http://twitter.com/jangro/statuses/1162973194
You can do it, Scott (channeling Obi Wan Kenobi).
I'd say an AppleTV would be a great tool to have (with Boxee, of course). We don't have this (just our laptops), but then we don't really care about TV size etc and end up watching most of our "TV" content on our laptops anyway.
We kept our TiVo service b/c I had the same thoughts as you. Honestly? We could easily do without. The only thing I use the TiVo box for now is to pause Lost for the first 20 minutes so that I can zoom through the commercials. I might do the same during the Super Bowl. But we're an extreme case in that regard.
But seriously, do it... it's a fun family experiment and a great way to "busy your cycle" (after your buzz coat).
Sam
The Force is with you, young Padawan (just to continue the Star Wars geekiness). Like Sam, I didn't go with the Apple TV box or anything additional (well, I did get the DTV box and antenna for the local stations). I go from a MacBook Pro to the home theater system via S-cable for video and fiber optic for audio via the "headphone" jack on the MBP.
One word of caution - run some speed tests before you make the switch. I pull between 1.5 and 2.0 mbps on my DSL line. It was the same on cable internet, and both companies advertise 6-7 mbps, but that's another story. I am, I believe, on the low edge of the acceptable speed spectrum for streaming content. Watching certain sites - abc.com comes to mind - the video can be choppy at first. Hulu hasn't been a problem at all, just the occasional pause for buffering, but that's fairly rare.
Give it a try. You can always go back (or switch to another company).
Yeah, we're definitely more mainstream television consumers than you guys are, Sam. We like the high def big screen (not so big by today's standards, though) running through the 5.1 surround sound home theater system.
BTW, as a pre-test, we watched Lost last night on ABC.com sitting on the sofa in my office on the 30" Cinema display. The streamed HD programming from ABC.com is incredible!
But WTF is with the silly non-commercials? And and extra big WTF is with the "Click to Continue" button after each commercial? Are you kidding me? They take you out of full screen to watch the same stupid introductions to their other network TV shows and make you get up and click to start the show up again? I'd rather watch an actual ad. They're infinitely more interesting.
abc.com could learn a thing or two from Hulu.
Anyway, yes, I'm going to give it a try. I'll keep you posted.
I have great internet speed here with FiOS. That's definitely not an issue.
My geekiness outweighs frugality by a long-shot (a character flaw of mine). And with the prospect of saving over $100 month on cable bills, I'll have no problem dropping some money on this test.
Also, I'm contemplating getting a Mac Mini for the job instead of an AppleTV. From the looks of things, people have built software kits to essentially make the mini look and behave like the AppleTV (from bootup). And having the full computer there instead of an appliance that's limited in functionality is also a plus to me. For example, I could hang a big drive off it and use it as a file server as well.
My TV has DVI (but no HDMI), so connecting video is easy but not audio. I'll need to work out a similar audio solution as yours, Daniel. What are you using to connect your headphone jack to the HT? is there a mini-to-fiber optic converter?
I picked up a converter from Amazon, they're only a buck or two depending on where you get it from: http://tinyurl.com/atvde3" target="_blank">
http://tinyurl.com/atvde3
My father-in-law went the Mac Mini route, but not being quite as geeky as us (despite being a NASA engineer for 40 years) he doesn't use it as a cable TV replacement, he just likes having his computer up on the flat screen on the wall. If I had a high-def TV and an extra six or eight hundred bucks to throw at it, that's the way I would go, too. Being stuck with a 32" standard CRT TV, I'm not exactly inspired to go the extra distance, you know?
Cancel the phone too. You don't need it. In fact, you can even keep your phone # if you sign up for a cheaper VOIP service like Vonage. All you need is the Fios. We've been happily without a land line phone for several years now. We have six phone numbers in our family, but not a single one of them is an expensive land line.
we actually were using Vonage for a few years and I recently went back to a landline because of reliability problems. I couldn't rest well without a 100% reliable phone service with babies around in case of emergency. We may go back someday.
What about using an EyeTV instead of a Tivo? Couldn't you use this for DVR capability? I just thought about this and I don't know what others think.
Hook up the EyeTV to your Mac Mini and you would have everything you need, right? And you don't have to pay the monthly Tivo fees.
I don't know if I am onto something here. I need to look into it. I just wanted to throw that out here for now...
