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Christina Hayes, Credit Repair Expert (Everlasting Credit Repair)

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Rainer
97,816
Carol Wilson
Your $imple Home - Toronto, ON

I watch TV shows on-line by going directly to my favourite shows, but this is rare.  I can't tell you if I'm downloading or streaming, but I'm not paying anyone for it.  MANY good shows are individually there, seasons at a time and commercial free.  It doesn't give you the news, but you can go to New York Times or your favourite local rag on computer, too.  Public broadcast radio has good news, usually.

I got thoroughly disgusted by the copious TV advertising, and don't own a TV at all.  When it broke, I didn't replace it.  I missed Start Trek: TNG for the first two months then got over it and soon they cancelled the show; that was that.  If you only really want one or two TV shows plus a few movies, try Googling the shows directly and get Netflix or another movie streamer. Give yourself 3 months to compare, then make a settled choice.  :  )

There is one other option, but it may be less easy to implement:  TV is still broadcast the old-fashioned way.  If you get an antenna, you can run the wires right to the back of your TV. My dad did this with his flat-screen; he got fed up paying through the nose to cable companies. The downside is that the antenna has to face the direction best for the location of the broadcasting channel.  Here in Toronto, for example, we have Canadian channels and Buffalo channel 4.  If dad wants to watch Wheel of Fortune, he has to shift the antenna (which he has on a chair in his bedroom instead of in the air above the roof, lol) so that the signal remains clear.  Sadly, ads come with this kind of television, so he saves a lot of money but loses enormous time to ads.  This is why I prefer computers: same free cost; no ads.

Jan 08, 2017 01:40 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am still with my local cable company.  I trust the day will come with I drop that for more affordable options.  I wish you all the best in your search and switch to a streaming provider. 

Jan 08, 2017 11:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

 I have basic cable service.... I watch CNN, local news and a few favorite shows....Blue Blood...Law and Order SVU .... NCIS....

Jan 08, 2017 11:23 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I am considering the same thing, so I'm here to read the answers.

Jan 08, 2017 05:14 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Christina -- I don't think you are alone in thinking about this.  Two years ago, I dropped cable and can honestly say I don't miss it, well not much, and haven't subscribed to any streaming services yet.

Jan 08, 2017 04:56 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I have Hulu, Netflix and had Amazon Prime to begin with.  I can also stream PBS programs.  I do it with Apple TV and pay under $20 per month.

Jan 08, 2017 03:31 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I encourage you to satisfy yourself on this. Direct and Time-Warner eventually will have to give-in. Until then, they charge too much

Jan 08, 2017 02:29 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Can't drop the Tennis channel!

Jan 08, 2017 12:44 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

We have Direct TV and are not completely satisfied. I too would like to know if there are other, better options out there.

Jan 08, 2017 12:33 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I have not, but just had a client who bought a house, swore of cable and satellite and called today 6 weeks later asking about cable. I helped them find a great starter deal locked in for 2 years as they missed their tv.

Jan 08, 2017 03:46 PM
Rainmaker
151,633
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

Several years ago we made the change when we moved into a condo. We only subscribed to high speed Internet and bought a Roku box. At that time, it saved us about $1200 a year. We were happy with it and watched our programs on Roku at our convenience. I have to add that we subscribed to HuluPlus and Netflix. 

The only thing we (my husband) missed were live sports. Our complex had a nice community room with a TV and he was able to watch sports on that TV.

Jan 08, 2017 03:01 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

We use Uverse with AT &T. I'm sure no one is satisfied with their provider but put up with them:(. Good luck with your search and let us know what you find.

Jan 08, 2017 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
138,826
Kelly Turbeville
Keller Williams - Lake Forest, CA
Turning Real Estate Dreams into Reality

I was with cable for years, switched to direct tv, though I like it the next year it increased in over 40%.  My goal as well is go to streaming, but I need to spend time figuring it out.. before I cut the cord.. 

Jan 08, 2017 12:24 PM
Rainer
1,015
Shane Will
VOD - Baxley, GA

Let's debate over two popular cord-cutting services. Hulu & Sling are the top contenders when it comes to cutting cords. Hulu live TV that comes for $43.99 dollar is a bit expensive when compared with Sling TV. Sling TV is a lot more customizable and budget-friendly. Both the services come with add-ons to take your TV experience to the next level. There are many services you can opt for free. Pluto too, TV player, BBC iplayer are some good free TV platforms. You can also check other live TV options mentioned in this article.

Mar 30, 2019 07:29 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I have considered dropping cable many times but haven't done it yet. However, I just purchased an Amazon Fire Stick and I think they have just about everything I could use. You could download an app for the major channels (abc/nbc/cbs/fox) and could probably also get apps for the other channels. I'm considering getting rid of cable and just using internet.

Jan 08, 2017 05:12 PM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

We use our local cable company. Satisfied, however, I don't recall the last time I turned on the TV. I binge on my favorite shows every quarterly by watching reruns.

Jan 08, 2017 04:54 PM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

My daughter purchased a "Stick" that works off the internet and she gets even more channels than cable provides.  I don't know what the name is yet but she is going to bring hers out to see if I can use it in my area.    I live in a rural area so I will try hers first before pulling the plug on Direct.  I am paying over 100 a month right now.  That is only a few channels plus Starz as we like the western channel.  I will let you know when she arrives with it.  You pay for the "stick" that fits into a slot on the TV. Only a one time fee. Sounds wonderful to me.

