Top 5 Alternatives To 123 Ppv Video Chat Software For Mac

Posted : admin On 12.03.2020

154 Shares This is part 2 of our on how to save money with your cable, phone, and internet bills (while also FAILING at the same time). You can find part #1.

We’re back! Last article we went over how to get by using Ooma, and this time around we’re tackling the heated Cable/TV part of the telecom trifecta. And just like with our home phone line, I unfortunately screwed myself multiple ways in this department too – one of which out of frugality itself! (See that big honkin’ TV up there? It’s large, paid off, 10 years old and absolutely beautiful. Except when it’s not and your hacking attempts go to $hit. Sigh) Let’s start with why we were messing around with TV in the first place Plain and simple, we’re tired of paying $170+ for cable/internet/phone every month.

We still want all three parts in our lives (notice the “want” there and not “need” – except for the internet), we just know there are cheaper ways to go about it if you harness creativity and newfangled technology. So just like with our last month, and and home phone service this month, we set out to tackle the TV portion of this outrageous bill all in the spirit of.

Top 5 Alternatives To 123 Ppv Video Chat Software For Mac Download

And why do we still want cable TV? Well, I’ll let my wife answer that part: “Do you know what it’s like to grow up as a kid without cable? You can’t take it away from me now that I have it – I love it! And you can tell your blogging friends that too.” That’s reason #1:) Obviously outside of my control, unless I fancy myself a divorce.

Reason #2 is that I too enjoy a handful of the offerings TV and premium channels serve up. I can live without them no doubt about it, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t enjoy my reality shows and HBO/Showtimes to catch some of my favorite series. Shows like Game of Thrones, Homeland, True Detective, The Leftovers, and more recently Ray Donovan. My wife calls him my current man crush, and I wouldn’t totally disagree with her – is a bad ass now! Like the complete opposite of Cotton Weary from back in the old Scream days, haha Anyways, the point is we’re not ready to get rid of TV’s luxuries all the way yet, but we are wanting to scale back and save some dough in the process.

Here was the plan on how to accomplish this First, find a way to get Netflix/internet onto our TV like all other modern rock stars. I get the appeal of watching it on your laptop, but after 12 hour days behind a computer it’s the last thing I want do when unwinding. The second step – call up Verizon and simply ask them to cut channels out and lower our bill (Hah!

As if it were that easy). We figured if we could find a way to substitute our shows/movies over time by using the internet instead of Verizon, we’d save a nice stash of cash like many of you are already doing and have the best of both worlds going on. Then, maybe, just maybe, my wife would be singing a new tune with those dollars in her pockets? How to stream internet to your TV, way #1 So off I went I looked on Amazon for ways to hook up my TV to the internet, and came across. There was, Sungale, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and a ton more which I eventually got inundated with until I noticed that many Blu-ray DVD players now come with built-in wifi? I had never heard of this as we never watch DVDs, but if you can stream the internet on it at the same time while saving that money I was ’bout it ’bout it.

Now i am the master It's a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midichlorians to. May 4, 2013 - May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you). With a new Star Wars in the. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the.

And since I thought you needed a DVD player to watch Netflix, it killed two birds with one stone. (That was mistake #1 – you don’t need a DVD player necessarily – you can STREAM shows/movies through Netflix too! Oops.) So I looked around and landed on the highly rated that had built in Wi-Fi for $87.03 – on sale from $129.99 which it’s currently at. That was mistake #2. Not because it’s a bad product or anything (the reviews are great!), but because IT DIDN’T WORK WITH OUR TV! I just assumed it would because why wouldn’t it, right? Here’s our TV again in case you mysteriously missed it the first time: It’s large as $hit (60-something inches!) and rocks HDTV surprisingly enough, but it never occurred to me that it had long met it’s prime w/ technology.

I of course knew it was ancient, but who looks at the ports in the back when buying this stuff? How would I know it didn’t have the much-required HDMI hookup that’s apparently quite important with streaming and internet badassity? I never thought twice, and because so paid a hefty penalty in both time and money w/ this lame hacking attempt of mine. Then there was mistake #3: waiting two months to open it up and try connecting everything. Meaning, I didn’t realize it wasn’t compatible until it was way too late to return it, thereby losing a cool $87 on the spot, ugh Of course, I can still hawk it and probably recoup most of that money since it retails for $130 again, but still. Moving in the opposite direction here!

