Lon.TV's Cord-Cutting Journey and My Own: It's About More Than Just the Money

Lon.TV recently released a video called "I finally cut the cord! Retiring the HDHomerun Prime and what's next" that really resonated with me. In it, Lon talks about finally getting rid of his cable service after years of frustration with rising fees, especially those pesky broadcast TV fees. He was already using an HDHomeRun device to access digital cable channels without renting boxes, but even that wasn't enough to justify the ever-increasing cost of cable.

His story reminded me of my own cord-cutting journey, which started back in 2006 with a TiVo. I was already experimenting with ways to save money and have more control over my TV experience. By 2011, I was done with cable entirely! It wasn't just about the local channels or broadcast fees for me either. Later on, Comcast/Xfinity had this weird pricing structure where it was actually cheaper to get internet and cable than internet alone! Crazy, right? But that's how they got you. So for a few years, I actually added a "locals only" cable package to take advantage of that deal.

Eventually, those broadcast fees kept creeping up, and the "locals only" option became less appealing. I explored different options for accessing and recording free over-the-air TV, including Tablo, which served me well for a time. Now, I'm fully embracing the antenna life with an AirTV setup, and I couldn't be happier.

What I found interesting about Lon's video is that it highlights how cord-cutting has evolved over the years. It's not just about saving money anymore. It's about having choices and taking control of your entertainment experience. With devices like the HDHomeRun, TiVo, Tablo, and AirTV, we can access free over-the-air TV and supplement that with streaming services to create a truly personalized viewing experience.

Of course, cord-cutting isn't without its challenges. You need a reliable internet connection, and there's some initial cost involved in setting up your antenna and streaming devices. But for me, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. I love being able to watch what I want, when I want, without being tied to a cable company's schedule or pricing schemes.

And that's what's so exciting about the future of television. With more and more streaming options and free ad-supported services becoming available, we have more choices than ever before. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan, a movie buff, or just want to keep up with your favorite shows, there's a way to do it without breaking the bank.

My Streaming Life is all about finding those ways and sharing them with you. So if you're thinking about cutting the cord, or just want to learn more about the world of streaming, be sure to check back for more tips, reviews, and insights.