How to Watch TV without Cable

This is a comprehensive guide on how to watch TV without paying for a cable or satellite subscription. I cover nearly every facet of cutting the cord. The guide provides not only the basics of finding cable TV alternatives but also directs you to a deeper analysis of cord cutting topics in other articles on the site. This should serve both beginner and expert cord cutters. I’m continually updating this page as new information is available.

The first section of the guide covers the basics of cord cutting like streaming services, devices and antenna basics. The other sections contain more information on topics like watching sports, replacing your landline, DVR alternatives, TV over the air, and much more. By the end, you should be ready to cut the cord and stop paying thousands on cable TV.

For convenience, I put together a table of contents to help navigate this guide. Each section ends with a link to get back to the table of contents.

Table Of Contents

Watching TV Without Cable

The 3 steps in the section cover the three major pieces of cutting the cord. Step 1 is content. This step covers various streaming services and the types of TV shows they offer.

There are a lot of options out there to stream your favorite shows. Don’t feel overwhelmed. They all offer free trials and no contract. There is no risk to try them out. Don’t overthink ditching your traditional pay TV provider. Try cutting the cord. If you discover it isn’t for you, I’m sure your cable company will be more than happy to take your money again.

Step 2 covers which streaming device you should choose based on the streaming services that appeal to you. You don’t necessarily need a streaming device, but it’s the only way to watch these services on your television.

Step 3 covers the basics of how you can use a TV antenna to watch free network TV.

Step 1: Streaming Services

DIRECTV NOW

DIRECTV NOW is the latest streaming service from AT&T that offers live TV over the internet from networks you typically receive with a cable bundle. The service is currently supported by Apple TV, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and most modern web browsers. We recently rated it our best live TV streaming service.

Currently, you can try DIRECTV NOW free for 7 days. I recommend trying it out to see if it’s right for you. AT&T wireless unlimited Plus and Choice customers receive a monthly $25 bill credit for DIRECTV NOW. That means you can get the live streaming service for only $10 per month.

With the new iPhone coming out, it might make sense to switch to AT&T to get DIRECTV NOW for $10 per month. Check out AT&T Wireless Offers for pricing information.

I find the best option to be their “Live a Little” package. It is priced at $35 per month and contains Fox News, CNN, Nickelodeon, MSNBC, Hallmark Channel, ESPN, Disney, HGTV, USA, ID, TNT, Food, TBS, History, Discovery, Disney Jr, TV Land, Nick Jr, AMC, FX, FXX, Bravo, Lifetime, A&E, Animal Planet, BBC America, Bloomberg, BET, Cartoon Network, CMT, CNBC, Comedy Central, Disney XD, E!, ESPN2, Fox Business, FS1, Galavision, HLN, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, Syfy, TCM, TLC, Univision, VH1, and more

DIRECTV NOW also offers HBO and Cinemax for just $5 per month each. HBO Now typically runs $14.99. It’s the cheapest way for cord cutters to enjoy shows like Game of Thrones. For more information, check out my review of DIRECTV NOW.

Sling TV

Sling TV is the streaming service that also offers live TV over the internet. It’s essentially cable TV without the contract or the massive bill. Currently, if you sign up for Sling TV you get a Free Roku. They also offer a free 7-day trial membership to try out their service. The service works on every major OTT streaming device and recently began offering a cloud DVR. Sling TV also streams NBC live online along with Fox and ABC in select markets.

For $20 a month subscribers will have access to AMC, History Channel, Disney, A&E, Epix, IFC, Lifetime, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, HGTV, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, CNN, and more.
Sling also added a second base package that swaps out the Disney Owned stations for FOX owned stations including FS1. This package also allows the ability for multiple streams. There are also add-on channels packs and premium channels like HBO and Cinemax. Check out my Sling TV Review for more details.

FuboTV

FuboTV is a live online streaming service that specializes in live sports while still offering pay-TV channels like A&E, Bravo, The Weather Channel and more. They offer a Cloud DVR with their base channel service. They also offer live streaming of Fox, NBC, and CBS is some local markets.

The service offers a 1-week free trial. Try it out to see if it will work for you. For more information check out my FuboTV review.

Hulu

Hulu offers TV Shows airing on Fox, NBC, and ABC. Shows from the current season can air on Hulu one day after airing on their broadcast network. Hulu also offers loads of original content and a decent back catalog of many past seasons of cable and network TV shows. They have a huge volume of content from classic TV shows like “The Brady Bunch” to the latest episode of “Once Upon a Time” And “The Daily Show.”