But wait for mistakes #4, #5, #6, and #7 first: I thought I could outwhit myself and find a way to jigger around different cords and contraptions to see if that would save this debacle. So first bought a coaxial cable to see if that would do the trick (the Blu-ray and my TV both had slots for it) but of course that didn’t work – you need HDMI! Then I picked up an HDMI cord (getting closer) and tried plugging that into the DVD player which also connected the cable box, which then connected to the TV. That’s gotta work right? I should have stopped there and ate the loss, but unfortunately I went on I wondered if you could somehow up convert the old stuff into the new stuff, and came across a handful of reviews saying you could by buying a converter doo-hicky for those wanting to use new equipment with old TVS (like DVD players).

Exactly what I needed! So I tried my hand at that dropping another $25 to get the well-rated Mini HDMI to 3RCA Composite AV Converter – along with the appropriate cables (another $5), and off I went to convert.

That didn’t work either. Though, I did muster up some resemblance of a conversion as I could at least then program the DVD player into the TV screen, however it was all pretty blurry and I managed to shrink the viewing size of the TV in half too.

At the end of the day month, I was out another $50 and chalk full of cords and contraptions. So if anybody needs any? And here is what we’ve learned so far:. Do you research before picking up electronics!.

Don’t wait for forever to see if it works. Hold onto your patient pants and don’t go dumping more money into something with a tiny% of working.

Similar to gambling when you keep waiting for that next big chance to recoup your losses! This brings us to (the cheapest) way to stream stuff to your TV:) The kind folks at mentioned they were having a deal going on where all new purchasers of their phones/service would be getting a free Google Chromecast thingamajig, and they asked if I wanted to try one out and then do a giveaway (Unfortunately the offer is now over BUT they say it’ll probably happen again – so watch for it:)). At first I didn’t know what the hell it was, so I Googled it and found this: “Chromecast is a thumb-sized media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. Simply use an Android phone, tablet, iPhone®, iPad®, Mac or Windows laptop, or Chromebook to cast your favorite entertainment and apps right to the big screen.” “Hell yeah!” I said. “I’ve been looking for a new way to stream internet on my TV cuz my dang Blu-ray sucks balls. Send me one to test and then I’ll give one away too!” But I quickly notice the “plugs into the HDMI port” part again, ugh Yet another time my awesome TV screws me! Why can’t I just be like everyone else and splurge on a huge (new) flat screen??

Top 5 Alternatives To 123 Ppv Video Chat Software For Mac Free

It would solve all my problems!!!:) I once again tried attaching it to my frankenstein concoction of cords I’ve since built in the hopes of capturing that miracle all gamblers hold on to, but yet again no dice (see what I did there?). It then occurred to me that – crap! I actually HAD a newer TV I picked up while pimping out my a few years back! Maybe I could try that?? It’s 1/10th of the size, but hell – I might actually be able to pull something off for once! I ran upstairs to our master bedroom where it sits all alone waiting for action (we never use it), plugged it in to that sexy HDMI port that I’d never had the pleasure of seeing before, downloaded the app onto my smartphone And BAM!

I was watching episode after episode of Elmo’s World with my baby boy in no time. Best feeling EVER. I had the internet in the palm of my hand/TV, baby! Literally!;) And guess what? It only costs $35.00. A one-time purchase for forever streaming of internet/tv/media etc on your TV w/out any monthly fees – huzzah! And you can pick it up in all sorts of stores including, and of course The Amazon.

Where it’s been reviewed over 20,000 times and has a total of 4 out of 5 stars. Here’s more about Google Chromecast:. Supports Netflix, YouTube, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Plex, MLB.TV, ESPN, Crunchyroll, MLS, Crackle, Rdio, Vevo, Flixster and Google Play Movies and Music mobile apps as well as select content through Chrome browser, works with recommended modem. Box includes Chromecast, HDMI extender, USB power cable, and power adapter. No remote needed.

Chromecast works with devices you already own, including Android tablets and smartphones, iPhones, iPads, Chrome for Mac, and Chrome for Windows. Easy setup: Plug into any HDTV and connect to your home WiFi network.

