Bridging the Gap with Hauppauge
Over the recent years, cord cutting has slowly become more and more of a viable cable TV alternative. Even ten years ago the idea of getting rid of cable seemed more like a sacrifice than an alternative way of consuming media. In those bygone days, the only way to watch TV without cable was through an antenna, torrenting, and DVD box sets.
Today, the landscape is vastly different. We still have antennas; but they are far more sophisticated than their 2005 ancestors. We still have DVD box sets; but when you can stream the whole series on Netflix for $8.99 a month, why bother? In short, watching television without cable has never been easier.
Emblematic of this revolution in entertainment are two companies on the forefront of technology and design; Microsoft and Mohu. As one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Microsoft almost needs no introduction. Their gaming console, the Xbox One, redefines the term “Home Media Center” and serves as an excellent foundation piece to which you can add cable TV alternatives.
You may or may not have heard about Mohu, but their contribution to cord cutting is no less great. Mohu has combined military design with the tried and tested rabbit ears of your childhood to create an over-the-air antenna that represents an excellent synthesis of design and functionality.
With these two devices, the Xbox One and a Mohu antenna, you can free yourself from the tyrannical grip of cable; and today I’m going to show you how to do that.
Hauppauge Digital TV Tuner
In April 2015, Microsoft let their customers know that the Xbox One console will now support Hauppauge TV tuner cards. This huge development means that customers in the United States and Canada can now access OTA TV from within the Xbox One interface. This change opens up the door for DVR functionality, rewind, stream to any device and channel guide features never before seen on a gaming console.
Mohu Antennas
A Mohu antenna, like the Leaf, will probably be the most valuable asset in your cord cutting toolbox. In terms of content, Mohu antennas work just like any other old antenna. You get all the broadcast networks you know and love (ABC, CBS, etc…) and, besides the initial purchase, it’s free.
While getting network television may not sound like a huge boon to your entertainment portfolio, it’s actually a lot more than you think. Despite the ubiquity of cable, network television is still home to most of your favorite shows; like The Big Bang Theory, Scandal, or Supernatural.
From a technical aspect antennas made by Mohu are small, lightweight, and can deliver crystal clear 1080i HD picture. Unlike the old rabbit years that you’re used to, Mohu antennas can hold a strong signal in even the most adverse of circumstances.
Xbox One
When most people hear Xbox, they think of video games and kids wasting away in front of the TV. However, the Xbox One is so much more than a gaming platform.
You can stream from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, etc…; you can play video games, stream content from your PC and now with Hauppauge you can watch free HD TV via your antenna! You can even do both at the same time:
Essentially, the Xbox One offers a complete solution by integrating all the services and tools you need for a seamless viewing experience. While the $350 price tag for the console may seem intimidating, you also have to consider what you’re getting for that price (plus, millions of homes. To experience OTA TV on the Xbox One, you can save $30 through the Microsoft Store by purchasing the Mohu Leaf + Hauppauge TV Tuner bundle.
Microsoft is Changing the Way we Watch TV
It’s a streaming device, a next-gen gaming console, a home media center, a DVD/Blu-ray player, etc… There are a lot of uses for the Xbox One, so trust me when I say you’ll get your money’s worth.
Although all the cord-cutting options can be a bit confusing and complicated at times, it doesn’t have to be. With Mohu and Microsoft, there is very little in the entertainment world that is out of your reach. There are no commitments, no contracts, no $200 a month bills for services that you don’t even want; there’s just you and your media.
Dave Kennedy is a long time cord cutter who became increasingly frustrated with the high cost of Cable TV and decided to make a stance. In 2011 he launched KilltheCableBill.com, a site dedicated to helping people save money through providing simple, cost-effective cable TV alternatives. Since then, David has helped 1,000s of people cancel their cable subscription while keeping the shows they love.
