How to ditch CABLE

[Adam Zapple]

I would like to ditch my cable service.  The problem is that I have a wife and daughter that are TV addicts.  I plan on just canceling once the 1 year promo ends but I'd like to soften the blow to my wife and daughter by replacing it with some sort of internet TV thing (A.K.A Roku).  We already have Netflix, which I will probably keep.  I would like some education on my options.

[GuitarStv]

Set up an antenna, and replace cable with OTA stuff.

[NinetyFour]

See what (free!!) resources your local library has.

[nordlead]

You need Internet that is at least 1Mbps, preferably 10Mbps (10Mbps is enough to stream 2 sources close to HD, or 1 and browsing the web otherwise, 1Mbps provides enough to stream at SD probably).

I have a HTPC (Home Theater PC), which is superior to most other devices because I can browse the web too along with streaming all kinds of content and playing DVD/Blu-ray movies. Some shows are only available on the networks website and not on other streaming services. If you don't feel like messing with that (buying one, setting it up, installing lots of programs to make it easy to use), a Roku is a very good alternative, but you could also use a "Smart" Blu-ray player. A PS3, XBox, or Wii also works for streaming Netflix if you have them.

I also suggest getting an antenna (rabbit ears may work depending on your location, or you may need to upgrade to something bigger). Then you'll get all the major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, etc...). If DVR of the major broadcast networks is a necessity, there are options. Aereo is a pay service that provides such capabilities (and you wouldn't need rabbit ears). Another option is HDHomeRun to record what you receive over the air. However, if you can get to the broadcast stations website or Hulu (or pay for Hulu Plus), then you can typically stream the broadcast shows 24hrs after the original airing (the other typical time frame is 1 week + 1 day).

I would suggest saying you try it as an experiment for 6-12 months and then reconsider getting cable. Then you aren't just forcing the decision on them and hopefully they appreciate the savings and get used to the alternative viewing methods. Worst case, in 6 months you get a good deal from the cable company to come back and at least you saved some money.

The local library and RedBox are good alternatives too. I find that paying for movies from Redbox is cheaper than paying for movies from Netflix as I don't watch enough, and there is enough free content on the internet/air. Redbox also offers a monthly DVD/Streaming plan in direct competition to Netflix.

I have to say, the only content you can't easily watch without cable is national news. I personally don't watch a lot of national news (I read it) so I could be wrong.

[MustachianAccountant]

We love our Playon.tv and Playlater. It's a piece of software that downloads and records any TV show that networks post to their websites. You need something to stream it to your TV - we use Roku.

The software is $80 if you get both, and I would definitely recommend the Playlater upgrade. A refurbished HD Roku runs about $40-50.

Paired with an antenna, it's all the TV we want.  So for $130, plus antenna cost, you'll never have a cable bill again.

http://www.playon.tv/

[brand new stash]

My husband is a tv addict, but we recently cancelled cable.  We have a computer that is connected to our TV so we can watch Netflix/hulu/etc , and also go an antenna put up on our roof for the over the air stations (we get about 30 stations on the antenna).

[blackfedora]

Don't forget about Amazon Prime instant video (which you might not even realize you have). Works out to be about the same price as netflix over the course of the year just for the video. The free kindle books and 2 day shipping are just bonuses on top of that.

Hulu is nice, I would avoid plus though. You can build/buy a simple linux computer capable of playing hulu on your tv for a couple hundred bucks max.

Most networks (even cable networks) have started streaming the most recent episodes online for free.

Youtube has great education options like Crash Course, which are awesome if you have kids in the house. A co-worker of mine just finished CrashCourse: World History with his homeschooled daughter. Youtube is also full of DIY and cool science demonstrations. Watch for a bit with your kids and chances are you'll find something fun to try with them next weekend instead of sitting on the couch all day.

