TV use without Cable fees: ideas please

[Jackal]

Hi Everyone.
I'd like to reduce my TV payments to Rogers so I was wondering what people are doing in place of cable.

So right now I have basic cable with The Movie Network and TV Japan (which my wife loves).

Question 1:
Is it possible to cancel basic cable and get only TV Japan?

Question 2:
My wife's cousin said that he uses a iPad mac mini xbox with media box. And they get Netflixx for $5/month from around the world. Can I do something like this with my apple TV?

I plan to do a trial using Netflixx and maybe in a few months cancel my Rogers cable. I also enjoy HBO programs but I guess I can get these on Netflixx? So looking for ideas and ways of doing this.

[Default User]

#1 / Yes - you can always cancel TMN

#2 / I don't know about apple TV - but you can always get Netflix for $8/month as long as you have internet
*** Keep in mind - your data will rack up quick if you go internet tv

[Jackal]

#1 / Yes - you can always cancel TMN

#2 / I don't know about apple TV - but you can always get Netflix for $8/month as long as you have internet
*** Keep in mind - your data will rack up quick if you go internet tv

#1. I know I can cancel TMN but can I cancel basic cable and keep TV Japan only? So the only thing I'd be paying for is TV Japan.

Didn't think about the data. May have to change that then because I think I have the middle Rogers plan.
Edit: I have the 60gb express plan.

[CloudPump]

I've been cable-free for 2.5 years now.

I have Netflix running through ps3/ps4 and a mac mini with an external 3TB hard drive hooked up to the TV that I use for iTunes movie rentals and I use the Safari web browser to stream TV shows directly off of the channel's website.

-Geoff

[mathew.poulos]

i am going to leave this here for getting the most out of Netflix. I have tried other methods, but this has always worked flawless for me:

https://imgur.com/gallery/iTWb7\

edit: this works for lots of websites not just netflix. ie: hulu

[Wisecraker]

i am going to leave this here for getting the most out of Netflix. I have tried other methods, but this has always worked flawless for me:

https://imgur.com/gallery/iTWb7

Sweet!

[Jackal]

I've been cable-free for 2.5 years now.

I have Netflix running through ps3/ps4 and a mac mini with an external 3TB hard drive hooked up to the TV that I use for iTunes movie rentals and I use the Safari web browser to stream TV shows directly off of the channel's website.

-Geoff

What internet data plan do you have? As in how much data do you use per month.

[Ghost1]

What internet data plan do you have? As in how much data do you use per month.

You want more than the 60gb you currently have. It all depends how much you use. I would at least double and see how much you use.

[r4mi5awi]

I've gone cable free for 2 years:

Go to monoprice.com - and buy yourself an outdoor HD antenna, while you're at it, buy a couple HDMI cables and whatever you're lacking A/V wise. The prices are cheap and shipping is reasonable. Just make sure to offset the shipping cost with enough products. Don't buy an HD antenna from the source/best buy, they're sh!t and are expensive. Don't buy an indoor one, outdoor ones have superior signal reception, just keep it indoors if you're not keen in mounting it outside your house. You get CBC/City TV/Omni/CTV/Global/TVO/American channels and others all in HD for free! *Depending on your area and where you point it.

tvfool.com - a website where you input your postal code and it'll give you a directional compass and what certain channels you can get when pointed N/S/E/W to help you position your antenna once you get it. Click on the 'Check your address for free TV' link.

Go to netflixfixer.com - there is a set of DNS settings you manually setup on your wireless device SmartTV/PS3/Computer/Router to gain access to US Netflix for FREE!

Hulu Plus in Canada - http://o.canada.com/technology/personal-tech/how-to-get-hulu-plus-in-canada/ You get 1 week free trial. Aside from Dragon Ball Z, I decided it wasn't for me, so no hassles.

Go buy a roku from the US/US specific model - it is one if the most hackable media boxes on the market with official and user developed private channels and subscription based channels you can get. Instead of paying Rogers for channels you don't watch, there are plenty Ethnic subscription based services from actual dish networks for prices as low as $8/month.

http://mkvxstream.blogspot.com/2013/03/roku-private-channels-2013-roku-channel.html and https://www.roku.com/channels/#!details/14272/dishworld

The Mac mini idea is very good! You can buy refurbished units from the apple website. I'm not there yet but hope to purchase one sometime. So far I'm satisfied.

Lastly, if you feel rebellious, there are plenty of torrents available with recent movies/shows/music to download for free. Get yourself an external HDD and plug in to your media device. Get utorrent and a website like this - http://kickass.to/ will go a long way. ...or so I heard

[Jackal]

OK. Well I started the Netflixx free 1 month trial and I am currently watching Life of Pi. Wow the HD quality is amazing.

