Another cord cutting thread... Advice plz...

[Bronn]

So the time has come and Time Warner Cable has to go. It is basically my only option out in the boonies. I've been calling them every 6 months or so when my current promotion expires, and this time they don't want to budge. I was paying @$135 a month for basic internet (I think it is like 6 Mbps download max), 2 DVRs, and the basic digital TV package (no premiums). Starting at the end of August, I am going to turn everything in and cancel everything, except the broadband. I think we will go to the Turbo tier and get like 20 Mbps for like $50 a month.

In the living room, our current setup is a somewhat modern 55" Vizio LCD that isn't a smart TV, and my PS3 hooked up to it to stream Netflix. It has 5 HDMI inputs...

In our bedroom, we have one of the last 36" tube TV's made... It has like 2 component hookups, one in front and one in back...

Ideally, we still would like to record some programs on over-the-air digital channels to watch later and fast forward, but I don't want to sign up for a monthly DVR service like Tivo.

The current plan is just download/stream anything we typically watch on TV that isn't a Netflix only offering. That is what the boost in broadband speed is for. Faster downloading and seamless streaming on multiple devices.

One thing I've considered is replacing the bedroom dinosaur TV with a new smart TV, but that will run about $300 on top of needing some way to record over-the-air digital programs, 2 amplified digital antennas, etc. (looking at possibly $500 or more of new equipment once all is said and done, including TV)

If we stick with what we've got now, I can move the PS3 to the bedroom for streaming (since I can use the component output), get a Roku for the living room (would probably get a Roku 2), get a $35 digital converter box with built in recording capability I found off Amazon, a couple amplified antennas, and be out around $250 or less.

Monthly fees would be about $80 or less, a savings of $55... That includes our current Netflix sub, a Hulu sub, an Amazon Prime sub (is this even worth it?... we'd only watch free content), and the TWC internet cost.

 

Thoughts? Opinions? Other options?

There are no other carriers in my area other than TWC, CenturyLink, or the dish companies.

[Jase]

I am cutting the cord next month and have considered two options for DVR: Tablo and Tivo.

Tablo worries me regarding things I've heard regarding reliability and their lack of support for surround sound.

 

I landed on the Tivo.  They're running a deal right now, presumably because they are coming out with new hardware soon.  OTA DVR + lifetime subscription for $300.  Steep, but no monthly charges.

https://www.tivo.com/shop/promo/supersavings

[Jase]

Amazon prime is only worth it to me for the free shipping.  You don't get much above and beyond what you'd get on netflix. 

[davos]

I legit just cut my comcast off.  Have Century Link at 100mbps speed.  Netflix+HBO Now

That's really all I need, especially with watching Panther games at Shelbys and Historians.  

[Panthro]

I have Sling, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Prime and Rabbit Ears.

I watch Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Now the most and Amazon I have for shipping. Their free content is meh. SLing I keep forgetting I have.

Sling will be good when NFL kicks off and I get ESPN live and the wife gets HGTV. It's $20 and it is month to month. 

Netflix - $8

Hulu - $8

HBO Now - $20

Sling - $20

TWC Internet - $40

[Jase]

I have Sling, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Prime and Rabbit Ears.

I watch Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Now the most and Amazon I have for shipping. Their free content is meh. SLing I keep forgetting I have.

Sling will be good when NFL kicks off and I get ESPN live and the wife gets HGTV. It's $20 and it is month to month. 

Netflix - $8

Hulu - $8

HBO Now - $20

Sling - $20

TWC Internet - $40

Do you have access to WatchESPN with your sling account?

[Panthro]

Not sure. I know I get espn and ESPN2

[PandaPancake]

I got a Slingbox for trade if you can find a sucker to hook it up at their house.

[Hotsauce]

So the time has come and Time Warner Cable has to go. It is basically my only option out in the boonies. I've been calling them every 6 months or so when my current promotion expires, and this time they don't want to budge. I was paying @$135 a month for basic internet (I think it is like 6 Mbps download max), 2 DVRs, and the basic digital TV package (no premiums). Starting at the end of August, I am going to turn everything in and cancel everything, except the broadband. I think we will go to the Turbo tier and get like 20 Mbps for like $50 a month.

In the living room, our current setup is a somewhat modern 55" Vizio LCD that isn't a smart TV, and my PS3 hooked up to it to stream Netflix. It has 5 HDMI inputs...

In our bedroom, we have one of the last 36" tube TV's made... It has like 2 component hookups, one in front and one in back...

Ideally, we still would like to record some programs on over-the-air digital channels to watch later and fast forward, but I don't want to sign up for a monthly DVR service like Tivo.

The current plan is just download/stream anything we typically watch on TV that isn't a Netflix only offering. That is what the boost in broadband speed is for. Faster downloading and seamless streaming on multiple devices.

One thing I've considered is replacing the bedroom dinosaur TV with a new smart TV, but that will run about $300 on top of needing some way to record over-the-air digital programs, 2 amplified digital antennas, etc. (looking at possibly $500 or more of new equipment once all is said and done, including TV)

If we stick with what we've got now, I can move the PS3 to the bedroom for streaming (since I can use the component output), get a Roku for the living room (would probably get a Roku 2), get a $35 digital converter box with built in recording capability I found off Amazon, a couple amplified antennas, and be out around $250 or less.

Monthly fees would be about $80 or less, a savings of $55... That includes our current Netflix sub, a Hulu sub, an Amazon Prime sub (is this even worth it?... we'd only watch free content), and the TWC internet cost.

