Ditto what Bonnie said. We went away from Dish,Directv and Comcast a year ago. I have saved over $1000.00.
The savings made a huge difference. I used to have basic Qwest DSL and usually movies and shows streamed OK but at times I had some minor buffering issues.
If you have a Blu-Ray player or other player with built in wifi (or is internet capable)like an XBox or Playstation, you can subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, or get choices like Amazon on Demand, Sony movies, You Tube and a whole lot more. Plus music services like Slacker, Pandora etc.
With Netflix streaming you get a lot of choices for "free" ($8.99 per month) but not all of the first run feature films. But since you are no longer paying $100 for cable you can purchase from iTunes, Amazon On Demand, or other services an HD or SD movie for 5.99 or less.
I have networked my Blu-Ray with my Sony laptop.
I also get programming from my laptop not available from Hulu and Netflix on other internet channels. At times I use my HDMI output of my computer into my flatscreen for certain shows (and admittedly a subscription to the NFL that I recently signed up for.) So what if I have to wait until the game is over. I can watch games of my favorite teams from the last six years!!!! Instead of Directv NFL Sunday Ticket for $300.00 extra bucks, I get it for $30.00 (and I can go to church without guilt!!!)
Plus, go get an antenna. There are about 30 HD and Digital Channels you can receive over the air. You can mount one on the roof or, if you are not in a hole or behind a bunch of hills you can get an inside antenna. You may have to move the rabbit ears at times, but think of all the cash you save.
PBS in Seattle and Tacoma work out wonderfully well for us because of decent cartoons from early in the morning until the dinner hour, and KBTC's 28.2 digital channel that shows news from around the world from MHZ Worldview (In English mostly). Plus the local network and independent channels have great programming and oldies TV on some of there 2nd and 3rd digital channels.
Recording shows is more difficult but can be accomplished with the right gear, but I don't do that right now. If you are an American Idol fan, you will need to watch it Live over the air because it is not available on Hulu or Netflix.
Many channels on cable have websites where you can watch certain items or shows too. There is a ton of variety.
If you are an ESPN or Cable News Junkie or want to watch the Mariners play on a Regional Sports Network, you will not be able to (unless you go to the unauthorized channels on the web) or buy a subscription if offered.
I miss some of the Fox News shows and ESPN but not that much. I choose not to access the sites that are "stealing" content.
Listen to the other people who post. I will say this, make sure you have good download speeds from your internet. That will make a difference with some players.
We bought our Blu-Ray player at Costco. It has been great.
Good Luck.
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West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Blog