[Jackal]

I've gone cable free for 2 years:

Go to monoprice.com - and buy yourself an outdoor HD antenna, while you're at it, buy a couple HDMI cables and whatever you're lacking A/V wise. The prices are cheap and shipping is reasonable. Just make sure to offset the shipping cost with enough products. Don't buy an HD antenna from the source/best buy, they're sh!t and are expensive. Don't buy an indoor one, outdoor ones have superior signal reception, just keep it indoors if you're not keen in mounting it outside your house. You get CBC/City TV/Omni/CTV/Global/TVO/American channels and others all in HD for free! *Depending on your area and where you point it.

I will update this post with a website where you input your postal code and it'll give you a directional compass and what certain channels you can get when pointed N/S/E/W to help you position your antenna once you get it.

Go to netflixfixer.com - there is a set of DNS settings you manually setup on your wireless device SmartTV/PS3/Computer/Router to gain access to US Netflix for FREE!

I will update with a link on how to get hulu plus!

Go buy a roku from the US/US specific model - it is one if the most hackable media boxes on the market with official and user developed private channels and subscription based channels you can get. Instead of paying Rogers for channels you don't watch, there are plenty Ethnic subscription based services from actual dish networks for prices as low as $8/month.

The Mac mini idea is very good! I'm not there yet but hope to purchase one sometime. So far I'm satisfied.

Lastly, if you feel rebellious, there are plenty of torrents available with recent movies/shows/music to download for free. Get yourself an external HDD and plug in to your media device.

Pretty new to this but I may try that outdoor antenna thing and keep it indoors. One step at a time I guess.

Also interested in taping programs similar to the PVR method. I have an external drive and a computer and apple TV. Is that all I need?

[Jackal]

My cousin Mcguyvered a pie plate and a coax cable to get the Olympics in HD. Lol.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/12/aba2yra9.jpg

[Tozer]

The answer to #1 is no. You HAVE to have basic cable to order any kind of channel/package

[silverstarmazda]

My cousin Mcguyvered a pie plate and a coax cable to get the Olympics in HD. Lol.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/12/aba2yra9.jpg

thats the best thing ive seen all day LOL. reminds me of the red green show aha

[r4mi5awi]

Pretty new to this but I may try that outdoor antenna thing and keep it indoors. One step at a time I guess.

Also interested in taping programs similar to the PVR method. I have an external drive and a computer and apple TV. Is that all I need?

The HD Antenna idea is strongly recommended. I turned my cheapo brother in-law into a believer lol. I'm not familiar with PVR recording, although some new to market media streaming boxes were unveiled this year at CES with such capabilities.

[CloudPump]

What internet data plan do you have? As in how much data do you use per month.

Teksavvy 35mbps/300gb plan. I think it's $45 a month. I've never gone over the 300gb and anything downloaded after midnight doesn't count towards your cap.

-Geoff

[Jackal]

The HD Antenna idea is strongly recommended. I turned my cheapo brother in-law into a believer lol. I'm not familiar with PVR recording, although some new to market media streaming boxes were unveiled this year at CES with such capabilities.

OK. I ordered one from monoprice. Pretty cheap price. Lol. See how it works.

[Jackal]

Teksavvy 35mbps/300gb plan. I think it's $45 a month. I've never gone over the 300gb and anything downloaded after midnight doesn't count towards your cap.

-Geoff

Something to look into next. Thanks.

[r4mi5awi]

OK. I ordered one from monoprice. Pretty cheap price. Lol. See how it works.

Nice! Click on the TV fool link I posted above to see what channels you can get at certain directions.

[Jackal]

5-10 channels From what I saw. We'll see. Thanks.

[m_bisson]

Note: Netflix doesnt always offer the same content across different devices....
For example, I might get something in standard definition on my ps3, but in windows 8 i can get super HD using the netflix app, while streaming through an internet browser only gives me normal HD.

[ryan2.3]

Teksavvy 35mbps/300gb plan. I think it's $45 a month. I've never gone over the 300gb and anything downloaded after midnight doesn't count towards your cap.

-Geoff

Do this and cut the cord. I've been without cable for about ten years now. I've got over 6TB of tv shows i downloaded over the years. That slowed down when netflix came out which covers most of what i watch. Use the link given above to change your location. There's so much more on US netflix than Canada, although there's somethings on Canadian Netflix i queued up which aren't available down in the US..

