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dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:07 PM Aug 2014

How many here have cut the cord on tv?

I keep reading different stats on the # of folks who have cut the cord and use no mainstream tv.
Mainstream tv meaning cable/satellite/antenna to get tv channels from stations, not Hulu or streaming.

A 2013 study from GfK estimated that 19 percent of U.S. TV households had broadcast-only reception, up from 14 percent in 2010. Those figures include people who have dropped cable and those who never had it, something common for younger adults.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/25/5128087/tivo-to-make-version-for-those.html#emlnl=Top_Stories%3A_Business_Review

53 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Time expired
I cut the cord more than 3 years ago.
28 (53%)
I cut the cord less than 3 years ago.
14 (26%)
Seriously planning on cutting the cord within the next 12 months.
3 (6%)
Robb is a dingbat.
1 (2%)
Other:
7 (13%)
Show usernames
Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
132 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How many here have cut the cord on tv? (Original Post) dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 OP
cut the cord with one caveat... NRaleighLiberal Aug 2014 #1
What kind of emergency do you foresee that needs pictures, rather than just sound? muriel_volestrangler Aug 2014 #20
HIT'm ! .... HIT'm ! Trajan Aug 2014 #39
It's not snark - I've really never heard of someone having TV for emergencies muriel_volestrangler Aug 2014 #41
Tornado alerts dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #43
Fair enough - I can see the pictures matter for tornados muriel_volestrangler Aug 2014 #45
Definitely for tornadoes avebury Aug 2014 #102
That's the main reason I have a tv -- weather news. LuvNewcastle Aug 2014 #130
tornadoes, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms - very common here. NRaleighLiberal Aug 2014 #99
All I have is my indoor antenna. MadrasT Aug 2014 #96
cable was the first thing to go when i lost my job in 08 fizzgig Aug 2014 #2
Gotta have football.......... raven mad Aug 2014 #26
Nope staying with what I got satellite with ALL the movie channels Exposethefrauds Aug 2014 #3
We do as well. Boudica the Lyoness Aug 2014 #57
I would not go that far but it is less hassle then downloading Exposethefrauds Aug 2014 #66
The poll results will prove that people who don't watch TV tend to ridicule people who do. tridim Aug 2014 #4
Well, now there is a list, so the every stupid "morning joe" thread...we can do a diff via Excel snooper2 Aug 2014 #10
Not to speak for anybody else mythology Aug 2014 #12
Agreed. Where I am it is just too expensive. There is no economy option. GoneFishin Aug 2014 #106
i don't claim to not watch tv fizzgig Aug 2014 #22
We got rid of cable in 2001. I'd only ridicule someone for spending $120 a month on cable bhikkhu Aug 2014 #90
We got rid of cable in 1996 KansDem Aug 2014 #126
you guess there is proof GusBob Aug 2014 #103
I don't have a tv.. but, I certainly don't "ridicule" those who watch what they want to on theirs.. Cha Aug 2014 #116
... mainly use roku.com n/t RKP5637 Aug 2014 #5
I haven't owned a television in 7 years. moriah Aug 2014 #6
Roku for streaming, digital antenna for local stations. tammywammy Aug 2014 #7
Other. Brickbat Aug 2014 #8
"Hell On Wheels" is another great I would really miss...n/t monmouth3 Aug 2014 #13
Netflix has first 3 seasons exboyfil Aug 2014 #31
I put that on my Netflix list, but dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #73
It is available immediately exboyfil Aug 2014 #88
ahh...I see now. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #105
I thought Edith was the dingbat snooper2 Aug 2014 #9
Havent watched since the first night of "shock and awe" GusBob Aug 2014 #11
Our television is a movie player. That's all it does. hunter Aug 2014 #14
I got rid of cable television some years ago, but keep a telly and a digital antenna... LanternWaste Aug 2014 #15
Been 12 years since I had cable Lurks Often Aug 2014 #16
I have YouTube, DU, and the Dewberry Jam Community Radio bookmarked FrodosPet Aug 2014 #17
About Dewberry Jam Community Radio FrodosPet Aug 2014 #19
I am going to check out that station. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #46
I have become a huge fan FrodosPet Aug 2014 #80
Funny story Proud Public Servant Aug 2014 #18
Haha, Proud Public Servant, that almost exactly lovemydog Aug 2014 #49
lol jamzrockz Aug 2014 #85
THAT is funny! dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #122
I just signed up for the first time about two weeks ago. Love it. closeupready Aug 2014 #21
I watch exactly 4 shows: The Ed Schultz Show, Rachel Maddow, The Last Word and Chris Hayes. jwirr Aug 2014 #23
I'm with you. I tried cutting the cord a few months ago and missed MSNBC so much, especially Rachel Stardust Aug 2014 #113
I like to have different views and often they are covering something we are not. I think that TV and jwirr Aug 2014 #120
Those of you who have given up cable/satellite TV are missing some first-rate viewing. Paladin Aug 2014 #24
With terrabytes of downloaded movies, series and what-not... randome Aug 2014 #32
Actually, not. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #124
Other: I miss Robb. Raine1967 Aug 2014 #25
Just got rid of Basic Plus exboyfil Aug 2014 #27
Have cable and internet from the same provider. Agschmid Aug 2014 #28
I cut cable when I got the Internet in 2008. It was a choice between cable and the Internet so Louisiana1976 Aug 2014 #29
Been about a decade now. i don't miss it Scootaloo Aug 2014 #30
Other. You can pry the remote from my cold dead fingers. rock Aug 2014 #33
