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We've cut the cable (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Addai's Adidas
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I'm coming up on one year free from cable and couldn't be any happier. Saving somewhere around $1700/year and never miss a show I want to see. I was looking around the first few pages of this thread and can't believe it started 4 years before I cut the cable and I can't believe it took me so long. Some of those early posts, particularly from the nay sayers, are pretty funny. If I get some time (I wish I had more time) I'll post a collection of some of the funnier early posts (while protecting the innocent of course). It really is amazing how far we've come, good job fellas.
culdeus
Footballguy
If the cord cutting continues as it is I can't see anything but pain for sports fans. The revenue base they get from people that don't watch sports constitutes most of the entire NBA, NHL, and MLB revenue. College sports could crater under their bloated infrastructure and travel arrangements molded when ESPN was paying billions of rights fees to show women basketball to an audience of hundreds.
KiddLattimer
Footballguy
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but MLB just settled a class action about their MLB.tv blackout rules... this years price is $20 a month cheaper and if they dont work out a deal for local games by this year they have to freeze the price until 2020. Sounds like they have a deal with Fox already and now theyre working on it with Root, Comcast Sports etc. That's definitely good news 
Streaming local channels will be part of Comcast's Stream TV if they follow through and make it available to all customers later this year. You are required to have a internet cable subscription with them:
At a reported price of $15/month that surely sounds good. We will have to wait and see if they try and pull their usual contracts and rate hikes song and dance.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
The local packages are available. Problem is I live in a four team area (Cubs, White Sox, Reds, Tigers) and I'm still screwed I think if I want to watch Cardinals vs any one of them (and I ain't missing Cards/Cubs for anything).Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but MLB just settled a class action about their MLB.tv blackout rules... this years price is $20 a month cheaper and if they dont work out a deal for local games by this year they have to freeze the price until 2020. Sounds like they have a deal with Fox already and now theyre working on it with Root, Comcast Sports etc. That's definitely good news
Looks like it's still a pirate's life for me.
Card Trader
Footballguy
Maybe this has been talked about already, but when I cancelled with Cox but kept internet service I realized I still get like 45 channels, including my locals in HD by going directly from outlet to TV.
Between that and Kodi, not sure I need anything else.
Between that and Kodi, not sure I need anything else.
Moe.
Footballguy
The TV money that all of the leagues/clubs are enjoying right now is a bubble and not sustainable.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/06/the-sports-bubble-is-about-to-pop.html
17seconds
root of all aliai
I had this as well last year but Cox recently went all digital here, requiring a box. I believe it was to start enforcing DRM so you can't get any channels this way. Might be wrong but the gravy train may stop for you soon.
Interesting article, thanks. I still don't understand how that's bad for the sports fan. I see how it's bad for the networks, I see how it's bad for the billionaire owners and I see how it's bad for the millionaire athlete. But, I don't get why that's bad for the sports fan.
It's interesting that you compared it to a "bubble" because, and if you are right and it's not sustainable, there is a reason for it. And it's not necessarily the internet to blame. Usually it's greed and all you have to do is follow the money. Eventually as the prices go higher and higher, the middle and lower class is more separated from the upper class at some point, internet or not, the number of people wont and/or can't pay. Without the internet it may be hundreds of more years, but, that's just kicking the can down the road. In the housing bubble it was banks that were greedy and wrote bad mortgages. In this bubble, if it happens, it's the cable companies, networks and owners that are padding their pockets.
Good news is that either way, despite some casualties, people didn't stop building and living in houses. And people wont stop playing and watching sports either.
KiddLattimer
Footballguy
You mean the single team packages? As of now they're blacked out like you said, but I believe the new mandate is to remove blackouts for everyone so you wouldn't miss them if they work out deals with Fox Sports Detroit, Cincy, etc.
I get the Mets/Yanks blacked out but I follow the Bucs so I only miss a few games a year. That said I have Time Warner and I just figured out that SNY (Mets channel) is one of 2 channels that comes through if you plug in the cable so I should only miss now if they play the Yanks.