I recently twittered about Comcast increasing my bill by the "standard" $5/yr service fee, when I called to uncover the mystery fee, I decided to par down my TV all the way back to basic. Comcast offers an Economy package which offers Comedy central / USA / TBS etc as well as the standard channels.
I don't get NESN and ESPN anymore which kind of stinks, but I deal.
To fill in the gaps I use Boxee, Hulu and Fancast.
I've got a Mac Mini hooked up to the TV so everything is integrated and working pretty great. I'd say go with a MacMini Boxee instead of an Apple TV. The Mini also works great w/ Front Row.
In response to Marshal, I got an EyeTV previously but my Comcast set top box would not play nice with it so I returned it.
Since you're in the city, you should really check out an HDTV antenna. I've been looking into it and it's really encouraging...EXCEPT for me, I'm far enough away, and in a low area that it seems I'd need to get a pretty big antenna. nothing that I can do myself.
I may still get one to play with and see how it works.
Tivo Rocks! And good for you for not putting up with crappy service. I too recently had a terrible customer service experience where I got transfered several times, hung up on, and called back and still did not get the information I needed. I just don't understand how some companies can be run like this.
Scott, not sure how you can consider dropping Verizon Fios when fiber optic can't be beat for HD picture / sound quality and serious internet downloads (I upgraded my data service). However, I understand the dillema as I am not a Verizon fan either and pay them a lot for the service. Here are some alternatives; definetly get an HD antenna as I have one for my laptop and pick up 26 free HD channels that are crystal clear and has full dvr / tv guide functionality. The Terk square HD antenna for your house will give you a nice range and if it's free why not. Another solution is to use Hulu, Joost, Fox, Comedy Central, Apple Tv, etc. as mentioned but compliment with DTV4pc to access 1,000 other channels (cnn, cnbc, fox, weather channel) (email will help you on that one). In the end, yes you will save money but will waste time with waiting for streams to load, cables to plug/unplug and if using cable as internet backbone you are on a shared resource so up and down. The online media options are growing but what is coming is bandwith caps which will force you to pay on the internet side to download shows. The cable & verizon outlets aren't going away anytime soon. Good luck
It is true, I cannot consider dropping them entirely. I rely heavily on their internet service (and think it's great).
After a few days of research, my short term plan is to keep the cable with the basic HD plan (dropping some premium) and ditching the cable boxes in the other rooms as well as the remote DVR options.
That'll save me about $60/month right there.
I'll get a Mac Mini running for Hulu and such.
Longer term (as the ice and snow thaws assuming that given my geographic location I'll need to put something on the roof), I'll work on the antenna to feed signals to the TVs in the other rooms, and hopefully and ultimately rid myself of the VZ DVR feature and hopefully replace that with eyeTV or something on a Mac Mini.
In any case, it's fun learning about this stuff. If more people knew about all these options, the cable companies would have to make some serious improvements to service and pricing.
Agreed, would be nice to drop some of the services and save the money. I like the mac mini idea running just for the tv streams as you will need dedicated support. One item I really like with Fios is multi-room dvr as you can record in one room and watch on any other tv which is something my family would kick and scream if pulled. Try the HD antenna, I tested it in the car on the way home from superbowl (wasn't that a great game!) and was really clear. I was thinking that you could have one tv and than use slingbox to beam it around to different tv's using the internet, one catch everyone must watch same show unless its paired with HD antenna.
Hey Scott,
I found this site while doing some research myself: http://www.mac-digital-tv-tuners.com/"" target="blank">
http://www.mac-digital-tv-tuners.com/"target="blank">http://
http://www.mac-digital-tv-tuners...." target="_blank">
http://www.mac-digital-tv-tuners.com/
Seems to focus on what is available for Macs.
They mention something called the HDHomerun, which actually integrates into your network via Ethernet and has 2 HD tuners, which would allow you to record two shows at one time (if this is of interest to you). I think you would need two separate HD antennas, unless you can get one with two outputs. Anyhow, you can check it out here: http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun"" target="blank">
http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun"target="blank">http://
http://www.silicondust.com/produc..." target="_blank">
http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun
We are seriously considering dropping Dish Network and going with a Mac Mini and IPTV, and getting our locals with an HD antenna.
First step is to drastically scale back our current Dish package and see how that goes. Then we are going to wait to see if there is really going to be a new Mac Mini come the March time frame, like the rumor mill is saying. Of course, they were also predicting one at Mac World...