Hulu costs $7.99 per month. Unlike Netflix, there are a few commercials. However, there is an option to get commercial free service for a few extra dollars a month. You can test Hulu to see if you like it with this one-week free trial. For more details check out my review, which examines if Hulu is worth the cost.

Hulu also offers a live TV service. It includes the features above in addition to a live TV package. Think of it as an alternative to Sling TV.

PlayStation Vue

PlayStation Vue is a streaming service similar to Sling TV, offering channels like AMC, TBS, Syfy and much more. However, this service starts at $39.99 per month. Check out this comparison of Sling TV Channels vs. PS Vue for the difference in each services channel lineup. You don’t need a PlayStation gaming console to use the service either. While the service is available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, you can also use the service with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, Android, iPad, and iPhone. Check out my review of PlayStation Vue for more details.

YouTube TV

YouTube isn’t just for “Youtubers” anymore. Google now offers a YouTube TV live streaming service. The service offers just about every major cable TV channel. It even includes live streaming of ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS.

Features also include six profiles, 3 simultaneous streams, and a personal cloud DVR. All this comes with a price tag of $35 per month. YouTube TV is supported on Android, iOS (includes airplay to Apple TV), and Chromecasts/Chromecast-compatible TVs.

Philo

Philo is a new streaming service for those that don’t want to pay for sports channels. Philo offers some cable TV favorites for only $16 per month. Check out my review of Philo for more information.

Premium Channels

Watching “Game of Thrones” is no longer a problem for cord cutters. There are numerous ways to get the service. All of which are highlighted in my post on watching HBO without cable.

If Showtime is more your speed, then no need to worry. They also offer numbers ways to watch Showtime online. For details, check out my post on how to watch Showtime without cable.

The Starz app provides access to both Starz and Encore. For information on the Starz app, read my post on watching Starz Without Cable.

Amazon Prime carries Showtime and Starz. Furthermore, Sling TV added a Cinemax add-on package. Premium channels aren’t a problem for cord cutters any longer.

Amazon Prime

For vast libraries of movies and TV content prior to the current season, I recommend getting the 30-day free trial to Amazon Prime. Another big reason to get Amazon Prime is the option of adding Showtime and Starz with your subscription. For just $8.99 per month, you have every TV show and movie offered by Starz and Showtime just as if you had the network with a cable provider.

Not only do you have access to stream over 40,000 hit movies and TV shows, but you get free music, books, and unlimited photo storage as well. Your membership also includes free 2-day shipping from Amazon.com regardless of the order size. Some metropolitan areas actually off2-houre 2 hour shipping. For more information, check out all the benefits you receive with Amazon Prime.

A La Carte Cable

No cable service truly offers a la carte cable TV. However, through VUDU, iTunes and Amazon (even if you’re not a Prime Instant Video subscriber) you can buy episodes of entire seasons of shows a la carte. This includes shows currently airing. At first, that might seem expensive, but shows are $1.99 an episode and you can get a discount on the season pass. I saved a ton of cash this way when my family cut the cord. My family purchases only 3-4 season passes a year, keeping it under $10 a month.

Netflix

Netflix – Netflix has loads of content at a low price. Most TV shows wind up on streaming after a season airs. There are also movies and a whole host of children’s programming available. The pricing is reasonable at $8.99 a month for unlimited HD streaming to two TVs simultaneously. If you are comfortable waiting a few months for a TV series, Netflix may be all you need.

There is also great original content like “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black” which are two of my favorite shows. Netflix is also the home to the Marvel TV Universe, which includes shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. Furthermore, there are no commercials.

CBS All Access

Since current seasons of CBS aren’t available on Hulu, CBS All Access is one option to get CBS Shows the day after the initial broadcast as CBS isn’t a part of Hulu. The basic service costs $5.99 per month and does air commercials. However, they offer a commercial-free plan for $9.99 per month. The service also offers live local CBS in over 150 markets. For more details, check out my review of CBS All Access.

Check out this 1-week free trial to see if you like it. There is no contract so you can cancel anytime.

CW App

The CW App lets anyone watch the current seasons of CW shows free. You don’t even need a cable TV login. It works on all major streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android, and iOS. Check here for more information.

Outside the Mainstream

Are your tastes not satisfied by mainstream services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Then, you should check out my posts on some of the lesser known TV streaming services. I cover services like the indie film favorite Sundance Now, and horror must have Shudder.

