Cord Cutting

**BuddyLee.** · 01-14-15, 08:48 AM

Just pulled the trigger and dumped my TV service from Comcast. Almost dropped Comcast 50 mb for ATT 18 mb, finally Comcast broke and beat ATT's rate. ATT price plus the one time installation fee about $63 bucks per month. Compared to Comcast offer for $53 per month. Both are 12 month rates.

To replace TV I added a broadcast tv antenna and Roku 3 box with Hulu plus $8 and Neflix $9. Bringing the cost per month to $70 and a total savings of $57 compared to my old Comcast internet and TV bill per month. Recouping the new equipment cost in 3 months.

Fellow cord cutter's what else can you suggest streaming services? Htpc? Dvr? What are your experiences?

BL

**SmokenScion** · 01-14-15, 10:42 AM

Get PLEX app for Roku. and Buy a Chromecast.

**Cybs** · 01-14-15, 12:55 PM

We were paying AT&T $190/mo for TV so we did the same thing. Currently we have Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. We didn't really intend to use Prime for TV but I'm starting to wonder if I really need Netflix if we have Prime already.

Anyone any thoughts on Netflix vs. Amazon Prime?

Also, we're looking at getting a USB antenna for our WD Live so we do more with 1 remote. Down side of a WD Live is there is no universal remote for it.

**Kanati** · 01-14-15, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Cybs

Also, we're looking at getting a USB antenna for our WD Live so we do more with 1 remote. Down side of a WD Live is there is no universal remote for it.

Logitech Harmony. Has native wdtv remote codes. Also, the WDTV live app for any android device works over IP... Multiple options for WDTV remotes other than the one that comes with it.

**Cybs** · 01-14-15, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kanati

Logitech Harmony. Has native wdtv remote codes. Also, the WDTV live app for any android device works over IP... Multiple options for WDTV remotes other than the one that comes with it.

Sweet! Good to know. I had read that you could use a Harmony but had to go through and program the buttons. Also didn't know about the Android thing.

I just checked my iPad2. Looks like there is an app for Apple as well.

**AetheLove** · 01-14-15, 04:23 PM

Very happy with a 3rd Gen Apple TV - but I don't recommend it to new buyers.

The current gen Apple TV hardware is out of date. It still works great and I'm still very happy with it, but I use a lot of other Apple tech and so the smooth integration is a plus for me. I use AirPlay, screen casting, iTunes library integration, an iOS remote, etc.

Unless you've got a similar environment, Roku is better hardware and Plex is a decent media server (iTunes has been pissing me off more often lately). The mix of channel services is different between devices, but the only big one that jumps to mind is Amazon - it's on the Roku, and not AppleTV.

Æ

**BuddyLee.** · 01-15-15, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by SmokenScion

Get PLEX app for Roku. and Buy a Chromecast.

Reading about Plex and it sounds awsome. Trying it tonight.

BL

**Phyrelight** · 01-15-15, 09:48 AM

I have an old gaming rig in the living room by the big screen that I setup as a HTPC. I stream everything. I am just over 2 years with no cable or satellite fees. I pay ~62 a month for a 50mb plan cable modem through cox and I stream everything. I have a PS3 that I use for amazon instant video (I have prime) and it also does netflix as well as 3d blueray. I have the HTPC for hulu basic (I see no need to pay for plus, its only useful if you are watching past seasons which I get through other sources mentioned below), HBO Go (family account), as well as network channels directly. I have been able to watch all my shows minus 2 via free methods. Those 2 I either buy from amazon streaming or buy the series/movie directly. For past seasons of shows I actually go to my local public library where I can check them out for 21 days for free. They even have an app that I can sign into on my HTPC that allows me to stream the same shows once I have them checked out to my library account. I am currently watching Person of Interest starting at season 1 episode 1 for free from the public library. Its about ~38 per season to buy it on amazon streaming.

For a remote I use a logitech clamshell rechargeable keyboard and touchpad device. Not sure they even make it anymore but this is a similar product Amazon.com: FAVI FE01-BL Mini 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboard Touchpad with Laser Pointer (Black): Electronics

The gadgets to watch shows like the roku and such are great as long as you are agreeable to living within their limitations. The only true open platform for anything you want to watch/stream is a Home theater PC.

**HeavyG** · 01-15-15, 09:53 AM

What was killing me with Cable was paying for the stupid boxes. If I wanted Cable in every room, I had to have a box. The DVR box from Verizon was like $25/month (was $20 when I first signed up... but they upgraded the DVR). The "dumb" boxes were $10/month each. This meant I was paying $45/month just to PLAY the content I was already paying for.

I now have a CETON InfiniTV 6 ($200) and a just pay $5/month for a cable card for my cable. Even with the up front costs, I have been running a CETON card for years now, and the $40/month savings has paid for the entire Media PC and then some.

**HeavyG** · 01-15-15, 09:56 AM

All of the Cable companies are required to offer a cable card. So if you went with a CETON InfiniTV PCI-E card or an HD Homerun set top box, the cable companies should all offer a cable card.

In all honesty, it wasn't the easiest thing in the world to configure, and a couple of Windows Updates broke everything, but I am MUCH happier than with my old Verizon DVR. I mean, having 2 TB dedicated to my DVR means I can record entire seasons of multiple shows in HD without running out of space.

I am due for a couple hard drive upgrades soon, so I will likely expand the DVR drive to 4 TB.