Cutting the cable, lets talk options and media setups

I'm going to be in the minority, especially in this thread. :hihi:

I've been on the cord-cutting search for quite some time. However, I've finally decided it's just not worth it (yet), unless you are skilled enough with XMBC, Kodi, and similar alternatives (which many here are). Otherwise I personally find I'm paying too much for less, with many hassles involved when things go down, systems need to be redone, etc. In other words, there's a value on my time too.

At a minimum, I know I have to have internet to stream (you can catch me on the tech board with other tips like that). Depending on where you are, decent internet is $40-$70. If you go Sling/Vue/Whatever, you're anywhere from $20-$40, with most of us around the upper range. Add in 2 or so of the services (HBO, Netflix, Hulu, Prime), and you've got another $20 or so a month.

Suddenly, on average, you're probably in around $110 or so with no DVR, possibly no live CBS, etc depending on your provider. What I've found is the simple HUCA method can get me there. Hang up, call again. I call Cox in my case, tell them I can't pay what they want, and just keep saying no, no, no. See how low they will go until basically the guy breaks down and says I just can't do anything more for you. If it's not good, I say no thanks. I've dropped my internet, full cable with sports add-on package, etc down to below $100 total, with DVR, etc. More for less than my other options to stream

Now, like I said, if you have Kodi and are proficient, by all means, go for it. That, to me, is the true savings. Because you are paying, essentially, just for internet. I've had an Android box. I just don't have the time right now to learn the repository things, etc. I bought one pre-loaded, but as things evolve, other things vanish, etc. It ends up more time consuming for me. It may be easy for bigdaddy right above me. But for little old Waymer, simple negotiations on my part is the easiest for now.