If you can't find it on netflix/hulu, you most likely can find it streaming or d/l elsewhere


Note: Netflix doesnt always offer the same content across different devices....
For example, I might get something in standard definition on my ps3, but in windows 8 i can get super HD using the netflix app, while streaming through an internet browser only gives me normal HD.

My smart tv and smart bluray will give me HD and super HD, i think the nexus 7 will also do it through chromecast. I stopped using the xbox for it because it's my least favourite UI compared to the tv and bluray's built-in, PC and mobile.

[Jackal]

Do this and cut the cord. I've been without cable for about ten years now. I've got over 6TB of tv shows i downloaded over the years. That slowed down when netflix came out which covers most of what i watch. Use the link given above to change your location. There's so much more on US netflix than Canada, although there's somethings on Canadian Netflix i queued up which aren't available down in the US..

If you can't find it on netflix/hulu, you most likely can find it streaming or d/l elsewhere



My smart tv and smart bluray will give me HD and super HD, i think the nexus 7 will also do it through chromecast. I stopped using the xbox for it because it's my least favourite UI compared to the tv and bluray's built-in, PC and mobile.

Ok. Did the next step. I am now able to get US Netflix by using the site mentioned. Thanks for reminding me what he posted.
Thanks. Anymore advice is welcome.

[07carbon3]

if your computer savy xbmc is a good option. i use that for watching shows that we don't get or older shows

[Fack_Dude]

Do the illegal cable mod for basic cable and pay zero fees. Haha

[r4mi5awi]

Do the illegal cable mod for basic cable and pay zero fees. Haha

True story. When I worked a summer job as a teen. A buddy of mine at work found a cable key for opening cable boxes attached to houses. Borrowed it, opened it, took off the filter and reattached the cable connection. Had free cable for years before everything went digital. Good, simpler times lol.

[Jackal]

Do the illegal cable mod for basic cable and pay zero fees. Haha

I'll google that. Lol.

[lcianf01]

True story. When I worked a summer job as a teen. A buddy of mine at work found a cable key for opening cable boxes attached to houses. Borrowed it, opened it, took off the filter and reattached the cable connection. Had free cable for years before everything went digital. Good, simpler times lol.

In the same boat^^:(

[m_bisson]

Don't even need the key. Look on the bottom of the box. The hole is big enough to pull the wire and filter out. Just unscrew the filter and tuck the wires back inside.

[r4mi5awi]

Well then.... I will investigate this magnificent hole you speak of!

[dentinger]

Blockless.com will work the same as the google chrome extension, but it'll work on anything that plays netflix.
however, it's $5/month.

but! american netflix is SO much better. British netflix has about the same, only they usually have the most current season. (final seasons of breaking bad, dexter, etc)

i tried it for a bit, but it kept screwing up on me. something about a dns cache or some crap. either way, there's a 1 week free trial.

[r4mi5awi]

I'll google that. Lol.

Here's a link I think you should look at with tips for breaking away from cable tv

http://www.patronized.ca/the-complete-cut-the-cable-guide/introduction/

[Jackal]

Here's a link I think you should look at with tips for breaking away from cable tv

http://www.patronized.ca/the-complete-cut-the-cable-guide/introduction/

Thanks. It's going to be hard to resist retentions.

[r4mi5awi]

Haha either way, you'll be paying less to what you pay now.

[Pacman]

OK. I ordered one from monoprice. Pretty cheap price. Lol. See how it works.

Could you let us know how this works for you when u use it?

[Jackal]

Could you let us know how this works for you when u use it?

Will do.

[r4mi5awi]

I've had the middle antenna (white without the metal) one for over 2 years. My brother in law has the other one with metal. They are well built and get strong reception with the signal amplifier. There are plenty reviews so read them up. In either case choose one of the two white ones if you're interested, the black dongle looking one seems not up to snuff.

[rktsci]

I'll be heading down the US next month and planning to pick up one of these:

http://store.gomohu.com/sky-hdtv-outdoor-antenna.html

I'm hoping this will give me the few channels that I really care to have along with my Netflix (with unblock-us) and torrents.

[rajin929]

i'm currently using Netflix + unblock-us as well.
haven't paid for cable since 2007.
i do want to install an antenna come spring to pick up some local stations.

[soccerboy1491]

Man I'd want to do stuff like this to get rid of paying for tv but I'd miss watching sports in HD all the time. I need that lol

[rktsci]

Man I'd want to do stuff like this to get rid of paying for tv but I'd miss watching sports in HD all the time. I need that lol

Live programming (including sports) in general is a big issue when cutting cable.

[tweak_s]

Live programming (including sports) in general is a big issue when cutting cable.

+1.