Works with Android, iOS, Chrome for Mac, and Chrome for Windows. Stream online video, music to your TV using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop; Available for Windows computers running Windows 7 or higher That was my favorite part: Using your cell phone as a remote:) So, where does this leave us within the TV money saving world? Well, for you guys tons of options if you don’t rock an old-ass TV like we do;) You can go the Blu-ray route if that’s your bag, the Roku route (didn’t look into much but I know some of you readers use and love them), or the cheaper – and more effective route, in my opinion – the Chromecast way.

For a whopping $35 bucks. Then you work yourself away from cable and instant savings! As for us, we’re still up a creek without a paddle. We could move our smaller TV down into our main room if we wanted to have access to everything, but that kinda sucks (first world problems, right?).

Orrrrr we can cave in and pick up a new sexy TV to then stream everything to and slowly de-tach ourselves from Cable, but pending a change in the Mrs’ seas, that’s pretty out of the equation right now too. Though, I must admit it would be nice to free up some space up in here and replace that honkin’ thing right up on the wall a la Cribs style! I totally get why normal people do that now – they don’t want to be the next Jay-Z, they just like room to walk around their family room!;) So what’s the deal in the end? Well, you’ll have to wait for the last part of our series to drop next week and find out (sorry!). This post has gotten out of control long, haha Almost as worse as our, which was actually pretty fun! You should check it out when you get a chance – over 50 questions asked and answered – some really good ones too (like how much I made in 2013).

Now onto the Chromecast giveaway!!! For all of you who made it this far and haven’t died of boredom yet, your chance at a reward is close. Answer this question below and one of you’ll win a Google Chromecast courtesy of: What’s one way you’re currently saving money with TV? Or on your phone/cable/internet bills?

Drop your answer in the comments and we’ll randomly select a winner next Friday, Sep 5th. And thanks for reading all of this – and my blog for that matter:) I wouldn’t be here without you guys. Have a save (and non-expensive) Labor Day weekend out there – we’ll see ya when you’re back on Monday. Or is it Tuesday?

My boss never gives me any day offs anymore UPDATE: Giveaway Over. Thanks for participating everyone! I wish I could give y’all a free Chromecast but unfortunately I only have one:( At least they only cost $35! So don’t let it stop you from testing it out if you think it’ll save you money in the end:) And now, the winner of this super cool and sleek Chromecast is. Bum bum bum Nicole A! Hope you have some fun with it! UPDATE 2: You can find the last part of our 3 part series.

—— Big thanks again to for hooking us up today. Apparently I learn all my money saving and technology tips directly from you now!

I canceled 2phones(100 a month) for unlimited everything and now i ride off of wifi for talk such as fb or skype, text google messenger, and data out roaming using freedompop wifihotspot. First 500mb free and device is abput 90 dollars no contract. 2 gb is 14 dollars.

Tv i use chromecast bluray or a roku (donot get stick breaks easy by bending). And internet still trying to figure out how to get for free unlimited or a big quanity for cheap.

I know if you have a kid and low income comcast does for 10 dollars. Vic April 5, 2016 at 10:47 pm. I finally found a roku with the old style red, white, yellow jack connected to bigger older tv, not digital. Need a digital convertor for it and other smaller TV is digital about 5 channels come in great but the higher I get an antennae the more I get from in a valley in a valley with surrounding trees.

I have now # 3 -10 ft fence top slide together poles with three available hookups great for my one bedroom slide outs camper small living style with/fancy camping and the woods and water for etc.I also have DVD and VCR. Oh of course cassette tapes. But I want WiFi and hi speed internet aside from my landline. Someday.my cell courteously from son and daughterinlaw. August 29, 2014 at 6:35 am. My parents in NY will never give up on there Cable so i called Verizon Fios using there accuont and was told for 6 bucks a month i can have an extra cablebox added to there account. So i ordered a cable box for 6 bucks a month ( its on there account so i just give my parents the money).

I then bought a sling box for 150 on Amazon and hooked it up to the cable box (no TV needed) and stream the television over the internet to my TV in NJ and watch it using the Slingbox APP ( $15) app. All together it is 6 bucks a month and 160 cost down. So ill pay that off in two months and i have all the cable i can handle.i was paying 145 a month for cable but now just 6 bucks well worth it. So ill pay that off in two months and i have all the cable i can handle. The best part is i can watch the slingbox on any of my tv’s as long as it has the app. PLus if i leave on a trip or go away its there. September 1, 2014 at 3:16 pm.