 

Jan 08, 2017 04:41 PM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Left Direct Tv for Basic cable. I have been trying a leaf antenna for my final break away from cable and cut the cord.  

Jan 08, 2017 04:24 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Still tied to direct TV in a condo building!

Jan 08, 2017 04:02 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Christina Hayes - I am also thinking of ROKU...

Time is changing, isn't it?

Jan 08, 2017 02:54 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 We killed our TV sets 10 years ago.  No cable, no dish.  

 Just about anything can be found on the Internet, excepting a few live events.

 There are lots of ways to stream and bootleg programs and videos from websites.

 

Jan 08, 2017 01:23 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

We are getting ready to leave Comcast

Jan 08, 2017 11:56 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

We use Roku, but still have TV. I find Netflix and Amazon have great shows, but still use the regular cable for sports and news.

Jan 08, 2017 11:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

We have minimized it and use Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Redbox for viewing movies.

Jan 08, 2017 11:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Talk to your neighbors what is out there and what other choices you can have. Many go back and forth to get on a promotion sale.

Jan 08, 2017 11:25 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Here in FL, every time it rained the DirectTV service was not accessible. During a tropical storm or hurricane, that could prove disasterous. 

I unplugged and went with TIVO. 

Am I satisfied. Yes and no.

No - The good stuff, like the college bowl games were not available with a few exceptions. 

Yes,The stuff I DO watch are my favorites saved and watched commercial free or 'skip' commercial mode.

As a whole, I watch less and do more. 

There is NO TV or cable program that I can not live without.

Jan 08, 2017 11:25 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Both of my daughters have dropped it and they don't have a clue what they are missing.  Add more not less.  Entertainment is salvation.

Jan 09, 2017 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I don't have any type of TV. Not even netflix. 

Jan 09, 2017 03:22 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Have not try it so have to see what otheres are saying.

 

Jan 09, 2017 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I know there are a few here who have done that - I have both dish satellite as well as cable - I tried to drop but if  did I would miss my fav program - walking dead LOL

Jan 09, 2017 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

We've always had cable and have no plans to change.

Jan 09, 2017 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have comcast

Jan 09, 2017 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Never was one to watch TV or the big scree thankfully.

The better half just got the stick and I will have to learn to set it up for her.(goota keep her happy!)

We have only had internet for the last year.

Jan 09, 2017 05:01 AM
Rainmaker
2,241,053
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

I am in more and more houses without any TV sets at all but lots of books, music and NPR. Off air or rabbit ears, a roof top rotor to adjust the signal can improve the taste. When there are 500 channels but nothing to watch that trips your trigger. Get off the couch, buy a farm! "Re-direct" the money into a new hobby.

Jan 09, 2017 04:11 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Never had DirecTv - but cut the cord years ago and use both AppleTV and Roku (since AppleTV does not support Amazon video).

Jan 09, 2017 03:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

The streaming services available to people in our great land generally have less content than those offered to people south of the border.

Jan 08, 2017 09:41 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Christina,

It is the best thing we did this September.  Our cable bill was over $150 a month, and we hardly watched TV.  Now we have Sling and Apple TV.  Roku and other devices also work with streaming...Now our cost is down to $26 a month.  A

Jan 08, 2017 09:35 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I am about to but we are looking at early cancellation fees...

Jan 08, 2017 09:34 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I haven't had cable for about six years. I have Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime (office expense because we use it for office supplies). I used to miss live news but it's all available online now. Cable and satellite are bloated cash-cows and i do not miss them a bit. By the way, I prefer the Amazon Firestick to Roku but I don't have the lateset Roku.

Jan 08, 2017 08:32 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

My son did and seems satisfied, but then he really does not have time for tv anyway with his busy work schedule.

Jan 08, 2017 07:13 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

We purchased a similar unit last spring at the home and garden show.  In the beginning we just watched movies. There was a learning curve. Eventually I took time and learned how to use it for live tv / a variety of series (HBO-ShowTime ..ect...)  daily new programs.  Been almost a year. Well worth the money - but we still have direct tv.

 Some programs we can't find.  If Internet is not strong there is quite a bit of buffering while streaming live tv.  Otherwise I'm happy. 

If anyone has found RFD TV on their system please call me:-) 

Jan 08, 2017 07:08 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I never watched enough tv to pay for it

Jan 08, 2017 07:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I have a Roku and got rid of my TV years ago.  I've very happy with it.  You don't get live sports unless you know someone's login who has TV service, but for shows and movies I have Netflix, Amazon Prime and I love it.  You can also get Hulu on it too.

Jan 08, 2017 06:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Christina, I haven't yet, but that is on my horizon. I have services at three locations. I don't need them at all three. So, at least one will be gone before the end of January 2017. We currently use Netflix and Amazon Prime. Both are excellent. I was looking at Roku this past Thursday. It might be on the shopping list soon. 

Jan 08, 2017 05:44 PM
Ambassador
5,230,102
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

We use Uverse with DirecTV and have thought of dropping it but, it's not nearly that expensive in our area (we pay about $1,200/year).  Good luck with your decision!

Jan 08, 2017 05:27 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Some of us need to learn how to do this.

Jan 08, 2017 05:26 PM