On Cutting the Cord

 

You requested it – I listened – so here it is – a post about replacing your cable or satellite television system.

This past July, we made the decision to shed our television provider for a local antenna. We simply were tired of dealing with price increases and playing the promotion game in order to get a reasonable rate we were willing to pay.

Your biology class may have used a dichotomous key as a tool to identify organisms as trees, flowers, fish, and others. These keys begin with a question followed by options (typically 2) that force the user to make a choice. The decision may include information followed by a “Go-to” statement, which directs the user to their next question (by number). To me, this tool is similar to a flow chart displaying a decision tree.

I constructed the dichotomous key below as a tool to help interested parties make a decision about cutting the cord. Answer the question, then follow the appropriate “Go-to” statement. Bullets are notes that go with that answer.

A Decision Tree

1) Do you want local channels?

1A) Yes – Go to 2

• Depending on your distance from the stations, you may need an amplifier
• The higher the antenna location, the better the reception
• In general, outdoor-type antennas are better than indoor antennas, and multidirectional/omnidirectional antennas are better than directional
• Condos owners – consider an attic because high inside is better than low outside
• Consider an using an installer
• You will receive more stations than you anticipate because some local stations offer substations. Click here to find your local channels by zip code.

1B) No – Go to 3

2) Do you want to record shows from local channels?

2A) Yes – then purchase a DVR – Go to 3

• Beware of monthly fees
• DVR will only record shows on stations from the antenna, not from streaming
• We purchased a TiVo Roamio OTA, no monthly fees (from Amazon)

2B) No – Go to 3

3) Do you want “cable” stations?

3A) Yes – Go to 4

3B) No – Go to 7

4) Do you know your options for receiving cable stations?

4A) Yes – Go to 5

4B) No – You will need to do the following, then Go to 5

1. Identify the most important stations for your household
2. Research available streaming options as Sling, DirectTV Now, Hulu TV, PlayStation Vue, YouTube TV, Watch TV
3. Prioritize the services by comparing their offerings to your most-important stations list

5) Do you want to record “cable” shows?

5A) Yes – Go to 6

• Remember, DVR equipment (as TiVo) does not record streaming services
• Some (but not all) streaming services offer DVR cloud service, so select the service with this option

5B) No – Go to 7

6) Does your preferred streaming option offer DVR cloud service?

6A) Yes – Go to 7

6B) No – re-prioritize your streaming options or change your desire for DVR cloud service – Go to 7

7) Do you have or want streaming services as Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, Showtime, or others?

7A) Yes – No problems – Go to 8

• Previous choices should not affect these services
• These services run on dedicated apps
• Streaming service are more efficient through wire than through wireless

7B) No – Go to 8

8) Did this exercise help?

8A) Yes – Congratulations because you may know more about the topic than you did

8B) No – Seek professional help

Our Decision

Although we did not do this to cut expenses, our decision saved $75 per month. However, we spent about $800 for the antenna, its installation, and the DVR – but our savings should take care of the expenses in 11 months.

Based on what our viewing preferences, we selected Sling Blue – but at the expense of me losing the ESPN family (and Discovery Channel). (We gained BBC America.) However, I may expand to Sling Orange for several months to have access to ESPN college football – then cancel the Orange tier at season’s end.