Cutting the cord

[Raising Heel]

Now that basketball season is over, I'm seriously contemplating getting rid of cable television. The list of shows I regularly watch is very, very short.

• college football
• college basketball
• NFL
• college baseball
• Vikings
• Daredevil
• Marco Polo
• Modern Family (sometimes)
• Family Guy
• Tosh.0 (sometimes)

Most of that I can keep up with using only three apps: ESPN3, Netflix, and Hulu. Other stuff you can stream on a laptop. So for a couple subscriptions that cost $8 a month I'll still see everything I want and save myself boatloads of money not paying for bloated programming that I hardly use.

Has anyone else done this? Even if you haven't, would love to hear pros and cons.

 

[coolwaterunc]

I've considered doing that on more than one occasion, but the only thing stopping me is the Braves. I know they suck right now, but watching the Braves has always been a huge part of my life, and I can't let that go. It's not as simple as getting MLB.TV since they black out games if you're in the area, so that won't work. Otherwise, I'd cut it out in a heartbeat. Keep streaming shows, and for local channels, just use an antenna. That alone would keep you from missing NFL games unless you're used to having NFL Sunday Ticket or something. You have to be careful with ESPN3 though, they will black you out.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

We dropped DirecTV in January 2015 and have not missed it. With the kids we don't watch as much TV as we used to but we get by with just Netflix. We had Amazon Prime for the first year, which is worth it for the free 2-day shipping, but found that we weren't really using it for TV content so we dropped that too. Some of the shows you want to watch when they air or soon after you can do through the network's website. We do that with Grimm.

The trickiest part is sports. As long as you have access to the over-the-air networks (antenna) and ESPN3 you're good - but there's no DVR so I've adjusted to watching live like I used to. If you don't have an ESPN3 login I think you can get it as part of the SlingTV package for ~$20/mo.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

Pro-tip: If you have cable internet but no cable package, there is still a cable signal in your line, albeit not a high-quality one. You don't have a box, so no guide, but you can plug that coax directly into the TV and get all the non-premium channels. In a pinch, for the occasional game that's blacked out on ESPN3 and airing on FSS or something like that, it's better than nothing.

 

[tarheel0910]

The only thing keeping me from doing it is the same thing everyone else has been mentioning, sports. Does anyone know anything about this PlayStation TV thing they keep advertising? They are suppose to have over 100 channels, but I don't know much about it. The last PlayStation I bought was a PS2 so I would have to get a new one if I went that route.

 

[coolwaterunc]

The only thing keeping me from doing it is the same thing everyone else has been mentioning, sports. Does anyone know anything about this PlayStation TV thing they keep advertising? They are suppose to have over 100 channels, but I don't know much about it. The last PlayStation I bought was a PS2 so I would have to get a new one if I went that route.

I have a PS4, and I'm thinking about trying it out. They have complete channel listings on their website for all the packages, just so you know. I'd link it but work blocks everything. I probably won't switch to it because of my Braves issue though.

 

[tarheel0910]

I have a PS4, and I'm thinking about trying it out. They have complete channel listings on their website for all the packages, just so you know. I'd link it but work blocks everything. I probably won't switch to it because of my Braves issue though.

It's blocked at work for me too. The Braves aren't an issue for me since I'm not a Braves fan. Plus I'm in the ATL, so if I want to see a game I can just go to it.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Ditto that sports is the only thing keeping me around. I just love sports too much not to have cable (ESPN/ESPNU/ESPN2).

Raising, you'd hate it (it being your cut cord) during football season. It would be a pain to switch from game to game using ESPN3. How would you make that work in your living room? Connect a laptop to your TV with an HDMI or something?

It sure would be nice to not have a $140 cable/internet bill every month though. Currently I split that with a roommate. If I ever move into a place by myself, which I'm strongly considering, I'd definitely cut the cord just to save money.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

How would you make that work in your living room? Connect a laptop to your TV with an HDMI or something?

That's what I do for anything I can't get through the FireTV. I put the laptop out of the way near the TV and use a wireless keyboard/trackpad. At some point I'd like to get a mini-PC to serve that purpose but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[Raising Heel]

Pro-tip: If you have cable internet but no cable package, there is still a cable signal in your line, albeit not a high-quality one. You don't have a box, so no guide, but you can plug that coax directly into the TV and get all the non-premium channels. In a pinch, for the occasional game that's blacked out on ESPN3 and airing on FSS or something like that, it's better than nothing.