"too dramatic?" dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #47
Nope. This probably the best time in history Codeine Aug 2014 #34
DVR deserves and award for how it broadens tv viewing. Inkfreak Aug 2014 #37
. Little Star Aug 2014 #40
Tv is an asset. Inkfreak Aug 2014 #35
Cut the cord on TV? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Aug 2014 #36
Why should I? brooklynite Aug 2014 #38
Because cable costs a fucking fortune BainsBane Aug 2014 #42
You are paying too much. Agschmid Aug 2014 #55
That was with the cut. At one point is was over $220. BainsBane Aug 2014 #71
Wow. More people need to YouTube it! Agschmid Aug 2014 #74
I pay $60/month for expanded basic Iris Aug 2014 #93
I have basic cable with Comcast - $29.00/mo 840high Aug 2014 #110
Argument number 3: lovemydog Aug 2014 #50
Agree totally. It wouldn't be bad if there was news outside cable. Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2014 #84
You can't be serious? BainsBane Aug 2014 #97
I miss HBO and AMC PasadenaTrudy Aug 2014 #44
Drfited away in the mid-70's. bikebloke Aug 2014 #48
TV Free Since 2001 cantbeserious Aug 2014 #51
I don't own a tv Sanity Claws Aug 2014 #52
That's definitely cutting the cord. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #59
I admire your frugality! Sanity Claws Aug 2014 #60
Here... hunter Aug 2014 #111
I did go back last year, for a year, because they offered it to me for free... cbdo2007 Aug 2014 #53
We've never had cable, do have rabbit ears. Shrike47 Aug 2014 #54
I don't understand why anyone would want to do that these days Boudica the Lyoness Aug 2014 #56
Aljazeera docs are online also. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #65
We got free cable for almost a decade XemaSab Aug 2014 #58
No cable or anything, but still get over-the-air local channels for PBS and a few good shows. pampango Aug 2014 #61
Me, too. GoCubsGo Aug 2014 #91
I like TV Blue_In_AK Aug 2014 #62
I cut the cord around 40 years ago. Kill Your Television. nt Zorra Aug 2014 #63
Considering it. moondust Aug 2014 #64
ahh..the teases...I had forgotten about them. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #68
Shock and Awe was ugly. moondust Aug 2014 #69
And Blitzer walking around the props and screens on stage like a demented ringmaster. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #72
Never had cable, satellite, etc. Ms. Toad Aug 2014 #67
Ionly cut my cable TV line jamzrockz Aug 2014 #70
Yes, you count. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #79
Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own A Television kentauros Aug 2014 #75
What is his DU handle? FrodosPet Aug 2014 #82
Not sure. kentauros Aug 2014 #83
The 25 yr old Trinitron passed on; I cut the cable... Eleanors38 Aug 2014 #76
I like some of the stuff that runs through the cord and plan to keep it. BlueJazz Aug 2014 #77
Never had cable tv, always use an antenna, and have had broadcast TV. only..ever.... Stuart G Aug 2014 #78
I love TV. SamKnause Aug 2014 #81
Me, too! Iris Aug 2014 #92
Witness History - Love the Arts earthside Aug 2014 #129
I have dumped my satellite.. sendero Aug 2014 #86
I use mine more as a large computer monitor than as a TV. Initech Aug 2014 #87
You put your finger on another incentive I had to dump my tv dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #98
I just got a new computer monitor for like $170. Initech Aug 2014 #100
No tv since 2001 bhikkhu Aug 2014 #89
I cut the cord because I was flat broke at the time Budgies Revenge Aug 2014 #94
I don't cut the cord totally but don't watch much treestar Aug 2014 #95
No plans to cut the cord--there would be a mutiny in my household. MADem Aug 2014 #101
No WAY these percentages are correct maced666 Aug 2014 #104
I may bitch about the slow DSL dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #107
Gave up it in 1980... 2naSalit Aug 2014 #108
Cord cut in 1975. greendog Aug 2014 #109
After I started grad school I had no time for TV... Adsos Letter Aug 2014 #112
I'd cut it in a heartbeat if it weren't for other family members Live and Learn Aug 2014 #114
I hear that. dixiegrrrrl Aug 2014 #127
I have been TV free at three different times in my life, SheilaT Aug 2014 #115
No way, it's our entertainment. B Calm Aug 2014 #117
Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Al Jazeera tiredtoo Aug 2014 #118
Me. Ages ago, about 10 years ago, really. sibelian Aug 2014 #119
Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own a Television joeglow3 Aug 2014 #121
He never cheats on his diet, either. randome Aug 2014 #123
Other: I got back and forth depending on my ability to convince my SO to keep it cut. nt. Hosnon Aug 2014 #125
Cut the cable cord a month ago loyalsister Aug 2014 #128
I have Dish for the movie channels - the offerings get worse and worse aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #131
I love tv IcyPeas Aug 2014 #132

NRaleighLiberal

(59,940 posts)
1. cut the cord with one caveat...
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:11 PM
Aug 2014

we have basic for 14.00 per month, but never turn it on - just for local emergency situations. Our TV is for ChromeCast/Netflix streaming and DVD movies only!

about 6 years ago for us. Our mood jumped an infinite amount.

muriel_volestrangler

(101,152 posts)
20. What kind of emergency do you foresee that needs pictures, rather than just sound?
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:55 PM
Aug 2014

$168 a year, just in case some emergency happens that needs TV rather than radio? The cable company must love you. I really can't imagine what you're thinking of. I presume there is not broadcast TV signal where you are, but if you can have cable, surely there's radio reception?

