I bought the 10 dollar RCA OTA antenna at best buy yesterday because it had some good reviews, but it didnt pick up everything well, I think the 39 dollar amplified antenna might be better. Im going to swap the 10 dollar one today for it and see.
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How I got rid of Satellite TV/Cable
- Thread starter MicroApple
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Keep us posted on which antenna ends up working for you. As soon as I'm able to find an indoor antenna that picks up a signal in my condo (first floor surrounded by trees), I'm giving Comcast the boot.
I pay $105 for HD, DVR, and internet, which isn't bad, bad I only really watch channels that are also over the air. Anything I watch on Nat Geo and History Channel is available via Netflix. I'm hoping to utilize AirPlay to get ESPN3 on the TV. I just don't like paying for what I don't use. This is also the reason I don't mind my internet cost increasing, b/c I actually use it.
Here ya go:
http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2
You really can't beat the Terk HDTVa. This is the one I'm using and after a whole lot of research I ended up settling on this one. Couldn't be happier. I think I bought mine at Best Buy thinking I would return it if it didn't get good reception but I couldn't be more pleased. It's amazing to me that more people aren't doing this. I think people don't realize they're all digital and all the major networks plus more are in HD. Not only is it HD, but it is better quality than you can get from cable or satellite.
http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2
You really can't beat the Terk HDTVa. This is the one I'm using and after a whole lot of research I ended up settling on this one. Couldn't be happier. I think I bought mine at Best Buy thinking I would return it if it didn't get good reception but I couldn't be more pleased. It's amazing to me that more people aren't doing this. I think people don't realize they're all digital and all the major networks plus more are in HD. Not only is it HD, but it is better quality than you can get from cable or satellite.
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http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/
I did this one myself. Cost was parts laying around the house. It is a great antenna. I live way out in the country and this picks up all but one channel.
I did this one myself. Cost was parts laying around the house. It is a great antenna. I live way out in the country and this picks up all but one channel.
This is all fine and good guys and you are saving money right now but sooner or later your costs will go right back up once your internet service provider start metering your data usage. It's only a matter of time.
these are both good ideas, but big and bulky. im just trying to get the local stations on 2 or 3 tv's and dont want to have to tap into my coax that my cable comes across nor do I want something huge over top of the tv.
I havent made it back to best buy yet to get the amplified model, but I might try today to get over there.
but I can see the arguement about the cable companies starting to jack up the price for internet services. they will realize that they are losing money from cable, and see the net usage jump thru the roof. probably a good reason why we need more choices of providers to keep the prices down. I guess im lucky because at my house I have 3 choices (Comcast, Broadstripe and Fios). for years I played the comcast/broadstripe game against each other to get the best price, but the fios, while its more expensive, the picture quality, speed, and lack of disruption makes it worth it to me.
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The Terk isn't big or bulky. Plus like most people I put mine in my attic so it's not even seen. Can't get any less conspicuous than that.
And how would this make your internet usage go up? You do realize this has nothing at all to do with your internet, right? It comes over the air. You don't need internet at all to receive free digital HD with an antenna.
I get ABC, NBC, Fox, NBC, CBS, PBS, The CW, and a few more in crystal clear digital HD as well as a whole lot more channels in digital SD. I can also record seasons of my favorite TV shows on these channels with EyeTV and it prepares them in iPhone/iPad format if I want to access them on my iOS device too. I even found a free plugin that strips out the commercials for me.
And how would this make your internet usage go up? You do realize this has nothing at all to do with your internet, right? It comes over the air. You don't need internet at all to receive free digital HD with an antenna.
I get ABC, NBC, Fox, NBC, CBS, PBS, The CW, and a few more in crystal clear digital HD as well as a whole lot more channels in digital SD. I can also record seasons of my favorite TV shows on these channels with EyeTV and it prepares them in iPhone/iPad format if I want to access them on my iOS device too. I even found a free plugin that strips out the commercials for me.
I second the Terk antenna...it's THE BEST set-top antenna, and it's not all that expensive or large for that matter. AND it looks pretty good too, unlike other antennas.