This is what I was doing with the bedroom TVs. Just plugged straight into the wall with no box and it worked reasonably well.

 

[tarheel0910]

Ditto that sports is the only thing keeping me around. I just love sports too much not to have cable (ESPN/ESPNU/ESPN2).

Some of the ESPN channels are available on alternative service providers. I think the PlayStation TV has some of those ESPN channels. The biggest issue is the regional sports networks. Some cable providers don't even carry those.

 

[Raising Heel]

You have to be careful with ESPN3 though, they will black you out.

Yeah, I haven't been able to figure this out. Some programs with blackout warnings I'm still able to stream. Actually, it's been a while since I've run into issues with blackouts. I'm willing to take my chances and maybe just go to a bar if it happens. Now if there were just a bar within walking distance of my house....

 

[Raising Heel]

Raising, you'd hate it (it being your cut cord) during football season. It would be a pain to switch from game to game using ESPN3. How would you make that work in your living room? Connect a laptop to your TV with an HDMI or something?

I was just reading about the new Roku Streaming Stick this morning. I'd just plug it into the back of my TV. It streams ESPN3, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. That would do the trick for me. 50 damn dollars, which is a fraction of what I spend every month on my TWC bundle. That bill adds up to over $2000 a year, which is absolutely ludicrous IMO.

 

[Raising Heel]

The biggest issue is the regional sports networks. Some cable providers don't even carry those.

Fox Sports has an app. Raycom content is available on ESPN3 since ESPN was the one who sold the rights for that programming to Raycom in the first place. This might be where some of the blackout issues come into play, in which case I can just plug into coax or get an antenna.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

Roku Stick will do what you need; basically the same thing as my FireTV. It's just something to connect to your wifi network and the various streaming services. You do need to have accounts/subscriptions with each service you want to use, of course.

Between ESPN3 and the coax I don't recall any Panthers or Heels games this year that I couldn't get.

 

[Raising Heel]

Between ESPN3 and the coax I don't recall any Panthers or Heels games this year that I couldn't get.

That's all I needed to hear. Can't wait to call TWC and have them explain why they SUDDENLY have a deal available now that I'm cancelling, but didn't two weeks ago when I asked the same thing.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

DirecTV still calls me and sends mailers regularly.

I actually was going to do it a year or two earlier, but the first time I cancelled I took the bait with the special deal they offered me to stay. But it was a total crock, my bill was never as low as what they promised me, and as soon as that contract expired we left and haven't looked back.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

Here's one of the many things that ticks me off about TV/cable/internet companies: they value new customers over their existing loyal customers and they do it blatantly. You're sitting there looking at your $80 bill and seeing them advertise that exact service for $29.99 right in front of you, but you're not eligible.

I understand it's a bait-and-switch to get new customers but it's insulting to someone who's been sending you a check every month for 8 years. I point it out to them any time I get one of them on the phone, before I hang up.

I got out from under DirecTV but still have the same sort of thing with Suddenlink for our internet service.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Here's one of the many things that ticks me off about TV/cable/internet companies: they value new customers over their existing loyal customers and they do it blatantly. You're sitting there looking at your $80 bill and seeing them advertise that exact service for $29.99 right in front of you, but you're not eligible.

I understand it's a bait-and-switch to get new customers but it's insulting to someone who's been sending you a check every month for 8 years. I point it out to them any time I get one of them on the phone, before I hang up.

I got out from under DirecTV but still have the same sort of thing with Suddenlink for our internet service.

Yeah this annoys me too.

I actually really, really liked DirecTV when I had it, but had to get rid of it when I moved to a house where I couldn't get signal without placing the dish on a roof (which the landlord forbid). I hate Comcast. They suck. All cable companies suck. F*** it, I'm cutting the cord when I get my own place.

 

[Raising Heel]

I've actually been really pleased with Time Warner's service. They've been very responsive to the few issues I've had with cable, and my internet and phone service have been completely reliable. But to JuleZ's point, it's obviously not worth as much as I'm paying them and they're not willing to negotiate so....

 

[tarheel0910]

All this crap is too damn confusing. I think it's easier for me to stick with cable and just bitch about the prices.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

All this crap is too damn confusing. I think it's easier for me to stick with cable and just bitch about the prices.

Yeah this is a valid point. As is the case with many things in my life, my cable bill represents the mighty struggle of my laziness versus my unwillingness to spend money.

Spoiler: my laziness usually wins.

