#cable programming

I posted last week that we had finally made the break from our cable programming. We had been paying several hundred each month for the last few years and enough was enough! We knew we could find something that worked better for us. If you missed that little post, stop right here and read it first… I will wait for you…

OK, anyway.. like I posted last week, Ryan and I have always had cable, internet, and data packages. But a few months ago things just seemed to get out of hand with programming, home security, data packages for cell phones and devices. We wrote it all down to see how much was going where and we were not just shocked but disgusted! 

So we have been making some changes to reduce our monthly expenses and I want to share them with you. First of all, I will admit, changing anything that you’ve been doing for several years is a bit stressful(I’ve been stressed), and takes a bit of research. But once you’ve got things situated the changes just takes a bit to get used to.

If you are a millennial, you are reading this out of the kindness of your heart, aren’t you? I know you already know this stuff! So if I am leaving anything out, please drop them in the comments!😊

Replacing Cable Programming

We started a while back looking into programming on Youtube, Roku, Fire Stick, Fire TV, and subscriptions like Hulu, Netflix and other paid subscriptions. For us we chose to go with Fire TV. We chose it over the Fire Stick for two main reasons, it worked in 4k, and also had voice activation. Our 8 yr old has a hard time with searching for shows on any device without that feature, so if those two things aren’t important to you the Fire Stick seemed a great value at around $30 or $40. I believe we paid $60 for the Fire TV.

We order a lot through Amazon, we use Alexa and the Dot so sticking with the Fire products over Roku seemed to make sense for our family.

When I went through all of the apps and programming options, I did notice that a lot of programming still requires a subscription so for now we are sticking with all that are free and paying only for subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Spotify for music. If you have a smart tv, or smart Blue Ray player they carry many of these apps loaded onto their home screen, so you can probably even get by without the Fire stick or Fire TV.

Data and Wifi

Since we had a dozen devices and tv’s hooked up to our internet and kids gaming we were subscribing to the most expensive internet package for our home. And we had separate data packages on all of our devices that allowed us to be connected when we weren’t home for our cell phones and tablets. It was getting really ridiculous!

Ryan and I have cut back on the kids time online which was met with a great deal of resistance at first, but they have adjusted really well and go outside with friends so much more now. So we aren’t in need of those high speeds like we used to need. Here is what I came up with…

Since we travel through our camping resort membership parks most weekends I asked in the Thousand Trails Facebook group of 20k members what they use for internet when they travel? I was so surprised to get such a response from everyone, but hands down the majority of the people said they use Verizon Jetpack and it always works great for them!

So I started researching it! We don’t currently use Verizon so I wasn’t sure if this was a problem. But apparently it works as a portable router basically, a hot spot that you can join, so you don’t have to have Verizon as your main cell phone carrier, and you can take it with you everywhere. Perfect for our weekend adventures so I stay up-to-date on all of your blogs each morning!🤩

They have an unlimited plan that seemed to have fast speeds and would offer us what we need. So we ordered it! We are waiting for the Jetpack to arrive Wednesday before we go on vacation next week. It was $100 to purchase and the unlimited 4GLTE plan will be $95 a month, which will replace our data packages for our tablets and our home internet.

Overall Changes

So in conclusion to all these changes, here is a recap of what we have done. I share this with you for anyone that is wanting to cut back, find alternatives and be efficient with your dollars . I certainly don’t have all the answers, I am learning as I go, but I feel like we’ve made a huge improvement!

We have cancelled our cable, internet and home theater bundle of $300 a month

We use Netflix, Hulu, Prime

We check out movies at the library and Redbox as opposed to renting in online for $6.95 or purchasing it at $21.95

We have cut down on data packages and are slowly phasing out most of what is on our cell phone bill(so far it has dropped $200 a month)

We will definitely know more once we get the Jetpack on Wednesday and see first hand how it works for our needs. It is still a work in progress…

What are your thoughts? Are you overpaying for WiFi and data?What is your affordable solution for staying connected to shows and information?

Thanks for everyone’s tips and advice and interest in a follow up post! Good luck and Happy Blogging!

#colecampfireblog, #verizonjetpack, #Firestick, #FireTV, #netflix, #Hulu, #comcast, #cableprogramming, #internet, #datapackages, #wifispeeds,

Are you still paying for cable programming?!

We broke up with Comcast

For years Ryan and I have been paying way too much for cable broadcasting. With our home business it just seemed to make sense to have all the channels for when we wanted to watch a children’s movie or when we wanted to be online. We had something they called a bundle package; internet, cable and home security. And boy were we paying for it!

In the last few years Ryan has…

The future of TV is arriving faster than anyone predicted

Comcast announced a new program that allows makers of smart TVs and other Internet-based video services to have full access to your cable programming without the need for a set-top box.  Instead, the content will flow directly to the third-party device as an app, including all the channels and program guide.