Free TV

While the pay subscriptions offer the most content, there are channels that deliver content at no charge. However, the content may be limited and you may have to watch ads. In my post on free TV online, I cover great free services like Crackle, Tubi TV, Shout Factory TV, ConTV and more.

There are many services that offer 30 day free trials if you just want to binge on content. For example, CuriosityStream allows you to watch free documentaries online for 7 days. After that it’s only $2.99 per month.

Step 2: Streaming Devices

Once you have decided the streaming services you would like to use, the next step is figuring out which streaming device to use. Personally, I recommend getting a Roku. Roku supports the most apps and provides a very intuitive interface. To learn about Roku, check out my post: Which Roku is Right For You.

However, there are a few situations where you may not want to use Roku. Namely, if you are going to use PlayStation Vue, you will want to get an Amazon Fire TV (if you don’t have a PlayStation.) The Amazon Fire TV has the best user interface for PlayStation Vue when compared to the other streaming devices.

Of course, Apple TV should be considered if you use iOS and have a lot of movies and TV shows in iTunes. Personally, I have many Apple products but still use Roku. However, that may change once Apple’s new TV app releases.

For more information on the various streaming devices, check out the section More on Streaming Devices

Step 3: TV Antenna

A TV antenna allows you to watch free broadcast TV, with access to networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and more. The over the air broadcast TV available changes depending on where you live in relation to your closest TV towers. Thankfully, antenna maker Mohu has put together a tool that shows you which TV channels are available in your area. They also show which channels you should expect to receive for each of their antennas.

If you have stations available that you can receive with an indoor antenna, I recommend going with a Mohu Leaf Glide or an amplified Mohu Curve (Enter promo code “super25” at checkout for 25% off). Not everyone will need an amplifier. With the Curve, it’s a separate component you can leave out if deemed unnecessary.

If you aren’t close enough to the TV towers to use an indoor antenna you may need an outdoor solution. Furthermore, today’s digital TV signals require a TV with a digital tuner. If your TV was made before 2007, it may not have one. For solutions to these issues, check out my post How To Get Local Channels Without Cable. I also expand on this a bit in the TV Antenna section later in this guide.
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Internet Speed to Cut the Cord

Of course, since you will be streaming content using online services you will need to purchase an internet connection. Unfortunately, you will most likely have to purchase it from your former TV provider. The key is not to overpay by purchasing more bandwidth than you need.

Below are the minimums I recommend for streaming a single video without much of buffering. If you plan on playing video on multiple devices at the same time, you need to multiply the minimum speed by the number of devices you will use simultaneously.

Standard Definition – 2 Mbps
High Definition in 720p – 5 Mbps
High Definition in 1080p – 9 Mbps
High Definition in 1080p in 3D – 12 Mbps

These are minimums for streaming a single video without much of buffering. If you plan on playing video on multiple devices at the same time, you need to multiply the minimum speed by the number of devices you will use simultaneously.

If you typically use the internet while watching TV, I’d add another 5 Mbps. Generally, 10-20 Mbps should be sufficient for streaming any media over the internet. If you want to know your current speeds, use this tool at speedtest.net to test your bandwidth.

I’d run this test at different hours of the day to be sure you get an accurate measurement. Certain providers have customers share bandwidth so if your neighbors are all watching “Keeping up with the Kardashians in 3D” at 2 a.m. your bandwidth may be lower at that time.

Finding an ISP

Personally, I have a 50 Mbps connection through a Verizon Fios internet only plan. They have competitive pricing for internet service. Furthermore, the quality of service is excellent, and the customer support is much better than other major competitors. See if they are available in your area by checking this promo page. I was able to get their service at a great price using that link.

ISP’s vary by location. I’m maintaining a list of providers with affordable internet only plans you can use to cut the cord. If you can’t find one on that page, try your existing provider. Now I know the “big” internet providers seem only to offer “triple play” packages bundling phone, TV, and internet. However, if you dig around on their site you should be able to find an internet service offering.

When deal searching, be sure to inquire about the data download caps of your potential internet service provider. They will typically indicate this in the gigabytes (GB) you can transfer in a month. In this case, your video quality is an important factor. For example, a cap of 250 GB will allow for about 280 hours of standard definition streaming, but only 83 hours of high definition at 1080p. So be mindful and aware of the fine print.

Don’t Fall for the Bundle

If you have to get internet access through your cable company, they will probably offer you the world to keep your triple play package because cable subscriptions are the biggest metric for these companies. These deals will seem awesome. Trust me, if they trap you, you will steadily see that price tag grow due to add-ons, fees, and taxes.

