Anyone cancel cable service?

[heyaim]

We don't watch much tv. The little we do watch is usually through netflix or hulu. Occasionally I do watch the news...especially if I'm home and major breaking news is on. We already have to "basic" cable service with 28 channels for $22 month.

So, for those who have canceled their cable service... What can you tell me about an antenna to pull in local channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)?

[humandraydel]

What can you tell me about an antenna to pull in local channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)?

I can tell you that you can probably make a better antenna (DIY) than the $50 ones you'd buy at Radioshack. Seriously. Just google it - it's very easy. Ironically, the OTA (over the air) HD stations look BETTER than the cable HD stations. Obviously you don't get the variety though.

[scfr]

Here is a link to my blog entry from 2009 about this topic.
OTA ("Free") TV Update: scfr's Personal Finance Blog

Follow the link to my older blog entry for even more information and links to some sites with excellent information on antennas.

If you aren't 100% ready to cut the cable cord, call your cable provider and ask if they offer a "limited" plan. Many providers offer a plan that is less than basic, but they don't advertise it.

[snafu]

If you cancelled cable service, how difficult would it be to re-instate if you missed the service more than expected? We've cancelled service several times when we plan to be away for more than 3 months, it was reconnected within 20 minutes when we returned.

[JoeP]

Here is a thread I started a while back on the subject, and others have written similar threads as well.

For us, we don't watch very much TV, so it doesn't make much sense to pay for the service. Like you, we use netflix and hulu to get the programming when/where we want.

If you are interested in an antenna, go to highdefforum.com and look in the "Local HDTV Info and Reception" forum. They have a lot of experts there who can answer your questions. You can also go to tvfool.com and see what is available in your area. I used these sites and was able to put up a complete antenna system all by myself for around $140 (antenna, mount, cable, grounding, connectors, etc.).

[segmond]

Yeah, I cancelled it since 2001. LOL.
Use the internet, get a roku box. Make do with free shows. Watch hulu online, borrow free movies from your local library. Watch local TV channels. TV already costs so much in terms of time, why spend money just to waste time?

[lrodptl]

I thought free OTA HD was going away soon

[EEinNJ]

I cancelled basic cable TV from Comcast. After their digital transition I had to use a crappy adapter box that didn't work right, didn't get all the channels it was supposed to. But they couldn't fix it, and didn't show up for service calls. Typical lousy customer service from them.
So I cancelled, bought a digital antenna from Radio Shack for $35, and i get more channels with better, HD quality. I'm using indoor wabbit ears.

the nervy thing is, I had to keep internet service, and it actually costs MORE when you don't have basic cable TV, too. And they keep trying to upsell me with promotional rates.

[richardalpert]

lots of people get by with Roku or WD TV or etc.. with netflix and hulu.. I honestly need more variety, however, i refuse to pay for cable tv, even limited packages..sigh

[Tharagleb]

I cancelled last month and I am saving $100/mo. I have a Roku box with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime and Plex. I use Plex to stream movies/TV shows from my PC. I also have XBMC on my HTPC and use that sometimes instead of Plex. I also have an antenna to get a few OTA stations.

I like having the $100 each month, and I don't miss cable much.

[elfen lied]

You cancelled your cable service, why are you trying to get something from a service you don't pay for? Most would say that is "theft of service".

Anyway, if the cable provider does their due diligence, they will eventually disconnect your feed from the pole/ped in a few days/weeks.

[Rainbow Traveller]

The best way is to unhook any tv equipment and take it to the local office. Turn it in and cancel the tv portion.

Before you leave the office make sure you get returned equipment receipts, that the date is clearly on them, and if possible ask for someone to note on the receipt that effective today tv service has been cancelled. In the past people have called to cancel service, gotten a bill later for that service, and find out it was never cancelled. The receipt will be proof that it was cancelled on a certain date.