Alternative way to watch TV without cable or satellite- what works best

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<p>Feed up with my ever increasing satellite bill, I want to be 'with it' and using streaming to lower my expenses. What works best? Ideally I need access to at least one llocal channel for weather & emergencies. What has worked for you? What are the drawbacks? </p>

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<p>Local channels you can get over the air for free with an antenna. For entertainment programming, a Roku or Apple TV plus internet connection gets you lots of streaming options. Some of the best streaming options (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon) require monthly fees of $8 or so, but many are free.</p>

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<p>Depending on what metro area you are in, you might be able to get a good selection of OTA (over the air) stations, with a very simple antenna. I would try jury rigging an antenna with a short length of wire and see what results you get by letting your TV search for stations in the setup menu. ( This does require a relatively modern TV–last 6-10 years or so, I think. The broadcasts are all “digital” now, and the TV has to have the built-in tuner that will decode it.) In larger metro areas, its not unusual to get more than a dozen stations…possible as many as 30+. Usually you can get all four networks and a pbs station, plus an independent channel or two. Quality is usually quite good. </p>

<p>Put in your zip code on this site and you’ll see a list of channels that are theoretically available to you with a decent antenna.</p>

<p><a href=“http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/dtvmaps/”>http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/dtvmaps/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Thank you both. I am on a research mission! The roku looks interesting and I am in St. Louis so yes there are options. Thank you so much. Ironically, I was at the grocery yesterday stocking up for yet another snow storm and they had a TV set up for the weather with a little antenna which made me think why am I paying for TV. I usually know just enough to be dangerous regarding electronics! Thanks again.</p>

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<p>I’ve used OTA digital and gone without cable for 5 years. You’ll miss out on many sporting events but consequence may not upset you. Now I am on my second season of watching Netflix. More good news for cable cutters is that other major content providers plan to follow the Netflix ‘original series’ format. All this must be having an effect on the cable companies because lately I get discount promotional offers from my local provider every week.</p>