[blackfedora]

Also, keep an eye on your internet connection speeds. I've had 50 MB/s accounts that were consistently providing only 20MB/s and 10 MB/s accounts that consistently ran 30+ MB/s. Adjust your plan accordingly so you aren't paying more than you need to. If you have a few good neighbors you could also look into splitting a business grade connection using a high powered wifi antenna like MMM.

[InmanRoshi]

I bought an old used TIVO on ebay for about $75 that came with a Lifetime Pass subscription on the unit, to avoid paying Tivo's monthly subscription.    I use it to DVR all over the air channels on my high powered antennae.   If you have a nice antennae with a lot of local stations in the vicinity, you might be surprised how much watching hours are available when you can capture it and watch it on demand at your leisure.   

[Daley]

This is actually one of the often looked over topics in the first seven posts of the Superguide, and something I've covered in detail in the past over at Technical Meshugana. There's also been several threads on OTA antennas (something I really should add to the superguide itself):

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/questions-about-cutting-the-cord-and-internet-speed/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/break-up-with-cable/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/share-your-badassity/how-to-make-a-cheap-%27n%27-easy-hdtv-antenna/

A couple points worth noting: you don't need HD video, and you don't need more than 3Mbps down on your internet connection to do this.

I bought an old used TIVO on ebay for about $75 that came with a Lifetime Pass subscription on the unit, to avoid paying Tivo's monthly subscription.    I use it to DVR all over the air channels on my high powered antennae.   If you have a nice antennae with a lot of local stations in the vicinity, you might be surprised how much watching hours are available when you can capture it and watch it on demand at your leisure.   

This is also a good idea, and something we do ourselves to save on streaming bandwidth with the network stuff. The key is an old analog Series 2 TiVo with a lifetime subscription and a TiVo supported DTV tuner.

[MustachianAccountant]

I bought an old used TIVO on ebay for about $75 that came with a Lifetime Pass subscription on the unit, to avoid paying Tivo's monthly subscription.    I use it to DVR all over the air channels on my high powered antennae.   If you have a nice antennae with a lot of local stations in the vicinity, you might be surprised how much watching hours are available when you can capture it and watch it on demand at your leisure.   

This is also a good idea, and something we do ourselves to save on streaming bandwidth with the network stuff. The key is an old analog Series 2 TiVo with a lifetime subscription and a TiVo supported DTV tuner.

I used to do this (with a ReplayTV, but same idea) until I realized what an energy hog this setup is. The older DVRs (that don't need a subscription) suck quite a bit of electricity on their own, plus they need one of those analog to digital converter boxes which is also always on.

It's why I switched to the Roku + some sort of computer based recorder... Roku draws something like 2-3 watts, and the computer is going to be on anyways. Plus, it takes up less space. Old DVRs are HUGE, plus the converter box... vs. something the size of a sandwich that you can actually just attach to the BACK of your TV.

[Daley]

I used to do this (with a ReplayTV, but same idea) until I realized what an energy hog this setup is. The older DVRs (that don't need a subscription) suck quite a bit of electricity on their own, plus they need one of those analog to digital converter boxes which is also always on.

It's why I switched to the Roku + some sort of computer based recorder... Roku draws something like 2-3 watts, and the computer is going to be on anyways. Plus, it takes up less space. Old DVRs are HUGE, plus the converter box... vs. something the size of a sandwich that you can actually just attach to the BACK of your TV.

It doesn't always have to be on, you know... and if you leave it on 24-7 in the winter anyway, "free" entertainment for the small addition of heat!

[MustachianAccountant]

I used to do this (with a ReplayTV, but same idea) until I realized what an energy hog this setup is. The older DVRs (that don't need a subscription) suck quite a bit of electricity on their own, plus they need one of those analog to digital converter boxes which is also always on.

It's why I switched to the Roku + some sort of computer based recorder... Roku draws something like 2-3 watts, and the computer is going to be on anyways. Plus, it takes up less space. Old DVRs are HUGE, plus the converter box... vs. something the size of a sandwich that you can actually just attach to the BACK of your TV.