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
43. Tornado alerts
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:12 PM
Aug 2014

and hurricane news.

during bad storms, one turns to a local station, where, down here in the South, the weather guy is showing radar, with very good accuracy.
And they can and do tell you when a tornado is heading your way.


muriel_volestrangler

(101,152 posts)
45. Fair enough - I can see the pictures matter for tornados
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:16 PM
Aug 2014

though I'd think words from local radio are sufficient for hurricanes.

avebury

(10,946 posts)
102. Definitely for tornadoes
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 10:25 PM
Aug 2014

I remember watching the approaching tornado one time when I lived in Midwest City, OK and knew that if it hit my house I could just kiss my butt good bye.

LuvNewcastle

(16,820 posts)
130. That's the main reason I have a tv -- weather news.
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 12:21 PM
Aug 2014

I don't have cable, though, just rabbit ears. I occasionally watch a show; I like that Sherlock Holmes show. But that's about it.

NRaleighLiberal

(59,940 posts)
99. tornadoes, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms - very common here.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 10:19 PM
Aug 2014

To put in perspective. 14.00 per month. What is that - 3 coffees at Starbuck? Well, we each make our own choices - I certainly wouldn't judge yours. I roast my own coffee beans, we don't eat out - grow lots of what we eat.

Anyway - whatever.

MadrasT

(7,237 posts)
96. All I have is my indoor antenna.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:50 PM
Aug 2014

I get half a dozen channels. Otherwise I watch DVDs. Box sets or series I buy by the season. Once in a while I download stuff from iTunes and plug my iPod into the teevee. I binge watched Hoarders that way.

I like teevee but I am too cheap to have cable/satellite, and I don't have a regular internet connection at home either only a Verizon mobile hotspot so any kind of extensive streaming is out because it chews through my data plan too fast.

fizzgig

(24,146 posts)
2. cable was the first thing to go when i lost my job in 08
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:12 PM
Aug 2014

it was included in our rent at the last place, but we haven't paid for cable since. i just need my husband to dig the digital converter box out of storage so i can watch football.

 

Exposethefrauds

(531 posts)
66. I would not go that far but it is less hassle then downloading
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 05:44 PM
Aug 2014

Every time I want to watch something

My big beef with cable and sat is that non sports viewers are subsidizing sports viewers which is wrong, make the sports fans pay full price and leave the test of us alone.



tridim

(45,358 posts)
4. The poll results will prove that people who don't watch TV tend to ridicule people who do.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:14 PM
Aug 2014

My guess is that half the people who claim to not watch TV, watch TV.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
10. Well, now there is a list, so the every stupid "morning joe" thread...we can do a diff via Excel
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:25 PM
Aug 2014

LOL




 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
12. Not to speak for anybody else
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:26 PM
Aug 2014

But I cut the cable cord because it wasn't worth the cost, especially with other worth organizations like my student loans who want my money. It's not that I don't watch tv, but I can get what I want via Netflix or Hulu, and on my schedule.

I'm not opposed to having cable, nor do I feel any need to look down on those who do. I have no idea why many of my friends watch American Ninja Warrior, but if they enjoy it, why should I or anybody else care?

bhikkhu

(10,708 posts)
90. We got rid of cable in 2001. I'd only ridicule someone for spending $120 a month on cable
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:20 PM
Aug 2014

...and then complaining about being broke all the time (a couple former co-workers of mine fit the bill). I simply don't see the value in the programming. We always had movies and so forth, sometimes rentals, some garage sale finds for the kids, but I can't imagine sitting and watching the networks and commercials and all that.

KansDem

(28,498 posts)
126. We got rid of cable in 1996
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 11:39 AM
Aug 2014

For basically three reasons:
1. Our cable-provider announced a rate increase;
2. Our cable-provider announced it would be eliminating C-Span3 (I was watching all three quite often);
3. My wife and I were watching only about 2-3 channels (Nick at Night, AMC, and one other that I've can't remember)

We decided to drop cable. Haven't missed it since.

I did start compiling at the time a classic-movie collection and now have over 200 movies on DVD from the 1920s to now. We'll watch a couple a week for our evening's entertainment.

Cha

(295,903 posts)
116. I don't have a tv.. but, I certainly don't "ridicule" those who watch what they want to on theirs..
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 04:42 AM
Aug 2014

my one "caveat" would be to not get sucked in my corporatemediawhoredom. I stopped that in 2002 even though I kept a tv until 2010.

moriah

(8,311 posts)
6. I haven't owned a television in 7 years.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:18 PM
Aug 2014

I still watch my TV shows by streaming them, but I watch it by choice rather than by default -- it used to be always on when I had one. I found I really didn't miss it when the one I had broke, so just never replaced it.

I like finding old shows online that you don't see broadcast on television anymore.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
8. Other.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:20 PM
Aug 2014

We keep our TV and satellite to watch live sporting events, Endeavour and Sherlock. We live in a rural area where it's next to impossible to stream video.

