How to Watch TV Without Cables (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

About 10 percent of American TV subscribers have canceled cable TV subscriptions to reduce household costs, and statistics show the number of people who unsubscribe from cable is doubling every year. If you're tired of browsing through hundreds of available channels and having to pay expensive subscription fees, check your current TV usage, purchase a streaming device, and select the streaming media from your TV or computer.

Step

Part 1 of 5: Evaluating Favorite Events

Step 1. Make a list of the shows you always watch

Do this for each family member, so you can predict what you will use on TV.

Step 2. Check if your favorite show is available on the internet

Visit findinternettv.com for a list of popular shows that are usually shown on cable channels.

Many channels choose to stream new episodes of popular shows on their websites.
Also see what shows are available using the Netflix, Hulu, iTunes and Amazon Video On Demand services. Most shows on HBO, Showtime, AMC and similar channels can be purchased per episode or per season on iTunes and Amazon.
An estimated 90 percent of ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox shows are available on the internet.

Step 3. Decide if you want to wait for events that are not currently available on the internet

In most cases, you'll have to wait around 6 months to 1 year to be able to watch a full season of your favorite shows from Netflix at no extra cost.
Some shows (often the more popular series) do not grant Netflix streaming rights. In this case, you will have to purchase or rent this show from Amazon, iTunes or another service.
For movies, you can rent new movies on game consoles, Amazon and iTunes, if they are not available on a Netflix subscription.

Step 4. Research internet costs

Cable subscribers often combine their internet and cable services. Call your cable provider to inquire about the cost of unbundled internet, then research other internet providers in your area.

Sometimes you won't save money just by unsubscribing to cable TV. You should calculate the cost of subscribing to the service you need and then compare it minus the cost of Internet services

Part 2 of 5: Selecting a Device

Step 1. Buy an antenna

If one of your shows is a local news channel or a major series on a major network like ABC or NBC, your first step is to connect an indoor or outdoor antenna.

This antenna can be purchased from IDR 250,000 to IDR 800,000 both on the internet and electronic stores.
You can also purchase a small room antenna, such as the Mohu Leaf, which is smaller and less prominent than other models.
These antennas usually pick up channels broadcast from a distance of 50 km or less. Image availability and quality depend on your location.
This is important for fans of local news or sports broadcasts.

Step 2. Buy internet TV

Before buying a new device, check if your TV is set to receive internet streaming from its main interface.

If internet TV is available, you can stream movies and television shows through Netflix and Hulu Plus, although this won't include television channels or other specials.
If you want to buy a new TV, you can buy an internet TV to access movies and TV through this service.

Step 3. Buy a Roku

If you have a high-quality wireless network, the Roku streaming device is the cheapest and easiest option for setting up streaming from a regular TV.

Roku devices cost between IDR 600,000 and IDR 1,200,000. The price depends on the processing speed you need.
Get a Roku if you want to stream sporting events. Apple TV and Roku were the first devices to support streaming sports and movies when this new service was released.
If you have more than 1 television in your home, you can purchase a Roku for each set. The price of a single Roku purchase is often the same or less than a month's cable TV bill.
Roku is best for home use where you don't want to stream to a computer or other device. Older viewers find Roku just a little bit setup, and easy to master.
If you only want to use Netflix and Hulu Plus for network shows, movie seasons and cable TV shows, this option is the least expensive to set up.
A device similar to the Roku is the WD TV Play by Western Digital. It costs around $850,000 and supports Netflix and Hulu Plus.

Step 4. Buy an Apple TV, if you have multiple Apple devices

The price of the Apple TV is around Rp. 1,200,000.
Although the way Apple TV connects to a TV is similar to Roku, it works with your Apple ID to help you stream content on all your Apple devices.
If you have an iPad, iPod or Apple computer, Apple TV is the best choice.

Step 5. Purchase the Google Chromecast digital media streamer

If you're used to streaming content on your computer, you can push internet content to your TV.

The Google Chromecast costs only IDR 450,000, making it the cheapest option on the market.
This device plugs directly into the HDTV via the HDMI port (aka port). After connecting the wireless internet to the device, you can stream internet content to the TV.
Unlike Roku and Apple TV which use "channels" to stream Hulu, Netflix and other services through an interface, Chromecast uses your computer as a channel controller.
This can be the best solution for teenagers or students who already access TV and movies using their computers.
The Chromecast also has an advantage for sports fans. You can stream games once you subscribe to a website-based streaming service.

Step 6. Enable streaming on the game console

If you or a member of your family has an Xbox, PlayStation or Wii, you can use the device to stream basic TV and movies.

Game console costs between IDR 2,500,000 and IDR 5,000,000. Buying this console is a smart move.
If you have a current model, you can stream TV through its interface.
Ask your gamers to download TV channels and movies from the device store. later you can link the icon to your current account.
The PlayStation 3 is the best game console for sports fans who want to pay to access NHL, NBA or MLB games.

