Cable TV and Costs?

[y_p_w]

No one will end up in handcuffs but there could be civil liability. Happened with the record labels and illegally downloading music, also happened when people were stealing satellite TV. Dish and DirecTV got the customer lists of the companies that were selling hacking equipment and threatened to sue every one of them unless they settled for $5k-$15k.

I've never really heard of anything where there wasn't further distribution. So the issue with a lot of file sharing sites was that people didn't just download and leave the liability to the download site, but the distributed nature meant that users were also uploading to other users.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/sep/11/minnesota-woman-songs-illegally-downloaded

I'm not advocating for this, but certainly in the past it seems that providing the content was the biggest issue.

As far as the a service goes, YouTube TV seems to be pretty reasonable. But it would depend on what the available channels are.

 

[Shel_B]

Well, folks, thanks for the education. Since cable is so expensive, and certainly not a favorite here, I'll look at other options. I hadn't thought about the Smart TV aspect, and it seems to make sense. I'll look deeper into that. I imagine any TV I get would have the Smart feature these days. And those Roku things also sound pretty good. I remember that one of my tenants used Roku some years ago and spoke positively about it.

Thanks for all the advice and helpful suggestions.

 

[alarmguy]

My brother has offered me a big screen TV for my upcoming birthday. Should I go that route, I may want to get cable TV.

What's available and at what cost? I know nothing about the subject and looking at what some of the providers offer is a bit overwheming and confusing. I've not had cable TV for about 30 years, so everything is, essentially, new to me.

I have no interest in sports packages but beyond that I'm open to ideas and suggestions. A big factor is keeping cost down, but it's not a primary concern.

Assuming you have a decent Internet connection just buy a Roku player. I never have and I would not even bother with the built-in system of the Smart TV.

You’ll be all set, at your option then you could subscribe to dozens of services most free.
The major ones like Netflix, Apple TV, Peacock, Hulu, plus there is a fee when you subscribe

Chances are you’ll spend less than 30 bucks a month

 

[SC Maintenance]

I can’t see any possible reason to have cable unless you want the live sports. I cycle through different streaming channels. Sign up for a month - watch - cancel. Rinse /repeat.

Lots of streaming for free or cheap if you’re willing to watch commercials. I am not so I pay.

 

[rstcso]

I've had cable as well as streaming using Amazon's Firestick and Roku. Hands down for me, I'm Roku all the way (Ultra). I recently realigned my subscriptions, dropping YouTube TV and adding Hulu Plus (no ads), saving roughly $60/month. It was rare my wife and I watched anything live on tv, so being able to stream almost everything the next day on Hulu didn't really change anything, as we'd have recorded shows to watch later using YouTube TV. I've had Amazon Prime since 2007 and often forget their streaming capabilities.

We have AT&T fiber for about $75/month. My wife and I both work from home, so it's a "necessary" expense, but included in their fiber package is Max (previously Cinemax and HBO). When I remember to look, we often can find some new releases as well as older movies we enjoy.

It's amazing how quickly subscription costs add up!

 

[Al]

If you have smart tv, you don't need any cable TV.
Just use your Internet WIFI (which hopefully you have).
Connect it to WIFI and you will be in business.

If it is not smart TV, get either FireStick from Amazon or Roku (also from Amazon).
If you have Amazon Prime, that include service for the FireTV stick or smart FireTV.

Bottom line, no need for Cable TV anymore, just Internet subsciption.

Not correct. You will not get most of the Live TV channels like CNN, FOX, etc. Been there done that.

Since you already have internet WiFi access, I suggest getting an inexpensive Roku Express 4K device and sample their free streaming content which offers over 500 channels. Here are some of the programs/shows that you can get for free with the Roku device (which requires a no-charge, online Roku account registration). If this strategy lacks the live programming content you desire, you can always trial sample some other subscription services like YouTube TV, NETFLIX, Hulu, Paramount +, HBO, etc.

Again no or few live and no CNN/Fox

 

[RaymondP]

I like to record stuff for later viewing at my convenience, like the F1 GP Series. Have only found Direct TV, Comcast and WOW with this capability. All pricey but provide a variety of packages at different prices. Depending on needs a ton of choices, but few allow recording like the old days with a VHS recorder.

Also recognize many TVs have embedded software to view programming. Another time and research intense exercise to be sure you buy what meets your needs.

 

[y_p_w]

I like to record stuff for later viewing at my convenience, like the F1 GP Series. Have only found Direct TV, Comcast and WOW with this capability. All pricey but provide a variety of packages at different prices. Depending on needs a ton of choices, but few allow recording like the old days with a VHS recorder.

Also recognize many TVs have embedded software to view programming. Another time and research intense exercise to be sure you buy what meets your needs.

I used to have DISH and I had a DVR in the box.

YouTube TV says that they have unlimited digital recordings for playback anywhere. Not sure how that works. I would think maybe they record the most popular programming and can play that back at any time for multiple users. Then maybe individually record other programs as requested by users.

 

[AutoMechanic]

My parents have cable still and they pay $300 a month which I think is ridiculous but they won’t drop it and are locked in a contract still so they are keeping it for now. But that’s for the sports and HBO package. Personally in my room I stream and have an antenna and tons of DVDs and stuff and that’s how I stay entertained. Roku is very easy to use and so is Apple TV too but the Roku is my preferred one. I definitely wouldn’t pay big money for cable. There is no good shows anymore it seems and very limited. As much as I hate technology I do enjoy streaming quite a lot but ultimately prefer DVD and physical media still though. But cable is purely a ripoff these days. I had never heard of streaming till 2023 but glad I tried it and it is nice. I’d definitely recommend it over the cable TV options.

