Re: Beginning of something more.

Beginning of something more. (Score: 2, Interesting)

by kerrany@pipedot.org on 2014-03-20 14:43 (#Q8)

I'm seriously thinking about cutting the cord. It's so damn expensive for what you get. Even the ability to DVR shows is not really worth it compared to Netflix and Hulu Plus - and those are the only two I've paid for. Just imagine if I squandered the $150+ per month I'm spending on cable on internet services instead.

The only things keeping me from doing it: current shows I like and the ability to find new ones at random. Still... I could really use that money. Those shows are only going to keep me from cutting the cord for so long. The day my favorites go off the air, there'll be a curious "schnick!" sound in AT&T's ears...

Re: Beginning of something more. (Score: 2, Interesting)

by rocks@pipedot.org on 2014-03-20 18:10 (#Q9)

Live sports keeps me interested in cable subscriptions right now. I might watch 3-4 events a week (football game, basketball game, couple of soccer games, for example). $1/game would take me to $20/month pretty quick, whereas $5/game would take me to $100/month pretty quick. My interest in cable subscriptions falls closer to the $1/game, $20/month valuation which is what I am currently paying. I'm not sure that internet replacements actually compete with this yet. What they do boast are the premium and niche games which may not always make it onto cable channels. I like shows too, but I can live without these so they do not drive my willingness to pay for cable, in general.

Re: Beginning of something more. (Score: 4, Informative)

by tellageek@pipedot.org on 2014-03-20 19:35 (#QD)

**Everything**, including live sports is available, for free, via xbmc and its plugins.

I cut the cord 2 years ago and have yet to miss any live sporting event I have an interest in.

As a disclaimer, I actually *do* subscribe to NHL Gamecenter ($150 (US) per season) and the reason is at least three-fold:

1) my access to my precious hockey fix is *guaranteed* (just in case the free stuff goes away (doubtful, though: it actually keeps improving))
2) it gives me access to archived and classic games, condensed games, highlights, etc.
3) I can access it on multiple devices...

Also, there are thousands of live streams available, including all the regular US networks (Canada, not so much, except for live sporting events....)

I realize ymmv, but I've also acquired an indoor ota antenna from China ($16) with which I can access 12 ota channels. If I were to mount an outdoor antenna (less than $100) I'd be able to pickup at least 35 ota channels. I don't have the urge, though, because ota represents less than 10% of the tv's use: it wouldn't be missed.

cheers,

Re: Beginning of something more. (Score: 2, Informative)

by rocks@pipedot.org on 2014-03-21 15:37 (#R7)

I looked at a few YouTube videos and "plugins for xbmc" does seem like a viable option; reminds me of my attempts to use Sopcast in previous years. I tend to like getting "official" streams/views, if possible though, so in some cases it looks like there is still a reason to subscribe and pay as you do with NHL Gamecenter.

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