I want to cancel cable tv but keep Internet

[marked50]

19. Just went through this decision process the last couple of days.

This is all really dependent upon a few (actually alot) considerations and I'll try and just outline some of them.


1- What do you like use your TV for?- this means your content concerns- like local news/movies/national news/comedies/ etc.
Create a list of those "channels" that you really want as opposed to what may be likeables.

2- With that list you have to match up to all the available options. This is where it gets complicated of course.

3 - In some simple cases just over the regular air digital channels may work and the only way you would know that is to make sure your TV does a good scan of those with a good old antenna. TV manuals should help here as to how to do that. These selections are pretty limited if you are used to "cable".

4- Available options are your local "cable" packages- be they via actual cable or in some areas Satellite -like Dish TV/ Direct TV/ or Hughes ( I have no experience with Hughes). You might have to sacrifice some channels to get a best match because they are so variable. These services usually can handle multiple TV's but they usually charge extra for each TV. This comparison should not be limited to cable/satellite. It is just a place to start.

5- The next option is for Internet based streaming. These options are where is gets real variable and expansive. Some are with devices that attach to your TV usually with HDMI ports. Roku/ AmazonFirestick/Google Chromecast are the most common. The channel selections and cost for each can be found on-line.

The other side to this is if you have a Smart TV that can take streaming directly. You need to understand what your TV can support. Some TV's take some "apps" that others may not. Examples of direct TV streaming apps are DirectTV Now or YouTubeTV. Again you can look on line to check their channels packages, cost, and compatibility to your TV. With your desired content list you can weed things in or out- along with cost. These all carry a usually forgotten concern.

6- That concern is with your own internet capabilities. Do you have sufficient download capability. For example. DirectTV Now wants about 13MBPS speed for its best performance. If your internet is from DSL giving only 1.5MBPs then it won't work to anything you would like. Again, Know your internet speed, match that to your "source choice". And if you depend upon Wifi, make sure it is reliable because if it is not you will be immediately frustrated and dissatisfied.

Also, remember to account for multiple TV's or devices. Some services will only allow a couple of TV's. The other consideration is with monthly data download limits. Internet providers have their own rules here and if you run many devices (TV's/HDMI add ons) on streaming (and some things stream unless you specifically turn them off) then you may go beyond your basic monthly limits and you will be charged extra by your Internet provider.

7-The other thing is how many remote control devices you might want to deal with. The streaming devices usually have their own remotes and it can be a task to get your TV remote to serve both (or vice versa). If you don't mind switching between these things then it is a small consideration. In our house, simplicity is important.

8-Most of internet streaming sources give you free try periods. Use them if you think internet may be your choice.

9- Best of luck to you figuring this all out. It ain't simple.