Free Cable TV

[Mr Mark]

We wanted fast cable internet, but no land line or cable TV. We got a great deal on the high speed 'net ($29/mnth for 6 mnths), but resisted their attempts to 'up sell' us to a combo pack.

When the cable guy came to connect us, he pointed out that the company (Comcast) couldn't not provide basic TV along with the internet connection due to technological limitations on their cable feed!

We connected the TV, hit 'auto-setup' and hey presto - free TV!

[gestalt162]

I've heard of such things. Sadly, our provider (Verizon) does not feel the same way.

[LBistro]

Interesting! I have Comcast internet (same intro package) and a small HD TV. I inherited it from a former roommate and have only ever used as an extended computer monitor.

Did you have a cable box hanging around, or did you need any other equipment to set it up?

[velocistar237]

Also interested in the details here. We're in a very bad spot for over-the-air reception, and we've wanted to watch a few things in the past: the Thanksgiving day parade and a few sports events.

[Mr Mark]

The internet box plugs into one of the cable inlets, but I have several other 'splice lines', and just plugged the TV into the co-ax cable directly. It works! Not huge channel options, but we watched the superbowl! Internet is about 10 - 25 Mbps too.

[dahlink]

I not sure if the original poster was talking about an actual basic cable plan or something like it.  However, I think some people here are talking about something known as QAM Broadcast.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM_(television)
Basically, all of the local channels are broadcast over the cable lines and most new TVs have a tuner that can decode the signal.  I have an internet only plan as well with a splitter hooked up so I can get the local FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc channels for free in HD.  I used to use HD bunny ears until I learned about this.  This is much better because you do not have to deal with geographical or atmospherically interference.

[masont]

The problem with this is that you still have TV

[velocistar237]

The problem with this is that you still have TV

We have a giant computer monitor that happens to have a cable input.

That said, my first impulse when I saw this post was to say

Free FROM Cable TV
There, I fixed that for you.

[Mr Mark]

I agree TV is not something one needs. for years we never watched TV at all - too busy doing things and reading books! We watch it for PBS and some news. But for those who still feel a need for TV, you may be able to get basic stations for free.

[The Money Monk]

I agree TV is not something one needs. for years we never watched TV at all - too busy doing things and reading books! We watch it for PBS and some news. But for those who still feel a need for TV, you may be able to get basic stations for free.

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the 'need' argument, because we don't NEED internet or most of the other things we all use every day.

The main point of this forum is frugality and simplifying your life to reach financial independence at a young age. Getting a luxury for free that you wouldn't have had otherwise doesn't clash with this.

[trammatic]

The free QAM is only for local HD broadcasts.  Other channels might be broadcast in standard def.