Dumping cable...want to get HULU for $7.99 a month but.... (best, value)

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Okay, it's about that time to dump cable.

I pay 40 bucks a month just for the 10 local channels and then $60 a month for the high speed internet...It's ridiculous and its time...

And did I mention HULU Plus is $7.99 a month?

So here is my dilema.

I LOVE the idea of all these HULU shows you can get but...

I actually like watching the local news every day.

That's the ONLY thing I would miss when I dump cable. It's the one thing that connects me to what's going on outside...

Otherwise, I really dig being able to watch stuff like: One Step Beyond, tons of old like : Lost in Space, lol!

So what do you suggest to watch local news? Watch it on the computer?

Does anyone here have HULU and what do you like or dislike about it?

OBTW: I am keeping the high speed internet. That is critical for my work...

[flyonpa]

Few things to think about: You can put put a antenna and pick up your local chans. Depending on how far you are from them,

Map it: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Welcome.aspx


Most Internet connection limit you to 200GB a month of bandwidth. If you go over watching to much hulu you will be hit with overage fees, or have to upgrade your internet connection. Hulu a 45m SD show will be around 250Mb HD run round 6GB/HR
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[Emeraldmaiden]

Try your local channels' websites. Many stream their shows; I know ours do.

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Originally Posted by Emeraldmaiden

Try your local channels' websites. Many stream their shows; I know ours do.

Thanks! I hope this works out for me....

I did the antennae once and it only picked up 2 channels...

[BellaMermaid]

You can buy an amplified indoor HDTV antenna and pick up your local FREE HDTV channels. Just connect the coaxial cable from the antenna to your TV and place the antenna on the stand facing near a window for best results. I get over 60 channels and have never paid for cable.

WannaliveinGreenville:

I did the antennae once and it only picked up 2 channels...

Do you live near a lot of trees that may be blocking reception? How far do you live from the nearest TV tower?

[Emeraldmaiden]

Originally Posted by WannaliveinGreenville

Thanks! I hope this works out for me....

I did the antennae once and it only picked up 2 channels...

With antennas, we get a winter wonderland ... must be our location in the valley.

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Originally Posted by BellaMermaid

You can buy an amplified indoor HDTV antenna and pick up your local FREE HDTV channels. Just connect the coaxial cable from the antenna to your TV and place the antenna on the stand facing near a window for best results. I get over 60 channels and have never paid for cable.

WannaliveinGreenville:

Do you live near a lot of trees that may be blocking reception? How far do you live from the nearest TV tower?

I seriously have a forest completely surrounding me...I love all the trees and privacy...but what would you recommend in this case?

[BellaMermaid]

Originally Posted by WannaliveinGreenville

I seriously have a forest completely surrounding me...I love all the trees and privacy...but what would you recommend in this case?

I would start out with the indoor amplified antenna like I suggested earlier and place it near a window and scan for available channels. You can get these antennas for about $70.00 or higher depending on the range (such as up to 75 miles). These antennas do not require any drilling or structural modification to your home. If it doesn't work, then simply return it to the store for another one with a greater range than the one you are returning.

If the indoor amplified antenna with the greatest range still isn't working or for some reason you feel you need more channels than what it is receiving, then an external structural antenna will be the next move. Be advised that this will be costly, depending on the signal strength you desire, it can cost up to $1,000 maybe more. If you are a home owner then it will be easier to accomplish. You just call a qualified tech to come out and assess your property for the optimal placement of the antenna. The antenna should be placed at the rear of your home. Don't let them place it at the front of your home as it is unsightly and can tick off neighbors and possibly bring down property values.

If you are a renter (whether renting a home or an apartment), find out if it is allowed and get it in writing that you can do this to the property. Often times, an antenna can be placed using existing cable wiring to the property, especially if the unit has had a previous satellite connection.

I have lots of trees in front and in back of my home. I use an indoor amplified HDTV antenna and am quite satisfied. I watch any cable shows on the internet WITHOUT subscriptions from Hulu or Netflix or any company. I paid my one-time purchase for the antenna (about $65.00) and that's the only money I have spent. I am a happy camper. Good luck!

[trobesmom]

Hi there. We also dumped satellite about a year ago. Couldn't be happier with our decision. We have a Roku which is a box that connects to your television. We gets lots of options on there, although most news is not live. But if you google it, you'll see all of the options available.

We also have an antenna for local stations. I contacted the engineer at one of the local news stations and got his advice on the best antenna to purchase. We live approximately 25-30 miles from a larger city, and with our antenna we are able to get approximately 20 channels, including all local stations. Wouldn't go back to cable or satellite.

[Sweetelf]

Can you share which antenna the engineer suggested? I'm thinking of dumping satellite as well.