Has anyone here quit paying for cable tv?

[mayhem39 3]

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/

 

Youre welcome.

[Mookz 1,348]

i am 120 a week and barely watch it and when i do, its just because its there. fios will give me a $300 debit card just to switch and its 80 a month.

 

as a 37 year old, i cant stay awake to watch the sat. nite college football game, NCAA playoffs or basically any other sport besides NFL football.

 

the end is near for me

 

What's that supposed to mean?

 

I thought things were great since you stopped touching yourself.

[GobbleDog 996]

I want to cut cable and just use a normal antenna, since most shows watched are free channels anyway. Like all TV's nowadays, mine has a built-in-tuner so all I need is a cheap ($40) antenna and I'm good to go.

 

My wife is on board with my idea, except for one problem..... WHAT ABOUT THE DVR? I've been searching and apparently the cost of those damn things hasn't come down. Tivo is out of the question because of their monthly fees. The best non-subscription DVR I've found so far is... "Channelmaster DVR+" for a whopping $249.99. And if you want to connect it to wireless internet (mostly for the channel guide and potentially for Helu and whatnot), prepare to spend more on a network adapter. Good lord, before I started looking I just assumed I could buy a cheap DVR for around $100... nope.

 

Anyone have suggestions? Does anyone here use a simple antenna and a DVR?

[IGotWorms 4,058]

I want to cut cable and just use a normal antenna, since most shows watched are free channels anyway. Like all TV's nowadays, mine has a built-in-tuner so all I need is a cheap ($40) antenna and I'm good to go.

 

My wife is on board with my idea, except for one problem..... WHAT ABOUT THE DVR? I've been searching and apparently the cost of those damn things hasn't come down. Tivo is out of the question because of their monthly fees. The best non-subscription DVR I've found so far is... "Channelmaster DVR+" for a whopping $249.99. And if you want to connect it to wireless internet (mostly for the channel guide and potentially for Helu and whatnot), prepare to spend more on a network adapter. Good lord, before I started looking I just assumed I could buy a cheap DVR for around $100... nope.

 

Anyone have suggestions? Does anyone here use a simple antenna and a DVR?

 

You're going to have to give up the DVR. Sucks, but there's just no other way. Yeah you can buy a DVR separately but that hardly makes sense when you're taking cost-cutting measures

[GobbleDog 996]

 

You're going to have to give up the DVR. Sucks, but there's just no other way.

 

Wife can't live without a DVR.

 

What makes no sense is I can buy a $60 TV Tuner card for my computer and record TV shows. Yet, I can't buy a DVR for less than $250.?.

 

If my computer was closer to my tv, I'd just run a wire to it, but that isn't practical for me. I looked into "wireless pc to tv" transmitters, but those are pricey as well and some don't let you use you're computer while it's transmitting.

 

So far, "cutting cable" ain't as simple as I first thought.

[GobbleDog 996]

I'll might just bite the bullet and get the "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle" for $299.00

 

http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-DVR-Bundle-subscription/dp/B00JGZQ17Q

 

If it lowers my cable bill from $125 to $55 per month (still need internet), it'll pay for itself in 4-5 months.

 

 

I already ordered a "Mohu Leaf 30" antenna for $40... currently being shipped, so step one is just seeing how good the over-the-air picture looks and make sure I get all the major stations - NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. Step two will be blowing $300.

[Herbivore 1,134]

I tried a Radio Shack HD antenna. It did not work. Scanned for channels but came up empty. Gobble - why did you go with the Mohu Leaf 30?

[mmmmm...beer 807]

I'll might just bite the bullet and get the "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle" for $299.00

 

http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-DVR-Bundle-subscription/dp/B00JGZQ17Q

 

If it lowers my cable bill from $125 to $55 per month (still need internet), it'll pay for itself in 4-5 months.

 

 

I already ordered a "Mohu Leaf 30" antenna for $40... currently being shipped, so step one is just seeing how good the over-the-air picture looks and make sure I get all the major stations - NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. Step two will be blowing $300.

I just picked up the 50 from slick deals. Should be hwre soon. Gonna see how it goes.

[GobbleDog 996]

I tried a Radio Shack HD antenna. It did not work. Scanned for channels but came up empty. Gobble - why did you go with the Mohu Leaf 30?

