I need your help… I love television and still rely on a cable TV box. Unfortunately, my Verizon box broke last night while I was watching and DVR-ing the GOP debate and the Country Music Awards.
I've been without network/cable TV for almost 24 hours and will likely miss "The Golden Bachelor." Frustrated, I'm determined to cut the cord now, but I need your advice on how to make the transition.
Which streaming service is most similar to real broadcast TV? Do you have any recommendations for a subscription with DVR? What equipment should I buy to do this?
PS- I've explored cutting the cord in the past. It seemed like it would actually cost more because I only have one TV set. I’m so frustrated that I’m willing to pay a little more to get rid of these cables.
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PPS- If you haven’t looked back, the Daylight Savings Time poll results are surprisingly close.
Try YouTubeTV (which is not the same as YouTube). If you have a smart TV (ie one that you can connect to your wifi) that was manufactured in the past few years it probably has the app already installed or you can download from the manufacturers store. If you have an older tv buy an Apple tv or similar and run the app on that. Either way you will have all local and national channels plus dozens of others that you will probably never watch, just like your cable service! Has cloud DVR if you need to record, and you can watch on your phone/laptop/ipad etc when you want to.
Google search DIRECTV stream. It’s owned by AT&T. It will take you to the site to sign up.
You can use any kind of set top box like an Apple TV, or other to connect it to your TV permanently. For tonight use an HDMI cable between your laptop and your TV and you’ll be all set!
Love this for you!! I have Roku, with Comcast (Chicagoland area). It is not hard. If you get a Roku box, sign up first on line. Get your box. Then you can add whatever channels you want. You may have to add Sling and Hulu whichever you want. You CAN get LIVE TV with a subscription from either. Like Rick said, you can get all of the main channels. Once you get subscriptions they can get pricey...but just pick the ones that you will use the most. I, like Rick, have Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube Premium..adding Sling and Hulu. It is a rabbit hole of subscriptions you can get. But I think those will cover you nicely. Don't fret, cutting the cord is really easy and nothing to stress over! Promise. I found Tom's Guide to be really helpful. Here is the link: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/cord-cutting-guide,news-17928.html
It seems intimidating…it is not. Just take it one step at a time. I know it is new for you, but once you get the hang of it. You will kick yourself for not doing it sooner!!! You got this!!
Oh, happy to help!!! First read Tom’s Guide he gives you step by step. But you have it. Whomever is your internet provider, keep that internet, as that is how you will get all of your access. But cancel all the other station packages, as you will be watching them on your Roku Box. Yes, sign up and get your Roku box. If you already have subscriptions, be prepared to enter you Username and password into the Roku on your TV so you can watch your shows. Like your Golden Bachelor. Each App, like YouTube or Amazon Prime, will be an option for you on the Roku Box. So don’t fret there.
I don't watch what you watch. I don't watch much of any thing, network. The little I do, Hulu covers a day or so after broadcast.
My daughter has DirectTV through my WiFi. No idea what it costs but it's got network channels.
Speaking of which, if Verizon provides your Internet, it may be discounted because of your cable. And, I'd bet real money if you call them up and tell them you're switching, they'll come up with a big discount, usually good for a year, to keep you. People are, and have been, dropping cable.
So you can do this many ways. I was letting you know what I do. If your TV is a SMART TV you may not need a Roku box. I just like to have everything in one place. It reminds me of cable. So, NO you don't NEED it. But you do you need to verify if your TV gives you access to all of the subscriptions you may have. I do not have AppleTV, however that is also another option. Think of it like having an umbrella - Roku, AppleTV, Firesticks are the umbrella - Under them are all of the subscription platforms. Hope that makes sense.
I have three generations of devices, the current being the ROKU Ultra (4k, etc.).
Why ROKU?
you buy the device (or variants or TV). It's YOURS. Not the cable company's.
Hundreds of free "channels" (channels in quotes because many of them have multiple content streams available).