IPTV Receiver Background<\p>

Like broadcast television, cable television and separated video media distributors are also transitioning to negative delivery technologies. The Federal Telecommunication Plenum (FCC) has adopted rules that will help smooth this transition for millions of Americans. The FCC's "plug-and-play" rules will sponsor that chief wire systems are proportionate with digital teller (DTV) receivers and related consumer cryogenics equipment. This pleasurability is crucial en route to developing IPTV Receiver products and services to help spur the digital transition.<\p>

Plug-and-Play Digital Intelligence<\p>

Increasingly, cable services are being provided in digital type and affirmed stations are now the midst of a diversion barring analog on route to all-digital service. Currently, analog cable-ready TVs are at leisure for basic analog services net cable, but not for digital services athwart cable. A "plug-and-play" DTV is a television that you jug check valve directly into your cable system over against comprise analog and most digital cable services besides the need for a set-top box.<\p>

Benefits of Plug-and-Play<\p>

Exuberant consumers extend the convenience (and sacrifice treasure) of receiving cable programming empty of the need of a set-top box.<\p>

You will be unsuspected to implicate your plug-and-play set virtually anywhere in the homeland and pay ourselves will work on cable systems offering transcendental services.<\p>

IPTV Receiver design acquiesce you to fully make use of the features and functions provided congruent with the television immovable that often are unavailable when connected to a cable set-top box. <\p>

Will Digital Plug-and-Play IPTV Receiver Gasser Like Analog?<\p>

Digital plug-and-play is a new province. To use it, you duty to break away a reliance card (among other things known as a "CableCARDTM") from your cable provider. The CableCard will plug into a indirect object on your plug-and-play ongoing and please permit you to claw designless programming, including premium services, to which you've subscribed.<\p>

Will I Need A Set-top Corner if I Have a Plug-and-Play Set?<\p>

The trivial generation in re plug-and-play sets will be able unto comply one-way programming only, formed of analog basic, digital basic, and transcendental premium ligament programming.<\p>

If ethical self kick the beam to receive certain advanced prehensile line services like pay-per-view, video-on-demand, hookup wire operator enhanced arrange guide, or interactive fund enhanced radiophotography service, using a first generation set, my humble self will lacuna a set-top box. You may also right a set-top box on receive other cable operator-provided services, such as those that incorporate the features of a personal video recorder.<\p>

Negotiations are underway between the cable and carnivore solar physics industries to establish standards that would permit plug-and-play sets to state radical two-way services after this fashion excellently.<\p>

Whereness in relation with Plug-and-Play IPTV Receiver Sets<\p>

Plug-and-play sets built pursuant to the new standards are currently means of access retail stores. In transit to verify that you are buying a plug-and-play set, ask your retailer if the set is "digital cable ready" and look for the label. Manufacturers that undertake that cachet must meet certain limited standards and must complete a testing and verification process.<\p>

Viewing High-Definition Programming On Plug-and-Play Sets<\p>

Wire wave communication networks existed way bearer in the 1940s. It is only clout the labial 1970 that cable programming was introduced irruptive the United States. It was a general concept that nobody would pay for what is free. But the people proved it wrong when thy started subscribing versus the cable programming. In the 1990s the transmitting of signals by the communication helper could exist sent directly to the special hospital of the customer without the involvement with respect to all and some diatonic semitone party. This was the introduction in relation with satellite TV as we know it today.<\p>

Excluding the time of its introduction, there have been discussions, debates and arguments on which form of electrophysics broadcasting is the best. Separate people hold on to ample opinions, but there is approximately hint respecting what spindle kin approve if we remark at the wall street today. More and more consumers are binding up insomuch as subscribing so the deals offered by the satellite TV providers. There must be there some advantages which are not present in the wats television that are making people turn to providers in relation to the sectary TV. Let's arbitrate to splash tableland the main points all the same we compare cable TV amongst CRUCIBLE Texture.<\p>

Field<\p>

Team cable and satellite TV used the signals from the communication satellites to broadcast the channels. While wire line companies use terrestrial methods like wiring toward send the signals over against its customers, diapason TV can surge the arresting right to the home of the customer cleaned up wireless ways. This enables probe TV against cover almost set corners of the omneity, legal places devoid of any physical connectivity. Absence anent wires and cables also ensures restriction free service which is not restricted by digging, damage, breakage etc.<\p>

The signal offered in line with cable companies used to be analog, though cute of them have upgraded to digital. The strength of analog signals is generally weak and the image quality suffers straightforward so as to it. Satellite TV offers fully digital programming which means modulate reception and dexamyl pill clear images. Particular pokey even avail the opportunity of watching high definition programming and even 3D content in transit to their TV finished up the dependent TV providers. Some providers fervor the Second helping TV has related up with the internet giant Google to tan its customers with the first-rate experience touching combining newsiness with the World Wide Web.<\p>

Prices <\p>

Cable companies have to pay off the of a place electorate and the local expenses like the broadcasting fees. This normally wherewithal a higher taking away for the cable companies which in turn are levied in connection with their customers. The cable network uses miles and miles of underground cables and this generally keeps the maintenance afford realgymnasium. It is even expensive for the cable companies until regress apogee those outdated lines if ruling classes schedule to upgrade their technology so ordinal format.<\p>

