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I am currently paying close $160 for internet, cable and telephone. I do not use the telephone and I watch regular television, Bravo and HGTV. I understand there are options such as Hulu and Netflix but I am not sure how it all works. I really need to reduce this bill as much as possible. Any ideas?
Ditch the cable completely if you are really trying to cut. I've been without cable before and I didn't miss it that much. I had Hulu Plus which I think is 7.99 a month and Netflix instant watch (not the DVD plan) which I think is also 7.99 a month. I also purchased some "bunny ears" for around 20 bucks, so I was able to get the basic channels for free. You can probably even get some of the HGTV and Bravo shows on Netflix.
Yes, all the "streaming" services like Hulu and Netflix run off of your internet connection. You can buy a Roku device that hooks up to your TV and get tons of different programs besides Hulu and Netflix. Don't forget you can also get over-the-air HDTV for all your regular network stations for free. You just need an antenna.
If you cut your cable and phone, you might consider upgrading to a higher internet speed.
I also purchased some "bunny ears" for around 20 bucks, so I was able to get the basic channels for free.
Here is an offer from my cable company for new customers
$39.99 is being offered for Digital TV + High Speed internet & Showtime and TMC for additional $5.99
HERE is some of the fine print
A digital converter and modem is required to subscribe to this promotional rate at an additional monthly cost of $10. But they don't tell you that the $10 digital converter does standard definition only. A HD Converter Box is $11.95/mo , and if you want DVR capabilities it is $14.95/mo. Remember that is per TV!
There are five fees, surcharges, and taxes associated with cable. Remember if it says TAX the money goes to the state, but fees and surcharges are just ways of billing you under the advertised rates.
$0.42 State Sales Tax
$2.10 Franchise Fee
$0.06 Regulatory Fee
$3.98 Broadcast TV Surcharge
$1.97 Sports Programming Surcharge
So for two HD televisions you will pay essentially double the $39.99, and then an additional $10 for the next two years.
So if possible, you can still save money if you watch TV via rabbit ears or a flat antenna.
I pay $44 a mo. for high speed internet. I have a Roku, that I think I paid $99.00, a one time fee to stream Netflix onto my TV. Netflix is about $8.00 a mo. Many of the HGTV shows can be seen on the HGTV website or Hulu for free, though you do have to put up with commercials. There's more content that you have time to watch. You really won't miss cable at all and I'm sure you won't miss the $160 a month payments, which is highway robbery. I use a digital antenna for local stations. Quality of the picture is better than cable in my opinion.
I pay $44 a mo. for high speed internet. I have a Roku, that I think I paid $99.00, a one time fee to stream Netflix onto my TV. Netflix is about $8.00 a mo. Many of the HGTV shows can be seen on the HGTV website or Hulu for free, though you do have to put up with commercials. There's more content that you have time to watch. You really won't miss cable at all and I'm sure you won't miss the $160 a month payments, which is highway robbery. I use a digital antenna for local stations. Quality of the picture is better than cable in my opinion.
We ditched our cable in lieu of Netflix but it would be great to see local channels, even though here they are is pretty far away. Where can a digital antenna be purchased & what do they cost? What is their range?
We ditched our cable in lieu of Netflix but it would be great to see local channels, even though here they are is pretty far away. Where can a digital antenna be purchased & what do they cost? What is their range?
You can buy an antenna pretty much anywhere. This is what I've got: Terk : Indoor TV Antennas : LOGTVA It's not very expensive on Amazon. The picture doesn't show the big rabbit ears that extend from it, which are kind of unsightly. I put my antenna inside a fake plant to hide it.
Every antenna I've had has worked better when it's in front of a window, high up enough that when people walk past it, they don't get between the antenna and the window.
If you live in a really remote area, you might need a bigger, outdoor antenna to get a good signal. Personally, I tried the indoor antenna and it was enough for me...otherwise I would have returned it and bought an outdoor one.
We have a Mohu leaf antenna for about $40 bucks that we got on Amazon that works really well. The key to reception is not so much distance as what's in the way. If you live in a relatively flat area it will be ok, but if there are a lot of hills or mountains, that will affect your reception.
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