Little different topic today–one that’s not all that related to the bulk of the posts on this blog. But, in some ways, it is. The way in which we consume media is changing–and that includes our time in front of the TV.
A few months ago, I got the itch to start making the move from the insidiousness that is cable TV (we use DISH) to going with all online/streaming content.
For us, the benefits (and math) are quite clear:
* Cost savings. The cost of cable currently is pretty steep compared to what we “get” out of the experience (we really only watch 10 channels or less). We pay just over $1,100 a year for DISH service, and I’m willing to bet that’s on the low side comparatively.
* Fewer options. We really only watch a handful of channels–ABC (my wife’s shows, NBC [Parenthood], CBS [The Good Wife], ESPN [all my sports], E [mindless TV for my wife], and a few kid-related channels).
* Less TV watching. I believe going to streaming content would also reduce our viewing habits. Less options probably means fewer hours in front of the TV. As it stands, our kids watch very little TV (a trend I want to continue) and my wife and I only watch a handful of programs live.
Now, the trick to “cutting the cord” is that it’s not easy. There is no easy way to do this (which is why many people haven’t…YET). Over the last few months, I’ve consulted with some people (including Julio Ojeda-Zapata and Meghan Wilker, both of which have great set-ups) who have already cut their cord, trying to figure out a solution that works for me and my family.
Here’s where I think I’ve landed:
* 3 Apple TVs for our home.
* Elgato tuner to grab local channels and as a DVR.
* Stream all content from our iMac.
* Use Netflix and Redbox as our primary movie platforms.
* Use Netflix to stream content for the kids (shows, movies, etc–we’re already doing this) via iPad, iMac and TV.
The cost seems to break out like this:
* Apple TVs: $200 (one-time cost)
* Netflix fees: $7.99/month ($96/year)
* Redbox: $1 per rental (average of 6 per month; $72/year)
Grand total on an annual basis: $168 (plus the $200 for the two Apple TVs I need to buy). Just a fraction of the cost of cable. With the added benefit that we’d hopefully watch LESS TV and media–not more.
The only downside to this plan is I will be giving up my sports viewing. There really is no option (as far as I can tell) to grab live sports content via the interwebs. For now, at least. So, I figure this isn’t such a bad thing anyway. I really only care about a few sporting events–Vikings games, Twins games, the major golf championships and the NCAA basketball tournament. I figure I can watch most, if not all, of those sporting events at a nearby sports bar or my brother’s house (less than a mile away).
So, that’s my plan for the foreseeable future. What about you? Have you considered cutting cable? What’s your game plan?
Subscribe to Communications Conversations by Email
Jim has such a wicked smile on his face
! :)
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThanks for the shout-out, Arik! We've had our setup for years and love it.
If anyone is interested in the setup I have, here are a couple of quick resources:
- My husband doing a presentation at Ignite Mpls #1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6H4r7gAAZs
- Here's a podcast and blog post we did at Geek Girls Guide on DIY home setups:
http://www.geekgirlsguide.com/blog/2011/03/16/209/...
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeGreat shares, Meghan. I hadn't watched your husband's Ignite prezo yet, so that was a new one for me. Love your set-up. Not going the same route, mostly because I don't have the right space, but your basement is incredible.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThat's an interesting setup, Taul. But, I'm not sure how having both a WII and XBox and Apple TV are proving to be better than just cable TV and no video game systems. I know you can do a lot more with an XBox than just playing games, but I find them to be a humongous time suck for me. I got rid of my Playstation years ago. I've had no regrets.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeWe did this, too. We don't miss anything, not even sports. We get those events from streaming. I'm with Adam - you won't miss it.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThis is your set-up, Paul?
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI just dumped cable this past week. The cable company talked us into going with the basic $9.99 because it would be the same with our internet connection. My biggest worry was sports (ie Twins) but I found out I enjoy listening to it on the radio a lot more and the cable company forgot to cut the ESPN feed as I was told it wasn't included but I'm not complaining.. It is a pain to livestream MLB anything. For instance: the ESPN 1500 iPhone app doesn't allow it so I had to buy the MLB audio for $20 a year and I've already had the MLB iPad app but had to get another one on the iPhone.