Big Name streaming subscription available, subscribed through your ROKU account. So all the bills get consolidated.
On demand viewing of MOST content.
It's the closest you can get to a' la carte viewing.
As an electronics tech/Master electrician, I've always felt it was my DUTY to pirate cable. But now with ROKU, I'm satisfied with their available content and I have Amazon Prime, a few specialty channels that ae paid. Fox Nation (gonna let that expire post Tucker) and History of Weapons and War (founded by Gun Jesus Ian McCollum. It features some of the best FA creators providing uncensored technical looks into all firearms. More content creators will be added as time progress).
After Roku, I never went back, except for maybe an OTA antenna. I don't have OTA out here in the sticks of TN, don't feel I'm missing anything.
All you need to pay for is the HS ISP fees. The rest is up to you.
I built my dream home & moved to my ranch. I’m in the middle of 1000 acres so I got Starlink. I stream YouTube TV and have Paramount Plus. Around 90 bucks but I get pretty much everything and have super fast and reliable interweb.
So here’s the deal. My husband and I were going through the same thing right now. You’re gonna laugh because we’re doing a beta test. We’re keeping our DIRECTV because of college football and we’re trying out all the channels that we have on our new Roku, smart TV. We are old school and trying to get into the new frontier.
I use fubo.tv and a roku box that uses wireless internet. One thing i dont like about their dvr service is you cant fast forward. Not sure if youtube tv allows fast forward but if you find one that does tell me! Fubo is great for sports but doesn’t carry public tv. I use it only for sports and can watch on my phone in a pinch. Never want to miss the big game!
The channels I watch on broadcast or cable TV that I need to keep are -- ABC, NBC, Fox, Bravo plus all the news channels - Fox, CNN, MSNBC, Fox Bix, CNBC, NewsNation etc. --
You live in an area where most networks have over the air (OTA) available, so get an inexpensive HD antenna and just do it the way we all used to do, get it free over the air. Many DVR devices these days also have models that can take the OTA input to record your shows, I know TiVo does. I live too far from Seattle where most of the stations come from and have two sets of hills in between, so I can't get most of them. I can get the Fox station because their transmitter is in Tacoma which is closer and only one set of hills in between. HD antennas are usually available locally, I know Costco does carry them most of the time and they're relatively cheap compared to the old style of antennas we used to need, also mostly if you live in a good area, they can be hung in a window.
I did this a loooong time ago. So sick of Spectrum so I got rid of cable and just got an antenna. It screws into the back of your TV. You’d be surprised at how clear the broadcast channels are and free like when we were kids!
It’s stupid that Spectrum charges extra for broadcast channels. But it got old so now I have YouTube TV so I get local channels and most of what I used to get. Had Sling TV for a while, I used to just activate it during football season but I missed the evening news and Wheel of Fortune. YouTube TV is about $70/month and about the same as the package I had but not paying the cable company is worth it.
I would just get a new cable box from Verizon. I think they will just exchange for your old one, no charge other than the monthly subscription you are already paying.
I cut the cord 5 years ago and haven’t looked back. DirecTV Stream (includes virtual DVR) for broadcast TV as well as Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube Premium cover more than I had with the top package from DirecTV satellite. Cost for all is less than I was paying for Satellite.
Sign up is instant. You won’t even miss your Batchelor show!
Edit: And DTV Stream works on all of your devices anywhere you are! I use an Apple TV connected to my television but you can connect your laptop in the near term.
Well, I've got good news and bad news... It depends what channels you watch. If you primarily watch network television, you have the choice between the local cable companies or an antenna. That's basically it. I don't know where you live, but antennas work even in apartments. You can then get a DVR, like a TiVo, to record the over-the-air broadcasts just as it would cable TV.
Personally I'm not a fan of the Verizon box, and I recommended Tivos for my mom and sister. I have Directv, which I like, but it is rather expensive.
How Do I Cut the Cord Right Now?
