My life changed for the better a couple of years ago when as a Top 50 Amazon Reviewer I got the chance to review the Mohu Ultimate antenna. I was thrilled with its ease of use and performance, and when I figured out I could enjoy all the major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CW in HD for free, I was ready to cut the cord!
I began telling others about my cord cutting and found myself teaching friends and family how to do it too. Eventually my cord cutting advocacy led me to write a book: Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV to help non-techy types to learn how to cut the cord using a flat antenna.
These are 4 of the things I’ve learned in my cord cutting experience that I’d like to share with you.
1. Surfing Is Not My Thing
When I had cable TV, I would surf through hundreds of channels, trying to find just the right thing to watch. I surfed much more often than I watched any programs, and I was paying top dollar to surf channels instead of watching them.
When I cut the cord I with cable TV I became more mindful of my programming choices. Out of necessity I actively searched for my favorite shows, kept track of where and when they were available, and started rediscovering old favorites. I actually looked forward to watching TV again instead of being overwhelmed by it.
2. Minimal Investment Equaled Big Savings In No Time
The initial cost of three Mohu 50 antennas for all my HDTVs cost me about the same as my cable bill for one month prior to cutting the cord. After the initial equipment cost for indoor HDTV antennas, I began saving $100 a month by eliminating my cable TV and keeping my cable internet service for streaming media.
The $1200 a year I save by not having cable TV has gone into a family fun-money fund. The monthly savings affords us the option for a spontaneous night out or a weekend trip to the beach. Something we didn’t have prior to cutting the cord.
3. Cutting The Cord Is Empowering
Standing up to a bully feels good, and it’s the same feeling I got when I cut the cord with my cable company.
First, I did a test drive to make sure I could get the programming I wanted at my location via an over air antenna, and then I packed up my cable TV equipment and deposited it on their customer service counter.
When asked why I was cancelling my cable TV service I said: “Because your prices have gone up and your customer service has gone down.”
I had no further conversation as the cable customer service rep checked in my equipment and handed me my receipt, however as I went to leave he said: “You’ll be back when you can’t get HBO.” I guess the parting shot was his way of saying ‘We’ll miss you’. Needless to say, since cutting the cord I’ve not gone back to cable or satellite TV, and now I can get HBO too.
So much for that bully!
4. Cord Cutting Trends Are Advancing Technology
Have you noticed how many new streaming media services have popped up recently?
Sling TV, HBO Now and other paid streaming media services have exploded onto the marketplace and are being readily embraced by consumers. In addition, devices designed for over air TV users like Mohu Channels and the Tablo OTA DVR and streaming device, are making cord cutting even more high tech and enjoyable without monthly service fees.
For simple cord cutting, Mohu’s indoor HDTV digital antenna technology is the best I’ve found. I absolutely love my Curve 50 and Leaf 50 antennas!
I’m excited for the future of cord cutting, and I look forward to even more technological advancements driving the cord cutting revolution with effective, simple to use cord cutting tools designed to help everyone to save money and enjoy free TV.
Andrea Polk hails from Oregon and is a wife, mother, writer, Amazon Top 50 Reviewer, and more. She’s also the author of the Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV and the Simple Guide to Sling TV as well as the avid deal-seeker behind SavvySleuth.com, where she scours the web for the best online deals.
