Ditching Cable - Suggestions?

[2010mini]

Curious what kind of setup everyone has that does NOT have cable? We currently have Fios with all the channels and there is "nothing ever on". Tired of wasting the money. What would be the best way to get all the great tv without cable?

Currently have Netflix, Hulu+, Prime and Plex. I would miss SyFy, HBO, SHO and FX (American Horror Story).

Looking for some ideas. The plan is to either ditch cable altogether and do ATV4's throughout or have basic on one tv and ATV4 all over.

I would suggest you list all the shows you really watch that are not available OTA or on Hulu, Prime and Netflix. For all the other channels you mentioned.... Do you watch every show on those networks? If not then consider buying seasons from iTunes or Prime. With iTunes at least you can buy gift cards at discounts so you would end up paying less.

My suggestion are, getting an antenna, Silicondust hardware and Channels app for live content. And use iTunes to fill in all other content not available on Hulu, Netflix and Prime.

Also consider switching your Hulu and Netflix account billing to iTunes so you can save money via discounted iTunes gift cards.

BTW if you have family that also has FIOS, they can create a sub account for you to authenticate network apps.

 

[Che Castro]

Unless you are joking. curious if you could get caught doing this. If your Internet IP address does not correlate to the cable address wouldn't this flag you?

i would only trust family members with that

with comcast you can do that

is like sharing a netflix account

 

[scapegoat81]

If you have a relative or friend with cable it opens a lot of doors. I use my moms login and get HBO go, fox now, ESPN etc. in exchange she uses my Netflix and Hulu logins. I have more stuff then I can watch and fill in the gaps with torrents/plex. I could never go back to watching tv through a cable box again.

This guy gets it

 

[mattopotamus]

Here's what I recommend if you are a TV junkie and want to get rid of cable:
1- Hulu Plus for the best all around TV experience $8
2- Netflix for great shows and movies $8
3- Amazon Prime (99/yr) with Showtime add-on ($9/mo) (once they finally make an ATV app)
4- HBO Now $15 month
5- Crackle (free) for some cool shows and movies like Seinfeld's web series
6- bum off of someone else for channels like ESPN, and any other sports

Total: $40 month (99/yr for Amazon Prime which obviously includes more than just Instant video) plus a little begging for those who have cable.

This is exactly what I have minus hulu and plug in Showtime (which is $8 through amazon as an add on vs the $10 or $11 through showtime).

 

[Albert2000]

Curious what kind of setup everyone has that does NOT have cable? We currently have Fios with all the channels and there is "nothing ever on". Tired of wasting the money. What would be the best way to get all the great tv without cable?

Currently have Netflix, Hulu+, Prime and Plex. I would miss SyFy, HBO, SHO and FX (American Horror Story).

Looking for some ideas. The plan is to either ditch cable altogether and do ATV4's throughout or have basic on one tv and ATV4 all over.

 

[Albert2000]

We have a Weinguard flat panel indoor antenna connected to the least expensive TIVO box and get multiple PBS stations, all the networks and more and the TIVO lets us DVR. That plus Netflix and the other free stuff on Apple TV plus MLB TV works for us.

 

[jdag]

If you have multiple TVs in your house, as I do:

1) Tablo with an HD antenna - the Tablo hooks into your router and is then available within your network via computers, tablets, smartphones, and streaming boxes.

2) AppleTVs - put 1 on each TV (even the old versions of the AppleTV).

3) Play your Tablo content to your TV via the AppleTV. If you have an old AppleTV, use AirPlay. If you have an AppleTV 4, then you can use AirPlay or the Plex app. Either works very very well. Tablo is working on a native app for the ATV4. Note that in place of AppleTVs you can also use FireTVs, Rokus, PC/Mac, Android TV, or Nvidia Sheild, to play the Tablo content onto the big screen.

4) Subscribe to other services such as Netflix and Hulu as you wish. I won't get into the capability of working with a friend/relative that has a cable/satellite account to use ESPN, NBC Sports, etc. apps.

Upfront cost, assuming you don't have any streaming boxes:
$197-$263 for the Tablo (2 tuner version currently $197, 4-tuner version currently $263)
$60-$90 for a Tablo-supported hard drive (Tablos are pretty finicky about hard drives so look at their site 1st)
$40-$200 for each streaming box (I am partial to the ATV4 32gb at $150/ea)
$50-$100 for an antenna and wiring (you can get some high ranging antennas for this amount)

Total of ~$350 on the low end and ~$900 on the high end for 3 TVs, again assuming you don't already have streaming boxes for each TV or an antenna. The high end $900 includes 3 32gb ATV4s and a 4 tuner Tablo, so my guess is your investment will fall lower than the full $850.

I did this about 18 months ago, and have saved ~$100/mo over my DirecTV days. I already had 3 ATV3s (just upgraded to the 4s) and an HD antenna, so my initial out of pocket was closer to $350 for the 4-tuner Tablo and 1TB hard drive.