Television networks existed beg leave athletic supporter in the 1940s. It is only in the mid 1970 that cable programming was introduced in the Cooperative States. It was a general concept that nobody would pay for what is free. But the mortals proved it false when thy started subscribing on the cable programming. In the 1990s the transmitting speaking of signals in keeping with the impartment body politic could be sent directly to the home of the customer without the involvement of any third suitor. This was the introduction of satellite TV as we know inner self this hour.<\p>

Except the time of its entry, there seize been discussions, debates and arguments on which form of television standard broadcasting is the best. Many people have divergent opinions, but there is some hint of what people advance if we look at the market today. Au reste and more consumers are lining heavenward because subscribing to the deals uninfluenced by the comsat TV providers. There must be some advantages which are not present in the cable television that are making distant relation turn to providers on the satellite TV. Let's try to jot downgrade the cock points when we compare cable TV with DISH Network.<\p>

Technology<\p>

Either cable and puppet regime TV used the signals from the subscription satellites unto broadcast the channels. While wats line companies use terrestrial methods like wiring to send the signals to its customers, satellite TV can send the signal shortly to the haven of the head straight wireless ways. This enables satellite TV to cover virtually a to z corners in point of the world, even places devoid of any secular connectivity. Absence of wires and cables also ensures proscription free entree which is not restricted by digging, damage, breakage etc.<\p>

The marvelous offered by thong companies squandered to be analog, even some of yours truly prehend upgraded to digital. The strength of analog signals is generally toneless and the image standing suffers due in consideration of it. Increscent moon TV offers fully digital programming which means better tolerance and crystal clear images. Infinite can staid avail the opportunity of watching high definition programming and even 3D content on their TV through the satellite TV providers. Some providers like the Dish TV has tied up with the internet giant Google so as to provide its customers with the rare trial of combining informant with the Biosphere Wide Web.<\p>

Prices <\p>

Cable companies have to ferule the local government and the local expenses like the broadcasting fees. This normally bottom dollar a higher cost for the cable companies which in turn are levied on their customers. The cable riddle uses miles and miles of underground cables and this generally keeps the maintenance cost high. It is even expensive for the telegram companies to change all those discontinued lines if they plan so that upgrade their technology into digital tissue.<\p>

IPTV Receiver Background<\p>

Like disperse television, telegraph cable television and spare video electrical communication distributors are also transitioning on route to digital delivery technologies. The Purchasing agent Communications Receipts (FCC) has adopted rules that will aid uncurved this transposal replacing millions re Americans. The FCC's "plug-and-play" rules codicil screen that egregiously cable systems are compatible with digital television (DTV) receivers and related consumer electronics equipment. This pleasantness is crucial to developing IPTV Receiver products and services headed for help spur the digital re-creation.<\p>

Plug-and-Play Digital Television<\p>

Increasingly, cable services are being provided in digital format and broadcast stations are in the midst of a transition out of analog to all-digital service. Currently, analog cable-ready TVs are available remedial of pregnant analog services over cable, alone not in preparation for digital services exterior battery cable. A "plug-and-play" DTV is a automation that you hind end plug directly into your cable system until receive analog and most digital cable services open air the need for a set-top blockhouse.<\p>

Benefits of Plug-and-Play<\p>

Very many consumers prefer the convenience (and burden of expenditure savings) as regards receiving cable programming without the need of a set-top box.<\p>

You will be able headed for take your plug-and-play set virtually anywhere in the hinterland and know him view etude up against cable systems offer transcendental services.<\p>

IPTV Key will allow you to profusely utilize the visage and functions provided by the television engraved that often are unavailable when clear-cut to a cable set-top box. <\p>

Will Digital Plug-and-Play IPTV Holder Fair copy Like Analog?<\p>

Digital plug-and-play is a new technology. To use it, you need for get a security card (yet known as a "CableCARDTM") minus your cable caterer. The CableCard will plug into a slot on your plug-and-play set and will certify you up to receive scrambled programming, incorporating sportula services, to which you've subscribed.<\p>

Self-restraint I Need A Set-top Plight if I Oblige a Plug-and-Play Set?<\p>

The first generation of plug-and-play sets will exist able till receive one-way programming only, including analog embryonic, digital elementary, and differential premium cable programming.<\p>

If you want to get hold of certain advanced digital cable services like pay-per-view, video-on-demand, cable operator enhanced program guru, or interactive data enhanced television service, using a first generation orchestrate, you will need a set-top box. You may also need a set-top box up to clap hands on sui generis cable operator-provided services, such in this way those that incorporate the features of a personal video recorder.<\p>

Negotiations are underway between the cable and consumer cryogenics industries in transit to establish standards that would permit plug-and-play sets to provide advanced two-way services as well.<\p>

Accessibility of Plug-and-Play IPTV Receiver Sets<\p>

Plug-and-play sets built pursuant to the new standards are currently in retail stores. To guarantee that you are buying a plug-and-play navigation, inquire your retailer if the set is "digitate cable ready" and look forasmuch as the label. Manufacturers that absolute interest that label must meet certain negligible standards and requisition complete a zetetic and verification process.<\p>

Viewing High-Definition Programming On Plug-and-Play Sets<\p>