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pollardsvision
Footballguy
I hope you're right, but I'm not optimistic about this happening anytime soon.Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but MLB just settled a class action about their MLB.tv blackout rules... this years price is $20 a month cheaper and if they dont work out a deal for local games by this year they have to freeze the price until 2020. Sounds like they have a deal with Fox already and now theyre working on it with Root, Comcast Sports etc. That's definitely good news
Sure, MLB has to reach an agreement for in-market games by 2017 or it can't raise rates, but look at what we just saw. MLB agreed to a settlement where they drop the price by $20 (pretty significant drop) in order to avoid dealing with this issue. If the $20 is less important then pissing of the cable channels in 2016, there's a good chance it won't be in 2017 either.
IMO, the only way there is any real change in the MLB.tv blackout policy is for more and more people to cut the cord or cut out the packages that include these channels so that they won't be able to afford the crazy high deals with these teams. These channels, like ESPN, are mainly funded by subscribers that don't even watch the damn channels. I have no idea when it'll get to that point. Maybe it's soon, maybe not.
Also, as an out-of-market MLB.tv subscriber, I'm not sure I'm a hurry for the in-market blackouts to stop. I assume it means the price will go way up. They will have to shell out to these channels to get them to agree. MLB.tv, in it's current form, is essentially MLB selling off a surplus product that wasn't going to get used or bought anyway (out of market, non-national TV games). With in-market games, they'll be selling a product that somebody else has already paid for the exclusive right to sell. The price will skyrocket.
KiddLattimer
Footballguy
Fair point, that would suck if the price goes way up on it.
As far as cord cutters I heard Disney / ESPN complaining about how they lost a huge chunk of their audience due to cord cutting (I want to say a loss of 7 million?) so it's already on their radar
pollardsvision
Footballguy
That sounds about right. Like the regional MLB channels, ESPN is also subsidized by people that don't watch it or care at all that they have it.KiddLattimer said:
It'll be really interesting to see what happens to sports and sports access if cable cutting keeps growing. Though, I'm really not convinced it will as much as many think. Anecdotal, but I'm trying to spread the gospel to as many people as I can, but the vast majority seem to be totally fine paying $40-80 for something they could largely get for free with a couple minor changes. I think a combination of rising internet rates and slightly cheaper (seeming) cable packages/bundles will end up keeping many of cable subscribers. I recently cut cable in two places, and Comcast offered me some packages that were really tempting.
But if the trend does keep growing in a meaningful way, I assume it'll end up meaning that either leagues won't keep getting these monster TV contracts or that the sports fans that absolutely have to have this access will pay 2-3X what they are currently paying for the access.
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Shutout
Footballguy
It's only been about a month for me but I feel the same way. I have truly paid a lot more attention to what I was actually buying and using and the "value" of that service and it honestly makes me feel better knowing that I am saving money instead of wasting it.tonydead said:
I don't want to get on a soapbox and "spread religion" to readers but this has been one of those things that has acted as a catalyst for other things. I cut cable and I start looking at other areas I'm spending money. I start thinking about where I am in preparation for retirement. Hey! I now have a few extra dollars that could be shifted TOWARDS retirement. I do a little analysis of how I'm spending my time now that I'm not in front of a tv as much. This has been a nice exercise for me and I think it is a positive one.
matttyl
Footballguy
I have to wait till October I think to cut the cable portion out of my comcast contract. Will still need them for internet as they are my only option. Doing a lot of homework now and trying to show the wife a step at a time how to get certain things. If I could just pull locals with an antenna I'd be golden - but I think I'm a bit too far from the tower. This new comcast streaming thing looks interesting, though.Shutout said:
pollardsvision
Footballguy
If you have Comcast internet only (no cable sub required!), you can watch Better Call Saul S2 on demand on Comcast's website.
Pretty awesome for me, as BCS was really the only show that's presented a bit of a cordcutting problem so far. It's a can't miss show, and trying to watch a show live (via Sling) for the first time in a long time (no DVR yet) was starting to get annoying.
It appears some other shows are available as well. On the site, you scroll across a show and it doesn't have the little "key" symbol, I think it's available for internet only subscribers. The shows with key require a cable sub.
http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/watch/Better-Call-Saul/9036855273058856112/full-episodes#filter=online&episode=8976582223013153112
Pretty awesome for me, as BCS was really the only show that's presented a bit of a cordcutting problem so far. It's a can't miss show, and trying to watch a show live (via Sling) for the first time in a long time (no DVR yet) was starting to get annoying.
