Cable cutters

tonyb

I know we've cover this before in brief. How about we start a thread for those who want to disconnect from the monstrosity known as Cable TV....mostly the likes of Comcast.

Personally, I'm getting tired of intro rates that balloon quicker than Russ at a fat farm. My rates for Comcast are at 260 a month and that's with only 2 hd boxes, one with dvr, HBO and showtime. Not to mention their cable modem/routers are garbage in comparison to whats on the open market.

So to successfully cut that cord, and do it right the first time, what is needed ?

I know all about the android boxes, the Fire sticks, Roku, Apple tv, etc. I'm thinking Kodi jail broken boxes, in the 300-500 range that supposedly give you everything for free. Or is that just wishful thinking and baloney marketing ?

A dual band router, with the newer AC iteration, but will that work on any N wireless devices ?

Of course, you can still just buy the good old roof HD Antenna and get your roughly 30 local channels for free, but most still need and want an internet connection too.

Has to be a better way than sending Comcast 3g's a year....and all I watch is local channels and series on HBO or Showtime.

Give me your thoughts, on how to do it right the first time. I'm not looking for the most budget friendly way either, just the smoothest, easiest to use and setup way to cut that cord. Even if I spend a grand doing it, it pays for itself in 4 months time.

mrbigbluelight

My friend KODI says dump your Cable provider, get yourself a good internet connection, and call it macaroni.

That's what my friend KODI says.

He says that he might know someone who was paying $285 a month for their Cable. I'm not sure who that was, guessing Charter.
But he says that his friend pays $60 a month for killer internet connection, and ..... voila ! The whole world is at your fingertips.
I'm not sure, but I imagine with something like that, you might want to be able to run a program that changes/masks your IP address to make it seem like you're located in London if you want to watch certain BBC programs. I don't know, I'm just wondering out loud.

And the good news is that once our Neighbors to the North (t.m.) get the interwebs, they would be able to use this option also !

It would be nice to save $200+ a month and get MORE. A LOT more.
That's just what I've heard from my friend KODI. I have no personal knowledge, of course.

tonyb

Your a blast pal, lol.

What box are you using and how do you like it ?

BTW, shoot holes in any of this, pitfalls are always welcome to avoid.

WagnerRC

Glad to see you are not in Italy at this time. I was wondering if you were there.

Jimbo18

Tony, I have been without cable for almost 4 yrs now. Don't miss it a bit, but I have some avenues available to me that not everyone will have.

First thing I got was a Roku 3. They are up to a Roku 4 now, if you need it for 4K. Roku has hundreds, maybe a couple thousand apps. They call them channels. They include Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO Go, HBO Now, Showtime Anytime, AMC, NBC, CBS (the premium one), History Channel, CNET, etc. Pretty much any channel that has a mobile app is available on the Roku.

Of course, you have to pay for the premium ones like Netflix, Prime, and HBO. Unless you have a family member that has a subscription and can use theirs. Hundreds of the channels are free, such as Crackle, you just have to sit through commercials.

For the network type channels like AMC, you need to have a subscription to a cable to use them, most of the time. Some, like History are partially unlocked. Again, if you can "borrow" a login from someone, you can login and get whatever they have available to stream. Most make several of the more recent episodes available to stream.

You can get a Roku 4 for about $120, and would need one for each TV, but if you don't need 4K, then the Roku 2 or 3 is cheaper and just as fast.

After that, I bought some indoor antennas, the Mohu Leaf. I got the non-powered ones which are about $40 each. They are about the size of a sheet of paper and come with their own cable. I am about 20 miles from Charlotte and can get 35 channels downstairs and 45 upstairs. ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, USA and PBS are the only ones I use.

If you are too far for the antenna to work, you can keep the very basic cable subscription for the local channels.

A good dual-band router is essential. Mine is just so-so, a Belkin AC1200, but it works okay for my 1800 sq/ft townhouse.