GusBob

(7,286 posts)
11. Havent watched since the first night of "shock and awe"
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:26 PM
Aug 2014

march 2003. Did they ever find all those WMDs the networks were lying to us about?

No I don't get all holier than thou about it. too busy reading books

but this time of year with the emmies awards, I always contemplate: just what are these shows?

hunter

(38,264 posts)
14. Our television is a movie player. That's all it does.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:30 PM
Aug 2014

No television commercials, no television news, no television broadcasts.

I have no idea "what's on television" and I don't care.

If I missed a movie I wanted to see at the theater it will eventually come around to the Redbox. Sometimes we will buy new DVDs. We have a huge family library of DVD movies that we trade about, just like we trade books. I like to find movies and books in thrift stores.

I get my news from our somewhat reliable local papers and somewhat reliable internet sources. News is always twisted by media, but television news tends to be so twisted it no longer reflects any reality. Television news is a propaganda tool here in the U.S.A..

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
15. I got rid of cable television some years ago, but keep a telly and a digital antenna...
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:32 PM
Aug 2014

I got rid of cable television some years ago, but keep a telly and a digital antenna in my living room for PBS on Sunday nights.

 

Lurks Often

(5,455 posts)
16. Been 12 years since I had cable
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:39 PM
Aug 2014

and in my area, without cable all you get are a couple of channels that don't come in very well.

I still buy DVD's and play them on the TV, but that's it.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
17. I have YouTube, DU, and the Dewberry Jam Community Radio bookmarked
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:40 PM
Aug 2014
http://www.am1670.org/

I'm good for electronic entertainment without reaching any deeper in my pocket.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
19. About Dewberry Jam Community Radio
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:43 PM
Aug 2014

AM1670 provides live on-air personalities on weekday mornings and most evening hours. Our show hosts give time and effort providing listeners with the entertainment value lacking from the radio airwaves in today’s sterile broadcast environment. Some see us as an underground radio station. We see it as the way radio was intended to be.

Contrasting common variety formats, this station airs and supports local, regional and independent music and often feature vintage LPs on tube analog equipment. We advantage our live shows by opening up the phone lines to our musical guests, to our listeners and engaging the audience with banter in our chatroom. Musical guests, songwriters and recording artists regularly stop in during artist features to participate with listeners. We consider ourselves a community.

The genesis of this station revolved around recognizing the variety of eclectic music and its availability on the Internet and Social Networks. We strive to serve as a one-stop for those unique sources of entertainment. Most importantly, this station belongs to you, the listener.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
80. I have become a huge fan
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 08:16 PM
Aug 2014

Where else are you gonna find David Alan Coe, Ry Cooder, The Rolling Stone, The Byrds, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and a lot of independent and unsigned artists on the same station on the commercial radio dial?

Proud Public Servant

(2,097 posts)
18. Funny story
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 02:40 PM
Aug 2014

Several years ago, I called Comcast and told them I wanted to cut the cord. The guy on the phone -- who was very nice and professional, and pretty much the opposite of the guy on the now-infamous Comcast call -- told me that I was getting discounts on my cable and internet because they were bundled together, and asked if he could run some numbers for me. "Sure," I said, and he gave me two options:

Internet alone: $69.95
Internet plus basic cable: $70.30

Basic cable for 35 cents/month? So much for cutting the cord.

Two years later, though, I tried to cut the cord again. It's not like I couldn't afford cable now; we were just trying to de-clutter and wanted the cable box and remote out of our lives. So I called again -- and got offered $10/month off my bill if I kept cable. That led to this true exchange:

"You realize that internet alone would cost me more than the deal you're offering me on internet plus cable right?"
"That's correct."
"So essentially you would be paying me $9.65/month to have cable TV?"
"I guess we would be."
"Done."

Still haven't cut the cord. I guess I'm waiting to see if I can get Comcast to pay my mortgage.

lovemydog

(11,833 posts)
49. Haha, Proud Public Servant, that almost exactly
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:25 PM
Aug 2014

what I did! I actually got a friendly comcast representative too. She understood what I was saying - that I wanted to keep high speed internet but had no use for crappy commercial television. We chatted a bit while she checked on something. Then she upgraded my internet to high-speed, kept the basic cable and lowered my bill considerably. I was previously paying way too much, like $130/month for both. Now I'm paying around $70/month. It's still a high price but comcast is the only provider in my area that gives good fairly reliable high speed internet. I'm now paying less that I would if I had gotten rid of all cable. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of comcast and/or monopolistic practices by any large corporation. But I pick and choose my battles. I don't watch traditional tv much at all any more. But it's nice if cspan airs a state of the union address or for televised debates for governor or congress. And I'm still considering maybe getting the nfl network, or some kind of soccer channel, if a friend feels like coming over to visit enough to justify that cost.

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
85. lol
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 08:42 PM
Aug 2014

I didn't get anything close to what you got but I got offered a 35% off my cable and internet bundle if I kept the cable. It was about $26 off and I rejected it and just kept the $30 internet connection. I still get mail from the company offering me discounts if I reconnected.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
122. THAT is funny!
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 11:05 AM
Aug 2014

Sorta the same reason we keep our landline which is bundled with our dsl.
I called to see the dsl only price, it was only 10.00 a month cheaper than what we are paying now for both.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
23. I watch exactly 4 shows: The Ed Schultz Show, Rachel Maddow, The Last Word and Chris Hayes.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:22 PM
Aug 2014

Don't plan to cur them out as I enjoy them.

