My last TV died 10 or 12 years ago. At the time I couldn't afford cable, and the mountains blocked all but one or two channels. I also couldn't afford to replace the TV at that time, but a short time later my govt. assistance level went up, so I was able to switch from $5 a month snail-slow dial-up internet to cable internet service at the low-income person's monthly rate, which the companies don't even advertise. Although this level of service is slower than their standard basic internet service, it's still tons faster than dial-up internet, so I was able to watch videos, movies, and TV for free right on my computer using the internet. I never did buy a new TV, or any sort of TV device after that, and I don't pay for any of the paid programming services. I just use free services, or watch the free tier on mixed tier sites, like YouTube. All I pay for is the low-income rate monthly cable internet service fee. I watch all the videos, TV, and movies I want. By searching around I am sometimes able to watch for free, new movies that are currently being shown for buy/rent at the major viewing sites. I occasionally have to put up with ads, but I grew up with ad-supported TV and radio, so I'm used to that. I also use a security extension on my browser, which filters out most of the ads. I also use an ad blocker extension, but some sites insist on you turning it off, so I turn it off, and the security extension is still able to screen out almost every ad, without alerting the sites involved.
A few months ago I had to upgrade my flip phone and moved up to a low priced, but good smartphone. I now watch videos, TV, and movies on that, too when I'm away from my home office. Unfortunately, I have to put up with a lot of commercials at some sites when I use my phone, but it's a trade-off. I get free programming, and they get to assault my eyeballs with frequent commercials. I do have an ad blocker on my phone, but it doesn't seem to do anything, in spite of having a good rating from other users. Guess I'll have to look for a better one.
By ditching regular cable TV or antenna TV, and using internet TV you can save money to help pay your other bills, and to go places for fun.
If you want to get away from the television you can still do that, even while having one to watch when you feel like it. It's your life. You get to choose what you do every day/night. I don't watch 24/7. I have health issues some of which keep me in the bathroom a lot, and then there are chores to do, too. Due to my other health issues, I can't get around well, so I seldom go out, but I am thinking of buying some sort of rack for my back patio, to keep plants on this summer. I'll need to put some netting over it all to keep the local cats away, tho.
I hope you are able to enjoy both internet TV, and doing more stuff away from the computer, too.
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If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away.--Henry David Thoreau
28 Feb 2016, 3:50 am