It doesn't always have to be on, you know... and if you leave it on 24-7 in the winter anyway, "free" entertainment for the small addition of heat!

Sure, but then I need a power strip to plug it all into, and need to remember to turn it off... ugh, I'm getting antsy just thinking about the extra clutter and cords. Plus, IIRC, my DVR+Converter pulled something like 33w when IDLE, and my Roku something like 6w when ACTIVE (2w idle). That's a pretty big delta. I was down that route for a year or two when we cut the cable, and am much happier now with my Playon + Roku setup. But to each their own... :-)

[Hedge_87]

We have been considering pulling the plug on the direct tv too. We did a "trial run" last month and only watched netflix and antena. It went really good minus one thing. SPORTS!! Lol I'm a college football fanatic. Has anybody found a way to watch sports for free? If I could accomplish that we would pull the plug

[Daley]

But to each their own... :-)

Indeed.

[ginastarke]

We have both Netflix and Hulu, along  with a "sorta" Youtube application on the Blue Ray I won from work. Hulu's better for current television shows, and they have a LOT of the British shows I love.

There's also a huge variety of shows on youtube, it's just a matter of finding them.

[schimt]

We have been considering pulling the plug on the direct tv too. We did a "trial run" last month and only watched netflix and antena. It went really good minus one thing. SPORTS!! Lol I'm a college football fanatic. Has anybody found a way to watch sports for free? If I could accomplish that we would pull the plug

There are XBMC addon's that will stream sports for free. you need a Home Theaters PC to run it, or a streaming box that will allow you to run XMBC.

I just got a G Box MX2 which runs andriod software and comes with XBMC on it and I love it so far. Check out the reviews pertaining to sports. Also you can jailbreak an Apple TV and install XBMC. Not sure about the ROKU's

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

[PajamaMama]

Does anyone have an answer to the national news question. We like to watch the news in the morning - CNN, MSNBC etc.

[Spork]

Does anyone have an answer to the national news question. We like to watch the news in the morning - CNN, MSNBC etc.

What about just broadcast TV?  Every network seems to have their own "infotainment" news show: Today, Good Morning America, etc. 

[MustachianAccountant]

Does anyone have an answer to the national news question. We like to watch the news in the morning - CNN, MSNBC etc.

Yes:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/10/01/the-low-information-diet/

[FIPurpose]

I used to do this (with a ReplayTV, but same idea) until I realized what an energy hog this setup is. The older DVRs (that don't need a subscription) suck quite a bit of electricity on their own, plus they need one of those analog to digital converter boxes which is also always on.

It's why I switched to the Roku + some sort of computer based recorder... Roku draws something like 2-3 watts, and the computer is going to be on anyways. Plus, it takes up less space. Old DVRs are HUGE, plus the converter box... vs. something the size of a sandwich that you can actually just attach to the BACK of your TV.

It doesn't always have to be on, you know... and if you leave it on 24-7 in the winter anyway, "free" entertainment for the small addition of heat!

Sure, but then I need a power strip to plug it all into, and need to remember to turn it off... ugh, I'm getting antsy just thinking about the extra clutter and cords. Plus, IIRC, my DVR+Converter pulled something like 33w when IDLE, and my Roku something like 6w when ACTIVE (2w idle). That's a pretty big delta. I was down that route for a year or two when we cut the cable, and am much happier now with my Playon + Roku setup. But to each their own... :-)

So you could just get a power strip that connects to your network and have it turn on and off based on the time of day or through a android app. In fact I wonder what the plausibility doing that is for a lot of devices.

[Srekar]

We have an antenna and appletv. Appletv has a lot of options now. We also push content(amazon prime, home videos,...)to the tv through appletv from our computer and mobile devices. I've watched CNN and Foxnews on my mobile device but not regularly b/c I don't care for it.