Hours of Youtube reviews of various indoor antennas. Interestingly, I found several reviews which said DON'T buy the more expensive amplified Leaf 50 if you're in an urban area. The amplification can actually distort the signal if it's too strong. Being in Orlando, I figured that meant me.

 

I'll report back on how well the Leaf 30 works when I get it in 3-5 business.

[GobbleDog 996]

I just picked up the 50 from slick deals. Should be hwre soon. Gonna see how it goes.

Are you rural or urban?

[edjr 6,592]

One of the few things I have yet to quit

[mmmmm...beer 807]

Are you rural or urban?

Southern end of Minneapolis...TVFool says I should be able to get like 18 - 25 channels.

 

I read you can shut off that amplifier deal.

[OldMaid 2,130]

Hey Gobble... Have you seen this?

 

http://www.cnet.com/products/tivo-roamio-ota/

[GobbleDog 996]

Hey Gobble... Have you seen this?

 

http://www.cnet.com/products/tivo-roamio-ota/

Wow. That's EXACTLY what I'm looking for, except for the $15.00 per month fee ($180 per year). Still cheaper than cable I suppose.

 

It's interesting that it says "you can record 4 channels at once!" but who the hell records that many with the limited over the air channels? I think 1 channel recording while watching a 2nd is sufficient.

[kilroy69 1,251]

I get free wifi where I live so we took the plunge and got a huluplus and netflix account. for under 20 bucks a month we get the shows we want.

[OldMaid 2,130]

Wow. That's EXACTLY what I'm looking for, except for the $15.00 per month fee ($180 per year). Still cheaper than cable I suppose.

It's interesting that it says "you can record 4 channels at once!" but who the hell records that many with the limited over the air channels? I think 1 channel recording while watching a 2nd is sufficient.

[mmmmm...beer 807]

So... got the digitial antenna Mohu 50 with power today. Plugged it in... put the antenna up on the wall. Switched the TV to Antenna Scann.... BOOM... 18 different Channels. ABC, NBC, CBS, ION, 29, CW, BBC, old movie channels, old timey shows channels (Genie and Mash were on sep channels) and variations of some of majors others.

 

Great SUCCESS I think!

 

I tried it with the power plugged in... and got all the channels. Tried it without the power.... not even close to as many.

 

Slickdeals had the deal like last week for $25 refurbished, but that one was directly from Mohu. The deal looks like it's back but from one of those online warehouse types for $25... refurbished.

 

Mohu Leaf 50 Ultimate Indoor HDTV Antenna

[GobbleDog 996]

 

So... got the digitial antenna Mohu 50 with power today. Plugged it in... put the antenna up on the wall. Switched the TV to Antenna Scann.... BOOM... 18 different Channels. ABC, NBC, CBS, ION, 29, CW, BBC, old movie channels, old timey shows channels (Genie and Mash were on sep channels) and variations of some of majors others.

 

Great SUCCESS I think!

 

I tried it with the power plugged in... and got all the channels. Tried it without the power.... not even close to as many.

 

Slickdeals had the deal like last week for $25 refurbished, but that one was directly from Mohu. The deal looks like it's back but from one of those online warehouse types for $25... refurbished.

 

Mohu Leaf 50 Ultimate Indoor HDTV Antenna

 

When you say "tried it with/without power" you're talking about using the amplifier, yes?

 

Dang, I wonder if I should have upgraded to the Leaf 50. Damn Youtube videos.

[mmmmm...beer 807]

 

When you say "tried it with/without power" you're talking about using the amplifier, yes?

 

Dang, I wonder if I should have upgraded to the Leaf 50. Damn Youtube videos.

 

Yeah... I first tried it with the "amplifier" plugged in. Got all those channels. Unplugged it... sucked. Though... who knows, maybe it'll work for you.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

 

So... got the digitial antenna Mohu 50 with power today. Plugged it in... put the antenna up on the wall. Switched the TV to Antenna Scann.... BOOM... 18 different Channels. ABC, NBC, CBS, ION, 29, CW, BBC, old movie channels, old timey shows channels (Genie and Mash were on sep channels) and variations of some of majors others.