I’ve cut my data amount on my cell phone, saving $30 a month and we purchased a Roku and are experimenting with Netflix. Our plan is to purchase an antenna (they are small now, not on the roof) and can sometimes pick up hd channels. The only thing we can’t find is the golf channel. Goal: install antenna and explore Netflix and if we can go without cable, we will cancel the bundle that has just kept going up and up, and just keep the Internet. That will save us (with monthly Netflix fee) around $175 a month!! Would love to try that Google Chromecast!

Jesse Bowen October 1, 2016 at 5:18 pm. I understand what you are trying to get with Apple TV, Netflix, Roku, Amazon Prime, Chromecast, Hulu these are all great options for people who have cable for shows/movies. I love sports and literally watch 0 shows/movies. I have HD Cable EXCLUSIVELY for sports (College Football, NFL, NBA, College Basketball, MLB, NHL). Until someone somewhere figures out how to stream sports I am stuck in this cable rut (please someone figure this out I will buy it). Okay thanks for listening my rant is over.

August 29, 2014 at 12:43 pm. Hah, I love your wife’s comment. I feel the opposite though – I grew up without cable and could care less about it now.

Thanks, Dad, who knew denying me Nickelodeon and MTV would be such a long term frugal lesson? Incidentally, if you have a laptop, you can probably plug it right into your “old” TV with a VGA cable, as long as you pick one up with the right number of pins.

And then you can download Hippo LITE and it will turn your phone into a remote using your home WiFi. September 1, 2014 at 3:33 pm. The Roku LT (cheapest – about $30 to $ 50) comes with the red, white, and yellow old school cords. It should work with your tv. The hd quality is not as high, but I don’t notice the difference.

Also, the roku app works with it as well, so you can use your smart phone as the remote. We cut cable tv two or three years ago and have 3 rokus for our 2 tvs. (One roku is set up with my sisters amazon account, so she can rent movies. We just switch out the roku.) I miss Hgtv, bout not enough to pay the $75 a month to get it. September 1, 2014 at 3:35 pm.

I’ve been using Hulu.com for several years. This blog was actually very intriguing to me. For some reason I thought everyone knew about netflix and Hulu video/movie streaming.

It’s saved me a bundle and I even have my siblings doing it now. I’m one of those rockstars with a sexy flat screen TV on the wall and it’s actually got the apps preinstalled onto the television. I’m making plans to not re-up my cell plan and just go pay as you go. The good part about this is I can still use data and messaging (don’t do too much of both of those away from wifi) so it’ll bring my $200 bill to just 10 dollars every couple months, if the data and messages are being used. I’m really excited! ConnieK August 29, 2014 at 9:54 am. I: 1) at least get a 19% discount off Verizon Wireless (personal) cell bill through work so every little bit helps, and 2) I had Verizon take a look at my (smartphone) data usage and we concluded I could go with a 1GB data plan instead of 2GB so that has been a bit of monthly savings.

Love this blog entry almost as much as Ask J$ Anything Day! My favorite part of your writing right up in here was: “That didn’t work either. Though, I did muster up some resemblance of a conversion as I could at least then program the DVD player into the TV screen, however it was all pretty blurry and I managed to shrink the viewing size of the TV in half too.

Damn.” You are TOO FUNNY, J$. Can totally picture you doing all of this hah I don’t know how you even have the TIME to tinker with this crizzap! Have a great holiday wknd September 1, 2014 at 3:36 pm.

Ppv

You can also stream Netflix, Hulu, etc. Through a lot of gaming systems like Xbox, Wii, PS4, etc. We have a PS3 we bought in 2008 that we use for Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime.

We dropped our cable when I got laid off last year, and didn’t even think about picking it back up when I started working again in Feb. I also bought an old-fashioned TV antenna and get about 20 HDTV channels through it, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS.

I think the antenna was about $40-50. The only thing I really miss is ESPN, but that’s my excuse now to head out to a sports bar;) September 1, 2014 at 3:37 pm. We have been a slow transition away from cable. Probably cut the cord about 5-6 years ago away from the set top box. Then we finally got rid of the cable too when we realized we were literally wasting every night watching Every Body Loves Raymond re-runs. Now, I love Ray, but CMON.

I don’t need to be paying an extra $30 a month to watch it. We then just kept netflix.

