Friday, October 9, 2009

Contemplating Television

I grew up watching television. Not literally, of course. But, I watched my fair share of television and I know at least a little about all of the shows that have aired in the last 30-some years. I like my television. So, it was a very difficult decision to first cut back to the basic channels (a couple of years ago) and then to make the decision to disconnect cable television all together.

With the digital revolution, there really is no such thing as "free TV" anymore; so, we just watch videos and we have found some good websites from which we can watch some of our favorite shows on the internet (the original networks on which the shows air have the best quality; but, www.hulu.com has a good collection of shows and movies available to view for free). My husband only misses sporting events. Otherwise, we have come to really like this arrangement.

First of all, we are saving $40/month. I have never paid so much for basic cable.

Second, we watch select programs when it is convenient for us; so, we do not have to abide by the television networks' schedules. But, we do have to abide by our childrens' schedules!

Third, we are watching a whole lot less TV. This has been lovely. As a family, we are better tuned in to each other (instead of the television).

So, it is with glad tidings that we bid adieu to PBS (my ultimate fave), HGTV (second runner up), Food Network (close third) and all the rest. If you are worth watching, we will find you. In the meantime, we are busy finding ourselves and each other!

2 comments:

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  2. That is awesome Melissa. Myrna and I went back and forth with trying to get signals through the air and through the cable company the past 5 years. Finally, we decided to invest 40 dollars in an HD TV antenna and put it in the attic. It has turned out well. We pay 0 for TV and we get virtually all of the channels in the Chicago area (about 33 channels) CRYSTAL CLEAR. One caveat: when it is storming, our signal may be lost and that means no TV. oh well...

    PS: WE LOVE our 4 PBS stations...lots of educational shows on there to enrich us culturally. KUDOS to anyone who cuts the cord on cable.

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