Eventually I will get a Roku box with the subscription to MLB.tv and figure out how to hide my IP address so I can watch in-market games :-)
For now, I couldn't be happier with the amount of time that is freed up and I really didn't realize the amount of crappy programming I was watching until I cut the cord. The one thing that will bum me out is the HBO/Showtime programming but hopefully be able to pick up the seasons 6 months after they end.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeHaven't owned cable or a TV in about 4 years. Way better quality of life - you won't regret it. Difficult at first but as you get outside more (and use ACTIVE forms of media vs passive) your life will improve dramatically. Most people can't handle being so plugged into reality, but it is without question a better way to live.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeMore concerned about my kids and their media habits, but I'm excited about the switch. Should be interesting. I may actually blog more about how it goes.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like1 Apple TV
1 Mac Mini
1 Boxee Box
1 Wii
1 Xbox
Variety is the spice of life
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeGo! Go! Go! I cut the cord about three years ago, and don't miss it. True, I spend money at establishments to take in sporting events here and there, but I look for the happy hours and keep it on the lowdown. If you stream Netflix, you've got TV, stand-up comedy, shows for kids and movies. Add snazzy music streaming service to the mix, and that fills the "quiet" gap. And during those music times, you do something that you wouldn't normally do watching TV - talk to your family. Enjoy. :)
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeKinda what I'm hoping. We turn the TV on so often just to fill the space. I'm hoping that changes. Should be an interesting experiment. Thanks for the comment, Colleen!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeAre you using DSL for the Internet to power all of those devices? I didn't see you break out the cost for broadband. Given that we can't get fiber optic internet in our market, cable internet is the fastest option, and in my experience, critical for the speed I require to stream/download/upload. We actually have city wi-fi in my neighborhood, but it's achingly slow. I never watch TV but unfortunately am handcuffed to the cable folks until a faster option comes alone.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeGood point, Greg. I hadn't considered that, but I don't have to worry about that fortunately. We use Qwest for internet. DISH for "cable." Speed is fine for us. I did use Mpls Wi-fi for a while and just like your experience, it was PAINFUL.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeVery interesting. So does that mean you have a home phone line? There's another post for you! I had Qwest DSL and experienced slow service, not to mention it was cheaper if you had a land line, and I didn't want a land line!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI don't. Cell only for us both. Just buy internet from them, which soon, will be our only service.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeSkip the RedBox (aka RubeBox - the Chili's of movie rentals) as the selection at the RedBox sucks. spend that $$ on Netflix DVDs. a lot of the better Netflix movies are only on DVD. and only $2-3 more a month, 1000x much better movie selection than RedBox.
Also, Get a digital antenna. I got one from Amazon.com for like $25 and it works great and you get a ton of channels on it.
why 3 apple TVs? maybe one apple TV? one Roku?
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI might just do that--was considering. Possible to do ATV AND Roku? Do you have that setup?
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeWe use Redbox when we have a last-minute need for a movie (or a special request). Using the Redbox iPhone app, we can check to see if the movie we want is available and at which nearby location. At a fraction of the cost of renting from iTunes and Amazon, it's a nice complement to our Netflix plan (we downgraded to streaming-only, but might go back to 1 disc at a time).
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeMy fiance and I have been without cable for nearly two years and have had Netflix steaming on our BluRay player since November. Funny to read all of these comments - I wonder how many subscribers cable will have in five years!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeFewer. The easier the process gets, the harder hit cable/DISH will be. Right now, it's a little too tough for the average joe to organize a streaming system. But, once that process gets easier you'll see more people making the change. Then again, I think you'll see a lot of changes with content aggregators and producers like Netflix in the years to come, too.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThe setup of a Roku box with Netflix, Hulu+, and Amazon Instant pretty much works for us, along with a $24 antenna from Radio Shack for live events. That equation amounts to $25 a month, plus random Amazon and Redbox purchases. Our family time has increased, as has our book consumption.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeExactly what I'm hoping for, Eddy. Thanks for the note!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeGreat post Arik. I cut the cord this year, too. I have instead opted for Xbox Live through my Xbox. It's $44/year, but you can easily find it for cheaper. In addition to being a gaming console, you can stream ESPN3 for your sports, last.fm for your music and Netflix for movies and television. Granted, you cannot catch every game or get every show, but as you mentioned, you can always hit up Redbox or grab local TV over the air. The Xbox is an all-encompassing entertainment console and would be another one-time cost, but it is another viable option for your cost (and cable) cutting plan.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeWe have a Wii, Britten, so this never really was an option for us. But, I didn't know about the ESPN3 thing. Will be looking into that.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeErik great plan! I use iPad apps like MLB At Bat and NHL Game Center to catch in game highlights and condensed games, plus radio feeds and real-time updates from the App itself. Twins/Vikings/etc are always going to be blacked out per cable TV contracts, but really I still get all the highlights and don't waste as much time because I'm usually doing laundry or something productive while listening to the game on radio, then catching highlights on the App. Plus the NCAA basketball tournament has an awesome App where you can watch every game live for FREE.