Try YouTubeTV (which is not the same as YouTube). If you have a smart TV (ie one that you can connect to your wifi) that was manufactured in the past few years it probably has the app already installed or you can download from the manufacturers store. If you have an older tv buy an Apple tv or similar and run the app on that. Either way you will have all local and national channels plus dozens of others that you will probably never watch, just like your cable service! Has cloud DVR if you need to record, and you can watch on your phone/laptop/ipad etc when you want to.
Google search DIRECTV stream. It’s owned by AT&T. It will take you to the site to sign up.
You can use any kind of set top box like an Apple TV, or other to connect it to your TV permanently. For tonight use an HDMI cable between your laptop and your TV and you’ll be all set!
Love this for you!! I have Roku, with Comcast (Chicagoland area). It is not hard. If you get a Roku box, sign up first on line. Get your box. Then you can add whatever channels you want. You may have to add Sling and Hulu whichever you want. You CAN get LIVE TV with a subscription from either. Like Rick said, you can get all of the main channels. Once you get subscriptions they can get pricey...but just pick the ones that you will use the most. I, like Rick, have Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube Premium..adding Sling and Hulu. It is a rabbit hole of subscriptions you can get. But I think those will cover you nicely. Don't fret, cutting the cord is really easy and nothing to stress over! Promise. I found Tom's Guide to be really helpful. Here is the link: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/cord-cutting-guide,news-17928.html
It seems intimidating…it is not. Just take it one step at a time. I know it is new for you, but once you get the hang of it. You will kick yourself for not doing it sooner!!! You got this!!
Oh, happy to help!!! First read Tom’s Guide he gives you step by step. But you have it. Whomever is your internet provider, keep that internet, as that is how you will get all of your access. But cancel all the other station packages, as you will be watching them on your Roku Box. Yes, sign up and get your Roku box. If you already have subscriptions, be prepared to enter you Username and password into the Roku on your TV so you can watch your shows. Like your Golden Bachelor. Each App, like YouTube or Amazon Prime, will be an option for you on the Roku Box. So don’t fret there.
YouTube TV is one option. You just need Fire TV Cube from Amazon to connect to your TV.
I don't watch what you watch. I don't watch much of any thing, network. The little I do, Hulu covers a day or so after broadcast.
My daughter has DirectTV through my WiFi. No idea what it costs but it's got network channels.
Speaking of which, if Verizon provides your Internet, it may be discounted because of your cable. And, I'd bet real money if you call them up and tell them you're switching, they'll come up with a big discount, usually good for a year, to keep you. People are, and have been, dropping cable.
So you can do this many ways. I was letting you know what I do. If your TV is a SMART TV you may not need a Roku box. I just like to have everything in one place. It reminds me of cable. So, NO you don't NEED it. But you do you need to verify if your TV gives you access to all of the subscriptions you may have. I do not have AppleTV, however that is also another option. Think of it like having an umbrella - Roku, AppleTV, Firesticks are the umbrella - Under them are all of the subscription platforms. Hope that makes sense.
ROKU, ROKU, ROKU.
ROKU has come a long way, and I've been using it for decades.
https://www.roku.com/
I have three generations of devices, the current being the ROKU Ultra (4k, etc.).
Why ROKU?
you buy the device (or variants or TV). It's YOURS. Not the cable company's.
Hundreds of free "channels" (channels in quotes because many of them have multiple content streams available).
Big Name streaming subscription available, subscribed through your ROKU account. So all the bills get consolidated.
On demand viewing of MOST content.
It's the closest you can get to a' la carte viewing.
As an electronics tech/Master electrician, I've always felt it was my DUTY to pirate cable. But now with ROKU, I'm satisfied with their available content and I have Amazon Prime, a few specialty channels that ae paid. Fox Nation (gonna let that expire post Tucker) and History of Weapons and War (founded by Gun Jesus Ian McCollum. It features some of the best FA creators providing uncensored technical looks into all firearms. More content creators will be added as time progress).