I've been wanting to try google's chromecast and a device called raspberry pi to potentially replace the appletv.
http://www.raspberrypi.org

[MustachianAccountant]

I used to do this (with a ReplayTV, but same idea) until I realized what an energy hog this setup is. The older DVRs (that don't need a subscription) suck quite a bit of electricity on their own, plus they need one of those analog to digital converter boxes which is also always on.

It's why I switched to the Roku + some sort of computer based recorder... Roku draws something like 2-3 watts, and the computer is going to be on anyways. Plus, it takes up less space. Old DVRs are HUGE, plus the converter box... vs. something the size of a sandwich that you can actually just attach to the BACK of your TV.

It doesn't always have to be on, you know... and if you leave it on 24-7 in the winter anyway, "free" entertainment for the small addition of heat!

Sure, but then I need a power strip to plug it all into, and need to remember to turn it off... ugh, I'm getting antsy just thinking about the extra clutter and cords. Plus, IIRC, my DVR+Converter pulled something like 33w when IDLE, and my Roku something like 6w when ACTIVE (2w idle). That's a pretty big delta. I was down that route for a year or two when we cut the cable, and am much happier now with my Playon + Roku setup. But to each their own... :-)

So you could just get a power strip that connects to your network and have it turn on and off based on the time of day or through a android app. In fact I wonder what the plausibility doing that is for a lot of devices.

Well, now you're just making the setup even MORE complicated. Why would I want to add complication to my life??

[libertarian4321]

Aside from the obvious (Hulu, etc), there are a lot of websites that offer TV programs for free (and without commercials).  Most of these are located in places like Serbia and Tuvalu.  It's illegal to upload the shows, but as far as I know, it is not illegal to stream them in the USA for your own personal viewing.

If you are worried about that, a lot of the networks have the content for free on their web site (some of which is NOT linked to Hulu).  Yes, you can watch "Teen Mom 3" for free at the MTV web site :)

[dantownehall]

How to ditch cable:

Call up the cable company; tell them you want to cancel.

[rocksinmyhead]

Does anyone have an answer to the national news question. We like to watch the news in the morning - CNN, MSNBC etc.

Yes:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/10/01/the-low-information-diet/

haha, exactly!

actually, I'm being a total hypocrite here because we listen to NPR every morning. I do find it way less annoying than TV news though, and I'm not one to stress too much about world events. que sera, sera... definitely not within my locus of control.

so yeah, I fully recommend NPR, but if you gotta have the TV news, I second spork's suggestion of local broadcast news.

[Daley]

Aside from the obvious (Hulu, etc), there are a lot of websites that offer TV programs for free (and without commercials).  Most of these are located in places like Serbia and Tuvalu.  It's illegal to upload the shows, but as far as I know, it is not illegal to stream them in the USA for your own personal viewing.

This really isn't a great idea, because:

1) Money has to come from somewhere to host these websites and videos.
2) Adobe Flash is used to stream the video.
3) Adobe Flash has more Zero Day vulnerabilities and exploits than Windows XP.
4) Dodgy criminals looking to make a fast buck and are blatantly thumbing their nose at the law have no qualms about infecting the machines of lazy, greedy Americans looking to watch Game of Thrones for free.

[rockstache]

We're looking to ditch cable this year when our contract runs out. We have netflix (just the streaming) through the xbox, and it's ok, but I would like to be able to watch some other TV without commercials if possible. We HATE commercials, and never ever ever watch live TV because of it. Even when we watch sports or whatever, we always watch about 30 minutes behind on the dvr so we can fast foward through them. I have started reading some of the superguide, and it is really amazing except...I am completely tech illiterate, and it is really hard to understand if you have to go look up every other word, and then when I do look it up, it sounds like some voodoo magic anyway, and is then very difficult to place back in context with the rest of what I am reading. If anyone can translate for the very very tech challenged, it would be very much appreciated.

So I hear people talking about a Roku, but when I read about it, it didn't seem to do anything but combine your various methods of watching into one spot....sort of like our Xbox already does. If I get a Roku, do I then need a DVR? Please help!