I am an NFL fan so a friend of mine and I split the sunday ticket package that’s online only. We are fans of two teams that are in different time zones so we’re able to avoid a lot of overlap. Finally, we use Netflix only with my PS3. It’s nice but I’ve recently seen the ability of smart phones to pop youtube videos onto your ps3 youtube app.

I can imagine that Chromecast would make it even easier! Oh, and of course we made the switch over to RW last year. They’ve given us great service! Michelle August 29, 2014 at 10:46 am. Someone else said this, and I’ll second it: I grew up without cable, and don’t really care about it now.

So I cancelled my cable over 1.5 yrs ago, and I couldn’t be happier. What I do instead is this: I have a Playstation 3, which is connected to my internet. It has apps for pretty much all the same stuff at the Chromecast, so I stream via the PS3.

I already had a Prime membership, and they started offering the free movies and TV shows around the same time I cancelled my cable; for more recent stuff, I used Hulu. About 9 mos ago, more and more shows started moving behind the Hulu paywall, and I didn’t like having to wait 8 days to see the new Grey’s Anatomy.

So I bit the bullet and signed up for Hulu Plus. It’s been worth every penny.

Unfortunately, CBS shows don’t stream through Hulu, so I’ll stream those through the CBS site on my laptop, which is a pain. BUT you should know that you can connect your laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable, and in this case, instead of a remote, I use a wireless mouse:) All told, it costs me $99/yr for Prime (I used to only pay the $39 student rate, since I have an.edu email address, but they caught on to that and now you have to provide proof of student status to get the student rate), plus $8/mo for Hulu. Heather August 29, 2014 at 10:58 am. We use the Playstation system to stream Netflix to our TV, works like a charm! But I think you may need HDMI for the System.

When we shopped around for a lower internet bill (we didn’t have home phone and cable was included in our condo fees) we found out that the bundle for home phone, internet and premium cable channels came out to cheaper than just internet. And it’s not even a promo! I think we pay $39+tax for the whole thing, but now we have a phone line we don’t use and extra channels that don’t get watched! Oh well, still cheaper. Laura August 29, 2014 at 11:21 am. This is what causes analysis paralysis in ADHD folks like me.

Yes, I want to know the options, but then I’m always one step behind in some part of the technology equation. It’s extremely frustrating. On the other hand, I can always read an actual book, from the library, for free, which I do, along with DVDs of shows past. I’m in the middle of Treme, and waiting to pick up Sherlock, then will do Luther.

Part of my problem is the older TV thing as well. Though I don’t watch much, I will be glued for Downton Abbey, and I like my nice big Sony for it’s good view. I just don’t have a clue how to resolve the tech question at hand, or how to decipher all the choices. I need someone to help who will be unbiased, but also, helpful.

My DSL internet (do not mock me) works fine for home. It’s a local company, with excellent customer service, and it’s not Comcast. I bundle my wireless internet, land line, and long distance for about $40-52/month. My cable (with Comcast) is about $21/month, but it’s been creeping up slowly.

I just have the basic, though it does include CNN, and some other stuff I don’t watch, but it’s primarily for antenna service. South Mpls gets horrible over-the-air service, as all the big tower transmitters are way on the other side of the downtown Mpls skyscrapers, in the far suburbs. I’m also concerned about the potential merger of Comcast and Time-Warner, as they will be divesting some of their properties, and we look like one of them.

Who knows what we’ll get in return, and how much it will cost? My friend in St. Paul has basic cable with the Big C, and it’s $8-10/month, and mine is the $21. How does that even happen (???), and there’s no amount of explanation that will satisfy me. Maybe I need to move to a Greek island Carol in Mpls August 29, 2014 at 12:25 pm.

I only pay $35 for cable/internet/phone each month! And that includes all of the premium cable channels. That’s right – I’m.absolutely killin. this one area of our budget. And it’s all due to one simple, eazy peezy thing – I work for the cable company.

Hahaha yeah I know that’s kinda sorta cheating, but it’s an awesome perk. Everyone may feel free to now hate me for selling my soul (although it’s not a bad place to work). Oh, one other thing – if you ever have any issue with your service, drop me a line and I can hook you up with a special customer service phone # and code for people having unresolved issues. September 1, 2014 at 3:43 pm. It was nice to read about someone who actually purchased the chromecast and seems to enjoy it.