 

[Raising Heel]

So I just contacted TWC via their online chat feature, knowing full well they won't let me cancel without actually talking to a human being on the phone (which is complete BS, by the way). Here is the transcript:

Poor, Poor TWC Employee: Hello. How are you today?
Me: how do i cancel my cable service
Poor, Poor TWC Employee: I will walk you though the details.
** 2 minutes of inactivity go by **
Me: go on
Poor, Poor TWC Employee: We do not currently allow cancellations via the online chat feature but we are working to change that.
Me: okay thanks bye
** ends chat session **

 

[Raising Heel]

It is done.

Surprisingly, they didn't keep me on the phone by asking a lot of questions or trying to offer me a lower rate. Maybe it's because when they asked why I was cancelling my cable I said, "I don't use it." LOL.

Everything went offline immediately including my DVR and all the recordings on there. They never disclosed to me that would happen. Total a-hole move of course. Fortunately, I had already anticipated it. The only thing on there I wanted to watch was the Vikings finale, which is available online via the History Channel website.

Here's the kicker. My phone/internet/cable bundle was running $185 a month. After removing cable, my bill is still going to run $120 a month. Do you mean to tell me that the cable service is only 1/3 of the overall bill amount? I think everybody here knows what a complete crock that is. I'm currently looking at other phone and internet providers in my area. Unfortunately, I'm almost positive they're the only option for internet outside of satellite, and I'm not bolting a dish to my roof because I plan to move in about a year anyway.

All this crap is too damn confusing. I think it's easier for me to stick with cable and just bitch about the prices.

This is a huge part of the problem. They know we're all sheep and will just pay whatever they tell us to pay without putting up a fight. The other problem, of course, is that their lobbyists are ensuring competition get suppressed and you have limited options (see my comment about internet providers). It's such a freaking racket.

ETA: Oh, and they never told me what to do with all my equipment. Nothing during the call, no email received, nada. Maybe I should hock it on the black market.

 

[gteeitup]

oh hell naw...y'all wanna read about me choking someone out?

 

[tarheel0910]

This is a huge part of the problem. They know we're all sheep and will just pay whatever they tell us to pay without putting up a fight. The other problem, of course, is that their lobbyists are ensuring competition get suppressed and you have limited options (see my comment about internet providers). It's such a freaking racket.

It's just not worth it to me right now. By the time I paid for all of the subscriptions and equipment I would need I would probably save less than $20. I'd rather pay slightly more for the convenience of having one provider.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

y'all wanna read about me choking someone out?

Yes, please...

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I've done a little research because I'm anticipating cutting the cord when I move into a place by myself (i.e. sans roommates). Unfortunately, I've noticed two main problems:

1. Like RH points out, if you cancel cable then the cable company just raises your Internet price to offset it.
2. Comcast is the cable provider here and they suck so much **** when it comes to allowing you to stream things. For instance, I cannot use the new Fox Sports South app because Comcast hasn't struck a deal with Fox to allow that. Comcast hasn't struck deals in lots of similar situations too like streaming HBO Go on a PS4. On the other hand, their Internet is fast and reliable. So it's a catch 22

 

[coryfly]

My DTV bill is ridiculous. I like having all the channels though.

 

[Nuk'EM Heels]

I have been very close to cutting the cord for a while now, but...

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I've done a little research because I'm anticipating cutting the cord when I move into a place by myself (i.e. sans roommates). Unfortunately, I've noticed two main problems:

1. Like RH points out, if you cancel cable then the cable company just raises your Internet price to offset it.
2. Comcast is the cable provider here and they suck so much **** when it comes to allowing you to stream things. For instance, I cannot use the new Fox Sports South app because Comcast hasn't struck a deal with Fox to allow that. Comcast hasn't struck deals in lots of similar situations too like streaming HBO Go on a PS4. On the other hand, their Internet is fast and reliable. So it's a catch 22

Plus, I freely admit that I use TV as a crutch. Sometimes when I have a bad day, there's nothing better than plopping down on the couch and watching some TV. Sure, I could still do it by other means, but it wouldn't be as easy as just flipping channels on a remote.

So basically, it goes back to my laziness winning out lol. Furthermore, I'm so bad at saving money that the money I would save on cutting the cord (I estimate it would only be about $50), I would almost assuredly spend in other wasteful ways like at a bar, at fast food joints, etc.

