Can you stop paying for TV service?

Just read a great article about how to have t.v. without paying for a service.  Not sure I'm quite ready to cut the cord to my service, as they are also my internet and phone provider, but if  one of these gets to the point there's really no difference, why sure, I'd change.   Boxee sounds interesting.  Here's the article I got from a GEHA email and they got it from somewhere else.  Let's share the knowledge.

Cutting the ties to pay TV

As more and more consumers rely on their computers and smartphones for videos, movies and entertainment, some are beginning to change the way they view television. This includes saving money and cutting the cord on their paid TV service.

Could you and your family live without cable TV? And, if you were to make the switch to what’s often referred to as "streaming media," where would you begin?

Today there are some TV accessories that offer access to free services. Rather than pay on a monthly basis, you purchase the box once and then dial up what you want through the Internet.

Roku is a streaming box that, depending on the model, sells from $50 to $100. It offers a variety of content including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, HBO Go, MLB.TV, NHL Game Center and Flickr, among others. According to cnet.com, a leading source for technology reviews of all types, the core streaming functionality of the ROKU LT model makes it a great value.

Apple TV is another option. CNET reports that the browsing experience on Apple TV is "best-in-class for movies and TV shows." Plus, Apple TV provides "content portability." In other words, if you purchase (not rent) movies or TV shows, they are stored in a way that you can share that content with your iPhone or iPad.

Boxee is a small computer device that allows you to watch TV shows and Internet clips on your TV. You can buy a Boxee for about $200 or you can build your own using a new or used computer and free downloadable software. Most anything that’s on the Internet is available on Boxee, along with more than 40,000 TV episodes and movies. Plus Boxee allows you to play content you’ve personally recorded on your network or hard drive.

If you’re not quite ready to make the leap and cut the cord to your current TV content provider, consider calling them to see about paying a lower rate. Given the increasing competitiveness of the telecommunications industry, by taking a hard look at your TV package and those of other providers you just might be able to negotiate a lower fee for the paid TV service you have today.

Reprinted on April 6, 2012, courtesy of Yes, You Can. For more information, please visit yesyoucanonline.info