Do what you can to avoid amplified antennas. they had always tended to work for me in the days of analog TV, but they tend to make the signal worse for digital.
Do what you can to avoid amplified antennas. they had always tended to work for me in the days of analog TV, but they tend to make the signal worse for digital.
I agree with you about using an amplified one for digital signals. The Terk one I linked to is available in both an amplified and non-amplified version. The amplified version does have an on-off switch though so from what I understand if you turn it off, it is just like using the nonamplified one. That's how I use mine because it picks up all the channels I needed without needing any amplification.
Tilpots
macrumors 601
What's the plug in? I don't archive my EyeTV recordings or export them for iTunes, but I might in the near future for a possible bedroom ATV setup.
streaming netflix/hulu/itunes rentals....etc.....they do not come over the air and would supliment the OTA antenna thus eliminating the need for the traditional cable box type service....
It's called ETV ComSkip:
http://code.google.com/p/etv-comskip/
It's not always completely accurate but the cool thing is when watching the recording using Eyetv, the marked commercials are skipped automatically and if it starts a bit too late you can just do a quick rewind. However if you export to iTunes and watch from there, the commercials are not included at all in the encoding so if it's off a bit, there's nothing you can do about it. The iPhone and iPad access ignore the marked commercials altogether so you have to fast forward through them if you don't want to see them.
Tilpots
macrumors 601
Ah. I'll investigate more tonight. Not sure it's what I'm looking for, but I appreciate the tip! 🙂
I've tried 2 Terks and another brand that I can't remember from Amazon and none have held one channel. I might try the RCA one. It got expensive sending things back to Amazon. I just think I live in a lead building and there may be no hope for me.
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How far away are you from the transmitters? Are there a lot of trees/buildings/hills in between you and them?
It sounds like you may just be in a bad area or are too far from the local transmitters. 20 miles is about the distance, after which you will start to have issues in all but optimal situations.
I am 35 miles from my local transmitters and have some wavering issues on two of my channels if my antenna in not pointed just right. Of course I live in Houston and the terrain is absolutely flat.
I really doubt this is true.
I have NO TV service from my local cable company but do have internet service from them. Almost thought about bundling a TV package with them, but DirecTV cut my bill from $80 a month to $29 a month AND upgraded us to HD and a new DVR. I was going to quit, but I couldn't say no to a deal like that!
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Who are you with?
Most companies - including Comcast - want to generate revenue any way they can and losing a customer because they won't purchase a whole package of services is shortsighted. In my case, I do get a discount for packaging service, but I can still get just broadband if I want to.
This thread sounds like something I just did. What I was going to miss most was the DVR available from pay television and it sounds like others here are thinking the same thing. If you haven't heard of it, take a look at the DTVPAL DVR. It can be had from amazon and Crutchfield. TIVO may have a more elegant guide, but unlike TIVO, it's free. I picked one up last Monday and so far, I like it.
The DTVPAL DVR has two HD tuners in it and can record two different OTA channels at the same time. Between it and my Apple TV, I'm happy.
The DTVPAL DVR has two HD tuners in it and can record two different OTA channels at the same time. Between it and my Apple TV, I'm happy.
TheBritishBloke
macrumors 68030
I pay an equivalent of 75USD for my Satellite over here from "Sky". I pay for every single channel on it, probably don't use them all though lol.. Main reason I won't get rid of it is House is shown on it, and all the best UK movie premieres 🙂
From A Buick 8
macrumors 68040
I am using an EyeTV Hybrid as my DVR, it works pretty well. The programs i record are automatically exported into iTunes, so they can be watched on the ATV.
From A Buick 8
macrumors 68040
Here in KY i have insight, i have not asked them in a while but about a year ago they were unwilling sell me "just" their internet service.
Here is my story/savings of how I ditched Cable in the past few months. We were paying around $135 a month for Cable/Phone/Internet. We cancelled everything except High Speed Internet from Time Warner and they wanted $49.99 a month but I got them down to $29.99 for a year, and now I have a Vonage phone line for our house phone (alarm really, we don't use it) for $9.99 a month. I have 2 HD TiVo's w/Antenna in the Attic for all locals and I have to pay TiVo $24.42 a month for the guide.
