This message was self-deleted by its author

[KY_EnviroGuy]

6. UTUSN, here's some basics....

1. The only true "cutting the cord" is using an old-fashioned antenna to receive digital TV from regular broadcast stations. Most newer TVs have built-in digital tuners and you can still buy digital-to-analog converters for older TVs. Just like the old days, this programming is FREE. Here in the Louisville area, we get all three major networks plus PBS stations. In addition, each of those broadcasts several sub-channels, so you get a lot of programming - although some of it is older stuff like re-runs.

2. Cutting the cord is a misnomer for most people because (for example) for the programming you listed, you must at least have high-speed internet. That's where the big change comes in though, because instead of getting your TV signals via a cable or satellite modem and expensive monthly subscription, you will be getting your video and audio "streamed" in over the internet with much cheaper subscription fees. So, you will at least need to have a good internet service with a WIFI modem (the modem can also feed your computer via WIFI or Ethernet cable).

3. A "modem" simply an electronics box that converts a service provider's information transmission signal (cable RF, satellite RF, DSL, etc.) to signals your equipment can process and use. For example, my AT&T DSL line modem converts the DSL signal superimposed on my telephone line into a standard data stream my computer can talk to via an Ethernet or USB cable.

4. "Streaming" simply means that the TV programming (audio and video) is fed continuously from the internet modem to your TV conversion device (Roku, Firestick, etc.), as opposed to time-sharing data streams that might be in multi-computer systems.

5. So, you can use a combination of programming off an antenna (assuming you can get reception at your location) and streaming programming from the internet. That's what we do here. I've actually had friends that had been on cable so long they didn't even know about the free stuff off a simple antenna (I set one up temporarily using a set of old beat-up rabbit ears. The lady said wow, now I can watch my soaps again!).

6. So, once you have your high-speed WIFI internet box set up, the next step is to select a receiver unit such as a Roku box (or stick) that converts the WIFI stream to signals your TV can process. These units typically connect to your TV either via a HDMI cable or older type video/audio (red/white/yellow) connectors. For example, the Roku boxes cost between $30 and $80, depending on features and they include a remote control. I hope some other folks her can comment on other systems that are available, such as Hulu and Amazon (I'm using Roku as my example because it's one I've been studying for my home).

7. After you have your internet and your TV converter receiver set up, then you choose any optional programming you want to pay for. All these systems give you lots of FREE programming, so you just have to buy the box and pay your monthly internet fee to a cable company such as Time Warner or AT&T.

8. You would set up an account say, with Roku, and then you can turn optional programming "channels" on and off as you wish. So, for example, if you only wanted to watch NFL coverage during the playoffs and Super Bowl, you could switch that channel "on" only for say, a couple of months. Same with movie channels.

Hope this helps you get started and you can PM me or answer this post with any questions. Others here that have more experience than me in using these services can help with the details, too.