[MONOPOLY] Cable Set-Top Boxes - Comments Page 2

I solved this problem another way. I don't watch TV. IMO it's a waste of time. And, it's a brain washing tool. As past FCC chairman Newton Minnow once said: 'Television is a vast wasteland.'.

Response to Chuck: you've done exactly what I plan to do in October when my DirecTV contract expires. Six months ago, I saw the Tivo Roamio OTA on their web site for $49.95. I don't see it now, but just bought one from Best Buy for the same price. I'm guessing they weren't making money with that unit and have discontinued it. Even with Tivo's $15/month subscription, I'll be saving over $85/month on TV. Haven't ever had my dish reception drop out, and I live in SE Michigan.

Hi Bob,
Your article makes it sound as if the consumer doesn't have a choice to buy his/her own box. I am sure you know that's not correct. The consumer can buy their own box (DVR or not) and lease a cable card to use that box. That would cut costs in half in most cases, on DVRs anyway.

Additionally, (extra info here) I got the X1 box from Comcast (with no DVR). It has a total of 4 tuners- 1 of which i use to send signals to an Asus mini computer box, which then feeds the signal to the TV via HDMI. Signals from the other tuners might go to iPads or computers in the kids rooms. Basically, being able to do these things changes the game somewhat- making cable a bit more cost-effective for the household. The real problem seems to be that people don't know they can do these things.

Further, you really have to wonder whether there will be any real savings as the Cable companies are likely to jack-up rates to make up for loss of box revenues. Just wondering out loud here.

Thanks and I enjoy your articles.
Steve

Dropped cable/satellite 2+ years ago. Now have over the air from 2 antennas in attic run thru a combiner (reverse splitter) and an amplifier. Purchased a Channel Master DVR+ with 2 tuners so I can DVR up to 2 channels at the same time, just have to watch a 3rd channel on the TV's built in tuner, or I could get a second DVR and record 4 channels! Channel Master just added an app for Sling TV, which I already had on my ROKU 3. Also have a Netflix acct. Believe me I find enough to watch. Cable touts 200+HD channels! Really how many of those channels would you watch?

@jr.....love the idea
"muerte a la comcasta"
start selling bumper stickers.
start the revolution
Worst case you should earn enough to pay the rental on your comcast box.

jd