[YK-Phil]

How to ditch cable:

Call up the cable company; tell them you want to cancel.

LOL that's the only real answer. We used to subscribe to cable a long time ago and only the kids were watching TV, then out of the blue, my wife and I decided we didn't need to spend so much every month for this "entertainment". Called the cable company and canceled. There were a few words of complaints, but after a week, that was the end of it, everyone found something else to do, and we never looked back. With all the things I have to do in a normal day (I am a lazy person's worst nightmare...), I personally don't know how people find the time to watch TV, movies, and whatnot, especially that most people in our Western societies live more or less a sedentary lifestyle and should really not add a few more hours in front of the TV. 

[Daley]

So I hear people talking about a Roku, but when I read about it, it didn't seem to do anything but combine your various methods of watching into one spot....sort of like our Xbox already does. If I get a Roku, do I then need a DVR? Please help!

Start here: http://www.techmeshugana.com/2013/09/ask-daley-entertainment-on-the-cheap/

Most everything broadcast is available online, excuse some syndicated content. A DVR is nice, but optional.

[thepokercab]

Just want to second (or third) the local library option.  We have a great library near by, and every couple of weeks we end up checking out 5 or 6 movies.  They've got a consistent stream of new releases, plus at least at my library you can put holds on DVDs and they show up in a few weeks.  I've gotten full seasons of The Newsroom, Homeland, etc.. this way, without paying a dime. 

Because of this- we don't pay money for much of anything TV related.  I finally ditched Netflix a couple of months back- so we don't pay for any type of cable or streaming service.  We do have an Apple TV so if we absolutely have to pay to watch something, we'll generally use that.  For instance, i might drop the $30 bucks or so to watch the final season of Mad Men. 

The only time I find myself jonesing for more TV options is sports (especially my favorite out of market teams)  But, i'm generally able to watch enough stuff online or over the antenna during the weekends to satisfy that. 

[rocksinmyhead]

Just want to second (or third) the local library option.  We have a great library near by, and every couple of weeks we end up checking out 5 or 6 movies.  They've got a consistent stream of new releases, plus at least at my library you can put holds on DVDs and they show up in a few weeks.  I've gotten full seasons of The Newsroom, Homeland, etc.. this way, without paying a dime. 

ooh I never thought to look for seasons of DVD shows at the library... great idea!

[Adam Zapple]

How to ditch cable:

Call up the cable company; tell them you want to cancel.

Haha well that does simplify things doesn't it?  I think I'll start there and see how it goes.

[MissPeach]

Does anyone have an answer to the national news question. We like to watch the news in the morning - CNN, MSNBC etc.

MSNBC, NBC news, and ABC news are on Roku. We had a lot of issues with it restarting and were upset the old boxes don't have PBS so recently we switched to apple TV when it went on sale. Apples has an app call airplay and you can play anything on your ipad including the news videos from their website onto the TV.

To the OP - I was nervous when I first started to think about it (before being more mustashian). To be honest there's nothing I haven't been able to stream that I wanted to watch. Honestly there are only 2 shows that were on HBO and I'm happy to pay $20 per year to watch them. You could also wait for them to go to video and check out the library if you didn't want to wait/pay. It's sooo much less than my cable bill used to be - even factoring the Netflix and Hulu subscriptions. Before anyone face punches me, I get free streaming content credits from my work so it doesn't cost me anything.

[zachd]

I used to do this (with a ReplayTV, but same idea) until I realized what an energy hog this setup is. The older DVRs (that don't need a subscription) suck quite a bit of electricity on their own, plus they need one of those analog to digital converter boxes which is also always on.

It's why I switched to the Roku + some sort of computer based recorder... Roku draws something like 2-3 watts, and the computer is going to be on anyways. Plus, it takes up less space. Old DVRs are HUGE, plus the converter box... vs. something the size of a sandwich that you can actually just attach to the BACK of your TV.

