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VANITY: Tech Help Needed To Break Free From Cable
Self | Oct 26, 2017 | Self

Posted on 10/26/2016 7:35:45 AM PDT by soozla

I'm looking for advice/direction to set up a better way to get TV/Internet. Technically challenged but willing to learn. Has anyone found a way to bust loose of high TV/Internet bills? We still need a land line as cell phone reception is spotty at best, until we go to the other side of the mountain here. Any suggestions as to setting up my "home brew" Direct TV system will be appreciated. Husband likes to get NHRA drag racing...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Computers/Internet; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: cutcable; hdmi; kodi; ll; roku; smarttelevision
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To: um1990

Well, the difference is canceling Cable TV vs cancelling EVERYTHING — which means you are then out hunting for internet.

I have BasicTalk, it’s cheaper than the cable company’s offering of cable based phone.

The issue of local channels is also there, but that’s $10/mo. People will have different preferences.

Bottom line is . . . you have to have a high speed source of internet and cable is usually/often it. We have to be careful how we phrase this. “Shut off Cable!” doesn’t mean shut off cable. It means keep cable (for internet) and have no cable tv channels.


61 posted on 10/26/2016 9:03:24 AM PDT by Owen
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To: TomGuy

“You will likely find Internet higher if you are not on cable Internet.”
******************
That’s the boat I’m in. Comcast charges *more* for internet only. I have basic TV + HBO and 50mbps net connection - $67.00 per month with a paper bill (less w/autocharge).

Just over-the-air digital on bedroom TV as I get *more* channels OTA than cable.

Footnote & FYI for anyone.
Cell phone is 180 minutes per month w/unlimited texts for $9.00 per month at twigby.com. They piggyback on Sprint’s network. I hate talking on the phone so this is a very good deal for me.


62 posted on 10/26/2016 9:03:28 AM PDT by Original Lurker
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To: dp0622

“Who would have DREAMED of this stuff when we were kids!”

That’s true. I have to admit, however, that as much as I like much of the new technology, the world seemed a lot simpler and more innocent when we only had a few TV channels and all of them showed cartoons on Saturday morning!


63 posted on 10/26/2016 9:17:47 AM PDT by vladimir998 (Apparently I'm still living in your head rent free. At least now it isn't empty.)
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To: soozla

While you aall are at it, the Mark Steyn show is on a channel called. CRTV. I cannot understand how to get it and make it play on my tv. I just don’t understand how to get these things to work. Do I play it through a computer to my TV? How?


64 posted on 10/26/2016 9:21:47 AM PDT by Chickensoup (Leftist totalitarian governments are the biggest killer of citizens in the world.)
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To: vladimir998

I sometimes wish I had a landline,...”

We also do TV with an antenna. Business line is by regular telephone through Vonage-runs through computer. Pay $12/month which includes all long distance calls. Works great. Hate talking on a cell phone and so we use cell only in case of emergency.


65 posted on 10/26/2016 9:26:21 AM PDT by Grams A (The Sun will rise in the East in the morning and God is still on his throne.)
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To: soozla

Lotta good advice above, but I would advise, just cancel cable, get a good high speed internet connection, and then just explore your options from there. There are a hundred and one different ways to mirror whatever’s on your computer onto the TV screen, and once that’s achieved, there are literally millions of options on your computer.


66 posted on 10/26/2016 9:34:34 AM PDT by Behind the Blue Wall
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To: soozla

Thanks ALOT everyone.....some REALLY good options from people I trust (over the last nearly 20 years!!). I KNOW there are “tekkies” here from “back in the days of vacuum tubes” and their advice, having been part of the evolution, is priceless!!


67 posted on 10/26/2016 9:35:26 AM PDT by soozla (Truth prevails, regardless of who is willing to accept it ~ now or later.)
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To: Owen

Yeah, typed that on my phone, should have reviewed better.

The two are really separate. “Cable” - hybrid fibre/coax network, is more of the transport medium for multiple services. The “cable company” provides the POP.

Unfortunately, TW (now “Spectrum” via Comcast merger) is my only realistic option for HSI.

The cable channel networks are now receiving none of my cash at least.


68 posted on 10/26/2016 9:36:09 AM PDT by um1990 (Reaganut)
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To: soozla

Thanks for posting. BTTT!


69 posted on 10/26/2016 9:36:54 AM PDT by PGalt
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To: soozla

You’ve been given a number of options.
I’ll offer these two threads.

One with a use of the Roku with x-tv
and another to see the broadcasts on your computer or cell phone
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3484524/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3484315/posts

Tood luck! The power is in your hands


70 posted on 10/26/2016 9:40:36 AM PDT by V K Lee (U TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP to TRIUMPH Follow the lead MAKE AMERICA GREAT)
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

Cable companies are now clamping down on those who seek to go away from their bundled packages. They are now reversing what the mobile phone are going to, unlimited data. Recently, Comcast cable instituted a cap on internet usage.

My suggestion is this:
1. Keep what you have now.
2. Track internet usage up to one year. Average your internet usage for 12 months.
3. Now research the isp plans for limits on usage. Also research the cap on how much they tighten the velocity after continual usage. Every isp does this. If you watch a lot of streaming movies, this could possibly affect your quality. Comacast will drop your velocity after a certain number of MBs are reached in a single sitting. Att does this as well. Brighthouse does this and every isp does this. You don’t get 105mbps all the time people do not know this. You get 105mbps only up to a certain amount of data has been used in one sitting.
4. Research how much a static digital line to your home will be. Then choose that option as it will be the best option for a true solution.


71 posted on 10/26/2016 10:20:04 AM PDT by zaxtres
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To: dp0622

Your laptop should have either a hdmi port or an older 15 pin video port you ought to be able to connect to your tv as another source of video to choose from.


72 posted on 10/26/2016 10:24:58 AM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: bella1

you did every thing I did. I think anyone who does not use the ooma is throwing money away.


73 posted on 10/26/2016 11:18:31 AM PDT by PCPOET7
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To: soozla

What’s the speed on your DSL? I’ve had Roku running acceptable at 1mb for one TV.


74 posted on 10/26/2016 11:22:59 AM PDT by Karl Spooner
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To: soozla

Bookmark!


75 posted on 10/26/2016 11:30:40 AM PDT by thesearethetimes... (Had I brought Christ with me, the outcome would have been different. Dr.Eric Cunningham)
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To: dp0622
Brick/mortar stores WILL rip you off bigly !

Monoprice > HDMI Cables

Just scroll down and choose the length you want.

Prices are about unbeatable and delivery is quick.

76 posted on 10/26/2016 1:04:10 PM PDT by tomkat
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