It appears some other shows are available as well. On the site, you scroll across a show and it doesn't have the little "key" symbol, I think it's available for internet only subscribers. The shows with key require a cable sub.
http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/watch/Better-Call-Saul/9036855273058856112/full-episodes#filter=online&episode=8976582223013153112
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JoeSteeler
Footballguy
You can watch bcs and wd on AMC website. No login required
http://www.amc.com/shows/better-call-saul
http://www.amc.com/shows/better-call-saul
pollardsvision
Footballguy
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Sling is carrying the channel "Viceland" (in H2's old spot). It looks like a pretty interesting channel with shows called "Weediquette", "####, That's Delicious" and "Gaycation". Viceland launches today.
Quez
Footballguy
Verizon wants $12 a month for a standard no-DVR cable box. I already have two other HD boxes/ 1DVR. What a freaking scam these companies equipment rental fees are. 
I wish I could convince my wife to cut the cable, I might have to revisit this in a year when my contract is up.
I wish I could convince my wife to cut the cable, I might have to revisit this in a year when my contract is up.
Card Trader
Footballguy
Definitely one of the big things that helped push me to cut the cable. Paying box fees for 5 tvs was just stupid, and the box fees never go away, they'll just give you the newest "latest and greatest" box after you've payed $200-300 in monthly fees to continue to justify them.Verizon wants $12 a month for a standard no-DVR cable box. I already have two other HD boxes/ 1DVR. What a freaking scam these companies equipment rental fees are.
I wish I could convince my wife to cut the cable, I might have to revisit this in a year when my contract is up.
Quez
Footballguy
I saw an article that Comcast is planning on having a 4k box out soon. I guess the companies are going to start having a regular box, had box, hd-dvr box, 4k-box, and probably a 4k DVR box. Yeah, that's not going to be confusing when dealing with the customer service folks in Malaysia.
MattFancy
Footballguy
AT&T wants you to stream DirecTV online, even if you’re not on AT&T
AT&T is announcing a new TV service that's aimed at cord-cutters. You don't have to be an existing customer of AT&T, or even its satellite subsidiary, DirecTV, to buy it. And best of all, you'll be able to watch it over the Internet on your smartphone.
AT&T's service, which it's calling DirecTV Now, is different from services like Netflix or Hulu. Unlike those apps, which offer on-demand content but not live television programming, DirecTV Now will have both kinds of content. AT&T hopes the move will help it capture a growing market for mobile video as providers ranging from Comcast to Verizon get in the game, too.
AT&T isn't revealing which channels will be available as part of its streaming TV service, nor how much it'll cost. But it's hinting that the services will be somewhat modular, allowing you to buy "premium" add-on content in addition to what you get in the base subscription. It'll be available later this year, according to a company release.
AT&T is announcing a new TV service that's aimed at cord-cutters. You don't have to be an existing customer of AT&T, or even its satellite subsidiary, DirecTV, to buy it. And best of all, you'll be able to watch it over the Internet on your smartphone.
AT&T's service, which it's calling DirecTV Now, is different from services like Netflix or Hulu. Unlike those apps, which offer on-demand content but not live television programming, DirecTV Now will have both kinds of content. AT&T hopes the move will help it capture a growing market for mobile video as providers ranging from Comcast to Verizon get in the game, too.
AT&T isn't revealing which channels will be available as part of its streaming TV service, nor how much it'll cost. But it's hinting that the services will be somewhat modular, allowing you to buy "premium" add-on content in addition to what you get in the base subscription. It'll be available later this year, according to a company release.
mquinnjr
Footballguy
They have my attention if I can get an app to watch these channels on my Amazon Fire TV.
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
From what little info is out on this Directv Now seems to be doing a couple of things Comcast Streamtv isn't:
1- Annual contract not required.
2- You don't have to be an AT&T internet customer.
I think Comcast will eventually get away from the annual contract, but, everything they keep sending me in the mail is still pimping lower prices for signing a contract (I think it was $69 for blast internet and Streamtv for the first 12 months, two year contract required). It doesn't seem like they plan on selling it to non-Comcast internet customers though.