Even considering my Netflix account, I've saved ~$1,400 since I made this change, with an additional $100/mo every month going forward.

 

[thisismyusername]

OTA, Netflix, Hulu, Prime. Pick 2 or 3. If you need anymore than that, you watch too much TV.

 

[jdag]

1 thing to keep in mind when ditching cable/satellite and using any of these suggested methods...It is not only a question of WHAT you watch, but also HOW you watch.

In all cases, there is a major shift from picking up the cable/satellite box remote and surfing through channels. 1 of the main considerations I made in going the AppleTV/Tablo route was that I wanted a solution that was via a single box without having to change inputs, swap remotes, etc.

But even my single-box solution has its warts. Want to watch House of Cards? Oh, that's on Netflix. The Man in the High Castle? That's on Amazon Prime, and you need to use the iPhone and AirPlay it because there is not an Amazon app on the AppleTV 4 yet.

 

[Snoopy4]

Curious what kind of setup everyone has that does NOT have cable? We currently have Fios with all the channels and there is "nothing ever on". Tired of wasting the money. What would be the best way to get all the great tv without cable?

Currently have Netflix, Hulu+, Prime and Plex. I would miss SyFy, HBO, SHO and FX (American Horror Story).

Looking for some ideas. The plan is to either ditch cable altogether and do ATV4's throughout or have basic on one tv and ATV4 all over.

Get the basic cable subscription along with your phone and Internet service so you have your local channels. This generally lets you sign into all the channel apps. For Prime you'll need another device unless your TV has it. We use out BD player for it so it doesn't take up TV processing resources. It works, but it's less than optimal. You can air drop Prime, but it's kind of a pain in that you have to make sure your iPad has enough charge.

 

[gugy]

I had an OTA antenna for about a year. I recommend if you're serious about having stable reception that you buy one of the ones you mount outside. We had an indoor one that we had to constantly mess with to get a decent signal. Once we did it was HD quality video, same as cable. Very nice for sports and live events like the Oscars/Golden Globes.

Hi, Any suggestions for outdoor antennas and DVRs?
I have seem some cheap DVR on Amazon for $40 with over 1k 4 star reviews. That seem very cheap.
Thanks

 

[2010mini]

Unless you are joking. curious if you could get caught doing this. If your Internet IP address does not correlate to the cable address wouldn't this flag you?

Some pay tv providers allow you to create sub account for sharing. Like when your kids go off to college. They can still watch tv via your pay tv provider's app.

 

[2010mini]

Hi, Any suggestions for outdoor antennas and DVRs?
I have seem some cheap DVR on Amazon for $40 with over 1k 4 star reviews. That seem very cheap.
Thanks

Tablo
TiVo ota
Channel Master DVR+

 

[AbSoluTc]

All these awesome suggestions and info!! Tablo seems pretty cool. I am feeling with Tablo, prime, netflix and showtime add ons, everything would be covered pretty much. The other cool thing is I can cancel anything I don't want when they are out of season (HBO for GoT).

Were still trying to figure out the best path to take. Everyone in the house likes to "surf" and honestly to me, if I have to surf to find something, I should be doing something else. However, I do like my entertainment.

 

[gugy]

Tablo
TiVo ota
Channel Master DVR+

Thanks, Channel Master looks cool.

 

[jdag]

Keep in mind the following as these are all very different solutions:

Tablo - Networked OTA tuner, meaning you plug it into your router, not to your TV, and can then view via devices on your network. It is not a traditional tuner in any way. Aside from initial cost to setup, there is a $5/mo (or $150 lifetime) fee for the guide data. This is a "whole home" tuner, so 1 device, many TVs/phones/tablets/computers can view.

TiVo ota - A traditional tuner, but with whole home capabilities. To get the whole home benefits, you'd need a main TiVo plus a TiVo mini for each alternate TV. There are some extra capabilities for viewing via phones/tablets/computers, but they are add-ons (or at least used to be). Also, there is a monthly or lifetime subscription fee that is required. I believe the monthly is ~$15/mo.

Channel Master DVR+ - This is the most traditional box of these. You'd need 1 per each TV, and I do not believe that there are any networking whole home capabilities. There are no mostly costs.

So...

If you have a single TV or want a box on each TV, the Channel Master might be great. But if you want any sort of networked capability, Tablo/TiVo are worth investigating.

 

[d21mike]

I use HDHomeRun Turners and Apple TV 4 with Channels App for all of my Live TV needs. I use Hulu (no commercials) and CBS All Access for 80-90% of what I used my DVR for. The other DVR stuff I just dropped from my entertainment options. However, I may use the HDHomeRun DVR in the future when they get it out of beta. I also have Netflix, HBO Now and Showtime. I also have Amazon Prime with my shipping subscription but do not use it that much because no App for the Apple TV.