If the only internet providers in your area are the likes of Comcast, Cox, etc. then you need to be a little more creative to get a good deal. Ideally, there is more than one provider in your area. If this is the case and you can get a no term contract deal at a good price, then grab it. Otherwise, follow these guidelines.

-Never take a contract where the term is longer than the offer price. They will raise the price when the offer price expires, and you will be stuck in the contract.

-Take advantage of promotional offers. There are affiliate websites that have promotional offers not available on the ISP’s website. Search around to find a deal.

-As soon as your contract expires, be sure to shop around. Bounce back and forth between the providers in your area. Again, always take advantage of the promotional offers through affiliate websites.

-Since you will be switching providers every year, get an email address not linked to your ISP. Options include Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or even your own domain.

-If they require a rental fee for the modem, be aware that you can use your own cable modem for internet.
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What about a Home Phone

Many rely on their cable provider for home phone service. Like most of their services, it can be replaced with a much cheaper internet based service. For those who need a little more than a cell phone after they ditch their cable TV subscription, I recommend PhonePower (formerly BroadVoice.) They are an affordable and reliable phone service provider that uses your existing internet connection.

There are plenty of options out there to provide a phone solution after you cut the cord. For more details, check out my article on finding cheap home phone service.

What about a Business Phone?

I’ve spoken with small business owners and entrepreneurs that feel shackled to their cable company due to the business functionality offered with the phone portion of their providers “bundle for business.” There is no need to stick with them any longer.

Grasshopper provides a business number for your cell phone that delivers the business phone functionality you need and more at an unbelievable price. Just mentioning the 2nd number for your cell phone doesn’t really explain what they do. Their service turns the personal phones of you and your employees into a full blow PBX. Read my review of their small business phone system for more information.

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Alternatives to Buying a Streaming Device

Most of you can cut the cord today with equipment you already have. Here are options to cut cable TV that may already be in your home.

Home Gaming Consoles

Most modern consoles like the two most recent iterations of Xbox, Wii, and PlayStation connect to the internet and run streaming subscription applications to view content on the television. You can even run streaming apps like Netflix on X-box.

For gamers considering a console, Xbox One can connect to a TV antenna. Furthermore, it combines your OTA Network channels, streaming apps, and web apps all in one guide. There is even talk of DVR functionality in the future. If you are looking to cut the cord and upgrade your video game console, an Xbox One is a good option.

Sony PlayStation has put together a stellar product called the PlayStation Vue. It provides many cable TV favorites like AMC, TBS, ESPN and more over the Internet without the need of a cable TV subscription. Vue is one of the stronger cable TV replacements on the market today.

Other Streaming Alternatives

Smart TV – If you purchased a TV in the past few years is it a “Smart TV?” These connect to the internet and stream content to the TV without the use of other devices.

Computer, laptop or tablets – While this works, very few people are happy watching TV on a computer, laptop or tablet. While it’s possible to get these devices to output display to a television, it’s not always a straightforward solution and quality of picture can suffer.

Blu-Ray or DVD player – Many of these devices have the ability to connect to the internet, stream video and display it on your television.

If you don’t have or don’t like any of the options above, there are a few ways to turn your TV into a “Smart TV.” There are a number of ways to do this. In the next section, I’ll cover the subscription services available. Certain devices only work on certain equipment so I’ll cover a few of these combinations in the Streaming Devices section of the post.

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More on Antennas

After 2009, over the air TV signals became digital and old analog tuner TVs stopped working. Did you know that you could still get over the air signals? In fact, you can watch local channels without cable, and they are available free and in clear beautiful high definition. Those signals are bouncing off your house as you read this. If you own a TV sold in the U.S. made after March 1^st, 2007, it has a digital tuner as mandated by law.

That means all you need is an antenna to start grabbing these network TV signals to display on your television. Now I know what you’re thinking. If you were born before 1985, you probably have vivid memories of static all over the screen as mom or dad adjust the antenna. Digital doesn’t work that way. If your antenna can pick up the channel, then you get the picture as clear as it can be. Otherwise, you don’t get the picture.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of antenna to get. When we first started our cord cutting endeavor this was the hardest thing to figure out. The first thing to do is figure out the strength and location of signals in your area.

Signal Finder Tool

The quality of your TV picture isn’t only dependent on the quality of your antenna. It also depends on where you live in relation to the signal towers. A quick and easy tool to figure out which channels are available to you is the Mohu Station Finder. It provides information on the stations available based on your address. It also provides an idea of the performance to expect from different antennas.