Either way the $20/month I'm currently paying for Slingtv is going to have some competition by the end of this year. I also hope Directv Now has different package options like they currently do for Directv and AT&T subscribers. I think there is a large market for local channels and people would probably pay significantly more for a Slingtv type package that included locals. Unless their prices are sky high this is nothing but good news for cable cutters.
1- Annual contract not required.
2- You don't have to be an AT&T internet customer.
I think Comcast will eventually get away from the annual contract, but, everything they keep sending me in the mail is still pimping lower prices for signing a contract (I think it was $69 for blast internet and Streamtv for the first 12 months, two year contract required). It doesn't seem like they plan on selling it to non-Comcast internet customers though.
Either way the $20/month I'm currently paying for Slingtv is going to have some competition by the end of this year. I also hope Directv Now has different package options like they currently do for Directv and AT&T subscribers. I think there is a large market for local channels and people would probably pay significantly more for a Slingtv type package that included locals. Unless their prices are sky high this is nothing but good news for cable cutters.
I'm hoping and thinking even if they just target phones and tablets that you'd still be able to side load it to firestick and firetv if it's available on android phones.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
Not only all that, but PlayStation Vue just dropped $10 a month across the board AND added ESPN/Disney to its lineup.
Only problem: still only available in a few markets. The Google Fiber approach to expansion I guess.
Only problem: still only available in a few markets. The Google Fiber approach to expansion I guess.
matttyl
Footballguy
Link Scroll down to Internet + Premium Channel Streaming. Internet Blast Pro (up to 150Mbps) and 10+ channels plus HBO for $69.99, for one year, one year contract required.
If anyone has or gets this please post the channel lineup. Apparently comcast keeps it a mystery.
matttyl
Footballguy
matttyl
Footballguy
How about this for the channels...
NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, The CW, HBO, and some on demand stuff. I'm all in if I can do 150 MBps internet and that for $69 a month.
NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, The CW, HBO, and some on demand stuff. I'm all in if I can do 150 MBps internet and that for $69 a month.
matttyl
Footballguy
Those are their "stream TV" listings. Maybe stream TV isn't available in my area, yet.
Yeah, as long as you're willing to put up with what happens every time you enter into a contract with Comcast.
matttyl
Footballguy
I have xfinity internet 50Mbpss $44.99 no strings no contract. So I think the $69 for 150Mbps plus channel streaming is a pretty good deal, but, I'm not willing to enter into a contract. That and 50Mbps is plenty for me. All their "internet deals" require at least a one year contract. I'd just walk into a xfinity store and ask for a deal with no contract.
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
What's a good rule of thumb to use for determining the level of internet speed one needs? For example, we have a 3 person household. All of us use our cell phones in the house as well as my wife and I use our PC for work and general internet surfing. My daughter has her own MacBook. I just recently setup a Amazon Firestick TV running Kodi. Right now I'm on a 6 mb (bundled phone/internet) plan through Frontier that runs $50/month...seems high to me after reading what others are getting on other company plans, are we do experience buffering issues at times, especially with the Firestick. Frontier offers a 12 mb plan bundled with home phone (we have to have a landline for my wife's business needs) for $60/month and a 24 mb bundle plan for $70/month. I live in BFE and Frontier is my only internet choice at the moment.
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matttyl
Footballguy
matttyl
Footballguy
Your biggest internet strain is streaming - especially HD. You should get at least the 12mb. I'm running right at 100, but when I was in the 20-30 range I had buffering issues when two things were being streamed at once. Do you have a monthly cap from Frontier in terms of how many GB they allow?
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Comcast offered me a similar sounding $70/mo deal when I got their internet service. It sounded great, but when I called back to set up the modem, the new sales person never mentioned the deal. I didn't push for it because I had a bad feeling that the deal that awesome sounding deal would really be up around $100 during the promotion with box rental fees, broadcast fees, and taxes (and of course balloon from there after the promotion ran out). I just went with a $39.99 25 mbps internet only plan. My bill is a straight $39 with no mystery fees. I'm pretty happy with that and would have no interest in tacking on another $50/whatever-the-hell-they-feel-like-charging me each month for a few cable channels.
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
Frontier is unlimited, no cap
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