Forum The Longship OT: So why did we all cut the cable cord again?

OT: So why did we all cut the cable cord again?

ST
Joined May 2013
0 posts
Rep: 1

Such horseshit.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/era-cheap-streaming-officially-over-104613955.html

#1 · Aug 10, 8:55 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"AGRforever" said:
@"IDVikingfan" said:
@"HappyViking" said:
@"AGRforever" said:
@"HappyViking" said:
Cutting the cord isn't all about streaming.  Sure I use streaming services, and it's nice none of them lock you into contracts so you can drop and add anytime you want.I mainly cut the cord so I can get more OTA free local channel programming.  I added two antennas to my rooftop and I now get over 30 channels of "free" TV.  I also have a Tablo device that hooks up to my antenna as my over the air DVR.I plugged my antenna coax cable into the splitter I had already in place from my prior satellite connection, and now I get crystal clear free TV throughout my house - it's sweet!

There was a website that let you put in your GPS coordinates to see what type of OTA you might get.  I needed a 2000' antenna to expect to get coverage 80% of the time. 

We did not go forward with the permitting process. 



This is a good one to help you know about antenna signal strength you'd expect by entering in your zip code: https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps



For the best prediction on tv reception, use your exact address!  If I use my zip code, dtvmaps puts my location 25 miles closer to the towers but below a hill which means poor predicted reception.  At my actual location, I have excellent reception and high signal strength with just a bare coax wire, even better with an antenna!

Hey, it says I'd get weak coverage of the Nashville stations.  Does anyone else ever get "weak" channels to actually come through?


Yes, you'll need an antenna amplifier though.  At the lake cabin get all the local Fargo channels and we're over 70 miles away from towers.  One like this works great: https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-LNA-100-Antenna-Amplifier-Booster/dp/B00BN5Z2UY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=37826YTJ1GFWO&keywords=winegard+antenna+amplifier&qid=1691857519&s=electronics&sprefix=winegard+antenna+amp%2Celectronics%2C150&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

#22 · Aug 12, 10:27 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"AGRforever" said:
@"IDVikingfan" said:
@"HappyViking" said:
@"AGRforever" said:
@"HappyViking" said:
Cutting the cord isn't all about streaming.  Sure I use streaming services, and it's nice none of them lock you into contracts so you can drop and add anytime you want.I mainly cut the cord so I can get more OTA free local channel programming.  I added two antennas to my rooftop and I now get over 30 channels of "free" TV.  I also have a Tablo device that hooks up to my antenna as my over the air DVR.I plugged my antenna coax cable into the splitter I had already in place from my prior satellite connection, and now I get crystal clear free TV throughout my house - it's sweet!

There was a website that let you put in your GPS coordinates to see what type of OTA you might get.  I needed a 2000' antenna to expect to get coverage 80% of the time. 

We did not go forward with the permitting process. 



This is a good one to help you know about antenna signal strength you'd expect by entering in your zip code: https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps



For the best prediction on tv reception, use your exact address!  If I use my zip code, dtvmaps puts my location 25 miles closer to the towers but below a hill which means poor predicted reception.  At my actual location, I have excellent reception and high signal strength with just a bare coax wire, even better with an antenna!

Hey, it says I'd get weak coverage of the Nashville stations.  Does anyone else ever get "weak" channels to actually come through?



Depends...  DTV predictions are just that...  Your real world situation may be better or worse than the predictions.  For example, DTV predictions do not know the local factors which can impact reception. 

Are there tall nearby trees or buildings in the direction you are aiming?  Pine trees are especially significant blockers of radio signals... Concrete or brick walls will totally block out weak signals.

Signal strengths will be strongest if you aim the antenna directly at the Nashville stations.  An antenna rotator may be needed if you desire signals from stations in variant directions. 

Try multiple multiple mount locations to determine you best bet.  Higher is better.  Attic mounts are a no-no if signal strengths are weak.  Do your neighbors have antennas and do they receive the Nashville stations?

Adding a pre-amp is very beneficial with weak signals, long cable runs, and splitters for multiple tvs.

#23 · Aug 12, 12:09 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"AGRforever" said:

Yer speaking my language matey. B)

#24 · Aug 12, 6:11 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

I’m saving $100/month or more depending on the season by cutting the cord.

We use free streaming services, there are a ton. We pay for a few, there are a ton. I watch for Black Friday deals on some of them.They cost a lot less that way.

I use the free services from the library system, Kanopy and Hoopla. All you need is a library card. They also started offering a week subscription (free for a week) of Acorn (British TV)

For NFL viewing I use NFL+ and sign in with Paramount and Peacock for local broadcast games and watch the abbreviated games after they are over. Less time involved.

I don’t watch other sports, NFL and College football is really all I want to see. 

#25 · Aug 12, 7:19 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

Goodbye Hulu

#26 · Aug 12, 7:38 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

Yeah, my wife and I play the game of which services have a free trial period, etc. My point is all this streaming stuff is creeping up in price. I really don't watch a ton of TV, its usually select docs/movies and then the NFL when its in season. We catch the local news for about 20 minutes daily to get the weather/local stories and that's all I can stomach. Love March Madness when it comes around. Turn golf on outside by the pool on Sundays (non NFL time) to catch the final rounds, but basically on in the background as we have music playing in and outside our house almost constantly. 