After Roku, I never went back, except for maybe an OTA antenna. I don't have OTA out here in the sticks of TN, don't feel I'm missing anything.
All you need to pay for is the HS ISP fees. The rest is up to you.
YMMV
I agree with anyone who is suggesting YouTubeTV. We have been using YouTubeTV for over 3 years and it is great and much cheaper than cable
I built my dream home & moved to my ranch. I’m in the middle of 1000 acres so I got Starlink. I stream YouTube TV and have Paramount Plus. Around 90 bucks but I get pretty much everything and have super fast and reliable interweb.
It is really a pain. Until it’s not. Just be patient. Do one step at a time. Before you know it. You will be all set up! Glad to help
So here’s the deal. My husband and I were going through the same thing right now. You’re gonna laugh because we’re doing a beta test. We’re keeping our DIRECTV because of college football and we’re trying out all the channels that we have on our new Roku, smart TV. We are old school and trying to get into the new frontier.
I use fubo.tv and a roku box that uses wireless internet. One thing i dont like about their dvr service is you cant fast forward. Not sure if youtube tv allows fast forward but if you find one that does tell me! Fubo is great for sports but doesn’t carry public tv. I use it only for sports and can watch on my phone in a pinch. Never want to miss the big game!
My cable bill from Versizon Fios is:
Internet $90
TV $78 (discounted from $90)
DVR $12
Equipment $12
=$102 cable TV
$190 - discounts for having mobile phone = -$20
ebill discount $5
total $165 plus taxes
The channels I watch on broadcast or cable TV that I need to keep are -- ABC, NBC, Fox, Bravo plus all the news channels - Fox, CNN, MSNBC, Fox Bix, CNBC, NewsNation etc. --
You live in an area where most networks have over the air (OTA) available, so get an inexpensive HD antenna and just do it the way we all used to do, get it free over the air. Many DVR devices these days also have models that can take the OTA input to record your shows, I know TiVo does. I live too far from Seattle where most of the stations come from and have two sets of hills in between, so I can't get most of them. I can get the Fox station because their transmitter is in Tacoma which is closer and only one set of hills in between. HD antennas are usually available locally, I know Costco does carry them most of the time and they're relatively cheap compared to the old style of antennas we used to need, also mostly if you live in a good area, they can be hung in a window.
I did this a loooong time ago. So sick of Spectrum so I got rid of cable and just got an antenna. It screws into the back of your TV. You’d be surprised at how clear the broadcast channels are and free like when we were kids!
It’s stupid that Spectrum charges extra for broadcast channels. But it got old so now I have YouTube TV so I get local channels and most of what I used to get. Had Sling TV for a while, I used to just activate it during football season but I missed the evening news and Wheel of Fortune. YouTube TV is about $70/month and about the same as the package I had but not paying the cable company is worth it.
I would just get a new cable box from Verizon. I think they will just exchange for your old one, no charge other than the monthly subscription you are already paying.
YouTube TV
Hi Emily,
I cut the cord 5 years ago and haven’t looked back. DirecTV Stream (includes virtual DVR) for broadcast TV as well as Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube Premium cover more than I had with the top package from DirecTV satellite. Cost for all is less than I was paying for Satellite.
Sign up is instant. You won’t even miss your Batchelor show!
Edit: And DTV Stream works on all of your devices anywhere you are! I use an Apple TV connected to my television but you can connect your laptop in the near term.
Well, I've got good news and bad news... It depends what channels you watch. If you primarily watch network television, you have the choice between the local cable companies or an antenna. That's basically it. I don't know where you live, but antennas work even in apartments. You can then get a DVR, like a TiVo, to record the over-the-air broadcasts just as it would cable TV.
Personally I'm not a fan of the Verizon box, and I recommended Tivos for my mom and sister. I have Directv, which I like, but it is rather expensive.
So, no easy solution.