Electronics

[qvcaddition]

I would like to cut cable,but keep the internet. I am quite elderly and could use some advise how to do this.

I am going to comcast next Sat to discuss my bill which is getting too high. Need some advise on what devise to buy.  I have my big TV that is a 4K HD.  I also have 2 kindles ipads I watch movies.  I was told to get a firestick and have been looking on Amazon, but getting confused. 

Any advise?  I would appreciate some.  Thank you.

[Grace729]

Yes, be one with your no especially since you will be speaking in person. I have found the reps at Spectrum have gotten tenacious with not hearing the word no. Maybe some one here can speak to some of these new devices sold at Q that can pick up channels -I have a Fire Tv and and lots of ability to stream and subscribe to what I wish 

[Kachina624]

@qvcaddition    If you'll do a search above in the electronics forum titled "cutting the cord", you should get some good suggestions. They've been repeated many times.

Both the Fire Stick and Roku do the same thing.  I find Roku easiest to use and its very simple to install.  I've had both.

[SilleeMee]

Keep in mind that when you 'cut the cable' then you'll need to pay for streaming services plus have a reliable and fast internet to handle them.

I considered dropping Directv until I saw what it would cost to get something similar to what I'm watching now and I there would be no way, that I could find, to record the shows I like to watch regularly. For me it was no bargain to switch to streaming service. Would end up paying just as much for what I like to watch and with less picture/sound quality.

[NickNack]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

Keep in mind that when you 'cut the cable' then you'll need to pay for streaming services plus have a reliable and fast internet to handle them.

I considered dropping Directv until I saw what it would cost to get something similar to what I'm watching now and I there would be no way, that I could find, to record the shows I like to watch regularly. For me it was no bargain to switch to streaming service. Would end up paying just as much for what I like to watch and with less picture/sound quality.

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I found the same that @SilleeMee  did when I researched dropping cable.  I like to record and skip the commercials when I watch network shows.  That would mean I'd have to buy a DVR in addition to streaming services to watch network TV.  

I already have other streaming services that I like.  It just didn't seem like it would be a savings to me.

[carlycat]

I did it. I use the Amazon Fire stick, it was about $25 one time fee, very easy. It makes any Tv a smart tv, with apps to access channels. If you have a new tv with apps on it you may not need one. I use it even with my new tv because it's very easy. Then you need to subscribe to something to get cable channels. I use YouTube tv, which is about $60 per month. There are cheaper ones with fewer channels. I pay my former cable provider $57 a month for internet. My cable bill was approaching $200 a month, so this is cheaper. I have Netflix but don't pay for it.  If you watch cable tv stations a lot, this way is a little more difficult, you have to click several times to get to it, you can't go back between stations. You can record and skip all you want on YouTube tv, no Dvr needed. I don't watch regular tv much, mostly Netflix and prime and HBO, so it doesn't bother me. Good luck, you can do it.

[Kachina624]

@NickNack    @SilleeMee    I pay $69/mo for YouTube TV and I think $8/mo for Netflix.  I also bought my Roku and 2 Mohu antennas for $12/ea.  That's my total monetary output.  I don't remember what I was paying for Direct TV when I disconnected 4 years ago but it was a lot more than that and I had the no frills deal.  I don't have exceptionally good WiFi (Century Link) service but manage just fine with streaming.

[SilleeMee]

@Kachina624 

I totally understand. In my case though and, since I am sort of a fanatic when it comes to picture quality and sound, I have to have it good or else I won't be happy. That's just how I am with my TV viewing. I'm very picky when it comes to that. 

[Caffeina]

@qvcaddition 

If you tell them your bill is too high they're going to try to put you in a bundle of services. Don't let them do that. When the term ends your bill will probably be higher than it is now. If all you want is internet, just get internet. If you make any changes in person, be sure to leave with documention.

[PickyPicky3]

@qvcaddition   The most important thing is to remember there's no rush. This week you should find out what internet sources are available. It may be just Comcast, or there may be more. Your library should be able to help you.

Then you should explore what is available with an antenna. You might be surprised, depending upon where you live.

Assuming your TV is a smart TV, you probably already know what it can do for you just using the internet. If not, check it out this week.

Once you're up to speed with what you've got for free, you'll know what you're missing and can start to explore services. 

No rush. It's kind of like shopping for health insurance.