Need some help re: TV content -

[Capt. Tuttle]

I have tried to make sense of the many posts on here about various viewing options, but an a technology dope.

1) We watch very few channels - but, I do like to watch ESPN and TWC for SU sports.
Otherwise, mostly network TV, plus TBS, TNT History channel and USA. Kids like the Cartoon network and some Nick. On son likes BBC, but he will be gone to college in a year and a half. That is about all we watch, with a few exceptions.

2) I enjoy some series (Big Bang, Blacklist, Elementary, etc.) but don't have to watch the initial broadcast

3) We occassionally rent a movie from ON DEMAND, but do not have or have a desire for pay channels (HBO, etc.)

4) Wife and kids watch some content on line. I sometimes watch a game on my Ipad.

5) Wife does not want a dish on her roof.

Question: What is the best way to meet my viewing needs at the least cost per month?

 

[jekelish]

Get a minimal cable package and invest in a Roku or Apple TV, and then subscribe to Hulu Plus (and Netflix, if you want). Hulu Plus and Netflix are both about $9/month. I don't have much experience with Apple TV, but in my limited experience with my Roku 3, you can rent all kinds of movies as well, so there's your on demand stuff.

However, when it comes to TNT/TBS...I'm not sure. What do you watch on those channels? They may not be available, as I'm not sure Hulu offers their original programming anywhere, though you can find most of that stuff online (like www.tntdrama.com for instance).

A Roku or Apple TV is a one time cost...Apple TV is about $100, Roku 3 is on sale right now for $90 (plus free shipping...it's usually $100 plus shipping), and other versions of Roku are cheaper.

Hulu Plus has shows from NBC/CBS/ABC/FOX pretty much the next day. If you happen to have Amazon Prime, you have access to a lot of free streaming programming there, too. And Netflix is sometimes a bit slow to add new seasons of shows, but it has a ton of content obviously. If you spent the roughly $18-$20/month it costs for Netflix and Hulu Plus, you should get MOST of the TV you already watch. And then if you keep a minimum cable package I would have to assume you'll be able to use the WatchESPN app or watch online for games.

But this is a lot of guess work on my part, based on what I've read and my own experience, but I don't know for sure.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Get a minimal cable package and invest in a Roku or Apple TV, and then subscribe to Hulu Plus (and Netflix, if you want). Hulu Plus and Netflix are both about $9/month. I don't have much experience with Apple TV, but in my limited experience with my Roku 3, you can rent all kinds of movies as well, so there's your on demand stuff.

However, when it comes to TNT/TBS...I'm not sure. What do you watch on those channels? They may not be available, as I'm not sure Hulu offers their original programming anywhere, though you can find most of that stuff online (like www.tntdrama.com for instance).

A Roku or Apple TV is a one time cost...Apple TV is about $100, Roku 3 is on sale right now for $90 (plus free shipping...it's usually $100 plus shipping), and other versions of Roku are cheaper.

Hulu Plus has shows from NBC/CBS/ABC/FOX pretty much the next day. If you happen to have Amazon Prime, you have access to a lot of free streaming programming there, too. And Netflix is sometimes a bit slow to add new seasons of shows, but it has a ton of content obviously. If you spent the roughly $18-$20/month it costs for Netflix and Hulu Plus, you should get MOST of the TV you already watch. And then if you keep a minimum cable package I would have to assume you'll be able to use the WatchESPN app or watch online for games.

But this is a lot of guess work on my part, based on what I've read and my own experience, but I don't know for sure.

Thanks.