 

Great SUCCESS I think!

 

I tried it with the power plugged in... and got all the channels. Tried it without the power.... not even close to as many.

 

Slickdeals had the deal like last week for $25 refurbished, but that one was directly from Mohu. The deal looks like it's back but from one of those online warehouse types for $25... refurbished.

 

Mohu Leaf 50 Ultimate Indoor HDTV Antenna

 

 

Weren't you just saying how you and the wife make something like $200k per year now between the two of you? So what the hell are you doing with a measly antenna, ya cheap fock!

[GobbleDog 996]

 

Yeah... I first tried it with the "amplifier" plugged in. Got all those channels. Unplugged it... sucked. Though... who knows, maybe it'll work for you.

 

Too late! I just got off the phone to cancel my order with Newegg.com.

 

 

I'll take a refurbished Mohu 50 for $25.00...

[mmmmm...beer 807]

 

Weren't you just saying how you and the wife make something like $200k per year now between the two of you? So what the hell are you doing with a measly antenna, ya cheap fock!

 

Walll... she's not working yet! Haha... backgrounding.. I'm betting she won't be on until after the 1st of the year. Plus... the people who keep money.. are the folks that live like they don't gots nones.

[mmmmm...beer 807]

 

Too late! I just got off the phone to cancel my order with Newegg.com.

 

 

I'll take a refurbished Mohu 50 for $25.00...

 

Looks like the price on it is $35.. .and you gotta enter this coupon code "NEW10", to get 10 bucks off.

[MTSkiBum 1,620]

 

Weren't you just saying how you and the wife make something like $200k per year now between the two of you? So what the hell are you doing with a measly antenna, ya cheap fock!

 

200k a year doesn't make you rich if you spend all of it.

 

 

 

 

Plus... the people who keep money.. are the folks that live like they don't gots nones.

 

[GobbleDog 996]

 

Looks like the price on it is $35.. .and you gotta enter this coupon code "NEW10", to get 10 bucks off.

 

Got it, thanks for the promo code.... I'll report back in 2-4 business days on the status.

 

The internet says "the picture looks even better" with over-the-air signal instead of cable due to the cable data being "compressed".?. You notice it being any better?

[mmmmm...beer 807]

 

Got it, thanks for the promo code.... I'll report back in 2-4 business days on the status.

 

The internet says "the picture looks even better" with over-the-air signal instead of cable due to the cable data being "compressed".?. You notice it being any better?

 

Dude there were channels I had on that were perfect. I unplugged the amplifier from the outlet... nada... couldn't even get the channel.

[GobbleDog 996]

I meant the picture quality difference between the antenna versus regular cable? They say antenna looks better.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

I meant the picture quality difference between the antenna versus regular cable? They say antenna looks better.

Yes. Over air is true 1080p. Cable is compressed so the signal is not truly 1080p. Satellite is better than cable I believe but still somewhat compressed

[DanXIII 8]

I'll might just bite the bullet and get the "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle" for $299.00

 

http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-DVR-Bundle-subscription/dp/B00JGZQ17Q

 

If it lowers my cable bill from $125 to $55 per month (still need internet), it'll pay for itself in 4-5 months.

 

 

I already ordered a "Mohu Leaf 30" antenna for $40... currently being shipped, so step one is just seeing how good the over-the-air picture looks and make sure I get all the major stations - NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. Step two will be blowing $300.

 

My cable company (Brighthouse, Orlando metro area) charges more for the DVR. iirc they even charge for the remote. When I was living with a roommate several years ago we got a second one and it was like another $20 a month. I assume other providers have similar fees (Comcast in Tallahassee did). Even if it's $500 the DVR will eventually pay for itself. Go for it imo

[DanXIII 8]

that's my plan. i watched football from a sports bar every sunday last year. The only issue will be Thursday and Monday night. Don't usually go out much during the week.

 

Thurs night games so far have been 26-6, 56-14 and 45-14 with aids announcing, Thurs night game can be skipped

[GobbleDog 996]

 

My cable company (Brighthouse, Orlando metro area) charges more for the DVR. iirc they even charge for the remote. When I was living with a roommate several years ago we got a second one and it was like another $20 a month. I assume other providers have similar fees (Comcast in Tallahassee did). Even if it's $500 the DVR will eventually pay for itself. Go for it imo

 

Hey, we might be kin - I'm in Orlando.