Stardust

(3,894 posts)
113. I'm with you. I tried cutting the cord a few months ago and missed MSNBC so much, especially Rachel
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 01:45 AM
Aug 2014

I know they podcast her shows, but it's just not the same (and they don't seem quite as current.). I listen to hours of progressive podcasts every day, but it's a treat to have the visuals, too. Network news and PBS just don't cut it for me.

I also enjoy much of AMC's original programming. So many of the cable networks are coming out with their own shows and some aren't half bad (faint praise, I know.) Even the networks have some great shows. Couldn't completely cut the cord because I couldn't bear to lose the DVR. Despise commercials but love TV. Here on DU, however, enjoying TV is looked upon as cretinous.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
120. I like to have different views and often they are covering something we are not. I think that TV and
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 09:45 AM
Aug 2014

Cable have a lot to offer in entertainment but I do not have the time to watch. One thing that I really do hate is children's programing. A small portion of it is educational but most of it - especially the programing for children over 10 is nothing but dumb down programing. I know about the children's programing because I baby sit all my grand children. I have gotten very good at turning it out.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
32. With terrabytes of downloaded movies, series and what-not...
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:42 PM
Aug 2014

...why try to accumulate more? You can readily have enough variety that if you watch it end-to-end, you will likely never reach that 2nd end.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Aspire to inspire.[/center][/font][hr]

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
124. Actually, not.
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 11:14 AM
Aug 2014

TV shows are available from a lot of online sources, and from Netflix.
I can watch the previous night's Daily Show, and Rachel, for instance, online.

Haven't missed an episode of The Big Bang Theory since it started.

There are tons of sites that discuss, preview, what's on tv, to keep us in the loop.


exboyfil

(17,857 posts)
27. Just got rid of Basic Plus
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:39 PM
Aug 2014

and scaled down to basic (saving $360/yr). I would go all the way to antenna, but I could not get my wife to agree to it (several stations are 60 to 70 miles away).

Agschmid

(28,749 posts)
28. Have cable and internet from the same provider.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:39 PM
Aug 2014

Own an Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon TV... yeah I know I like to cover my bases.

Louisiana1976

(3,962 posts)
29. I cut cable when I got the Internet in 2008. It was a choice between cable and the Internet so
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:40 PM
Aug 2014

cable had to go.

 

Scootaloo

(25,699 posts)
30. Been about a decade now. i don't miss it
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:40 PM
Aug 2014

I follow a few shows online - Vikings, the Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Avatar / Korra, and anything featuring Anthony Bourdain or Gordon Ramsay - but other than that? Not squat.

I quit mostly because of the utter inanity of commercials.

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
34. Nope. This probably the best time in history
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:49 PM
Aug 2014

for quality television programming. I see no need to get rid of it, I just use the DVR to watch it selectively. If I only watch the wheat why should I get worked up about all the chaff?

Inkfreak

(1,695 posts)
37. DVR deserves and award for how it broadens tv viewing.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:55 PM
Aug 2014

And I couldn't agree with you anymore about the programming these days. The game has risen tremendously.

Inkfreak

(1,695 posts)
35. Tv is an asset.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:52 PM
Aug 2014

If you cut the cord because you use a computer more often, then I completely understand. If you cut the cord and declare "tv is junk" then you never watched the good stuff. I adore nature shows, science shows, and some of the best dramas ever have been appearing on cable. And i cannot express my love for HD sports enough!! I love my tv.

Erich Bloodaxe BSN

(14,733 posts)
36. Cut the cord on TV?
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:54 PM
Aug 2014

I've still got a landline and a desktop. I'm not even near to thinking about cutting the TV cord.

brooklynite

(93,851 posts)
38. Why should I?
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 03:57 PM
Aug 2014

The only two reasons I hear are:

1) the holier than thou "TV is crap, and I have more time for other things in life" argument. Well, you're welcome to do it, but I have an enjoyable personal and professional life and still enjoy programs on TV

2) The "cable companies are ripping us off, and I can watch online" argument. Yes, you can, but the free viewing you get is limited and behind schedule (don't expect me to fill you in on what happened Sunday on "The Walking Dead", and you're eliminating the profit element which ultimately pays the salaries of the actors directors and (UNION) stagehands.

BainsBane

(53,001 posts)
42. Because cable costs a fucking fortune
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:07 PM
Aug 2014

That's why I cut it. $200 x12 months is $2400 a year. I'm done being fleeced.

Agschmid

(28,749 posts)
55. You are paying too much.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:47 PM
Aug 2014

We get comcast with HBO, internet and phone for $99/mo I am in Mass.

You have to call to negotiate the rate, sure it's not easy and it takes an hour but that hour save me about $1000 a year. Well worth it in my book.

BainsBane

(53,001 posts)
71. That was with the cut. At one point is was over $220.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 07:06 PM
Aug 2014

They insist you have to have internet and telephone bundled to save money. I paid for the phone even though I only use a cell phone. Naturally the 150 a month they swore was the price came to 200. I ended up owing $330 for past due. I said enough. Then they tried to charge me for the period the cable was cut off and sent me a bill for over 700. Fuck the evil Comcast. No way.

