Dumped cable 15 years ago after trying it for 6 months. Very disappointed by the quality of the specialist programming (documentaries, cooking, gardening, science and tech, diy, cars, educational stuff, etc.): Dumbed down, padded with filler, pseudo-expert 'presenters' and too many adverts. Not worth the money.
We get by fine with OTA of all the major locals and redbox DVD rentals. iTunes purchases/rentals work for emergencies. Books work too.
We did have Netflix for several years (before redbox) and that was good. The streaming, when it came along, was very convenient, but the kids were turning into couch potatoes and streaming endless cartoons, so that got the chop. They survived.
Over the years, I can recall two really interesting people I've worked alongside. Neither owned a TV. Both were well educated, cultured, independent-thinking, articulate, considerate, witty and utterly charming folks. They were always a delight to be with. Kind-of inspiring.
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