 

Ya know what set me off on this anti-cable thing the past couple weeks? A friend told me Brighthouse started requiring "an official Brighthouse tuner-box" about 6 months ago to hook up to ANY tv in the house, which will be free until January 2015, at which point monthly charges will be added - and they haven't said how much it'll be yet. After he told me that I tried turning on my bedroom TV (which I almost never use obviously) and sure enough - it didn't work.

 

I read a lot of pissed-off people online saying "why should I rent a tuner-box, when my tv (like ALL tv's built after 2009), has a tuner built-in?" Answer - because Brighthouse is encrypting the signal so you HAVE to use their box.

 

That ticked me off, and I realized my family rarely ever watches cable TV anyway. The free channels/big networks is all anyone really needs. Monday Night Football on ESPN? It's on the computer for free... like everything else you want to watch. Time to cut the chord... just have to solve my DVR problem first to keep the wife happy.

[mmmmm...beer 807]

Oh yeah... it was very clear. Like.. HD clear. Better than reg cable imo.

[DanXIII 8]

 

Hey, we might be kin - I'm in Orlando.

 

Ya know what set me off on this anti-cable thing the past couple weeks? A friend told me Brighthouse started requiring "an official Brighthouse tuner-box" about 6 months ago to hook up to ANY tv in the house, which will be free until January 2015, at which point monthly charges will be added - and they haven't said how much it'll be yet. After he told me that I tried turning on my bedroom TV (which I almost never use obviously) and sure enough - it didn't work.

 

I read a lot of pissed-off people online saying "why should I rent a tuner-box, when my tv (like ALL tv's built after 2009), has a tuner built-in?" Answer - because Brighthouse is encrypting the signal so you HAVE to use their box.

 

That ticked me off, and I realized my family rarely ever watches cable TV anyway. The free channels/big networks is all anyone really needs. Monday Night Football on ESPN? It's on the computer for free... like everything else you want to watch. Time to cut the chord... just have to solve my DVR problem first to keep the wife happy.

 

Yeah, I got one of those "free, for a while!" boxes for my bedroom TV and in January it'll start hitting my bill. It's complete garbage.

 

Also I was wrong before, it was $20/month but that was just for the second DVR. It is, or was (this was 2012 and before) an additional $6.95 per month for rental on the focking DVR remote, without which the DVR is useless.

 

ETA: I also suspect that encryption garbage has been going on for a long time unbeknownst to their customers. Even before that box was required, my HDTV would scan for channels and regular miss blocks of them, which mysteriously all appeared when I hooked up the box. It's an absolute joke.

[DankNuggs 305]

I got a leaf HD antenna and successfully got the patriots game on one TV and redzone on the other... It is amazing... I did have to reposition it a number of times to get it in the best place... i get around 8 of the main local channels... Really good quality too, i was impressed.

[kutulu 1,676]

I got a leaf HD antenna and successfully got the patriots game on one TV and redzone on the other... It is amazing... I did have to reposition it a number of times to get it in the best place... i get around 8 of the main local channels... Really good quality too, i was impressed.

 

You got the redzone OTA?

[GobbleDog 996]

I wondered that too. Red zone channel OTA? Where do you live?

[kilroy69 1,251]

i stopped paying and ya know what? fockers shut me off.

[mmmmm...beer 807]

Gotta say boys.... Its already woth it. I'm watching my Bears v Pack game in super HD on my big plasma in the livin room.

 

Pretty sweet.... I'm happy with the Mohu: Haven't seen a game on the big tv since dumping dish.

[Quickolas1 80]

How often would one need the DVR with huluplus and Amazon prime? I would think not much at all. Just might have to wait a day or two for the last episode to come available. Plus if you are DVRing everything, you probably don't get to all the shows the next day anyway.

[Herbivore 1,134]

Tried the RCA flat digital antenna last night. Got 4 channels, but that was after running a cable outside and hanging the antenna off a second story porch. Might have to try the outdoor specific antenna. Only got channel 4, PBS, and some world channel.