Apple TV + basic cable question

As long as your cable provider allows access to the apps and the equivalent channels are part of your cable package it shouldn't matter what subscription tier you're on. I have one of the lowest DirecTV packages while we ween ourselves off and if the channel is in our package I can access the app. I hope I understood your question.

 

I agree with OsioBergen. In my case I have Verizon FIOS. When my 2 year option (Internet, TV, Phone) was up I dropped the Phone. With FIOS you can only drop one of the 3 services if you are out of contract. But you can change the individual service at any time. I am currently on month to month hoping for other options like the rumored Apple Streaming Service. I have also switched to HBO Now and Showtime via iTunes. I also have Netflix/Hulu (no commercials) and Feeln. I first went with the New FIOS Custom Package but because we needed two of the add-on tiers to get what we wanted it was only an additional $10 to switch to the Preferred Tier. My point is you have to determine which tier has the minimum of what you need. You might be able to get a local only (about 20 channels) for a relatively low cost. My biggest cost to be able to drop is the Hardware ($67 per month) which I really want to drop at some point after the New Apple TV's come out. I was thinking that 2015 would the year of streaming. Now I am thinking it is 2016 (fingers crossed).

 

In my case I do not know of a SD ONLY Package. But you see the problem with going with small packages. We really need more small bundle options from different providers. But in my case I am okay with paying for more content options but want then to be all accessible from the Apple TV.

 

That is a great point. I'm not sure about Verizon, but these are both cheaper as apps than they are if I subscribe through DirecTV. If you haven't compared their prices yet, look into that option as a way to skim a little more off the top. I definitely will be.

 

At least with Comcast, if you don't get the channels in your cable TV package, you can't use those channels on the Apple TV either. I assume Verizon's packages are the same way.

 

I just want to throw a suggestion to the op. It sounds like you are a lot like me when watching tv (except for the Disney channel). I decided to go with sling tv at $20 a month plus the $5 extra for more ESPN channels. I have access to the watch ESPN app on the Apple TV which is how I watch everything on ESPN. Although I have not tried through the app on the Apple TV, I do have access to the Disney channel through the sling service and so I assume the app works as well.

It's not for everyone, but it sounds like you are ready to get rid of cable and do more streaming which is where I was and I love having sling tv so far as it has checked pretty much everything for me.

Just to give you a heads up, there is no dvr feature on sling but there are different options for playing back shows. The best thing to do is check out there website or go ahead and do the 7 day free trial to see how you like it.