BainsBane

(53,001 posts)
97. You can't be serious?
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:50 PM
Aug 2014

That crap is not news. It's nothing but noise and entertainment. You can listen to podcasts of NPR, PRI, Democracy Now, BBC, and CBC online. Probably Al Jazeera too. There is nothing on cable "news" worth seeing.

PasadenaTrudy

(3,998 posts)
44. I miss HBO and AMC
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:14 PM
Aug 2014

I have no idea how I'm going to watch Better Call Saul next year. I'm hoping I can stream episodes from iTunes or something.

bikebloke

(5,260 posts)
48. Drfited away in the mid-70's.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:23 PM
Aug 2014

I'll watch the odd series via disque after reading reviews. A weekend thing. Plus Netflix disques on Saturday night. My set is an old analog that works fine with a player. When not in use, it sits unplugged in the corner under dust cloth.

Sanity Claws

(21,822 posts)
52. I don't own a tv
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:35 PM
Aug 2014

The last one I had was pre-digital. I just never got the converter for the little tv and just got rid of it.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
59. That's definitely cutting the cord.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:52 PM
Aug 2014

I dumped the tvs a few years ago, saving 70.00 a month
and Mr. Dixie dumped his cell phone plan, got one of those "buy the minutes" phones, we saved another 50.00 a month.

A dear friend turned me onto e-books, many are free to download and read via Calibre reader.
Now we find we have so much to read and watch via the internet that we have run out of time for it all!

Sanity Claws

(21,822 posts)
60. I admire your frugality!
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:56 PM
Aug 2014

Tell me about Calibre reader. I never heard of it.

Thus far, I have not indulged in an e-reader but am considering it because it would be easier to download a book (free) than to go to the library. A month or two ago, I ran out of books to read because I couldn't get to the public library. I don't want that to happen again.

hunter

(38,264 posts)
111. Here...
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 12:01 AM
Aug 2014
http://calibre-ebook.com

It's a reader for multiple platforms, and does quite a lot more.

A good forum for all things ebook is:

http://www.mobileread.com

I've become very fond of ebooks.

cbdo2007

(9,213 posts)
53. I did go back last year, for a year, because they offered it to me for free...
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:35 PM
Aug 2014

so I couldn't resist. I was changing my internet provider and they offered me some family plan for a year for free (it was actually $15 per month cheaper than just getting internet, so they essentially paid me to have it)....but after the year contract was up, it confirmed to us that we don't watch it at all, so we cancelled again. There are a few shows we miss....mainly for the kids (like Yo Gabba Gabba) but we still have found plenty for them to watch on Netflix and Youtube.

Shrike47

(6,913 posts)
54. We've never had cable, do have rabbit ears.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:46 PM
Aug 2014

I've been thinking about cable, though, because we can't get our local college football games otherwise.

 

Boudica the Lyoness

(2,899 posts)
56. I don't understand why anyone would want to do that these days
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:49 PM
Aug 2014

There are so many really good channels/programs on. I just watched this program about Scottish Independence on Aljazeera America. I don't know where I could have got that in depth coverage with video anywhere else.

We have Direct TV and subscribe to most to the channels. It's expensive but well worth it.

I think many people, when they watch TV, are drawn to the rubbish programs like The Kardashians and Big Brother etc and that's where things go wrong ..... as in 'Shit For Brains'..

I love informative documentaries and all those commercial free movies.

PS there's even DOG TV now for the doggies to watch.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
65. Aljazeera docs are online also.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 05:21 PM
Aug 2014

You tube has an amazing range of docs and some movies.
Then there is BBC radio, which has great plays...
We do indeed live in a world of vast options.

XemaSab

(60,212 posts)
58. We got free cable for almost a decade
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 04:50 PM
Aug 2014

(long story)

6 months ago they pulled the cord on it, and it's been Netflix and DVDs ever since.

I am totally fine with this.

pampango

(24,692 posts)
61. No cable or anything, but still get over-the-air local channels for PBS and a few good shows.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 05:03 PM
Aug 2014

And use the TV for netflix and other things.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
91. Me, too.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:32 PM
Aug 2014

I mostly watch PBS and the retro TV channels. Also the local news. I had forgotten how goofy some of those old TV shows were back in the late 1960s. I'd love some of what the writers of "Mr. Ed" were smoking when they came up with some of those episodes.

moondust

(19,917 posts)
64. Considering it.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 05:18 PM
Aug 2014

I'm basically tired of the commercials, the teases, more commercials, more teases, more commercials... How long before it's all commercials all the time?

Isn't there a limit on how much airtime a broadcasting company can sell to commercial advertisers?

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
68. ahh..the teases...I had forgotten about them.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 06:30 PM
Aug 2014

Irritating as hell.
The rules about commercials have changed a lot over the years.
There was a time they were limited to 2-3 a show. Last time I watched tv, they were filling about 15 minutes of a 60 minute show.
Then the graphics appeared, so that the screen was filled with little messages, and banners at the bottom, and pretty soon about 1/3 of the screen area was being used for that stuff DURING shows.

