Community discussions

[rjoseph_2]

I just bought the Roku streaming stick + for my older TV (non smart) and like what I see so far but I know I'll want more. All I wanted to do is save money every month by cutting the cord on my cable TV. I can shut off my cable part but the internet bill is still $80.00 + equipment fee + tax. That's more than my auto insurance bill. I guess that's the bare minimum until someone comes up with a cheaper internet service in my area. Someone is keeping it difficult for my neighborhood to subscribe to a cheaper internet connection! Until then, I'll buy another Roku Streaming Stick + for my other TV's

[atc98092]

Yes, most cable providers will charge a higher rate if you cancel their TV service. Sometimes they offer a very reduced channel package that makes the Internet and TV price lower than Internet alone. 

If you don't have any other options for Internet, you're kind of stuck. With SpaceX beginning to beta test their Starlink satellite Internet service, you may have future options. At the moment, Starlink isn't any cheaper, as it's about $500 for the hardware and $99 per month. But as they get their full complement of satellites in orbit and operational, prices are expected to come down. 

[RkkMe]

Is the 'new customer' pricing very different than your current internet bill? I get internet only and every couple years (after their price hikes after locking you in) I can cancel and wait one full month of no service, then sign back up as a new customer with their new customer pricing. For the month I'm out, I tether my cell phone to comp for normal web browsing and stick it out for a few weeks. Maybe get out, experience the real world or so, then burrow back in.

[BangTango]

I have a 100 mile antenna. The Rouku supplements it. I pay $23 a month for Philo and $12 for Hulu, ESPN and Disney plus. I spent a hundred dollars on a Tablo, $150 on the lifetime guide service. I have had the antenna for close to 2 years. It cost me a $100, plus $100 for the amplifier. All of the supplies cost about the same as two months for cable or Satellite. The Roku was bought 5 years ago for $90. I am not paying money to anyone to watch local channels. 

[JimmyH]

So I'm my area, Hulu + Live makes the most sense. No AMC is a deal breaker.  Is "AMC +" available and a good alternative meaning will Walking Dead etc be available streaming live (not sure what the lingo is) for the newest seasons real time. Wife would kill me if she had to wait. Also, will going with Hulu + Live via Rokus alleviate the need for both a TiVo DVR ($37/ month) and HD DTAS for each TV ($7.99 ea/month.  Am I on the right track. Thanks for any input.  Jim 

[MichVet]

@BangTango 

I have Tablo too.  But I build a bowtie antenna from plans off web.  Just used some old wire I had.  Total out of pocket was about $5.  I mounted in attic, fed wire to Tablo in spare bedroom and now get about 50 channels throughout the house.  I bought the 2 channel box and only regret I didn't get the 4 channel at times.  Have a terabyte hard drive attached.  Best total setup I have done and feel is so worth the money.  But I do pay for some other streaming channels but those you can pick and choose.

[Strega]

I heard the phrase "cut the cord" back in the 80s, but back then it really meant it – ie: drop cable altogether and go back to over the air TV. These days it is actually used more like: I changed who I'm paying money to such that I now receive the same shows but via different packets over the same cord which I wouldn't even think of cutting.

[Iona-D]

A more accurate way of describing the actual act of cord cutting is "cord modifications" or "cord alternatives."

I add new technology as it appears on the horizon.  My list of Cord Activities are:

1.  OTA antennas-since televisions existed  in my residence.

2  .DVDs, Laserdiscs, VHS tapes.

3.  Streaming devices

As technology changes and have more options, I add that option(s) to the above.  I never needed to consider Cable beyond a offhand thought.  Way too expensive as there are so many other options out there to buy and use.

[PeteCharles]

Yes, internet connection has to stay if you want to stream Roku apps.  I cut cord one year ago and my total Spectrum bill is now $75 internet only.  I could cut it to $70 but would have to buy my own modem/router.  I subscribe to one premium service at a time, rotating in and out between Netflix, Criterion, Starz, Prime, and hopefully HBO Max soon.  So my total bill for absolutely everything is never more than $88/mo.  I get my local network stations free and in 4k via a cheap RCA indoor ota antenna.  

[MichVet]

@PeteCharles

Since you are using antenna now, you should look into a Tablo box.  It is a sweet addition and allows you to send your OTA to every spot in your house and allows a DVR option by adding a hard drive.  You can schedule recordings and they are there just waiting.