As far as Kodi goes, I have seen it work and it's very simple, and very cheap. An Android box seems to be the best way to go. You can buy them already pre-loaded with addons, their term for apps, on Ebay for about $35. Supposedly, streaming is semi-legal, from what I have read. The Kodi box, goes out to sites that have made movies and TV available to stream. The sites are not legal, I think, but the law supposedly doesn't cover the end user that streams from them. Downloading is covered, but not streaming.

Something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/4K-Amlogic-S905-64-Bit-2-0-GHz-Quad-Core-Android-5-1-Smart-TV-Box-HDMI-KODI-XBMC-/252309555174?hash=item3abed247e6:g:PxgAAOSwqrtWoD3L

You can apparently also get some live TV through the box but I haven't seen that in action.

Even if you sign up for Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now, you will still be way under what you pay now.

Hope that helps some.

monepolk

I would still throw an antenna in the mix, you already have the cable running to the TVs and once purchased and installed, no more payments. Originally I used an old one that was in the attic to see what type of reception I was getting. Once I saw how good is was cut cable TV kept high speed internet and used the Netflix and Prime that I was already paying for.

Nightfall

Nearly $300 a month for TV, Tony you're crazy!

Erik Tracy

Can't do antenna based - I live in a valley. I've used some online tools and none say I'd get more than 2 or 3 channels unless I mounted an insanely tall mast (and then it would need a airplane warning light on top).

I watch alot of sports - need the live feed.

I've heard horror stories on both sides of the fence for cable and antenna/dish systems...my conclusion is that the grass is never greener on the other side - it's the same color - brown.

scubalab

Tony - Does your monthly payment include internet and phone? I'm guessing it does. I have Comcast (Xfinity) in Central PA, and yeah... it sucks. I have to call them every year or two when we see our bill jump up. I threaten to leave, and somehow, they always find a 'deal' that's too good to pass up. The way they bundle everything now, if you JUST get internet, it's quite expensive (like$75-$90/month!). So, when I figure the cost of JUST the internet, HBONow, and a couple a-la-carte subscriptions, I'm usually getting close to the deal they offer. Plus, I like having live TV and the DVR. I know there's alternatives out there, but every time I look to 'cut the cord', they are able to offer something comparable in price. Unfortunately Comcast is the ONLY internet provider we have available in our area, so I'm stuck with them no matter what we do.

I will say that about 5 years ago, we dumped the landline phone in Comcast's Triple Play bundles. We bought an Ooma (I think it was around $75 to buy it) and now have a basically free (just pay $3.65/month in taxes) landline. Never had an issue, and the nice thing is, we can take the Ooma with us if we want when we travel and as long as there's internet, we have our home phone with us. My parents have an Ooma for their vacation home in the Bahamas. It's a Pennsylvania number, so calls are free!

I may have to look up MBBL's friend KODI...

Paradoxex

I converted a DirecTV dish to be our DTV antenna - the dish was already hooked up to our TVs and pointed in the right direction. Knowing i could jerry rig that was what allowed me to cut the cord to TV services.

We use Verizon for internet - $60 a month for 50down/50up internet, it works for us.
We also use Ooma for the phone - cheap as dirt, no complaints.
We pay for Hulu and Netflix (as well as Amazon Prime, but we'd do that anyway). My smart TV has apps that work great for the above services, so no Roku needed. The upstairs TV does have one, and it works well also.

So we pay $60+$7+$12+$5 = $84 for TV, internet, and phone. That works for us.

EndersShadow

I'm not one to normally do this... but if your using a jailbroken Kodi device, which normally means your streaming copyrighted content you DO NOT have permission to use, your obviously going to be subject to potential fines and criminal charges should your ISP be monitoring the sites and traffic of your bandwidth.

They will get you either way and here is how:

1. They hit you with rental fee's for your boxes and a high price for your TV package.

If this is you, do what my wife and I do. Each time our contract is up, we call Uverse and threaten to move to a competitor, or cut the cord overall. Each time after talking to a couple folks this results in our contract getting "renewed" at the lowest possible price.