I've wanted to do it for years for my parents but Sports are the single most important thing on TV for me. Everything else is already cable-less... And as great @ NetFlix is, its just an alternative, simplified way to what I already have access to.

But no live sports, so until then I guess I"m stuck.

Opening up this thread, I was hopeful and almost thought this method covered live events!

[ace_master]

Just don't read any sports papers or news articles until you're caught up :P

[ryan2.3]

for sports is there any reason why you couldn't use http://frontrowsports.me/ ? I know lots of people that use this. Must make sure you have a good enough internet connection for streaming

[aZuMi]

I also have unblock-us.com and netflix, outdoor HD antenna and laptop hooked up with keyboard/track pad. So far, it meets all my needs. I've tried Netflix US and UK, both are pretty good compared to Canada. As for the TV, I don't even watch TV antenna even though it's HD since Netflix + streaming is more than enough for us.

[bubba1983]

for sports is there any reason why you couldn't use http://frontrowsports.me/ ? I know lots of people that use this. Must make sure you have a good enough internet connection for streaming

+1..it ain't HD, but its FREE!!

[2zoom]

Check out XBMC its got everything. Ive been using it for about a year and really starting to think about cancelling the cable.

[r4mi5awi]

Just came back from Buffalo and bought a roku 3. Looking forward to getting more goodness.

[Jackal]

Just came back from Buffalo and bought a roku 3. Looking forward to getting more goodness.

Noice. I was reading about that. Hope it works great.

[dambay]

I have a smart TV so Netflix is built in. The Canadian Netflix is much much better than it used to be. I also recently picked up a slimport adapter which allows me to stream my Nexus 5s screen through HDMI to my TV. Works great, resolution is top notch and now I can watch anything I want. The TV is also wireless so I can stream any movies saved on my computer. I upgraded to a faster wireless router, so I'm able to stream 3D movies as well. Not a bad setup at all

[ryan2.3]

I have a smart TV so Netflix is built in. The Canadian Netflix is much much better than it used to be. I also recently picked up a slimport adapter which allows me to stream my Nexus 5s screen through HDMI to my TV. Works great, resolution is top notch and now I can watch anything I want. The TV is also wireless so I can stream any movies saved on my computer. I upgraded to a faster wireless router, so I'm able to stream 3D movies as well. Not a bad setup at all

My TV and Blu Ray both have built in Netflix but it's such a pain in the ass to type a movie with a remote. We keep a living room tablet just for chromecasting Netflix and YouTube

[narindra]

You can't get HBO on Netflix. HBO makes alot more money than Netflix they will never put there Content there

[Lmmorden]

All u need is a fork and a pair of pliers... Free until all goes digital however play dumb if the Rogers guy comes a knocking.... .... 😈

[loki]

There are people that work for Rogers on this forum

[Lmmorden]

Yes there are

[narindra]

Oh noes

[Tozer]

There are people that work for Rogers on this forum

This is true

[loki]

All I am saying it that this is a public forum that's all. I personally don't care what people discuss but just be careful because once its on the internet that shit is like herpes

[DumpInfo]

Roku 3 huh? Sounds like a sweet deal to me. Don't really know much about this...so let me understand this. You connect this to your existing network but how do you connect this to your tv? Thru an HDMI cable and voila you can surf the web? I'm confused lol

[XTOTHEL]

My setup is:

-Whole house is covered in wifi
-All stored videos on home computer in the loft
-Air Video on computer: http://inmethod.com/airvideo/index.html (or something similar)
-AppleTV connected to family room TV
-Use iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch to run Air Video app and airplay to TV.

Alternatively, you could use Chromecast, https://www.google.ca/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/

[Jackal]

Roku 3 huh? Sounds like a sweet deal to me. Don't really know much about this...so let me understand this. You connect this to your existing network but how do you connect this to your tv? Thru an HDMI cable and voila you can surf the web? I'm confused lol

From what I understand it works similarly to the Apple TV.

[DumpInfo]

Hmm not sure what that is too haha. Gotta start reading up now

[r4mi5awi]

Search the roku site. Then search forums. Does not have an internet browser. Many media boxes at <$100 don't have native internet surfing. You connect to TV via HDMI. Older roku 2 XD I think had AV cable connectivity as well if you got a really old TV.

[DumpInfo]

Alright so how do you surf the internet without a browser? This is all new to me obviously so I'm really considering it. Yeah am gonna search this up.

[m_bisson]

Htpc. You can build a nice rig cheaply with those amd apu's.
I went for one of the better ones, got fast ram, and I can even play games like portal 2 on max settings.

Unless you need live TV for local news or sports, there's no reason to keep cable.