 

[Raising Heel]

Interesting discovery. Found out that I can still get ESPN3 -- which seems to often include programming from the entire ESPN family of networks, but I could be wrong about that -- even after cancelling cable. Not sure if it's because I kept internet or because they just haven't shut it off yet. If access continues that's a huge boon for my TV viewing habits.

Since I already have Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions, and like @JuleZ '02 HEEL said a lot of networks' content is available online, I'm gonna see how long I can last without adding another service. Summer is the perfect time of year to try this experiment.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Interesting discovery. Found out that I can still get ESPN3 -- which seems to often include programming from the entire ESPN family of networks, but I could be wrong about that -- even after cancelling cable. Not sure if it's because I kept internet or because they just haven't shut it off yet. If access continues that's a huge boon for my TV viewing habits.

Since I already have Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions, and like @JuleZ '02 HEEL said a lot of networks' content is available online, I'm gonna see how long I can last without adding another service. Summer is the perfect time of year to try this experiment.

ESPN3 is based on your Internet provider, not cable.

 

[Raising Heel]

ESPN3 is based on your Internet provider, not cable.

Thank you, sir. I wasn't sure before I cancelled but that certainly seems to be the case. This negates any immediate need to sign up for Sling TV, but I'll do it in the fall since it'll allow me to watch ESPN3 on my TV. Right now I can only watch it on my laptop or phone.

Netflix and Amazon Prime should keep me busy this summer. Just added "Justified" to my watch list based on how many people here have recommended it.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Thank you, sir. I wasn't sure before I cancelled but that certainly seems to be the case. This negates any immediate need to sign up for Sling TV, but I'll do it in the fall since it'll allow me to watch ESPN3 on my TV. Right now I can only watch it on my laptop or phone.

What exactly is Sling TV? I've heard about it but don't know what it is. And trying to google TV and cable stuff gives me a headache.

Just added "Justified" to my watch list based on how many people here have recommended it.

Yeahhhhhh boyyyyy. Congratulations and prepare yourself. You are about to embark on an amazing, amazing show. It will appeal to you even more than the average TV viewer since you grew up in Eastern Kentucky.

I'll throw in this disclaimer. The pilot is phenomenal, but the beginning-ish of season 1 sorta takes awhile to find its feet. But towards the late middle, onward, it finds its groove, and then there's some instant payoff for you because Season 2 is the best season of the entire show, with exception of maybe the last season. All the seasons are excellent, but season 2 is cream of the crop (I think @grillheel and others would agree with me on this.)

 

[Raising Heel]

What exactly is Sling TV?

Pretty simple, really. It's an app that lets you watch 30 channels for $20 per month. There are two packages to choose from but both consist of the most popular channels out there, i.e. you're not paying for all the crap you never watch. No contract, no hidden fees, order/change/cancel online, and you can watch it anywhere. You can watch live or on-demand, and pause/fast forward/rewind, but there's no option to record shows like a DVR. That's the only drawback IMO.

ETA: That channel list isn't complete. I know they're adding Comedy Channel and a handful of other channels soon, plus as I've mentioned before you can watch ESPN3 via Sling.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Pretty simple, really. It's an app that lets you watch 30 channels for $20 per month. There are two packages to choose from but both consist of the most popular channels out there, i.e. you're not paying for all the crap you never watch. No contract, no hidden fees, order/change/cancel online, and you can watch it anywhere. You can watch live or on-demand, and pause/fast forward/rewind, but there's no option to record shows like a DVR. That's the only drawback IMO.

ETA: That channel list isn't complete. I know they're adding Comedy Channel and a handful of other channels soon, plus as I've mentioned before you can watch ESPN3 via Sling.

How is that legal? Lol. Sounds awesome though.

 

[Raising Heel]

How is that legal? Lol. Sounds awesome though.

They're owned by Dish if I'm not mistaken. It's really just a throwback to the beginning of the cable era when you didn't have 1,000 channels of shit on the TV to choose from (with apologies to Pink Floyd).

 

[tarheel0910]

This negates any immediate need to sign up for Sling TV, but I'll do it in the fall since it'll allow me to watch ESPN3 on my TV. Right now I can only watch it on my laptop or phone.

Do you have a PS4 or Xbox? You can now get ESPN on both of those. Not sure what the cost is, but that would be another option.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Do you have a PS4 or Xbox? You can now get ESPN on both of those. Not sure what the cost is, but that would be another option.

Still has to go through your internet provider though, which sucks. You don't get access to it simply by owning a PS4 of XBox One (unless something has changed).