Finally cutting the cord...

[PaulMoore]

So you're saying if I split the cable going into my modem (from Comcast) I might be able to get these OTA channels? Will that degrade my internet connection at all?

I noticed no difference- I split the cable to the modem to run one to my iMac for an Eye TV to act as DVR and export shows to iTunes so as to watch them on the Apple TV. The cable co gave me the splitter for free before I cancelled our TV service.

FYI the conversion process for Eye TV recordings on my 2007 iMac is very slow so shows are not available to watch for an hour or so at least after the recording ends so it's nowhere near DVR functionality (you can't start watching mid-recording or anything like that... but it works for us).

I then found that the cable which used to run to the cable box also still sent channels (QAM I think it's called) and so ran that to the TV.

All in all, works pretty well for $55 a month (for the internet via our cable company). Plus $8 for Netflix and a few bucks here and there for the odd iTunes rental.

 

[DP812]

It all depends on what you want to watch, I'd say. If most of the programs are on Hulu Plus, then you're good. The only shows I watch that I can't get on Hulu Plus are ones I'm willing to buy season passes for on iTunes or wait until they show up on Netflix as complete seasons. I can get my Rachel Maddow fix through the video podcast and (since I'm not willing to wait for them to show up on Hulu) I can AirPlay Stewart and Colbert from my computer.

The only problem is some Hulu content isn't available for streaming to devices like the ATV or PS3. This is what's really irritating. But overall, I pay about $4 for a VPN, and about $16 for both Hulu Plus and Netflix, so in all, I pay $20 a month and get more content than I would through the Japanese cable services that would cost more than twice that much.

 

[mslide]

I'm guessing sharing login information with relatives is frowned upon?

Part of cutting the cord means changing your viewing habits. If you go into it like you're going to be able to keep watching what you're watching now, you'll hate it. If you go into it with an open mind and are willing to watch less TV, change how you watch TV, etc... if could work for you. If you're that concerned with keeping HBO, ESPN, etc, then you should stick with cable.

It's not that hard honestly. Like I said before, my wife and I were hooked on cable TV and once we cut it we realized 'wow, look at how much time we were wasting before...'.

So you're saying if I split the cable going into my modem (from Comcast) I might be able to get these OTA channels?

That didn't work for me with comcast. As soon as I told them to disconnect TV, it was really gone even though I still get internet through them. That worked for me years ago with a different provider but times have changed. Installing an antenna isn't that hard.

 

[mic j]

I'm not sure exactly how it works, but when I unplug it (basically taking any amplification out) I only get the tower that is a few miles from me. Granted I'm in a much more hilly terrain (Pittsburgh area) than Chicago. Chicago is mostly flat right ?

Maybe order from amazon or buy in a store, if it does not make it better just return it.

Yes, it's pretty flat here. I also found that location can be critical. I can move it a few inches up/down/side to side and the signal will vary quite a bit. I'm sure if I wasn't on the fringe, it would not be quite so sensitive to location. Also, interference from things in the house can have an impact on positioning. It's not magic. It's just the best indoor antenna I have found. None of the other even picked up 1 station. I get about 10 with the Leaf. I am not going to do an outside antenna and string coax through the house to get to the tv in the basement.

 

[BigDukeSix]

I found my cable company junction box that is mounted on the side of my house, figured out what cable went to which room, and then connected my OTA antenna up there so I can keep connected to cable just for my internet, and have my OTA antenna connected into the rest of the cables running in the house. I wanted to make sure it worked prior to switching off my cable at the end of football season. And it does indeed work just fine.

 

[thetruth1985]

Keep in mind that most ISPs impose a monthly bandwith limit on internet service. Comcast used to have a 250gb limit on date but they have suspended if for now since they are coming out with a tiered plan.

 

[StinDaWg]

The problem with OTA is its live; there are no decent DVRs or HTPC solutions, other than those from DBS. Plus, cord-cutters are disenfranchised from new eps of popular shows, and once they are available have to buy them as one-offs. I'll be watching a brand-new episode of Fringe tonight, played back at my leisure from a state-of-art DVR from DirecTV. Cord-cutters will have to either show up on time (better hurry if on the east coast; it's just starting) and watch it live, or wait 3 years for an overpriced Blu-Ray.

Oh, right, no Fringe this week; just a live MLB playoff game you can't get anywhere else but FOX (unless you can afford the ridiculous MLB app price).

Ever heard of Windows Media Center? It's the best DVR available, and no monthly fee.

 

[KylePowers]

As a broke college student, I only have basic cable. It actually ended up getting encrypted due to the switch from analog to digital, so I had to order a DTA (digital transport adapter). No more HD channels though, but at least I can watch primetime shows on local channels and a couple football games on Sundays.

Anything I miss on primetime (as I'm typically very busy), I just catch up on via Hulu or the network website (CBS, etc). I also have Netflix, which is nice for random movies nights or background noise.

I am, however, paying up the yin-yang for internet. Granted, it's their second fastest tier, but I definitely need something cheaper! $58/month is kind of ridiculous (for someone who doesn't have roomies to split the cost with, at least).

 

[jimmirehman]

I'm guessing sharing login information with relatives is frowned upon?

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I guess I'm in a very rural area. I am in the Violet section which is a large roof antennae. Not really up to doing anything that crazy.

well if that is your plan, then you arent truly cutting the cord, you are piggybacking off of someone else's cord and relying on them to continue to pay for the service you no longer wish to pay for.

 

[StinDaWg]

well if that is your plan, then you arent truly cutting the cord, you are piggybacking off of someone else's cord and relying on them to continue to pay for the service you no longer wish to pay for.

But if it works, who cares?

 

[Rushli0n]

well if that is your plan, then you arent truly cutting the cord, you are piggybacking off of someone else's cord and relying on them to continue to pay for the service you no longer wish to pay for.

Just to be clear, I would gladly pay for just HBOgo or ESPN if they had such a thing. I just hate paying for 100's of channels I never watch.

 

[jimmirehman]

Just to be clear, I would gladly pay for just HBOgo or ESPN if they had such a thing. I just hate paying for 100's of channels I never watch.

And i completely agree with you, i would gladly pay a monthly service (possibly straight through the app via my itunes account) for direct access to HBOGo.
but my point was, that we arent at that point yet and if you didnt know someone who was currently paying for HBO and didnt mind you mooching off of them then you wouldn't be in the position to "cut the cord".