2nd and 3rd TVs is a wireless solution.

 

[snogger]

Good news for those of us NFL Fans thinking of "cutting the cable"..

CBS to carry the First 8 weeks of Thursday Night games

 

[17seconds]

3. I fully expect to subscribe to cable again only for football season, but if I can save $110/month for 6 months out of the year, I'll do that

I won't be able to tolerate buffering or whatnot during key games. Plus, I don't think there's an easy answer for getting non OTA football games

Haven't tried it yet but as mentioned earlier it seems Verizon $5/mo is the answer for non-OTA games. Includes redzone. If you have an LTE Verizon device, or are willing to get one that is.

BTW.. I just ordered a Mohu Leaf 50 (they changed the name from ultimate). Will see what I can get from it this weekend and if it's good, the cable gets cut. I'll probably do Netflix (mostly for the kids content) and HuluPlus. Already have and use Amazon Prime.