I actually gave up when CNN was salivating about Shock And Awe....
" We are going to attack Iraq and CNN will bring it to you LIVE!!!"
and off to a graphic and discussion about how "bunker busters worked".
Could not be clearer that they were a tool.

moondust

(19,917 posts)
69. Shock and Awe was ugly.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 06:44 PM
Aug 2014

I knew that under that green glow of night vision showing Baghdad exploding were a lot of innocent people losing their limbs and lives.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
72. And Blitzer walking around the props and screens on stage like a demented ringmaster.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 07:11 PM
Aug 2014

Last time I ever turned on CNN.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
67. Never had cable, satellite, etc.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 05:52 PM
Aug 2014

When they converted to all digital a few years ago that pretty much wiped out everything but "All Jesus, all the time" stations and a few that play reruns, since we're too far from the stations.

So, although I occasionally watch the reruns - it is the same stuff I watch on Netflix.

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
70. Ionly cut my cable TV line
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 06:47 PM
Aug 2014

I still have Netflix, Blue ray and PS3 that I watch with my TV. Do I count in option #1?

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
79. Yes, you count.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 07:59 PM
Aug 2014

I was interested in how many had cut cable/antenna/Dish.
the kind of broadcasting that only comcast will be doing, from the looks of it.

Lots of people hold onto the tvs for screens for Roku, other downloaded tv shows.

One of these days advertisers are going to figure out the captive audience is shrinking.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
75. Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own A Television
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 07:34 PM
Aug 2014
[font size="4"]Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own A Television[/font]

News • television • people • human interest • ISSUE 36•04 • Feb 9, 2000

CHAPEL HILL, NC–Area resident Jonathan Green does not own a television, a fact he repeatedly points out to friends, family, and coworkers–as well as to his mailman, neighborhood convenience-store clerks, and the man who cleans the hallways in his apartment building.

"I, personally, would rather spend my time doing something useful than watch television," Green told a random woman Monday at the Suds 'N' Duds Laundromat, noticing the establishment's wall-mounted TV. "I don't even own one."

According to Melinda Elkins, a coworker of Green's at The Frame Job, a Chapel Hill picture-frame shop, Green steers the conversation toward television whenever possible, just so he can mention not owning one.

"A few days ago, (store manager) Annette (Haig) was saying her new contacts were bothering her," Elkins said. "The second she said that, I knew Jonathan would pounce. He was like, 'I didn't know you had contacts, Annette. Are your eyes bad? That a shame. I'm really lucky to have almost perfect vision. I'm guessing it's because I don't watch TV. In fact, I don't even own one."

(more at link)



from The Onion, of course
 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
76. The 25 yr old Trinitron passed on; I cut the cable...
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 07:36 PM
Aug 2014

Moved a mammoth 24" cathode ray tube RCA in (Free!), looking around for a free/cheap digital box, an antenna and uni remote. So I guess I'm "other," but it's Free. Back to the 50s!

Stuart G

(38,359 posts)
78. Never had cable tv, always use an antenna, and have had broadcast TV. only..ever....
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 07:45 PM
Aug 2014

Tell me...is there anything else on besides old eps of Star Trek, and Barney Miller????

oh, I forgot new eps of Judge Judy...AND yes, I get good reception on..are you ready?? about 30 stations..maybe more..
and that is enuf..

SamKnause

(13,042 posts)
81. I love TV.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 08:18 PM
Aug 2014

I have had cable, or satellite since 1980.

I currently have DirecTV.

I get more then my monies worth.

The programming has really surged forward in quality and originality.

There are excellent documentaries available.

Link TV has Democracy Now and excellent documentaries, interviews, speeches, and debates.

I do not get my news from the msm, so that is not an issue.

Great comedy shows; The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, HBO Real Time; Bill Maher, HBO John Oliver's; Last Week Tonight.

I haven't been on a vacation since 1986.

The last time I went to the movies was in 1993.

I go years without setting foot in a restaurant.

I consider DirecTV my entertainment budget.

I have had Agoraphobia since 2007.

That definitely puts TV in the pros list for me.



Iris

(15,632 posts)
92. Me, too!
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:35 PM
Aug 2014

There's a lot of good available on tv these days. Why throw the baby out with the bathwater?

earthside

(6,960 posts)
129. Witness History - Love the Arts
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 12:15 PM
Aug 2014

Television has allowed me to witness ...

The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.
The historic first inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

I saw the fall of the Berlin Wall on TV.
The devastation of hurricane Katrina.

I saw live the destruction of thew second World Trade Center tower on September 11.

I've seen in real-time virtually every presidential debate since 1976.
And many U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative and governor election debates and forums over the past 40 years.

I am old enough to have watched Walter Cronkite announce the death of President Kennedy on TV.
And the Kennedy funeral.

I saw live the first man set foot on the moon.
And two space shuttle disaster.

Now, I can watch all the movies of Luis Bunuel through Netflix or DVD on television ... and the art of Hitchcock, Goddard, Kubrick, Renoir, Truffaut, Lang, Lubitsch, Fellini, etc.

Television is a wondrous technology -- denying it is like denying the marvels of advanced, high-tech medicine.

Judgement, discretion, self-control -- as with anything in life is what makes how an individual handles television programing either a curse or a blessing.

sendero

(28,552 posts)
86. I have dumped my satellite..
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 08:45 PM
Aug 2014

... and don't have cable either.

