5 alternatives to high cable bills
Today's technology, especially digital broadcasts and the Internet, makes it feasible to ditch cable and satellite TV, with their monthly bills that can top $100. Here are alternatives:
1. Antenna: It's the best-kept secret in television. Today's digital broadcasts produce DVD-quality images. Many stations also "multicast" extra channels—some PBS stations transmit four, including one in high definition. All you need to receive them is an antenna and a digital tuner box, which can be found at electronics stores for about $200 (often less online). Or buy a new TV with a built-in tuner.
2. TV on a PC: Disney says it will soon offer popular shows for a free download after they air, including Lost and Desperate Housewives. Watch them on your Windows PC, or connect your PC to a nearby TV. News networks offer clips online, and videos are available at sites like mtv.com/overdrive and comedycentral.com. Or download vintage TV at television.aol.com/in2tv.
3. Movies on a PC: Sites like Movielink.com and CinemaNow.com offer feature films for downloading at rental prices starting at $2, and they sell some movies for unlimited viewing, starting at $10. Akimbo.com sells a $10 monthly subscription to TV-like channels of Web video, plus it rents movies starting at $2 for 24 hours. Playback is on a dedicated Akimbo player ($200) or a Windows Media Center PC. Dave.tv is a similar service for PCs at $10 a month.
4. MovieBeam: Available in 29 metro areas, a library of 100 movies can be wirelessly transmitted at prices starting at $4 for a 24-hour rental. The video comes in DVD-like quality, and an extra $1 buys some movies in high definition. It requires a $200 set-top box.
5. USDTV and telco: USDTV broadcasts 12 cable channels at $20 a month. The service also captures local digital broadcasts on its special set-top box, which costs $25 at retailers. It's only available in four markets, but there are plans to expand to 30 cities nationwide. Verizon and AT&T, among other telephone companies, are experimenting with video services that are much like what cable or satellite offers. They'll also come with cablelike monthly fees.