I knew your television was old, the moment i saw the pic. As far as saving money, i don’t have cable (only the channels i pick up through the apartment complex) and i have a ps3 (with netflix account) and a basic internet package since i don’t stream a lot of shows on my computer (that’s why i have netflix) i have a cell phone where i pay $50 a month and since i have wi-fi, no worries about burning my minutes. Kristin Matt August 29, 2014 at 2:01 pm. Phone: I’m on straighttalk wireless. Better coverage than AT&T in my area (ironically) and I convinced myself I’m only giving away half my freedom by getting a company kickback on 80% of my cell bill.

Net to me each month = $9.05. Internet: I call TWC every 3 months, figure out the best combination of minimum speed I can tolerate and cost and then ask them to move me over (while trying not too swear too often at them). TV: I’m a diehard baseball fan so it is hard for me to cut the cord. I wanted to do MLB.TV and then stream everything else, but if you are in an MLB town (good) you can’t watch your hometown team on MLB.TV (bad). So, until I solve that problem, I’m still on satellite. The best I can do is add and drop the local baseball channel every 6 months and save about $60/year doing so. Shoot me that Chrome and I might have more success!!:-) August 29, 2014 at 2:11 pm.

I’m in the same boat! To get rid of cable, I’d have to get rid of my lovely boyfriend. And nobody wants that:) We signe up for a triple-service package for phone, internet and cable in our old apartment, even though we didn’t want or need a phone. It was $50 cheaper than the 2-service plan! We also beer plugged in an actual phone so that nobody “accidentally” made a ton of calls to rack up charges.

I wish they still offered that deal but I think the company wised up Serena August 29, 2014 at 2:17 pm. It did require buying a new TV, but the investment pays for itself in one year. New Samsung 44″ TV – $600 and something courtesy Sam’s club Roku – $79 also Sam’s Club – if I had thought about it Chromecast is a better deal Mohu Leaf HD antenna – $69 Tablo TV – which provides DVR like capabilities AND connects to WiFi – $219 Seagate 2T hard drive – $99 Amazon Prime – $79 but I had it anyway Netflix – when there is something I can’t find anywhere or I binge watch House of Cards. And you already know what I think about Republic Wireless easiest $100 a month I’ve ever saved.

You rock J$ September 1, 2014 at 3:46 pm. Roku vs Chromecast: currently trying both setups, at my place and my boyfriend’s. Chromecast is an advantage for anything phone related – you can vary Netflix, TEDtalks, YouTube, etc but NOT Amazon Prime (which is not phone compatible for either of our phones). Roku is great for Amazon Prime, Netflix, Pandora, and Hulu, but NOT random Internet. You can get other channels but have to have a paid subscription to some. Andrew’s Slingbox idea is very intriguing, will investigate further! September 1, 2014 at 3:48 pm.

Here’s where Craigslist (and people’s infernal need for the newest technology) is your friend.;-) Go out to Craigslist, and go to the electronics section, then in the search box, just type ‘720p’. The results will return dozens of beautiful, perfectly serviceable 2-4 year old flat panel TV’s with HDMI outputs. A 42″ 720p LCD or Pasma TV (gently used) shouldn’t set you back more than $150-$250. Because the screen density technology is now two generations old. 1080p, and the new 4K TV’s coming on to the scene, are pusing down prices of the 720p units dramatically.

Personally, I can’t tell the difference between 720p and 1080p unless I’m within 24 inches of the screen. You could likely sell your current TV for $60-100, so you could be looking at a net cost of upgrading for as little as $50! As the 4K TV’s proliferate, the next 12-24 months are going to be an incredible time for picking up quality 720p, flat panel TV”s with modern ports, for dirt cheap.

Just something to keep in mind;-) Mike @ Simplifiable August 29, 2014 at 4:51 pm. I work for an employer that considers my cell phone service a “perk” for working in IT, so I essentially get my plan for free. Other than that, even as a tech-head, I don’t upgrade every time a new iPhone comes along. I use that sucker until it dies of old age and abuse before I upgrade, thereby saving myself from having to pay full price for the phone.

My 3GS lasted over 3 years, even though I did outdoor runs multiple times per week with it. The 4S met a slightly untimely not-quite-total-demise on a 14-mile run when I accidentally drowned it in perspiration.

(Mostly, it started thinking it was docked part of the time and sometimes spontaneously powered back on after being turned off. Stretchy silicone phone skins are great right up until they aren’t.