I have Amazon Prime, about $7 a month, and Hulu Plus for $8 a month. Those, along with the ocassional streaming movie rental provide all the video entertainment I could ever use.

Oh, also I do use Roku so there a numerous lesser free channels, like Crackle, Indie Plus, etc to help out. Highly recommend the Roku.

Initech

(99,914 posts)
87. I use mine more as a large computer monitor than as a TV.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 08:50 PM
Aug 2014

Although I'm finding my LED monitor easier on the eyes.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
98. You put your finger on another incentive I had to dump my tv
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:54 PM
Aug 2014

We had the older tvs, and one day I got an LED flatscreen monitor.
I was amazed at how much better I could SEE on the thing.
The tv screen was hard to watch after that.

i sure can see how those flat screen tvs are nice to watch, tho.

Initech

(99,914 posts)
100. I just got a new computer monitor for like $170.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 10:19 PM
Aug 2014

And it was definitely worth every penny - a lot easier on my eyes and a lot easier on my neck.

bhikkhu

(10,708 posts)
89. No tv since 2001
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:15 PM
Aug 2014

though we always had movies on DVD and so forth, and now we have netflix. Raising kids without tv was just fine.

Budgies Revenge

(216 posts)
94. I cut the cord because I was flat broke at the time
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:43 PM
Aug 2014

I could afford cable now, but apparently I'm too cheap. Honestly, I do miss it sometimes...but then I think about all the channels I never watched and the amount of money I paid for them.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
95. I don't cut the cord totally but don't watch much
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 09:46 PM
Aug 2014

And no news. I don't think any of them are trying to inform.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
101. No plans to cut the cord--there would be a mutiny in my household.
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 10:24 PM
Aug 2014

The soporific tones of the television soothe many a savage breast around these parts!

It's also a cheap way to entertain a lotta people.

 

maced666

(771 posts)
104. No WAY these percentages are correct
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 10:28 PM
Aug 2014

The non cord cutters just aren't responding as frequent as those of us that have.
They blew up my internet/cable bill to 175 - I cut.
They tried to go down to 120 - I said TOO LATE.
I now have a 40 buck Internet bill and stream everything.
6 months now.
With a few borrowed cable subscribers passwords. (!)

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
107. I may bitch about the slow DSL
Wed Aug 27, 2014, 11:04 PM
Aug 2014

from our backwards Internet provider
but it only costs 40.00 a month PLUS no usage caps.
We can and do download to our heart's content, and there are plenty of ways to get content.

Adsos Letter

(19,459 posts)
112. After I started grad school I had no time for TV...
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 12:54 AM
Aug 2014

...and as time went on I lost any desire to restart the habit.

It's been a blessing in about 10,000 different ways.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
127. I hear that.
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 11:41 AM
Aug 2014

Mr. Dixie grew up in So. Cal. and always had a tv.
My family lived in rural areas and we only had sporadic tv as I was growing up.

He agreed to a trial run with the tvs left off, and found he did not miss them at all, that our puters were very good at providing what we wanted.

I was happy at the money we saved, and with the quiet in the rest of the house.

Luckily, we are not sports fans.



 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
115. I have been TV free at three different times in my life,
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 04:26 AM
Aug 2014

most recently since 2008.

I have Netflix and basic Hulu, and many networks stream various programs, so I am hardly deprived of the programming I want. Someone who cares a lot about sports probably needs cable or at least a decent antenna.

Whenever breaking news of some kind happens, the local TV stations invariably go to live streaming, and it's usually better than the network version. When some important news happens, I do a quick google for the local TV stations, and there you have it.

The best thing is that I don't see very many commercials, other than on Hulu. That's particularly wonderful in an election year. Almost as good is that I don't get the stupid wall-to-wall coverage of unimportant things, such as the death of some has-been rock star pedophile. In case the reference is a bit obscure, it was about a year after Michael Jackson died that I realized the networks had gone to wall-to-wall coverage of his death. Really? He was that important? I don't think so.

My most important point is that by not having TV, I'm far less influenced by the media than many others are. Far less. It does sometimes make me a bit disconnected from things, but I'd rather that than thinking bullshit is important.

sibelian

(7,804 posts)
119. Me. Ages ago, about 10 years ago, really.
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 07:58 AM
Aug 2014

Not through any great revelation, I just lost interest. If I want to see a series I'll borrow the boxed set off someone. I get news off teh Interwebs.

With the possible exception of David Attenborough's work and Dr Who, of course...
 

randome

(34,845 posts)
123. He never cheats on his diet, either.
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 11:07 AM
Aug 2014

And he exercises every day. Religiously. Except sometimes.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]"The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it."
Tony Randall, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)
[/center][/font][hr]

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
131. I have Dish for the movie channels - the offerings get worse and worse
Thu Aug 28, 2014, 01:00 PM
Aug 2014

I've noticed a steady decline in the variety and quality of the movies over the years. I've been a Dish customer since 2001 with the "All America" package that includes just about everything. Now I just can't find good movies on except maybe for TCM. They keep replaying and replaying the same old chestnuts. Although prices keep going up, the variety keeps going down. Now you rarely see anything fairly recent. They seem to be investing less and less money in acquiring movies to show. I'm fed up and every time I pay my bill lately, I vow to cut the service as I find myself watching youtube instead of the piss poor variety on the Dish network movie channels.

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