I just don't want to buy a Mac Mini right now since it has been over a year since they did a revision to it. It is a bit long in the tooth, so we are hoping they will be coming out with something soon.
Found a competitor to Hulu, which is called Fancast. You might want to check them out.
Good luck!
-Marshall
Scott, if you want to keep your services, but you're really not happy w/ the price....try giving them a call and saying that you want to cancel your service (you're switching back to Comcast b/c your wife isn't happy, for instance). You may be surprised at the "promo" rate you can get for the next 6 mos or so. I did this w/ Comcast and they cut my cable tv bill in half for 6 months, not sure if V will be as responsive to defecting customers or not. A 5min call could save you several hundred though (worked for me). It's a fun exercise in negotiation and can still help you "stick it to the man" if you're successful. :)
I just wanted to make a quick post to say, “Thanks!” to the awesome people who take the stuff that I put here and turn it into remarkable conversations. This week’s post, Affiliate Marketing, Get Paid for Nothing, spurred some fantastic discussion, provided many points of view, and speaking for myself, taught me a few things.
The "Roku Network Player" I bought for $99 works great with the NetFlix service (for as little as $9 / mo) for unlimited streaming of their "instant" content. I am very happy with this device and actually ended up purchasing 3 of them. This is an EXCELLENT value.
It is presently mid November 2009. It is my understanding that multiple channels are expected to be added in the next several weeks further expanding the use of the Roku streaming player. (Note: this device draws only 5 watts while streaming HD content...)
The "Roku Network Player" I bought for $99 works great with the NetFlix service (for as little as $9 / mo) for unlimited streaming of their "instant" content. I am very happy with this device and actually ended up purchasing 3 of them. This is an EXCELLENT value.
It is presently mid November 2009. It is my understanding that multiple channels are expected to be added in the next several weeks further expanding the use of the Roku streaming player. (Note: this device draws only 5 watts while streaming HD content...)
Open air HDTV antenna for local channels - free. Justin.tv for Fox News Channel - free (but they would like a donation). Netflix for movies and some tv shows - $10/mo. Testing out the D-Link PC-on-TV (DPG-1200) to view pc/tv on the big screen. So far, I can watch everything I want to but I am looking for a software program that will collect all the free tv feeds into one screen so I can navigate with the PC-on-TV remote and not have to use the computer.
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Killing Cable TV. Can I Do it?
I posted on Twitter yesterday about a call I got from Verizon FiOS TV.
Here's the full story...
I'm a Verizon FiOS customer. TV, Phone, Internet. She called me.
She offered me a free movie package for a month, which I'm certainly open to hearing about. I forget the details, but it was for a premium movie package. She went through her spiel and after confirming my information was ready to seal the deal when I asked the question:
"What if I don't want this after a month?"
Her ready response, "Well, sir, if you want to keep the service you don't need to do anything."
Interesting spin on that one. So if I don't want to keep it, I have to remember to call and cancel it. I'm a busy guy. My bill gets paid automatically. I never even think about it. I would surely forget. I don't watch HBO as it is...
"No thanks, I don't want it then."
"But Sir, there's no obligation...."
"I do not want it..."
CLICK She actually hung up on me.
I am a customer who pays Verizon more than $2000 a year and I get hung up on? I don't think so.
My Eyes Are Now Open
And there it is, the chink in the cable TV armor. Previously, I wouldn't have dreamed of ditching my cable television service.
Thank you Verizon FiOS TV lady. You have snapped me out of my stupor.
If you're with Verizon, look it up. January 30. Scott Jangro in Stow, MA. Whoever that was, she just cost you a TV customer.
$1300/year.
Even recently, friends like @samharrelson and @danielmclark have been lauding their own moves away from cable but it has fallen on deaf ears here. But now I'm going to look into it.
Help Me with this Set Up
So I'm at least going to scope this out.
Right off the bat, I'm assuming this will include an AppleTV set up with Hulu. I'm prepared to purchase an AppleTV for this experiment.
But the Apple TV doesn't have DVR. (right?)
And I'm thinking that we'll want to be able to watch and record network television to get important sport events and PBS.
So that means a Tivo.
Have I got this right? The ultimate cable killing setup includes:
What are the alternatives? If you've been even partly down this road, please share your experiences.