I got a Lifeproof case after that.) I phoned AT&T, was honest about why my phone died, and asked nicely about my options, and in exchange for a bit of patience while the customer service person worked her magic, I was allowed to upgrade to the 5 several months early, for $199, the same price it would have been to replace the 4S through insurance. Honestly, I had forgotten the plan even included insurance. It was one of my more delightful customer service experiences, if only because the agent seemed a touch amused that I hadn’t tried lying or playing dumb about why my phone had suddenly started acting wonky. She was also just plain fun to chat with while her supervisor approved the upgrade.

And what little episodic television viewing I do, I mostly do it online. August 29, 2014 at 5:27 pm. So while what I write may not be completely ethical, I DO, however, save a ton of money.

Basically, if there’s a specific TV show I like and want to watch, I download it from a private torrent site. I pay for Netflix, which gives us quite a bit of comment, and we use my wife’s parents Hulu account for some other TV shows she likes. I do all of this on our Apple TV, which I LOVE! Only problem I’ve had is sports. I split a MLB.tv account with a friend, and we plan on doing the same thing as soon as the NFL comes out with something similar.

All of our content needs are pretty much met, and I haven’t had basic cable for YEARS! It takes a little creativeness and ingenuity, but I believe that anybody can cut that cable bill in half if they really took the time to research all the options. Thanks for the post J, and I can’t wait to try out the Google Chromecast I’m gonna win! September 1, 2014 at 3:51 pm. I use a Chromecast on one tv and a ROKU on another. The great thing about the Chromecast is you can watch programs from other than the normal ROKU or built in BlueRay options of Hulu, Netflix, etc.

With Chromecast we can watch from NBC.com, FOX, ABC, CBS, etc. I still have basic cable but looking to cut the cord soon. I need to order a roof antenna so we can get free local channels because we can’t get many channels with set-top antennas. I used a site to get an idea of which is the best antenna for our location. September 1, 2014 at 3:55 pm. We just use the antenna.

Not a huge deal for us since before we moved we lived for years with only one channel– now that we live in the city we have over 40! For “DVR” service to watch shows at the time I choose, I just use the network websites. Now for internet my employer buys it for me because I work from home. (SCORE!!!) Our employers also supply each of us with cell phones (DOUBLE SCORE!!!) Really, the hardest thing though was doing away with the landline. For a long time I didn’t use my work cell phone unless I traveled. I was a cell phone hater. But my frugalness won out so now the landline is gone and we just use our cells.

Which gives us a cable/phone/internet bundled total of $0! Rick September 1, 2014 at 1:16 pm. Well, I don’t know if I would call it saving money, but I did manage to score HBO and Starz for free by persistent customer complaining and making sure I’m getting the services I signed up for.

Comcast sent THREE different technicians to my house, with the final one being competent enough to provide me the correct service and speed, and with that, he also gave us premium channels for free! We also do not own a home phone and therefore did not need service for that part- bundling our internet and cable is also how to save the most money with our provider. Saniel September 2, 2014 at 6:50 pm. I’m saving money on my TV by downgrading my television service on my one TV that still gets cable. Last month my bill was $160, this month, $70!

I also purchased my own router when I initially got my cable, it was a little more upfront, but after 4.5 years its more than paid for itself by not leasing one through the cable company. I also use a roku on my TV in my bedroom to stream my netflix, and an antenna to get the local channels (and then some)! Though my roku is starting to have some glitches, so a chromecast thingamajig would be awesome! September 7, 2014 at 9:10 pm. We dropped cable ages ago and haven’t looked back!

Instead, we stream Netflix and very occasionally will check out a Redbox. We also found a reputable regional cell phone carrier and avoided the Big 4. $122/mo for 2 lines, unlimited minutes/texts/data AND wireless internet for our home.

We had Ooma for quite a while but realized we never used our LAN line so we cut that out, too. I know you’re a big fan of Ooma, so if you know of anyone that needs an Ooma box for a steal, we’ve got one we’re trying to get rid of!:) September 7, 2014 at 9:11 pm. We dropped cable in January 2013 and haven’t looked back. The first 2 weeks were the hardest, now we just stream Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime through a Roku on both our TVs.