So Monthly expense went from $159.42 (TiVo Guide + TWC Bundle) down to $64.40. Almost $100 savings and now we use the AppleTV + Netflix for everything else. HUGE Savings, and I love the AppleTV as we have all our movies/tv shows encoded in iTunes already so streaming is a breeze. PLUS I have over 300 concerts I can stream. AppleTV is one of the best devices I ever purchased. ATV1 never really appealed to me as it had a HD and my iTunes Library is 1.2TB so no drive will ever hold my library.
Savings $1200 a year! WOO HOO!! I never plan to go back to Cable..EVER.
For sporting events, even though its a lame workaround I use channelsurfing.net for Monday Night Football and other sports until they catch up and start doing live streaming...which will be coming.
So Monthly expense went from $159.42 (TiVo Guide + TWC Bundle) down to $64.40. Almost $100 savings and now we use the AppleTV + Netflix for everything else. HUGE Savings, and I love the AppleTV as we have all our movies/tv shows encoded in iTunes already so streaming is a breeze. PLUS I have over 300 concerts I can stream. AppleTV is one of the best devices I ever purchased. ATV1 never really appealed to me as it had a HD and my iTunes Library is 1.2TB so no drive will ever hold my library.
Savings $1200 a year! WOO HOO!! I never plan to go back to Cable..EVER.
For sporting events, even though its a lame workaround I use channelsurfing.net for Monday Night Football and other sports until they catch up and start doing live streaming...which will be coming.
Thanks very much for posting these examples, everyone, especially the original poster! This thread inspired me to try something similar. Here's what I did:
Before:
Had Dish Network "Top 200" package for $55/month + $6/month DVR service + $6/month "service plan" (for tech support, I guess) + $11/month Netflix 1-Disc with Bluray = $79 / month = $948/year .
Now:
Dropped down to Dish Network "Welcome" package for $15/month + $6/month DVR service (dropped the "service plan") + $11/month 1-Disc with Bluray = $ 32 / month = $384/year.
This "Welcome" package is NOT advertised at all on the Dish Network website or anywhere. I only found out about it by seeing this thread and looking around on other message forums on the web. Apparently this welcome package is a method Dish network uses to avoid losing customers: people have been cutting back expenses due to the rough economic times, and this ultra-lightweight package allows them to stay on as customers. Anyway, here's the list of channels that are on this package:
AMC
Bloomberg
Boomerang
Comedy Central
CMT
Discovery Kids
Food Network
Hallmark
HGTV
The History Channel
Home Shopping Network
MSNBC
MTV2
Oxygen
QVC
Shop NBC
TBS
TLC
WE
Weather Channel
+Local channels (varies by locality, but includes all major network affiliates)
I had my wife write down all the shows she watched, and we realized the vast majority of the stuff we watch is from network channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX). Most of the other stuff is covered by the channels on the welcome package (comedy central for Daily Show, AMC for Mad Men, Food Network, TBS for the new Conan show when it comes on, etc.) The only thing my wife watches that we don't get on this welcome package is Lifetime for Project Runway and that *$%&! kathy griffin show, so she'll just buy those on iTunes and stream them using our new
TV once per season. As for me, I have resigned myself more and more to wait until the rest of society tells me a show is good and worth watching, and then go catch up on it via Netflix disks, Netflix streaming, re-runs, or iTunes if necessary. Used to watch a lot of mythbusters, but those don't need to be timely, and all the past seasons are on netflix streaming now. We have a 6 month old son who will need kids programming once in a while, but that will be available through local PBS and TONS of kids content via netflix streaming (Dora, Blues Clues, Thomas the tank engine, etc.)I priced out other options, like quitting Dish entirely and going OTA Antenna, but priced out over the next three years DISH STILL CAME OUT CHEAPER. Here's why: If we went OTA antenna, we would need to buy a standalone DVR (or run EyeTV or something like that). EyeTV looks like a hassle, would have to be running all the time on our main computer (which takes processor time and resources I'd rather have for editing in iMovie and iPhoto and the like), and apparently is not easy to