It doesn't always have to be on, you know... and if you leave it on 24-7 in the winter anyway, "free" entertainment for the small addition of heat!

Sure, but then I need a power strip to plug it all into, and need to remember to turn it off... ugh, I'm getting antsy just thinking about the extra clutter and cords. Plus, IIRC, my DVR+Converter pulled something like 33w when IDLE, and my Roku something like 6w when ACTIVE (2w idle). That's a pretty big delta. I was down that route for a year or two when we cut the cable, and am much happier now with my Playon + Roku setup. But to each their own... :-)

So you could just get a power strip that connects to your network and have it turn on and off based on the time of day or through a android app. In fact I wonder what the plausibility doing that is for a lot of devices.

There is a device from Belkin that lets you do just that. You plug it in the wall and then you plug your plugs in to it.  Then you can control that plug from your PC or from Phone.
Basically similar to what X10 and other home automation companies have been doing for some time except this seems a lot easier to use..

The downside is they want something like $50 per plug and a lot of reviews said it works about 75% of the time.  LIke the devices have to register on your network I think so that you see them on your phone.. and if they don't show then you can't control them.

I would imagine apple and google are working on this and in a few years it will be fairly common place for people to be controlling their power with a phone app and they will bring the price down.

That would be great for saving power by putting everything on timers or being able to turn things off if say you were out of town a day longer than you expected or something.

If anyone knows how to do this more cheaply now, I would like to know. 

[Daley]

If anyone knows how to do this more cheaply now, I would like to know. 

Not necessarily cheaper, but along the same lines as the Belkin stuff (but better made and reliable), there's Ubiquiti's mFi equipment.

[rocksinmyhead]

Honestly there are only 2 shows that were on HBO and I'm happy to pay $20 per year to watch them.

wait... how are you doing this? do you mean you just buy the seasons afterwards on DVD? Game of Thrones is pretty much the ONLY thing we want to watch but can't (in a timely fashion at least).

[Insanity]

Aside from the obvious (Hulu, etc), there are a lot of websites that offer TV programs for free (and without commercials).  Most of these are located in places like Serbia and Tuvalu.  It's illegal to upload the shows, but as far as I know, it is not illegal to stream them in the USA for your own personal viewing.

This really isn't a great idea, because:

1) Money has to come from somewhere to host these websites and videos.
2) Adobe Flash is used to stream the video.
3) Adobe Flash has more Zero Day vulnerabilities and exploits than Windows XP.
4) Dodgy criminals looking to make a fast buck and are blatantly thumbing their nose at the law have no qualms about infecting the machines of lazy, greedy Americans looking to watch Game of Thrones for free.

Thats' what Virtual Machines or simply boot from a boot disk..  works well for watching. oh never mind..

[greaper007]

Does anyone have an answer to the national news question. We like to watch the news in the morning - CNN, MSNBC etc.

www.hulkus.com/watch-msnbc-live-streaming/  Here's a link to live streaming msnbc.  I like to watch morning joe and rachel maddow.   It's all on there along with links to other network streams.   It's a grey area.

[RapmasterD]

1) Just do it. We did it more than two years ago. My wife still occasionally moans about her loss of the Oprah Network. Yeah, I'm not touching that one.

2) Lose the TV news habit, particularly from the cable networks. MSNBC, CNN, FOX, CNBC all cause extreme brain rot. Use the Web and services like Feedly and/or Linkedin Pulse to become your own news editor. Stream the PBS News Hour if you must. No, I'm not a bag carrier for Barbara Boxer.

3) I know this is hard if you're a professional sports fan. I am not, and for the big stuff, we get it OTA.

4) Speaking of OTA, we didn't have any until last November. Then I bought a $100 antenna from Amazon and had a professional installer put one up on the roof. Lavish! But...a one time cost.

5) What's not a one time cost are my Netflix and Hulu subscriptions. But we really do use 'em.

6) Think long and hard about viewing illegallly streamed content. Karma is such a bitch.