Alternatively, you could this great tool from tvfool.com. It’s a bit more complicated than the tool from Mohu, but it provides information like station location and signal-power from the tower. I’ve put together an episode of the Grounded Reason Podcasts that walks you through using TV fool.

It will tell you what stations are available and what type antenna you should purchase. For me, cutting cable was a money saving endeavor, so I was trying to get the best bang for my buck. I also knew I didn’t want the hassle of pointing the antenna in the direction of the tower every time I changed the channel.

Which antenna should you get?

I recommend the Mohu Sky Outdoor Amplified Antenna (Enter promo code “super25” at checkout for 25% off). It’s rated for signals up to 60 miles away and brings in plenty of stations. Check out my review of the Mohu Sky. It’s the antenna I use and I couldn’t be happier with it.

Mohu is always running some great promotions on antennas. If you are in the market for an antenna, I’d click that link and check them out.

Mohu antennas are very easy to install and small enough to fit anywhere. I’m getting crystal clear HD TV signals from over 50 miles away. These antennas are omnidirectional, which means no redirecting once you get it in the position to receive the most channels.

Omni-directional antennas balance the antenna to pick up signals equally in all directions. Directional antennas, like this Yagi style antenna, pick up channels in one direction while sacrificing reception from other directions.

It’s definitely easier to use an Omni-directional (that’s what I use), but your situation may not allow for it. If needed signals are too far away or too weak, then a directional antenna is a better option to capture these stations.

Once the antenna is properly installed, you just need to connect it to your TV via coaxial cable. You can even use the one the cable TV used to run through (unless you still need it for internet).

Other Options

Some may want the easy install of an indoor antenna. I cover that in my Mohu leaf review.

An antenna is your means of access to local programming when cutting cable TV. If you want an in depth guide for the information required for an optimal antenna solution, you should check out my antenna guide. Setting up an antenna may be seamless, or it may be the most difficult thing you do when canceling cable. There are numerous variables involved in television signals and antennas. If you are having a difficult time with this, the antenna guide makes this task easier.

If you don’t want to deal with an antenna, you can check out how to watch local TV online. It covers how to watch primetime network shows online without cable. You may also be interested in how to watch some free cable TV content online from the web.

Using an Antenna on an Old TV

As I mentioned, TVs made after 2007 were required to have a digital tuner. For TVs made before 2007, you can convert the TV signal by simply using a digital to analog converter box.

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More On Streaming Devices

By now you should have a good idea of which streaming services interest you. The devices listed below support a wide range of streaming services. Check the full review or product listing of each for more information.

While I’ve listed a few major streaming apps supported by each device, there are other apps available for these devices like Crackle TV, M-Go, Crunchy Roll, etc. I could write for weeks on every available app on these devices. While I personally feel Roku is the best streaming device available today, here is a look at the top options on the market.

Roku Streaming Media Player

Supports Sling TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video and more

Roku has rebranded their entire line of streaming devices. The new fleet offers the flexibility to satisfy the various needs and functionality of different types of cord cutters. They even have devices that support the new HDR TV pixel quality standard. I recommend reading my breakdown of all the new Roku devices to find the right one for you.

While we have been an Apple TV household, due to our reliance on AirPlay for casting our iOS device, our experience with Roku made us switch to being a Roku household. If you are considering Roku, but are looking for a more mobile option, check out my review of the Roku Streaming Stick.

Amazon Fire TV – Purchase From Amazon

Supports Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV and Amazon Instant Video

Currently, you can order the New Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD support. Priced at $99, it’s the most affordable 4K HD streamer on the market. The new Fire TV also integrates Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa into the platform and adds a MicroSD slot for expanding the 8GB of internal storage.

This device also supports Ethernet and Wi-Fi. This platform has comparable hardware and memory to its competitors, but at a lower price point giving you more for your money.

The Amazon Fire TV specs are enough to allow for playing over 300 console and PC Games. If you are a gamer and want to stream games, then this is the one to get. The Fire is rooted in the Amazon Prime service and if you don’t plan on using Amazon Instant Video then the Fire TV may not be for you. You get 1 month of Amazon Prime free if you want to give the service a try.

Amazon also makes the more affordable Fire TV Stick. Read my post titled Fire TV Stick vs Fire TV for a review and comparison of both.

Apple TV

Supports Netflix, Hulu, and of course iTunes Store. Also, supports Amazon Prime with the Amazon Instant Video App on an iOS Device

The new Apple TV is now for sale. Adding slimmed down Siri functionality and app store providing the ability to install apps, the new Apple TV makes some very smart decisions. The one thing currently lacking is support for 4K UHD video.