Step 7. Purchase a streamable video player or DVD player

The prices for DVD and Blu Ray players range from IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,500,000.
This device is easy to stream Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand and Hulu.
They also offer a small selection of other channels.

Step 8. Purchase an Amazon Fire TV

The device is new, but you can watch Netflix, Hulu etc., and play lots of apps and games from their app store.
The Fire TV costs around Rp. 1,200,000, but the Fire TV Stick, a Chromecast-like HDMI dongle that functions the same as the Fire TV, costs only Rp. 500,000.

Part 3 of 5: Choosing a TV Service

Step 1. Subscribe to Hulu Plus

Hulu Plus streams hundreds of cable and network TV shows, old movies, foreign TV series and more.
The monthly subscription price is IDR 100,000 after the trial.
If you've selected a Chromecast, you can only use Hulu.com to stream a few TV shows, but you can access more shows by upgrading to Hulu Plus.

Step 2. Start a Netflix account

All Netflix DVD accounts have free access to on-line internet streaming.

If you don't have a Netflix DVD account, you can add an internet streaming account for $100 per month. Do a free trial before you commit.
Netflix offers access to new Netflix original movies, TV series and series.
Netflix service channels are available on all streaming devices.
Netflix Profiles now allow you to create up to 4 separate profiles on a single account, so different family members can customize queues and suggestions.
You can create children's profiles that block access to adult content.
Download the Netflix channel from your device's app store. Type the activation code into your account from your computer, then log in to access your Netflix account via the streaming device.

Step 3. Sign up for Amazon Video On Demand

If you have an Amazon Prime account, you probably already have access to the service.

Amazon's video service is a great place to watch TV shows and movies created by major networks, such as HBO, Showtime, Bravo, AMC and more.
Amazon sells these shows per episode and per season.
The rental price for the film is IDR 50,000, while the purchase price for the film is IDR 200,000
This is the best service to get access to new premium movies and TV shows.

Step 4. Use iTunes

If you choose Apple TV, you can purchase the current season of TV shows and movies.

This service functions very much like Amazon Video On Demand. This option is better for those who have Apple devices

Step 5. Download the Vudu app

If you have an active TV or Blu Ray player for PlayStation or the internet, you can use Vudu to access new and old movies.

Vudu is available on VUDU Spark™, PlayStation®3, Xbox360®, Roku®, Chromecast®, Blu-ray™/TV, iPad®, and Android™.
They offer rentals for IDR 25,000, free content and reasonable prices for new movies.

Part 4 of 5: Choosing a Special Program

Step 1. Aereo was great while it was still around, but on June 25, 2014 the US Supreme Court shut down the service

Step 2. Sign up for Aereo, if you live in a large US city

Aereo streams local news and sports broadcasts in most major cities in the United States.

If your antenna is ineffective, replace it with Aereo.
You can use Aereo on your Roku or Apple TV. You can also use the website to stream with your Chromecast.

Step 3. Sign up for online sports streaming

MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL fans can sign up each season to stream matches.

You can access this subscription through your Roku, Apple TV or Chromecast.
Sports fans have to pay between IDR 750,000 and IDR 1,800,000 annually to gain access. You should do a cost analysis if sports channels are included in your cable plan.

Step 4. Purchase a custom channel from your device's streaming interface

You can sign up for TED Talks, news services, old movie channels for free or at very low cost on many devices.
Browse the channel list before you buy the device, if you're not sure what it has to offer.
If you adapt easily to new devices, you can more easily customize TV shows and movies than you would with cable TV.
Specific channel options vary widely, depending on the streaming device.

Part 5 of 5: Canceling the Contract Cable

Step 1. Contact your cable provider before you decide to unsubscribe from cable

By threatening to unsubscribe, the provider will provide a discount for several months.

Decide as you watch free trial versions of Netflix, Hulu and more. Compare your favorite shows with what's available on this service

Step 2. Look at the recommendations of other people who have unsubscribed from cable TV

Ask your friends what device they use, and ask to try it out.

Experimenting with devices is the best way to make the best decisions

Step 3. Cancel your cable service, but keep the high speed internet service

Streaming devices require a high-quality connection, so make sure you don't terminate the entire packet.
Go to local shops for better internet rates, if you believe your cable provider's prices are too high.

Step 4. Try streaming for at least 3 months before going back to cable service

Please note that there will be a new media adjustment period.
Since stopping cable service requires an initial investment in a streaming device, you will not save money for 6 months to 1 year later.
Search for shows you can't find, and research new streaming channels.
Write down the cost of all your subscription services, and review them after 3 months. If it turns out to be the same amount or more expensive than cable, you might want to resubscribe to cable.