The "To Keep Up" Wiki

So you're thinking of cutting the CATV cord and relying on Internet instead.  How should you approach this?  Here are my thoughts.

• What is the difference in cost between (what you have and pay for now) and (what you will pay without CATV).
• Now you see how much you would save without CATV.
• Are you sure you want to watch TV?  If so, continue.  If not, the library has many books you can borrow and there are free news services online.  You have neighbors with CATV, most likely.
• Look at services below an see which options
• Your savings is how much you can spend on alternative viewing options.
• Compare what you lose (in addition to $) with what it costs (alternative services) and balance with convenience gain/loss.

Other considerations

• Convenience of using CATV vs Internet service use.
• Reliability of the replacement Internet services.
• Cost of the Internet services vs your no-CATV savings.
• Ask yourself: Does your CATV provider give you DVR capability?  You would lose this in a switch. (Alternatives?)
• Note that: A portion of your CATV cost goes to support community cable, LexMedia.
• Ask yourself: If you switch to Internet services, can your TV(s) support watching them?  Or will you be relying on laptop/tablet/phone?

An approach to leaving CATV

• Determine the channels you like (e.g., CNN, HGTV, BUZZR, channel 5)
• Find services below that offer one or more of these and try them out
• Start with free services
• Get antenna and try watching local TV using free air signals (e.g., channel 5)
• For me my first to evaluate would be: Watch News Live (CNN, HGTV) and Pluto.tv (BUZZR)
• Most services that cost $ offer a short free trial period

Information updated Jan 13, 2020.
There is a comparison of channel coverage in this spreadsheet, its info summarized here.
Your comments appreciated!  Did I miss any services? Or should anything be corrected?

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