I'd love to watch more movies.....but my challenge is make some good new f-ing movies to watch. Its been hot garbage for the last 5-6 years with just a few exceptions, IMO. I've burned through the best series content on Netflix, etc. I refuse to waste my time watching crap that isn't good or is so mind-numbingly basic just for the sake of watching TV. 

#27 · Aug 13, 3:56 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"StickyBun" said: Yeah, my wife and I play the game of which services have a free trial period, etc. My point is all this streaming stuff is creeping up in price. I really don't watch a ton of TV, its usually select docs/movies and then the NFL when its in season. We catch the local news for about 20 minutes daily to get the weather/local stories and that's all I can stomach. Love March Madness when it comes around. Turn golf on outside by the pool on Sundays (non NFL time) to catch the final rounds, but basically on in the background as we have music playing in and outside our house almost constantly. 

I'd love to watch more movies.....but my challenge is make some good new f-ing movies to watch. Its been hot garbage for the last 5-6 years with just a few exceptions, IMO. I've burned through the best series content on Netflix, etc. I refuse to waste my time watching crap that isn't good or is so mind-numbingly basic just for the sake of watching TV. 


Man. We used to have music on all the time. It was so nice and really would brighten my day. Then we had toddlers and now it’s just chasing them around all day haha. Which is great too but I miss my music and relaxing. Don’t think I’ll spring for a pool since we’re in the midwest but once the kids are grown we wanna redo our back deck and really go all out. Someday. 

#28 · Aug 13, 10:08 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"pattersaur" said:
@"StickyBun" said: Yeah, my wife and I play the game of which services have a free trial period, etc. My point is all this streaming stuff is creeping up in price. I really don't watch a ton of TV, its usually select docs/movies and then the NFL when its in season. We catch the local news for about 20 minutes daily to get the weather/local stories and that's all I can stomach. Love March Madness when it comes around. Turn golf on outside by the pool on Sundays (non NFL time) to catch the final rounds, but basically on in the background as we have music playing in and outside our house almost constantly. 

I'd love to watch more movies.....but my challenge is make some good new f-ing movies to watch. Its been hot garbage for the last 5-6 years with just a few exceptions, IMO. I've burned through the best series content on Netflix, etc. I refuse to waste my time watching crap that isn't good or is so mind-numbingly basic just for the sake of watching TV. 


Man. We used to have music on all the time. It was so nice and really would brighten my day. Then we had toddlers and now it’s just chasing them around all day haha. Which is great too but I miss my music and relaxing. Don’t think I’ll spring for a pool since we’re in the midwest but once the kids are grown we wanna redo our back deck and really go all out. Someday. 


20 years goes fast....Hang in there lol! 

#29 · Aug 13, 10:29 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"purplefaithful" said:
@"pattersaur" said:
@"StickyBun" said: Yeah, my wife and I play the game of which services have a free trial period, etc. My point is all this streaming stuff is creeping up in price. I really don't watch a ton of TV, its usually select docs/movies and then the NFL when its in season. We catch the local news for about 20 minutes daily to get the weather/local stories and that's all I can stomach. Love March Madness when it comes around. Turn golf on outside by the pool on Sundays (non NFL time) to catch the final rounds, but basically on in the background as we have music playing in and outside our house almost constantly. 

I'd love to watch more movies.....but my challenge is make some good new f-ing movies to watch. Its been hot garbage for the last 5-6 years with just a few exceptions, IMO. I've burned through the best series content on Netflix, etc. I refuse to waste my time watching crap that isn't good or is so mind-numbingly basic just for the sake of watching TV. 


Man. We used to have music on all the time. It was so nice and really would brighten my day. Then we had toddlers and now it’s just chasing them around all day haha. Which is great too but I miss my music and relaxing. Don’t think I’ll spring for a pool since we’re in the midwest but once the kids are grown we wanna redo our back deck and really go all out. Someday. 


20 years goes fast....Hang in there lol! 



It doesn’t really take 20 years though. Mid teenager years get soent in the cave we call their room anyway. 

#30 · Aug 13, 10:32 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

With more choices than ever, we probably watch less tv than ever. 

Unless it's football season, our TV typically doesnt go on till after 8 pm and I'll watch local news maybe stream something or off the DVR - or football.

My wife is a big movie watcher/book reader.

She's still bumming out as she's about to lose access to the VAST Netflix library through their DVD service. I'm happy cause that big asz Netflix bill is going to come down with streaming only. 

Hulu is the one we just put a bullet in - too many services already.

I get the hook of the 3 mos special, problem is you have to remember to cancel or they auto-renew on you. 

#31 · Aug 13, 11:36 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

#32 · Aug 13, 2:45 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

Woohoo, I remember those days of only a few channels and kids were the remotes!  I remember Dad rotating the antenna and we could watch the Iowa girls basketball tournament.  Half court games!

#33 · Aug 13, 3:38 PM
Log in to reply.

Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)

Warn Poster

Suspend User (3 days)

The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.

Forum The Longship OT: So why did we all cut the cable cord again?

Welcome to VikeFans!

Welcome back, Skol fans! This is our new home. Log in with your username or email and your existing password.


Be sure to check out the How To's and Questions forum for guides on getting around the new site, and use the Help Request forum if you run into anything that you need help with. Skol!