Is it annoying, yup, but we have been paying 130 a month for TV and internet for the past 4 years. And I should mention that OF that 130... 30 is for the TV portion...

2. They hit you up for more for your Internet portion. Providers have lately been jacking up the data speed portion more than the TV as they know folks that stream still need both a larger amount of incoming data, and also potentially outgoing data. So they raise the rate on their internet speed packages to offset the TV subscription losses.

So even if you cut the cord, you likely will find that in order for a decent experience, or the ability to stream from MORE THAN ONE TV at a time, you need to increase your internet package, which may offset any savings on TV.

Should you choose to utlize #2 with a jailbroken KODI device to stream from overseas servers accessing US content illegally, all I can say is I'm sure the cable companies are aware that folks may do that, and I'm sure they track & monitor it and as needed cancel internet, or alert companies that the content is being streamed illegally.

The only "real" way to cut the cord is to use LEGIT streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and if needed a Over the Air Tuner on your TV, potentially with a device like your computer to DVR regular channels to watch later.

But the cost for those services if combined, again can sometimes equal the cost of the TV subscription. But if your already paying for them on TOP of TV, and can find all the content you need on them, then maybe consider cancelling TV.

But I'd highly suggest folks keep in mind if you use a jailbroken Kodi, its likely got illegal software on it, so you could be liable for civil and criminal fines and jailtime should they decide to crack down on usage. And personally saving a couple hundred bucks isnt worth the possibility of a fine equalling 10x that much. And just because you've not been caught, doesnt mean you wont, or that its because they cant.....

I know for a fact cable companies monitor both the amount of bandwidth you use, as well as the internet IP addresses your accessing (which would betray your illegal streaming). What they do with that information, now and in the future, may be quite different.

tonyb

Dan Dan Dan.....do you forget who your talking to....or what nationality I am ? Illegal....criminal ??? LOL....c'mon man, don't make me spell it out for ya.

I have a friend with a jail broken Kodi box, has had it over 5 years now, nobody is knocking on his door. I always assumed the same thing, sooner or later it just won't work, fines, or somehow they'll find a way to shut it down. Hasn't happened ....yet anyway, internet being free and all but who knows how long that will last too.

I do know, that Kodi being an open format, allows for some shady stuff going on. You never, ever...ever put your CC info into a Kodi format to buy anything over the net or subscribe to anything.

None of the legit cord cutting options tickle my fancy. Subscribing to Hulu/Neflix/Prime....garbage to watch in my view. I realize some are happy campers with them, and if that floats your boat, rock on, but it isn't my cup of tea.

There has to be some legality to this, as these jail broken boxes are all over, even on Ebay/Amazon. Can't imagine they would partake in illegal activities.

That said, anyone have any experiences with these jail broken boxes ? Not the 50 buck ebay special stuff, but like the 200 buck on up stuff that is suppose to be secure, maintained with updates and software upgrades, customer support, etc.

tonyb

Here's a cheaper box, sold on the bay.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANDROID-TV-BOX-FULLY-LOADED-KODI-XBMC-FULLY-UNLOCKED-WATCH-ANYTHING-XD-MX-/121964016274?hash=item1c659f3292:g:YR0AAOSwKfVXGUkG

Illegal ?? I guess Ebay would have their hands full if it were, no ? Anyone with experience with these little black boxes ?

Willow

I bought our box on Amazon. I use it mostly to access stuff on my PC. I have not yet tried any apps to watch channels. Been cable free for 5 going on 6 years now.

EndersShadow

Tony... I'd be willing to bet you a dollar if you were to email eBay customer service about this particular ad, and mention the legality of it.... you'd watch the ad get turned to muck in a minute...

Just because they cant keep up with policing the illegal stuff doesnt make it legal.

Thats all I'm saying.

I'd also bet the customer support will be a a bit on the "shady" side as well.