 

Thoughts? Opinions? Other options?

There are no other carriers in my area other than TWC, CenturyLink, or the dish companies.

I would consider myself a professional cord cutter. 

Here are my thoughts..

On just about everything you said, you are on track. 

Dont spend extra money getting a smart TV. STs are very limited and their platforms are terrible. Instead get a Roku 3(more in that later).

You need to buy a attic mount amplified  antenna.  Don't go cheap here, I bought 

AmazonBasics Amplified Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna - 60 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFXNQBU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_b470vb68KN0P0

 

In regards to DVR, don't pay monthly fees for TiVo.  you need to buy this...

Channel Master DVR+ Bundle - subscription free digital video recorder with web features and channel guide (CM7500BDL3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J05QJPG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_XW70vbR1741P1

 

I own Roku 3, Apple TV, chrome cast. That's ever major streamer besides Amazons. I can tell you Roku is the best, it's not even close. It has a great interface and it streams the most content out of the options. You can buy a refurbished one from Amazon. 

 

My my set up has a Roku at every TV for streaming, my whole house gets about 60 HD channels from my over the air antenna.  I have 60 Mbps from Comcast.  I mainly use sling TV, Netflix, and HBO Now.  

While I can't watch everything I want, after a year of not paying for cable I really don't care.  I am saving $100 a month (minus the upfront equipment costs).  Only thing I can't see is Panther games, but the NFL is going to release a stand alone streaming service within a couple years anyway.  I also was t able to stream the Pac/Man fight on PPV, but again that will change soon I am sure!

Let me know if you have any specific questions. 

Also, don't forget if you buy all that stuff from Amazon, use those purchases to go towards free All-Pro!

[davos]

I have Sling, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Prime and Rabbit Ears.

I watch Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Now the most and Amazon I have for shipping. Their free content is meh. SLing I keep forgetting I have.

Sling will be good when NFL kicks off and I get ESPN live and the wife gets HGTV. It's $20 and it is month to month. 

Netflix - $8

Hulu - $8

HBO Now - $20

Sling - $20

TWC Internet - $40

Is that Sling worth it for the ESPN? 

Also...you're paying 20/mnth for HBONow? I'm at 13.95/mnth.

[Paa Langfart]

I would consider myself a professional cord cutter. 

Here are my thoughts..

On just about everything you said, you are on track. 

Dont spend extra money getting a smart TV. STs are very limited and their platforms are terrible. Instead get a Roku 3(more in that later).

You need to buy a attic mount amplified  antenna.  Don't go cheap here, I bought 

AmazonBasics Amplified Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna - 60 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFXNQBU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_b470vb68KN0P0

 

In regards to DVR, don't pay monthly fees for TiVo.  you need to buy this...

Channel Master DVR+ Bundle - subscription free digital video recorder with web features and channel guide (CM7500BDL3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J05QJPG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_XW70vbR1741P1

 

I own Roku 3, Apple TV, chrome cast. That's ever major streamer besides Amazons. I can tell you Roku is the best, it's not even close. It has a great interface and it streams the most content out of the options. You can buy a refurbished one from Amazon. 

 

My my set up has a Roku at every TV for streaming, my whole house gets about 60 HD channels from my over the air antenna.  I have 60 Mbps from Comcast.  I mainly use sling TV, Netflix, and HBO Now.  

While I can't watch everything I want, after a year of not paying for cable I really don't care.  I am saving $100 a month (minus the upfront equipment costs).  Only thing I can't see is Panther games, but the NFL is going to release a stand alone streaming service within a couple years anyway.  I also was t able to stream the Pac/Man fight on PPV, but again that will change soon I am sure!

Let me know if you have any specific questions. 

Also, don't forget if you buy all that stuff from Amazon, use those purchases to go towards free All-Pro!

You get sixty ota stations and you dont get the Panthers?  Where are you at ?

[Hotsauce]

You get sixty ota stations and you dont get the Panthers?  Where are you at ?

Atlanta...arm pit of the south

[Panthro]

Is that Sling worth it for the ESPN? 

Also...you're paying 20/mnth for HBONow? I'm at 13.95/mnth.

I'll check on HBO Now. It may be $13.95. Sling has a bunch of other channels that are pretty good but I don't catch myself watching it that much. I really wish they signed up the NFL Network 

[Zaximus]

I've been without cable for years.

Like someone said, forget smart TVs, their apps suck.

Get a roku and look into private channels.  There is even some "services" you can pay like $20 a month and stream live thousands of channels from that private channel.  

I haven't used those, but I do have a media PC set up with an application called Kodi installed (you can use your iphone/android as a remote).  There are some nice add-ons to get for it too, most notably Genesis, which has most TV shows and movies via streaming, minutes after airing.

I supplement this with newsgroup/indexer service, that's like 10 a month, and I really only do this so I can watch my downloaded movies/tv shows on my iphone/ipad/work PC through a subsonic server I run (for music as well on my iphone, streaming).  Genesis is about all you would need.

Netflix is definitely worth, Amazon will be soon with some really cool originals on the way.  I won't pay for Hulu because it has ads, out of principal.  

I have a antenna for local channels (luckily get Panthers games).  

The only thing I'm missing is Hornets games on sportsouth.   

About your DVR issue, I believe the XboxOne is going to offer DVR service free soon, btw.  May be worth looking into since it covers a few needs (streaming apps, etc).