output to 2 TVs. For standalone DVRS that can handle OTA Antenna input, I only found Tivo as a good user-friendly option, and they are $300 at a minimum, plus ~$12/month into the future. Add in the cost of the antenna itself and any other equipment I'd need to buy to get it up and running (budgeted $100 one-time cost), and, while the monthly cost can indeed get lower than the $21/month for the Dish Welcome package (basically $12/month for Antenna/Tivo vs. $21/month for Dish with DVR), in order to get all the shows we want we'd have to buy/rent a bunch of them via iTunes (since OTA only gets you local channels), and the costs add up. (Yes, SOME could be watched free on the web, but that is a hassle to watch on our main TV and my wife would not put up with connecting up our main laptop every time she wanted to watch Project Runway, so streaming via iTunes/
TV is what is needed.) That puts the total cost over a three year period for going OTA as slightly HIGHER than just doing the Dish Welcome package and using iTunes for just a couple shows. (Antenna option is more expensive due to a combination of higher up-front equipment costs, and more shows needing to be purchased/rented via iTunes.)The other big plus for doing this INSTEAD of going OTA antenna is that we get to keep our Dish DVR at $6 a month. (way cheaper than a TiVo since TiVo has a $300 up front cost and $12/month for service). Plus, our Dish DVR can output to two different TVs, allowing one person to watch something in one room while another watches something else in another room. TiVo can't do that (as far as I can tell), unless you get two units and two service plans, doubling all the costs. Yuck.
dXTC
macrumors 68020
Wow! Thanks for the heads up about the "welcome package"; this fits my family's needs almost perfectly, except for HBO's True Blood. Do you ask for the "welcome package" by name, or do you have to give some sort of sob story and/or threaten to cancel entirely and hope the customer service rep mentions it?
I had originally called Dish and asked to drop to a "locals only" package, based on the first message I saw in this thread. But the Dish customer service rep told me the lowest package I could get was the "Welcome" package. I asked what was on that and he gave a few examples of channels on it. Then I went online and found this list in a "slickdeals.net" message forum. Apparently the package has been around for over a year, but, like I said, it's not advertised.
Anyway, yeah, you can ask for the Welcome package or just to drop down to the lowest price package. No sob story required. I told them I was downgrading simply because I found I didn't watch most of the channels I was paying for. Customer service was based in India, I think, but I was actually impressed with how fast/friendly/efficient they were. No attempts by then to upsell me at all, just "sure, you can do that". kudos to Dish.
Great job on cutting your satellite bill down! My only problem with a setup like yours is that Dish still requires a multiyear contract for it right? I left Directv because their lowest priced option is still substantially more expensive. At $21 a month, I might have gone with Dish instead of EyeTV+OTA if there was no contract required. Plus I already had the EyeTV software, the antenna, and the HD HomeRun and I really wanted our recorded TV shows easily available on the iPad and iPhone. Especially for the iPad. I was pleasantly surprised that watching TV shows in bed on the iPad with headphones on is in many ways more engaging and enjoyable than watching them on a big screen tv.
By the way guys, I watched the Steelers vs Saints game on NBC last night live in beautiful HD with 5.1 surround sound. It was awesome and even better knowing I don't pay any monthly fee for the privilege. 😀 Just an antenna connected to the TV. And I recorded it with my computer using EyeTV so if I wanted to watch it again without the commercials I can. I still can't believe I used to pay so much for cable/satellite for so long.
By the way guys, I watched the Steelers vs Saints game on NBC last night live in beautiful HD with 5.1 surround sound. It was awesome and even better knowing I don't pay any monthly fee for the privilege. 😀 Just an antenna connected to the TV. And I recorded it with my computer using EyeTV so if I wanted to watch it again without the commercials I can. I still can't believe I used to pay so much for cable/satellite for so long.