But I put my 2 cents out there, wanted more of a buyer beware type deal.

Personally if there were a better LEGIT option, you'd see it being sold at places outside eBay, Craigslists, etc. You'd see it on billboards/best buy/walmart etc....

And while the internet is free, copyright material is NOT free. Just look at what they've done to folks caught pandering copies of movies. You think if they got their hands on a list of people that had these boxes that for X years have been streaming TV without paying for it they wouldn't go after them?

I should mention that KODI (the program) is free and always has been. Its the legality of the "channel" add-on plug-ins that we are debating here. Kodi does not support those themselves, hence passing any legal repercussions onto the folks that installed/wrote the plug-ins, and good luck there, which means it would be on you.

mrbiron

Dish Network has A La Carte now as an option. It's only a matter of time before the big boys follow suit. But, what will the pricing structure be. They have to screw us somehow...
If I didn't have my current living arrangemrnt, cable would have been long gone years ago.

westmassguy

Before you do anything Tony, I'd advise you and your friend to use a VPN. I've been using one for three years. Not that I'm doing anything illegal, I prefer not to have Comcast or the NSA snooping in on anything I'm doing.

tonyb

Eh, I'm not too concerned about them tracking how many episodes of Ray Donovan I watched. Now Preacher, that show is whacked. lol

I can probably live with OTA HD channels if I can get just HBO and Showtime. I can't though without the cable box, the added HD fee's/taxes, rental fee's.

I'm thinking maybe just an OTA Antenna and a jailbroken box, done. Anything wrong with that scenario ? I still have to pay for an internet connection though.

Paradoxex

tonyb wrote: »

Eh, I'm not too concerned about them tracking how many episodes of Ray Donovan I watched. Now Preacher, that show is whacked. lol

I can probably live with OTA HD channels if I can get just HBO and Showtime. I can't though without the cable box, the added HD fee's/taxes, rental fee's.

I'm thinking maybe just an OTA Antenna and a jailbroken box, done. Anything wrong with that scenario ? I still have to pay for an internet connection though.

This just is not true. HBO can be bought via subscription, and showtime is a Hulu add on service. I mean, you dismissed it as garbage though, so...

HBO Now, and Hulu with Showtime.

hochpt21

Erik Tracy wrote: »

Can't do antenna based - I live in a valley. I've used some online tools and none say I'd get more than 2 or 3 channels unless I mounted an insanely tall mast (and then it would need a airplane warning light on top).

I watch alot of sports - need the live feed.

I've heard horror stories on both sides of the fence for cable and antenna/dish systems...my conclusion is that the grass is never greener on the other side - it's the same color - brown.

That's my problem. I'm 80 miles or so from my local antenna, and most info I've dug up says I won't get them.

I need the local channels.

Otherwise, I'd also like to cut the cord.

rpf65

Just throwing this out there.

I haven't had cable in about 10 years, work 50 to 70 hours a week for about 5 months, so it isn't worth it. Anyway just wanted to recommend the Xtreme Signal xdb8x-n1 antenna. About $60 on Amazon.

Had this guy for about a year, and picking up stations about 45 miles away, as the crow flies. Mounted it on the side of the house using 1 inch steel conduit tube.

mrbigbluelight

On the question of legality, Amazon and Google Play must feel it's legal

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_7_9/156-2397425-4882202?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=amazon+fire+box+jailbroken&sprefix=fire+box+,aps,251

.... or so I've heard.

mdaudioguy

MLB is probably the only thing keeping us with Directv. Otherwise, I could do fine with an antenna and some apps

rooftop59

Tony, if you just buy a LEGIT fire tv, you can subscribe to HBO go and showtime anytime for a combined $27 a month. If you want some major network stuff on demand, get Hulu. Another 10 bucks. If you really need to DVR the local news, the get a TiVo, 15 a month.

All together still less than most cable or satellite deals, and chances are you don't want all of it.