 

[andrew_j]

I’d recommend trying streaming paid services over first cable which is a commitment.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Well, folks, thanks for the education. Since cable is so expensive, and certainly not a favorite here, I'll look at other options. I hadn't thought about the Smart TV aspect, and it seems to make sense. I'll look deeper into that. I imagine any TV I get would have the Smart feature these days. And those Roku things also sound pretty good. I remember that one of my tenants used Roku some years ago and spoke positively about it.

Thanks for all the advice and helpful suggestions.

Ultimately, it depends on what kind of programming you desire.

If you want sports, it will cost you. If you don't, at least it's easier to avoid paying for those unwanted channels than before; the cheaper packages omit them.

With most streaming services, you're not under contractual obligations* a common cable sales tactic from the past. (*DTV Stream does offer a 24-mo contract option)

When it comes to streaming, people regularly subscribe when the shows they want are in season, and cancel when they aren't, and repeat that cycle again. Come and go as you please with no penalties. No installers or truck rolls, like cable of the past.

Stay away long enough, and you become eligible for new subscriber deals again. The content remains in the library (* unless the company is run by CEO most concerned with the bottom line, not content, like WBD), so there's no rush back.

Local channels can be an issue when the area is not served by a corporately-owned network affiliate. The services have carriage agreements with the big networks, but may not necessarily with the independently-owned affiliates, or those station ownership groups.

Ads are pervasive now, even as a paying subscriber. They'll also appear as part of smart TV interfaces, and streaming boxes (minus AppleTV), so if that kind of thing bothers you, keep that in mind. Roku makes most of their money from ad sales and the platform, not selling boxes.

There are many more options now, not just rabbit ears and the local cable company. But it does require some sifting to determine what's best for your needs.

 

[Jimmy9190]

Cable tv prices got really bad here a few years ago so my wife and I bought a Roku Streaming Stick. Our tv is about 9 years old but still has a great picture. Our tv can work with wi-fi apps but the Roku is much easier to use. We pay $83.00 a month for Hulu with live tv so we can see local news and weather and some of the national channels like TCM, FX, PBS, and The History Channel. We also have Netflix and we get Amazon tv with our prime membership. The free streamers are great too. Between Hulu, Pluto, FreeVee, Tubi, Plex and the Roku channel there is more to choose from than we ever had with cable. Plus streaming costs a lot less than cable. We don't really mind the commercials, if nothing else they give you time to get up and go to the bathroom or get a drink from the fridge, just like in the old days.

 

[We're Metals]

Well, folks, thanks for the education. Since cable is so expensive, and certainly not a favorite here, I'll look at other options. I hadn't thought about the Smart TV aspect, and it seems to make sense. I'll look deeper into that. I imagine any TV I get would have the Smart feature these days. And those Roku things also sound pretty good. I remember that one of my tenants used Roku some years ago and spoke positively about it.

Thanks for all the advice and helpful suggestions.

Well it looks like Shel_B has left us. Hope you are able to get your mundane daily questions answered by some other web forum. Best of luck with that Strut Tower Brace for your Camry and deciding what to eat next.

That being said, Youtube TV really is a great option for cord cutters. Been using it for years and the unlimited DVR is really nice. Plus it works well enough with Apple TV fire sticks etc.

 

[dishdude]

Well it looks like Shel_B has left us. Hope you are able to get your mundane daily questions answered by some other web forum. Best of luck with that Strut Tower Brace for your Camry and deciding what to eat next.

That being said, Youtube TV really is a great option for cord cutters. Been using it for years and the unlimited DVR is really nice. Plus it works well enough with Apple TV fire sticks etc.

Did I miss some drama?

 

[tbm5690]

Did I miss some drama?

He probably just saw that the profile is now unavailable.

 

[Tdbo]

If you have smart tv, you don't need any cable TV.
Just use your Internet WIFI (which hopefully you have).
Connect it to WIFI and you will be in business.

If it is not smart TV, get either FireStick from Amazon or Roku (also from Amazon).
If you have Amazon Prime, that include service for the FireTV stick or smart FireTV.

Bottom line, no need for Cable TV anymore, just Internet subsciption.

Only thing that I would add to this is to get either the Firestick or Roku anyway.
The interface on either of these is far superior than what you will probably get on your average smart TV (unless you have a Roku or FireTV.)
I have an LG OLED, and use my old Firestick with it because the LG interface is just that bad.
Plus the nice thing about this approach is no more equipment rental.
Just buy your stick or Roku and you are done.

 

[Cropduster172]

I have the full boat Xfinity cable and Internet in our primary home. I pay $350/month for it which I just go with because my wife loves the ease of use.
I ditched cable TV at our second home and went with Comcast/Xfinity Internet because I was paying about $335/month year round, even in the off season when we were there less frequently.
Switched to just Internet and got their 400 MBPs plan... roughly $75/month...but tag on an additional $85/month for FUBO for Philly sports...go Birds...also includes literally hundreds of other shows and content...plus Hulu for $2/month and all that comes with the cable programming from our primary home.
Bottom line...a smart TV and maybe a paid streaming service....FUBO or YouTube TV depending on your viewing requirements.