Friday nights, there's a show called Helix on TV. I missed it, because I worked early yesterday. Just now, in about 3 minutes, I downloaded the latest episode, commercial free, and am about to watch it. If all I had was regular cable, I'd have to use a VCR or some other ancient technology like a PVR and "record" the show.

[Como]

Got Apple TV 2. Jailbroke it myself. Installed xbmc.
Use teksavvy Internet.
Xbmc has basically anything you could ever think of. Also use Netflix (American) for my kids. Can also download movies into iTunes and watch them through Apple TV.
Wouldn't pay for cable tv ever again

[MazdaProTinter]

I also have unblock-us.com and netflix, outdoor HD antenna and laptop hooked up with keyboard/track pad. So far, it meets all my needs. I've tried Netflix US and UK, both are pretty good compared to Canada. As for the TV, I don't even watch TV antenna even though it's HD since Netflix + streaming is more than enough for us.

Same here with the unblock us and netflix for US accessibility. I also have set up a US iTunes account so I can get Hulu plus.
paying for unblock us /US Netflix / Huluplus costs about $20 per month and its all on my iPhone with hdmi cables so I travel with it and can hook up to anywhere that has wifi and have full accessibility on a full tv and looks great. With a US account for iTunes you also get ABC app Histort app for free with all thier shows

[DumpInfo]

So I'm assuming you need a box per tv or am I wrong?

[r4mi5awi]

Yes, you are correct.

[DumpInfo]

Yes, you are correct.

Perfect thanks

[jshacm]

Use xbmc, wiziwig.TV (for live sports) and an HD antenna and your good to go

[DumpInfo]

and an HD antenna and your good to go

What kind of HD Antenna should I be looking into? They pricey? Specific brand or model?

[jshacm]

Depends where you live. House or condo? There are 2 main types of antennas; inside and outside. Outsides work better. You can go to the big box stores (best buy etc ) where it costs a lot, >$70 or factory direct / xs cargo and its like <$40. I got mine from xs cargo 2 years ago for $20, works well.

I'm in Ottawa and I get 4-5 channels but in Toronto you can get 15 I think. City, CBC, CTV, global, chin, Rogers, TVO and maybe Sportsnet and TSN

[r4mi5awi]

What kind of HD Antenna should I be looking into? They pricey? Specific brand or model?

Read my post on first page. There's a link to monoprice.com therein you'll find good antennas with plenty of reviews to see and make your choice.

[DumpInfo]

Alright thanks guys gonna look into it

[Jackal]

Hi Guys,
Update on my cable/internet situation.
I finally called Rogers to switch to an ignite plan and completely cancel my cable. I was of course sent over to customer retentions. This guy was good. I kept saying that I wanted to cancel cable but he kept offering me a better deal for rogers ignite with basic cable. So I ended up with:
Rogers ignite 200mb plan with basic cable with Shomi (channel 300 - so doesn't affect internet data.)
Anyway, I am happy with the internet speed and cable.

[Reddie1337]

Hi Guys,
Update on my cable/internet situation.
I finally called Rogers to switch to an ignite plan and completely cancel my cable. I was of course sent over to customer retentions. This guy was good. I kept saying that I wanted to cancel cable but he kept offering me a better deal for rogers ignite with basic cable. So I ended up with:
Rogers ignite 200mb plan with basic cable with Shomi (channel 300 - so doesn't affect internet data.)
Anyway, I am happy with the internet speed and cable.

I hope you mean 200GB.

Anyways, did your price stay the same? Or Drop?

[Jackal]

I hope you mean 200GB.

Anyways, did your price stay the same? Or Drop?

Yes. 200GB lol. It dropped by a lot. Regular price for that internet package with shomi is $74.99 + tax. I got a better price than that and it included basic cable. So pretty happy. It's super fast too. Checked it on ookla speed test and it was 204mps download.

[m_bisson]

Yes. 200GB lol. It dropped by a lot. Regular price for that internet package with shomi is $74.99 + tax. I got a better price than that and it included basic cable. So pretty happy. It's super fast too. Checked it on ookla speed test and it was 204mps download.

What's mps? ;)

I just got 27megabits per second on my cell phone, which is great considering its not LTE.

[Jackal]

Dayummm. That would be mb/s. Gotta get these right. Checked again and I got 536.18 mb/s download. What's up with that? :)

[m_bisson]

Dayummm. That would be mb/s. Gotta get these right. Checked again and I got 536.18 mb/s download. What's up with that? :)

That's pretty insane. You could stream TWO
Blu-ray quality movies at the same time with that.

[Reddie1337]

I wish I had that speed. I'm at like 24mbps. Or 3 MBps. You're at 67MBps.