We disconnected the cable this month. I know, I'm such a rebel. Sticking to the man is so satisfying. Although I guess it all comes out in the wash because now Netflix is the man instead of Verizon, but oh, well, I like them better.
Economically the cable plus equipment was running us $60 without a contact and Netflix is $10 a month and works on the equipment we already own. Plus we were renting the occasional movie for $4 each on demand. We are not a video game house. I have an awesome blu-ray player that streams Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. After our 30day free trial (unlimited streaming and one DVD at a time) we were sold. It's all “on demand” now.
Besides the savings, the thing I love most about Netflix is no commercials! I never had issues with the kids watching PBS or NickJr because they weren't any commercials, but the Nicklodeon and Cartoon Networks commercials were horrible. Just an onslaught of loud, obnoxious, junk pedaling. Which is almost as bad as the cursed video on demand channel's 24hr adds for itself. I'm pretty sure you have to listen to that garbage for eternity in one of the circles of hell.
Another big thing for me as a mom is the instant gratification. Anyone who has ever fast forward through 20min of previews before a Disney movie while a toddler cries for Nemo knows what I'm talking about. Beyond all that, getting your entertainment this way gives you a lot more control of what your kids are watching. With cable boxes we could set it to block ratings, have the guide display only the channels we favorited, and not allow video on demand. That still meant whatever was on at even given time with the appropriate rating or no rating was fair game. Who knows what Isaac's brain was soaking up some weekends.
Beyond inappropriate (or non-preferable) material and all the commercials we were slave to the cable companies scheduling and programing choices. Isaac and I bonded many an afternoon watching Time Warp Trio on the Discovery Kids Channel and then they dropped it in favor of a channel that sprinkles re-makes of 80's cartoons in with their commercials now and then. It was a devastating blow. Now mom and dad make the line-up with educational shows, family friendly movies and the original 80's versions of the cartoons. Riley loves She-ra, my little Princess of Power.
The empty spaces where the cable boxes used to be makes me smile. The increased selection and cash flow thrill me. I just feel liberated. It was the right thing for us all the way.
So, explain to me how that works? I'm confused? You don't get to watch any "tv" shows?? Just movies???
ReplyDeleteOlder tv shows are on Netflix I've been watching 30Rock and Parks and Recreation mostly. For current tv shows I use Hulu for free. They have minimal ads. You get stuff the day after it airs. Which is fine because I usually DVRed them and watched the next day anyway.
ReplyDeleteToo many choices for me. I like the schedule. Especially with DVR. I get overwhelmed by the thought of "Hmm, what should I watch?" And I love my Showtime. However, I dont have to worry about kids. Its great for your family. Im glad it works. Thats cool that your blueray streams you tube and netflix. I actually think there are some pretty good tv shows on these days. Oh Hulu is the other one you have.
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