I don't have cable, and I don't plan on getting it. There was a time when, because of picture quality that I might have been convinced. Since the switch to digital broadcasting picture quality is just as good through antenna.
Services like
Hulu.com and
Netflix do more than their fair share to offset the content loss in not having cable. I was looking at various plans and a package including internet (the slowest connection) and basic cable cost about $94 a month. With this service if I only got internet (the fastest connection) it would cost $55 a month. I could then add an account with netflix to have any 3 DVD's out at a time for $18 a month. I could choose to go through entire television seasons, or work my way through all the classic movies I have never seen. For regular TV use I still have access to the major networks and there are even more channels available because of the digital broadcast.
If I can be patient I don't have to pay the premium to watch the cable shows I like because I can wait until they are available on DVD. Netflix also offers movies on demand through a set-top box, and I can watch Hulu on my television if I connect my laptop.
In short, there is no quality advantage offered by cable, and I will not want for content. I will make a few concessions, I do not watch television for news. I follow news outlets on twitter, and read their websites. I also do not watch sports. I can live without ESPN. For some of us ESPN, Fox News, CNN, MSNBC are reason enough for cable and there is nothing wrong for that. You are paying for those channels.
I do think this is an easy way to save some money that might not be obvious at first. I put together a chart showing the yearly cost below:
| Service |
Cost |
Savings |
| Fast Internet + Netflix |
$876 |
|
| Slow Internet + Cable (Basic) |
$888 |
$10 |
| Slow Internet + Cable (Maxed Out) |
$1608 |
$732 |
| Fast Internet + Cable (Basic) |
$1248 |
$402 |
| Fast Internet + Cable (Maxed Out) |
$1968 |
$1092
|
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