Apple TV is attempting to position itself as the one device you need in the living room, adding the ability to play games, and promising an Apple TV service to arrive at some point in the future.

This device runs a whole host of streaming services to watch quality content on your television with just an internet connection, and it supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. While you don’t need any other Apple product to realize the value of an Apple TV, you can stream any content on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod that supports Apple Airplay.

Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player

In my Google Chromecast Review, I stated Chromecast is the best option for pure cost cutting. At $35.99 there isn’t much out there that will beat that price point. You will need an existing smart phone, tablet or laptop to use Google Chromecast. Chromecast allows you to stream content from apps on the device to your television. Installation is easy as all you do is plug it into your TV’s HDMI port and set it up on your Wi-Fi network.

There are not any additional steps as you just press the “cast” button on the app you want to show on your TV. This also works with the Google Chrome browser after installing a simple plugin. There are no frills with this one, but it does exactly what we need for cutting cable TV at a great price. If you are comfortable using your phone as your main content delivery mechanism than Chromecast is a good choice. Otherwise, I would look to Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV.
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What About Sports

Some say that watching sports is a problem for cord cutters. I don’t find this to be true. All the major sports packages available to cable subscribers are also available to cord cutters. Are you wondering how to watch ESPN without cable? Simply grab a subscription to Sling TV.

For information on watching NBA, NHL, NFL and other available sports, check out my article “How to Watch Sports Without Cable.” You can also use the links below. They will take you to the relevant information on Grounded Reason for viewing that sport.

For baseball fans MLB.TV offers a great subscription that allows subscribers to watch baseball online for about the cost of a Netflix subscription.

International sports like World Cup soccer and cricket are also easily available to cord cutters. Check out my article on how to watch soccer online and how to watch cricket online for all the details.

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Is A DVR Necessary?

Cable companies have many of us accustomed to needing a DVR to record shows and watch whenever we please. Typically, this costs cable subscribers an additional $10-20 dollars a month. As a cord-cutter, the DVR becomes more of a luxury device.

The purpose of a DVR is to save content and watch it on demand whenever you want. This is already how cord-cutters roll. Streaming services like Hulu limit the need for a DVR, as most content can be viewed at your leisure.

However, there are times when a DVR comes in handy. Mainly, they can be used to record broadcast TV from an antenna. The most common use would be recording NFL games, PGA tournaments, and other events you won’t be able to watch live.

Personally, I get by without a DVR. I have a subscription to Hulu which makes numerous hit broadcast shows available on demand.

The decision to have a DVR is really one of personal preference. For more information, check out my post on OTA DVR options. The article is broken down by different types of DVR needs. If you are in a rush, hit any of the links below to navigate to that particular section of the article.

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Blocked Content and Black-Outs

There are several reasons some streaming content is blocked for certain users. Professional sports blackout local teams in most areas of the country. Services like Netflix block viewing content based on which country you are located.

Technologies like Smart DNS or a VPN can make it appear your computer or smart device is located in another state or even country. This can help if you are traveling abroad by providing access to content you can typically view at home. It can also simply make it look like you live somewhere else.

Smart DNS service like SmartDNS from Overplay route your internet traffic through a proxy server in the location you choose to provide access to content blocked based on location.

A VPN service like IP Vanish achieves the same effect by allowing you to join a Virtual Network in another part of the country or world. This also adds security benefits not available from a Smart DNS.

For instance, if you live in Canada, using a VPN based in the U.S. will allow you to view the U.S. version of Netflix, which has more content available than in Canada. For more information check out this article where I explain what a VPN is and why everyone should use one.

This type of service is also used to circumvent sports network blackouts or simply to mask your identity online from would be identity thieves. Of course, check with your content provider’s terms of service to make sure you are not breaking any end user agreements. To learn the differences between a Smart DNS and VPN check out my post on VPN vs Smart DNS.

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Cutting the cord can work for anyone

Since cutting cable TV, my family doesn’t miss our cable TV package one bit. We use our cell phones to replace the home phone, which we thought we would miss but don’t. We especially don’t miss the telemarketers. The kids initially missed a few channels, but now they are content fighting with each other over which of the thousands of kids’ shows at their disposal they will watch during their TV time.

My wife and I are completely happy paying about $20 bucks a month (in addition to internet access) to watch all the TV and Movies we want. If you are ready to cut cable TV, please ask any questions in the comments. I’ll be sure to answer them as quickly as possible.

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