Michael Sherlock » cable

Alternatives to Cable TV

Michael Sherlock — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:30:17 +0000

With the nightmare we call an economy affecting more and more people, it’s becoming very important to cut back. We need to save enough for the needs of today and any disasters tomorrow. Although you don’t want to, cutting cable TV can significantly reduce monthly spending. On a positive note though, cable can just as easily be supplemented by these free or low cost alternatives.

Joost. Joost is an online video website that allows you to watch all types of media from films, to music videos and TV shows. Categories are broad ranging from tech and gaming to animation or action. After watching a short ad, you are greeted by the standard definition video of your choice. Joost even has a free iphone application for watching all of their content on your iPhone or iPod touch. The only downside to joost is that it is more of an aggregator of free video content then a place to find a new TV show.
Hulu. Hulu has become my favorite online method for watching television shows. Supported by all the major companies, this legal online video site can supply you with all the latest TV shows you want for nothing more then a few thirty second ads. Hulu even offers several movies to wet your whistle. At 480p, shows look fine and are easily enjoyable. In fact, Hulu even offers a few episodes in 720p for everyone who wants the extra resolution.
External TV Antenna. A TV antenna is a great way to get free, high or standard definition video as soon as it is available. Many companies, like NBC or Fox News, broadcast their programs live over the air just waiting for you to watch them. Many new HDTV’s have built in antenna’s for picking up this OTA content so check your current model first. Otherwise, you can buy an external antenna. From their, you can watch the content live on your tv or connect the antenna to your computer and record these broadcasts. For more information on TV antenna’s, check out antenna web, they have everything you need to know.
The iTunes Store. Apple’s itunes is most widely known for it’s mp3 selection. However, apple has expanded their offerings and now sells standard and high definition TV shows and movies. (You can even rent movies from the store.) Older movies cost $9.99 while new releases cost around $15. Not all movies are available for rent though, but those that are cost around $4. TV shows cost $2.99 an episode or you can buy a season pass saving a little per episode.
Netflix. With plans starting at $4.99 a month, it’s never been easier to rent DVD’s. While it does take a day or two to ship to your home, netflix is a great service for anyone who wants content delivered straight to their door. In fact, netflix has a huge library of blu-ray movies too so you can enjoy full 1080p content right on your television set. Furthermore, a small portion of their content can be watched instantly on your computer to compensate for shipping times.

With internet media booming it has never been a better time to cancel your cable subscription. Of course having cable is the easiest and most consistent method for obtaining this media when you consider how easy it is to loose OTA signals or for your internet to go out but is having your media as soon as it is released as important as the money it costs? That depends on you and how much money you can save.

Fios -updated-

Michael Sherlock — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:17:59 +0000

Verizon has recently announced that Fios, Verizon’s fiber optic network, will see an increase of speeds. This update is pretty significant considering Verizon is announcing extremely fast speeds compared to average American ISP’s. In a press release Verizon announced:

The 50/20 Mbps service will be available in New York and Virginia for $89.95, and in other States for $139.95 a month with an annual service plan. The 20/20 Mbps FiOS tier is available in all FiOS markets for $64.99 a month with an annual service plan

Verizon went on to say that their mid-tier plan will be upgraded from 15/2 Mbps to 20/5 Mbps and their basic tier will be upgraded from 5/2 Mbps to 10/2 Mbps.
Press Release

Verizon also mentioned their plans to extend their coverage area to major cities. Verizon expects to cover all residents of new york city, in all five boroughs, in the next 5 to 6 years. Verizon also mentioned their interest in Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

I have fios available in my area and have been seriously looking at switching. For most, the decision would be instant to move to fios but other family members have comcast email addresses and aren’t so sure they want to switch. With increased speeds for the same price my hopes for switching are renewed. Plus, in the future with more people having the opportunity to subscribe to this great service I can see fios’ market share increasing.

With all this in mind, if available, do you plan on switching to Fios? I mean, you are getting relatively great speeds at a pretty good price. Plus, you can expect good quality consider all the fiber lines fios is running on have been installed in the past years. So, for the best speeds on a new network, check out fios.

Update:
Well, after much discussion and comcast continuing to screw with us by serving us unreliable cable at very high prices, I have signed up for Verizon Fios. My service will be installed July 2 so look for more information around that time.

Why I Question Comcast

Michael Sherlock — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:04:43 +0000

Today I saw a promotion for ‘current customers’ to get comcast highspeed internet for $19.99. I contacted comcast and was rudely told I was wrong. “The deal is for current customers who only have television service”, I was told. However, upon reading the terms there was no mention of this requirement. I contacted comcast again and was told I was wrong once more. I feel like once comcast pulls you into their service; they no longer care about you. As a consumer, you are never far away from cheap internet and/or cable deals in the newspaper or on the web but none help out the current customer.

There is one way to get your bill lowered: call and cancel your services. Most likely, the rep will offer you a decent deal to convince you to stay. However, sometimes the rep doesn’t give a hoot and just goes ahead and cancels you service. You can call the next day and cancel the cancelation but it’s a hassle. Come on comcast, give your current customers a break.

I have herd of success of contacting comcast through their comcast cares department. I have had some preliminary talks with frank from comcast cares through twitter. (By the way you can follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/blue42richman) You can also email this department at we_can_help@cable.comcast.com and try to get some better support. When/if I email comcast through the ‘we care’ department I will post my results. If you have had results, please tell me about it.

In most areas comcast has a monopoly on the media market and it’s nearly impossible to stray from comcast. Personally, I have verizon fios available in my area but I can’t switch at the moment. My family has been brainwashed into thinking the service and price will be the same with verizon. Plus, my parents both use comcast email addresses which impedes switching. But enough about that. Comcast needs to be competitive especially in my area because, in my opinion, verizon is offering a better service at a better price with better customer service. If comcast continues to not care about there customers I predict we will see an influx in new service with verzion, satellite services and other local cable companies. Honestly, this can’t too soon.