Cutting the Cord on Cable TV
the average cable subscriber pays nearly 3 times as muchnow as they did in 2001
Back in January we did a show about the cable industry and how it works. We found a lot of people ready to “cut the cord.”
Why are so many ready to dump cable? Well, we learned that the average cable subscriber pays nearly 3 times as much now as they did in 2001. The average household now spends $86 a month, and that cost is expected to climb to $200 by 2020! Okay, those are some good reasons.
And when these “post-cable” DIY enthusiasts get talking, they’re full of ideas about new ways to get the TV shows, movies and news they rely on.
So, today we’re diving in to the world of Hulu, Roku, Netflix and Apple to try to see if we’re still hung up by cable...or if its time to break free!
We’ll look into how much money can you actually save, we’ll also talk to an industry expert who writes about this stuff, and to a lawmaker who wants to take some of the pain out of your cable bill.
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About four months ago I ended
About four months ago I ended my TV cable subscription with Comcast and purchased a Roku 2 XS. I now watch movies and TV programs via Amazon Prime Instant Video in HD at much lower cost than cable. I was paying about $95/month for their Digital Preferred package. There where channels there that I had never even looked at! I still have my Internet through Comcast, but compared to the TV package, it is still way cheaper. I also use Hulu Plus. So far, I have been completely satisfied as I only watch TV in the evening on weekends anyway and the rest of the time I spend my leisure time reading. I get most of the news from the Net on my computer or mobile devices. For me, it is true freedom being free from high cost cable TV. Also, I have found that both Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus usually have the latest episode of current run TV shows up by the next day after they air on regular cable providers.
To be sure, ditching your
To be sure, ditching your cable or satellite provider isn't exactly painless, especially if you're a sports junkie. With a moderate amount of research and tinkering, you can replicate much of what you'd be getting via your cable subscription for significantly less money. Your cable subscription price will reduce to half and you can enjoy all the facilities as well.
TV has live events with
TV has live events with sports, news, and new TV shows, unlike Netflix or other streaming services which mainly has shows from a few years ago with very little new content. You may think I’m biased because I work for Dish, but I prefer my content new, fresh, and entertaining. If I want to add video streaming and disk rentals, I can add Blockbuster@Home to my service at a lower cost than Netflix.
I cut the cord a little over
I cut the cord a little over three months ago. Paying $100/month for shows that are now over 1/3 commercials, endless repeats, late night infomercial en lieu of programming, annoying graphics during shows...cable was just a total waste for me.
I can watch just about any show I care about when it comes out on DVD. I don't care about being a season behind. Not for $100/month to stay current.
I bought an indoor antenna and get upwards for 30 channels, mostly HD, but haven't invested in a personal DVR. I'd rather just watch via networks sites, Netflix, or Hulu.
It really is personal choice. If you and your family watch hours of TV weekly, it might be worth it to stay with cable. If not, consider cutting the cord. You'd be surprised how little you miss cable and love saving $1200+ per year.
Listener Email from Warren
I just bought a roku last night. The funny thing I've found was that my kids have been the ones to say "just go and do it, cut it off". It is my wife and I who will making the adjustment. My kids, three 16 and under, already transitioned to watching content of what they want, when they want to, over the net.
Maybe this is a generational thing....
Listener Email from Scott
I have Limited Basic from Comcast. They will never tell you it is available or offer it, but it is less money. They just (upgradded??) so my digital TV no longer gets HD programming. I have HuLu+, but the AT&T DSL is so bad, it can't hold a signal. I have a home in NM where I use an antenna, and get great programming. It should be noted that the lower the channel number, the less likely it is that your antenna will recieve it.