 

[CtotheP]

This thread comes at a great time as my AT&T Uverse package just ballooned to about $220/mo.

For those that DO NOT have FIOS/Fiber, what internet speeds to you subscribe to?

 

[oneMadRssn]

This thread comes at a great time as my AT&T Uverse package just ballooned to about $220/mo.

For those that DO NOT have FIOS/Fiber, what internet speeds to you subscribe to?

I have 155Mbps with RCN right now. It's good but inconsistent. Sometimes speed tests show I get close to 200Mbps during off-peak hours, but during peak hours it slows down to 50Mbps or so. I'm thinking of calling them and downgrading to the 50Mbps plan, since it seems that the speed I'd be able to get consistently anyway. But it's only $5/mo cheaper, so now sure it's worth it anyway. Besides, it handles all my streaming needs without hickup either way.

I used to have the 25Mbps, and even that speed handled all my streaming needs without any issue at all. I was able to two streams at once, one on each tv, without a problem. The only improvement from getting a faster internet has been that Netflix goes to the high-quality stream faster. It used to start low quality, but get better within 10 seconds. Now it's at the best stream immediately.

 

[nburwell]

If you have a relative or friend with cable it opens a lot of doors. I use my moms login and get HBO go, fox now, ESPN etc. in exchange she uses my Netflix and Hulu logins. I have more stuff then I can watch and fill in the gaps with torrents/plex. I could never go back to watching tv through a cable box again.

This is what we plan on doing when we eventually ditch Xfinity cable this spring. I have my parents Fios login, so on our ATV4, I have downloaded most of the TV apps available in the App Store and authenticated them via their subscription. Right now, we'd be set with MTV, Watch ESPN, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Comedy Central, FX, A&E, History and Nat Geo. We're actually trying to watch our ATV's more and more to see what we would miss once we do cut the cord.

We also have Hulu+ with Showtime add on, along with Amazon Prime with Starz add on. We also have Netflix and HBO Go.

It would be much easier for me if there were more sports apps available in the app store (ie. NFL), but with ESPN and NHL (have Gamecenter subscription), I will be able to get by since I'm not a basketball fan.

 

[iPhone1]

Hi, Any suggestions for outdoor antennas and DVRs?
I have seem some cheap DVR on Amazon for $40 with over 1k 4 star reviews. That seem very cheap.
Thanks

No sorry, I've only had indoor antennas. But if you plan to have it long term, don't be cheap.

 

[JayKyte]

Or just use plex and Sickgear on a vpn .....

 

[talmy]

Netflix, Amazon Prime, and ripped DVDs + recorded OTA via Plex. It's more than we have time to consume. No interest in sports.

 

[Apple.Fanatic]

Here's what I recommend if you are a TV junkie and want to get rid of cable:
1- Hulu Plus for the best all around TV experience $8
2- Netflix for great shows and movies $8
3- Amazon Prime (99/yr) with Showtime add-on ($9/mo) (once they finally make an ATV app)
4- HBO Now $15 month
5- Crackle (free) for some cool shows and movies like Seinfeld's web series
6- bum off of someone else for channels like ESPN, and any other sports

Total: $40 month (99/yr for Amazon Prime which obviously includes more than just Instant video) plus a little begging for those who have cable.

I would cut my cable TV service but don't save much cutting away. I pay $100/month for 75Mbps internet, DVR HD channels and HBO. My internet would be around $60/month without bundled with TV. So for $40/month I get HBO year round and access to all my local sports. HBO would be $15 if I did HBO Now. So $40-$15= $25 to get 100+ channels is worth it for me. Plus I can use it to gain access to many on demand apps.

I do have Amazon prime but hardly use TV/Movie streaming since not on Apple TV yet.

On side note, I do have to call Comcast once a year to make them give me my $100 deal again. They don't give me much fuss and keep me at my $100 bundle deal.

 

[imaccooper]

You CAN get ESPN if you are a cord cutter. If you get Sling TV ($20 per month), it offers ESPN, ESPN2, and access to ESPN 3 content. Here is the secret kicker. You can open the WatchESPN app on your Apple TV (2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation), authenticate by choosing "sling tv" as your provider (in the additional providers section), log in with your sling TV credentials, and you can watch all of ESPN on your Apple TV.

Unfortunately this is not accurate. They do lock you out of channels you do not subscribe too (in this case ESPN u and news). You can pay $5 a month more and get access to both of these channels which I do and I am very happy with it and sling tv as a whole. It gives me access to everything on the ESPN networks which is huge for any sports fans. It also has several additional channels you can access as a bonus.

I would also like to give a +1 to the tablo. It is a great little device that is networked as mentioned. They offer 14 days of guide date for $5 a month, but they will give you 24 hrs of guide data free with the device which is all I care about so it is free for me.

I also enjoy Netflix and Amazon prime. As others have said, you must have some patience as a cord cutter and it's always best to not get hooked on new shows if you can help it.