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- To cut spending, I switched from satellite TV to an antenna. I save $200 a month and still get to watch everything I want. (businessinsider.com)
Cutting the Cord: One Local’s Journey to Ditching Satellite TV and Saving Big
Like many of us feeling the pinch of rising costs, one local resident recently embarked on a mission to trim down their monthly expenses. The culprit?
A hefty satellite TV bill, clocking in at nearly $200 a month, on top of existing streaming services. The realization struck: most of the satellite viewing was for local news and sports, all accessible for free over the air.
This sparked a decision that would ultimately lead to significant savings and a surprising discovery of new content.
A Smooth Start to the Antenna System
The switch began with the purchase of an antenna system, a move our local says they wish they’d made sooner. Antennas, in their simplest form, offer a “plug and play” experience.
For those desiring more advanced features like a scrollable TV guide and recording capabilities, an Over The Air (OTA) DVR is a worthwhile addition. After some research, the resident opted for a Zapperbox system to support two televisions, paired with its indoor/outdoor antenna, a collaboration with long-time antenna manufacturer Televes.
The entire new setup came in at approximately $500 – less than three months of the old satellite charges.
Initial configuration was a breeze, taking only a couple of hours, including wire management. To secure the antenna, a clever solution was devised: dropping it onto a PVC pipe set in an 80-pound bucket of cement, ensuring stability even during monsoon storms.
The Patience Game: Finding the Optimal Antenna Placement
While the initial setup was easy, finding the perfect antenna placement proved to be a test of patience. A fortunate first attempt yielded almost every channel during a full scan, creating a false sense of security.
Subsequent attempts to optimize the signal, however, were less successful. For several weeks, inconsistent channel reception and broken transmissions plagued the system.
Small adjustments often felt like a guessing game, leaving the resident frustrated when favorite sports broadcasts were unavailable.
Despite the challenges, online maps indicating signal strength for their address confirmed that capturing all local networks was indeed possible. The key was persistence.
A dedicated Saturday was spent meticulously moving the antenna around the property, testing various placements. This effort ultimately paid off, leading to an optimal location where all channels now come in with high signal strength.
The once-hidden antenna is now visible but has been charmingly integrated into the yard’s aesthetic, with a painted pipe and a flower planter atop the cement bucket.
A Wealth of Free Content and Zero Regrets
Three months after cutting the cord, our local resident reports resounding success. Not only can they watch everything they wanted to before, but they’ve also discovered a wealth of additional content.
Subchannels from local broadcasters offer programming focused on the local area, something previously inaccessible with satellite. Even regional NBA and WNBA games are now available through a local provider, sans the need for a sports subscription.
Beyond local content, the sheer volume of OTA channels offering old game shows, sitcoms, movies, and more has been a delightful bonus. “We’re constantly discovering (or rediscovering) fun content to enjoy, all for free,” the resident shared. This unexpected bounty has only enhanced the return on their investment.
With three streaming services already announcing price hikes since the switch, the resident is now evaluating those subscriptions as well. “With so much available for free over the air, I’m finding less and less incentive to continue paying others for content,” they stated.
Their only regret? Not making the switch sooner.
This local’s journey serves as a compelling example for anyone considering cutting the cord and exploring the world of free, over-the-air television.