Now I'm a TV and New Media producer, director, editor and a fan of television and the web. But why am I giving up my cable TV? Because I hear many others are and I want to experience what's this is like first hand.
Please note: This blogger has not been paid by or endorsed by any name brands mentioned.
Well it's been nearly 5 months since my blog entry of February 4th (2009). Just after Chinese New Year. At that point I was considering cutting of my cable TV service and experiencing consuming my media with a DTV digital antenna and the web.
I did cut off my cable TV service (RCN) in May 2009, as well as my landline phone. My phones are now all wireless (via ATT) and I purchased my digital antenna from Amazon.com.
Frankly took several tries on antennas and antenna placement to get the best signal. I even had my Dad make one for me out of old hangers from a plan I found on the web. Worked so so. After much trial and error and reading MANY reviews, I purchased the Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna and have been happy with the performance. It's placed in my attic.
I must say the DTV direct signal really blows away the cable television signal in my area of the world. DTV is much cleaner and crisp. JUST AMAZING. For some reason the cable TV signal here is noisy and muddy (RCN). Also since I booted my RCN internet service and signed up for Verizon FIOS. Much faster!
Here's my general setup: Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna (in attic), Tivo HD recorder with Netflix enabled, standard definition Panasonic TV (2005). Tivo service (free for the first 3 months) costs $12/month, Netflix costs $10/month. $22 total plus whatever iTunes movies I download.
PROS and CONs of eliminating cable TV and depending on the web and free DTV.
PROS:
- DTV has a much cleaner, clearer signal. Impressive image.
- Tivo with DTV works like a charm. Can still DVR "60 Minutes" "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" "Lost" "The Office", etc.
- Saving about $50 per month
- Can watch all major network channels
- Watching a lot more PBS than before (great stuff on public television as I have a renewed respect for that network)
- Still watch CNN on CNN.com (watch all of Michael Jackson's funeral online without any issues of streaming)
- Netflix keeps adding movies everyday
- I download shows from iTunes sometimes and can travel with ठेस and watch on multiple devices.
- Reading and writing more.
CONS:
- Still unable to get Spanish-language channels like Univision or Telemundo (need booster I think)
- Less choices, channel surfing is limited. No Discovery or History on my TV (except for iTunes of course)
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