What's the best way to cut my DirecTV bill? OTA antenna? Roku? I mainly watch broadcast channels, HGTV, TNT, SYFY, USA
1727284
We get by on Apple TV, Netflix, and OTA antenna for sports and seem to be just fine purchasing the individual shows we want to watch. We've never spent more in one month than we used to pay for cable, and that includes the $50/month broadband bill. I will tell you that you can't buy HGTV programming through iTunes or any other way that we've been able to find, much to my wife's dismay.
715618
Keep in mind that you cannot get broadcast networks with a Roku (like FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS). This is not a replacement for a digital antenna.
470674
slingbox 500 is amazing & the best way to watch your tv.WDTV is work on TV but I prefer to use sony nsz-gs7 is better with google tv for full entertainment .
1966925
Sorta, you will also have to Purchase a FTA receiver like this one: http://www.nc-electronics.com/store.html Also you will not get all the channels you are used to on Cable like Discovery, Travel, Cartoon Net, ESPN, etc. There is plenty to watch though, just not the big names. Sometimes those things go in the clear but not very often. Check out satelliteguys.us for help on FTA.
1329962
I've used the HD Frequency Cable Cutter I/O HD Digital antenna and other much cheaper "rabbit ear" type antennas. I found not much difference in the number of channels I received. The real determining factor is your location. In hindsight I would have just purchased a less expensive antenna..
923000
Thanks so much for such a quick response. I think I'm going to start with just internet and see how I do with OTA TV and streaming movies. If I don't end up missing cable, I can save that much more. But it's nice to know there's a viable option if/when I decide to go back. Thanks again!
17311
It would probably be easier/cheaper to just use Over The Air digital TV signals if you are fine with only the networks and independent stations. FTA is harder to use if you're moving this trailer around, and cheaper either way as an antenna is much cheaper than a dish and receiver.
1079018
We have Directv and have no problems I would check with your cable provider.
1332445
I use a Mohu Leaf Paper Thin Indoor HDTV antenna which works good. It would depend on your location of course.
1115418
If you have roku, check and see if you live in an area that gets Aereo. If you do, you can get all of your local channels for about $9 a month. You can also try an indoor HD antenna. Amazon has some good ones for around $50.
1714598
Your best bet would be an outdoor antenna. I have this Leaf Plus and it performs very poorly when used in the 1st floor (picking up 1 channel but keeps losing signal) and doesn't work at all in the basement. On 2nd floor, it picks up 2 channels. I have much better luck with the Rosewill indoor/outdoor amplified antenna (which you can find at Newegg for 1/2 the price of the Leaf plus) which can pick up 6 channels. I mounted the antenna outdoor on a sidewall though (but not on the roof).
2084432
Well, I just ordered a coaxil cable two-way splitter (listen to the techie here, lol!) The guy at Best Buy told me to somehow get the antenna hooked into the recorder/player AND the tv. He said we didn't need that channel 3. Wish me luck. I just may have something. I'll let you know! - Linda
774129
I'll be watching the responses to this. I'd like to drop my $150/month Cox cable bill (that's without internet or phone) but I want to see shows like Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, The Simpsons, Family Guy, No Reservations, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and, well, that's about all I want to see. I'm not into movies.
569578
One Roku for each tv. You could probably use a splitter and have 2 tv.s using 1 Roku.
284340
We use an over the air antenna for the local channels. It picks up around 20 channels and they are all high definition.
2078360
This box is a nice one. In order to fix a weak signal you must get a nice antenna. I used tivax (i think is the name off amazon). It does require plug in but it's worth it. I get about 40 channels (most are in spanish though). I get euro news, mixed martial art fighting (they've taken some of that off regular t.v.), Bounce tv., old school shows (lassie, knight rider, etc.) and more stuff. It's a nice thing when you have these three items: Digital Stream box, Digital stream remote (required), and the tivax antenna for about $20.00. You probably will have no regret after having all three of these.
851098
You should probably call TW and tell them you have this Hauppauge Cable Card Tuner (or you can tell them you have a TIVO) and ask them what you need will need to watch your present line-up. They will give you the 'cable card' but you might need a converter box that will allow you to watch certain HD channels.