Smith 
Cable and satellite TV can be really pricey. Trust me, I know. We’re still using satellite TV and shelling out $92 a month without a premium package. I’m working on convincing my husband that we don’t need it just to watch sports and that there are other ways to catch his favorite games. I’m getting ready for the day we switch entirely to online streaming.
Making the Switch: What You Need
Thinking about getting free cable TV? You’ll probably need to invest a bit in the setup. If you have an HD TV with an antenna and tuner, you can watch local HD channels for free. This is a great way to access major networks without a subscription.
For something more like cable, you’ll need the Internet to stream your shows. If you want to watch on your TV, you’ll need a streaming device. We use our PlayStation 3, but Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, and similar devices work too.
In some cases, setting up a media server with software like Playon can help you stream content. You will need to pay for the software and the streaming device. Even with these costs, you’re likely spending less than your current cable or satellite bill. I’m currently paying $1,104 a year for satellite TV. By switching, I could save that money since I already pay for the Internet and own a PlayStation 3. Even if I had to buy extra software and a device, it would cost under $500, eliminating the monthly cable fee.
Streaming for Free
If you already have broadband internet, you can stop paying for cable and watch TV without any additional cost. Many major cable networks stream full episodes of their shows online. These episodes are usually available a day or two after airing and may only be accessible for a limited time, so planning is key.
Websites like Hulu (free version), Joost.com, FreeTVOnline.com, and Sidereel.com offer access to clips and full episodes of various shows.
Low-Cost Streaming Options
For those who don’t mind paying a little to save a lot, there are affordable options. Amazon Prime offers streaming TV shows and videos for $139 per year, and you can rent other streaming entertainment cheaply.
Netflix and Hulu Plus both have unlimited streaming plans for $7.99 a month each. Getting all three services—Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu Plus—only costs $270.76 a year, far less than the $1,000+ paid annually for cable.
Sports fans have options too. My husband can get MLB TV online for $149.99 for the baseball season. That’s still cheaper than what we’re paying now, and we can watch it on our TV through the PS3. Cutting the cord can save a lot every year.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to ditch cable or satellite TV? If you’ve already made the switch, how do you watch TV now?
In Summary
With cable and satellite TV becoming more expensive, many people are looking for alternatives. While there is some initial cost to switching to streaming, the long-term savings can be significant.
With the right equipment and a good internet connection, you can get free local HD channels and access major networks. Devices like Apple TV, Roku, or gaming consoles make it easy to stream online content.
Affordable streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu Plus offer a wide range of entertainment for much less than traditional TV packages. By investing in a streaming setup, you could save hundreds of dollars a year.