Upstatemax

Tony I'm probably going to repeat a lot of what has already been said, but I'm too lazy to read all of the responses.

I cut cable about 6 years ago, before it was cool. Because I'm hipster like that. I was one of the Beta testers for Hulu. It had a lot of problems at the time, but it's MUCH better now.

I would say to get an appropriate Roku device, a good modem (like the Surfboard SB6141) and a wireless router. I have the NetGear AC1900 router and it has been AWESOME.

I've had the "built in" wireless routers and they are garbage compared to the stand alone units.

I've had the Roku 3 for many years and it has performed nearly flawlessly the entire time. After my dad had been over to watch the kids a few times, it even convinced him to cut the cord and order a Roku 4.

I subscribe to: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO Now. I have too much stuff that I need to watch as of now...

If you NEED to watch stuff ASAP, cutting the cord might not be for you, right now. If you're fine waiting and saving thousands of dollars a year, it's a great choice.

I have an over the air connection to the main TV for NFL games and every few years, the Olympics (wife loves the Olympics). But if I'm going to be honest, unless the NFL season is underway, the "TV" button on my harmony is NEVER touched...

For the money you save I think it's a great idea. However if You NEED to watch stuff ASAP and you're not okay with not being caught up with certain shows (Walking Dead), and you need access to EVERYTHING, then streaming might not be for you.

erniejade

You can also install Kodi on a Amazon fire.

afterburnt

Maybe I am lucky but there is nothing except football that I miss since cutting off my Directumtv. I have Netflix and Amazon prime now and I dont get my monies worth out of them. I went six years without anything at all and I was good indefinitely. Tony you should try nothing for a few months and then see what you really need.

tonyb

Paradoxex wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Eh, I'm not too concerned about them tracking how many episodes of Ray Donovan I watched. Now Preacher, that show is whacked. lol

I can probably live with OTA HD channels if I can get just HBO and Showtime. I can't though without the cable box, the added HD fee's/taxes, rental fee's.

I'm thinking maybe just an OTA Antenna and a jailbroken box, done. Anything wrong with that scenario ? I still have to pay for an internet connection though.

This just is not true. HBO can be bought via subscription, and showtime is a Hulu add on service. I mean, you dismissed it as garbage though, so...

HBO Now, and Hulu with Showtime.

I meant for free, not buying it. If hulu has the same commercials during Showtime shows, forgettaboutit.

tonyb

erniejade wrote: »

You can also install Kodi on a Amazon fire.

I know Brian, but everyone tells me it's too slow.

tonyb

rooftop59 wrote: »

Tony, if you just buy a LEGIT fire tv, you can subscribe to HBO go and showtime anytime for a combined $27 a month. If you want some major network stuff on demand, get Hulu. Another 10 bucks. If you really need to DVR the local news, the get a TiVo, 15 a month.

All together still less than most cable or satellite deals, and chances are you don't want all of it.

That's one of the options I was looking at. Am I correct to assume I still need to pay Comcast for an internet connection ? I would assume any option requiring the internet has to have a Comcast connection.

rooftop59

tonyb wrote: »

rooftop59 wrote: »

Tony, if you just buy a LEGIT fire tv, you can subscribe to HBO go and showtime anytime for a combined $27 a month. If you want some major network stuff on demand, get Hulu. Another 10 bucks. If you really need to DVR the local news, the get a TiVo, 15 a month.

All together still less than most cable or satellite deals, and chances are you don't want all of it.

That's one of the options I was looking at. Am I correct to assume I still need to pay Comcast for an internet connection ? I would assume any option requiring the internet has to have a Comcast connection.

You're not getting free internet pal, ain't gonna happen. Unless you steal your neighbor's wifi, but that won't be strong enough to stream hbo. None of these options works without the old interwebs...

I went from paying a combined 165 for DirecTV (with no premium stuff) and cable internet, to $56 out the door for 300mbps internet. So even if you added hbo and showtime, it's still under a 100 and a significant savings, at least in my mind.