Update on Cord Cutting (Cable TV) 2017 - 2020

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In my area the FCC is moving some OTA stations to different frequencies on 8/1, be sure to rescan your channels so you don't miss any.
 
I realized yesterday that I haven't watched normal cable TV for about 3 years now. One of the most positive effects is being unplugged from the social conditioning you get through the shows and advertisements. For instance, men and women and their relationships are usually portrayed in certain (imo, unhealthy/dysfunctional) ways on TV shows, and it's nice to be free of that. There's a lot of junk that gets into your head, when you're watching TV (movies as well). I much prefer watching Youtube. I'll check out Netflix occasionally, but I even avoid that, most of the time.

Anyhow, I just wanted to express what a huge change has taken place in my life, because of my decision to cut out cable TV. It's been 3 years, and I feel like my life is so much better because of it. So much more time, mental clarity, etc.
 
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ER Eddie said:
I realized yesterday that I haven't watched normal cable TV for about 3 years now. One of the most positive effects is being unplugged from the social conditioning you get through the shows and advertisements. For instance, men and women and their relationships are usually portrayed in certain (imo, unhealthy/dysfunctional) ways on TV shows, and it's nice to be free of that. There's a lot of junk that gets into your head, when you're watching TV (movies as well). I much prefer watching Youtube. I'll check out Netflix occasionally, but I even avoid that, most of the time.

Anyhow, I just wanted to express what a huge change has taken place in my life, because of my decision to cut out cable TV. It's been 3 years, and I feel like my life is so much better because of it. So much more time, mental clarity, etc.
Click to expand...

+1000 Best Post Ever on the topic of cable TV, IMO.

Back when I used to watch TV, I really didn't realized that I was being subtly but effectively brainwashed by it. But since 5/15/2014, when I cancelled cable TV and stopped watching TV, I have experienced much the same as ER Eddie described above. My life is richer now. I enjoy not having my head filled with all that junk that he points out, in the post I quoted.

It's bad enough to be subjected to this type of brainwashing or social conditioning or whatever you want to call it. It's even worse that they expect consumers to actually PAY for the privilege. Never, never again.
 
Dave J said:
RE: Fox Business live free

Watch Fox Business Network (FBN) Free 24/7 - WatchNewsLive.tv

This appears to be what poster above wanted. Could someone with Fox Business check this and verify it is same as their Fox Business. I have Fox News on my skinny Spectrum streaming bundle and the Fox News on this service is the same. No reason you can't cast to ROKU or similar.
Click to expand...

That site also streams HBO, ESPN, etc. Can't be legal. But yes...the FBN on the site is the same shown on my cable.
 
rmcelwee said:
So $45 per month to watch one channel. I guess the industry still isn't where we would like it to be. Thanks!
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If I wanted one channel I would go to a business that sells satellite dishes. I would tell them what channel I wanted. For fox business I believe it is Galaxy 17 Satellite. They might be able to track it.

I don't know if they would let you do this, or if the cable and satellite companies have exclusive rights to the channel. But you could ask, and the worst they could say is no, you can't do it.

If it is possible to do this, and that is a very big IF, it would cost less than $45 per month, of that I'm sure. Of course you would have to pay for the satellite dish to track it.
 
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RunningBum said:
Fire TV Recast down to $129 for Prime members. I wonder if they have a new one about to roll out? Or if I should jump on this.
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If you have American Express you might be able to get it for 25% off if you use at least one AMEX point. To me, seems this must not be selling well if they are already discounting $100. The 1TB on sale too for $179. I'd get that as it has 4 tuners instead of 2.
 
ER Eddie said:
I realized yesterday that I haven't watched normal cable TV for about 3 years now. One of the most positive effects is being unplugged from the social conditioning you get through the shows and advertisements. For instance, men and women and their relationships are usually portrayed in certain (imo, unhealthy/dysfunctional) ways on TV shows, and it's nice to be free of that. There's a lot of junk that gets into your head, when you're watching TV (movies as well). I much prefer watching Youtube. I'll check out Netflix occasionally, but I even avoid that, most of the time.

Anyhow, I just wanted to express what a huge change has taken place in my life, because of my decision to cut out cable TV. It's been 3 years, and I feel like my life is so much better because of it. So much more time, mental clarity, etc.
Click to expand...

Totally agree!!! Lots of cultural baggage no longer invading your life!

It’s just felt so much cleaner. Cleaner environment.
 
bUU said:
those who cut the cord are beginning to see their streaming service early adopter advantage expire
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Midpack said:
^^ While streaming prices will converge with cable and satellite, it’s already taking years and cord cutters can easily save thousands in the meantime.
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Glad to see that after a year and a half we've come to some measure of a consensus.


rmcelwee said:
So $45 per month to watch one channel. I guess the industry still isn't where we would like it to be.
Click to expand...
And it never will be because we'll always want to pay less than how much we're willing to pay. It's the nature of the consumer marketplace.
 
^^^ You forgot the other part of the quote

Midpack said:
^^ While streaming prices will converge with cable and satellite, it’s already taking years and cord cutters can easily save thousands in the meantime. And the new equilibrium should be a little lower because the home equipment and service costs are lower, thanks to more competition - there are already more streaming options than cable/satellite in most metro areas.

bUU will be right eventually, if you want to waste $ thousands in the meantime. We’ve saved about $900 and counting so far using PS Vue vs Dish...
Click to expand...
 
Dave J said:
RE: Fox Business live free

Watch Fox Business Network (FBN) Free 24/7 - WatchNewsLive.tv

This appears to be what poster above wanted. Could someone with Fox Business check this and verify it is same as their Fox Business. I have Fox News on my skinny Spectrum streaming bundle and the Fox News on this service is the same. No reason you can't cast to ROKU or similar.
Click to expand...
CNBC is streamed via TDAmeritrade's ThinkorSwim app, albeit in very low resolution.
 
PlutoTV (free) has been adding a lot of channels. They have several all day news channels.

Today's Top Story
News 24/7
NBC News
CBSN
CNN
WeatherNation
Bloomberg
CheddarNews
Top Stories (Newsy)
NewsMax TV
skyNews
 
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Hzefam said:
Bloomberg TV is free.
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And very informative. If I felt the need to watch business news, that’s what would watch. I do, but extremely rarely as I’ve stopped watching or listening to news. Just read on occasion.
 
Cutting the cord as of last night. Since Mrs Scrapr passed it really makes even less sense to pay $187/mo. She liked several cooking channels and would DVR daytime talk shows. I wasn't willing to die on that hill to make a change. I have had Sling for about 2 years and like it. Plus Netflix. So going to see if I can do that.

I cancelled via chat with Direct TV. And saved the chat string. She mentioned something about retention calling me. I'm sure they will. I will lie a little and say we are selling the house. (I'm not) and see how aggressive they are. They just said to drop off the equipment at a UPS store of FedEx office.

I feel like I'm jumping off a large cliff. But $187/mo!!! I'll find a way to make it work
 
bUU said:
Glad to see that after a year and a half we've come to some measure of a consensus.
Click to expand...
A consensus is noteworthy. What exactly is the consensus regarding?
 
GTFan said:
But if you want sports, you still want cable.
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Generally yes. I like to watch the Colorado Rockies and Colorado Avalanche, but I live in New Mexico. The only way to watch AT&T sportsnet rocky Mountain (Rockies) and the Altitude Sports (Avalanche) is to have a satellite feed or use MLB and NHL with a VPN. Because Colorado (and Arizona) sports are blacked out in New Mexico with no other way to watch them. So even though sling blue would be perfect for us, it is not for sports.
 
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