We only pay $35 for high speed internet, which we change from high speed internet to DSL every 12 months when the rates go up, and the monthly/yearly fees for the streaming services. We also purchased a lifetime subscription to PlayOn TV, which allows streaming to the Roku’s. It was like $80/life and we use it for channels/shows that aren’t on the streaming services we pay monthly/yearly for. We don’t have a house phone, we both have cell phones and get great reception in our home.

Mrs E September 3, 2014 at 10:28 am. To answer the question “How am I saving money on TV, cable, phone, or internet?” (Sigh) Sadly, I’m not – YET!!!

After reading your blog (and many others) it gave me some great ideas. So, I’m going to start testing things out on our TVs.

We have Uverse and AT&T wireless services. I think they should change their slogan from “Your world connected” to “Robbery without a gun; )” Anyway, we have 3 TVs; one smart and 2 smart ready. Plus we have a blu-ray, in fact I think it’s the same one you bought (but ours was a gift – $free).

So, I think I only need one chrome-thingy to get the 3rd TV up-and-running and GOOD-BYE CABLE!!! My problem is that I have to be certain I can access sports channels or my husband’s not going to go for it: ( September 7, 2014 at 9:12 pm. So it sounds to me that you are still using quite a bit of the technology you are trying to eliminate. In order to stream through Chromecast, you are using a smartphone app.

Isn’t that costing you data minutes? Unless your phone plan has unlimited data (mine doesn’t), you will be paying an outrageous cell phone bill every month.

Personally, I am sick of the level of technology in my house and the cost I’m paying every month just to watch TV and have a phone. I’m paying AT&T 250.00 every month just to have TV, Internet, and a cell phone. PLEASE give me back my landline, broadcast TV, and my monthly cost of $35!

July 12, 2015 at 10:15 pm. I have not paid for television in over 13 years, and then it was under protest. I have been happy with streaming media.

I have found that using Opera browser and placing all the free streaming media channels I could find with google searches I was able to place them all into one folder on my browser on opening it. For shows that my wife and I like to binge watch, I use Aviator browser and go on to sites like putlocker, with that browser if you don’t have a flash player the stream becomes a download without needing a torrent app. As for saving on my phone, I have been with the big V for a while, they have this new plan that works for our family since we like to keep our phones for as long as possible, once the phone is paid for in two years interest free, it comes of the bill, also we sparingly use 3gb data between 2 phones and get a teachers discount/state employee discount through work. As for WiFi at home, I am able to access internet for free from the business downstairs that seemingly has no restriction to access for the exception of a password that is freely given to anyone that is a customer. As a side note, I am able to go to my public library and borrow for free any DVD, CD even Wii games. They even have new releases.

The laptop we use for watching our shows is about 10 years old Toshiba Satellite that I refurbished myself with a new OS, new HD, new power pack and battery, works great. January 29, 2017 at 3:18 pm. Thanks for the blog. Very informative. To clarify, I can cancel my cable/wifirouter acct and purchase a chrome thingy for a one time fee, and stream by way of Republic Cell/WiFi service? I have an outdated ROKU on my second tv so, the replacement expense may be required for a more current ROKU.

My smart tv is with only two apps, Disappointing as I hoped to serve the web on it. One of those learning experiences. It does have ROKU and VUDU apps. Anyway, Ive been paying cable bill for wifi internet and basic cable. I could live without the basic cable channels to save money if I can stream on GC and Netflix. Since I also have a tablet maybe casting would be good, if my tv is worthy. I do wonder about going over with data usage and fees once my cable acct is cancelled.

What do you think? Thanks again for the great read.

For Plugtv Subscription Contact: rockingtv123@gmail.com Plugtv is one of the best paid/premium IPTV service of 2018. It has an amazing IPTV section with over 500 channels from US, UK, and other countries as well. They have a VOD section with more than 20,000 movies and tv shows.

They also have cable like EPG in their app which does an amazing job. You can signup for a free trial here: rockingtv123@gmail.com Plugtv service works on all devices except ROKU. So it will work on Android, iOS, Windows, MAC, PS4, XBOX, Fire Stick and TV.

DOWNLOAD LINK FOR FIRE TV and STICK: FireStick & TV “JOIN TELEGRAM CHAT GROUP FOR DIRECT ACCESS TO PLUGTV” PlugTV Telegram Group Join + add your friends & families to our group so they can start Saving today!! Fresh Reviews Are Always Welcome!! Please Leave Us A Review If You’re Enjoying Our Services!!