We use Netflix for the kids (through the Wii) and it is awesome for kids content/shows. We have Apple TV too and iPads/etc.
Plus you can always use stuff like Hulu to watch TV on your iPad or whatever.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeGodspeed, Arik. I cut the cord last July and was doing just fine until the NHL playoffs started. But so far, I've stayed strong.
I hadn't considered the Elgato tuner. What's your plan with that device? Capture over-the-air content on your iMac and then push it back to the TV?
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikePretty much. I need to look into it more, but basically it will serve as our DVR.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeStreaming Netflix, 1 apple TV, and the $10 basic cable so we can get PBS for kids works for us! Good luck
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThis is exactly what we do, and it works great. Recommended.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeWe run netflix through our wii... that may cut your need for one of the Apple TVs. Sports is the issue for me also. I've found that the Vikes are always on local free TV. What I really miss is the gophers (football, hoops and hockey) and Twins games just because I like to catch the end of the games after putting the kids to bed. I thought the MLB subscription for my iPad was a partial solution but the limitations to the service are severe and I nixed that plan.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI'm on the Netflix only diet. Sometimes its hard not having any other options but I don't really mind it. There is just so much more to do with all that time!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThat's my hope, too, Kareem. More time to read. More time to spend with my kids. More.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Likei quit cold turkey! i moved a little over a year ago, and just didn't budget it in. i didn't have a dvd player for a while until someone gave me an old one that they had in their basement. i didn't open my tv cabinet for months, not even to watch a movie - i found so many other things to do! i logged miles and miles and miles on my bicycle. i added a roku box over the winter to stream netflix, but if it's not streaming on netflix, i just put it out of my mind.
cutting the cord is the BEST. good luck!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeInteresting that you mention biking more--I'm on that same wavelength this summer. Just need to get my kids riding! Thanks for the comment, Elli.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeArik,
As someone who has cut the cable as well, it is interesting how alike our setups are. Down to the two Apple TV's (granted, I have a new model and an old. )
For sports, I have given up watching them at home. If its on something I have access to (ESPN 360, Local channels), I watch it. However, the secret here is getting out for sports. I catch most Twins games from a cigar shop. It takes some getting used to, but I have not missed cable in the ~year I havent had it.
One thing absent from your list is Hulu. Do you just not watch much on it? I would think that swapping one of the Apple TV's for a Roku (price remains the same), and adding $120/yr for Hulu+ would help cover a few more of your bases.
Congrats on cutting the cord. Its liberating, and fun to use the money that gets freed up. Its only a matter of time...
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeYeah, sports is the big hang up with me. But, I think I can live without it. Truthfully I don't watch much now anyway. For example, with the Masters I used to watch virtually the entire event. Now, with two kids, I barely have time to watch the final round on Sunday. So, I think it's more of a perception thing with me.
Do you have an ATV AND a Roku? Can you have both? I have thought about Hulu, but fairly Apple loyal. Just didn't know you could do both. If that's the case, I may have to rethink.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI have an AppleTV and a Roku, and it really is great for being able to download shows, but also watch streaming on Hulu. We have a subscription to MLB.tv through Roku as well, so we don't miss any baseball games!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI just got my Roku last week, and I have no idea how more people don't know about it. I got the mid-level model so I can still get 1080p on my high-def TV, and aside from the initial $80 to buy the set my only monthly bill is the $8 for Hulu+. I honestly had no idea just how much Hulu+ has available for content. Talk about back seasons! I can't say much about Apple TV, but my only regret with the Roku is that I didn't get it sooner. I hope this helps!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like