BANDWIDTH ISSUES?

Are you one of the million’s that you have cut cable and are now using internet streaming as your main source of entertainment?  If so- do you happen to have several devices that can stream from different applications?  Do you have a VOIP phone system and 24/7 media streaming and security cameras streaming in your home?  If you answered yes- you may be in the same position that I found myself in- bandwidth issues.

                Most of the internet providers are capping their monthly downloads to 100 gig’s.  For most people, 100 gigs would never be an issue.  But for a few, the ones that stream media and security video over the internet- it is.  If you are anything like me- 100 gigs would be gone in a week.  Once you hit your limit, the cable company will either throttle you back to a snails pace or send you a warning letter pertaining to their terms of service and how you are in violation- or both.

                What is the option?  Fortunately for me, I have Business Class internet with Comcast.  They only charge about $30.00 more per month to have an unlimited 22/5 account!  Comcast charges $99.95 for their second tier business class internet service- up from when I joined and grandfathered in at $79.95.  The price of the service went up when the internet streaming demand went up.

                I have several laptops and other peripherals that demand bandwidth.  It was still a cost effective choice for me to switch to the business class internet, which still being able to save money monthly. (See earlier posting “Cutting the Cord” for cost break down) ISP’s are trying to position themselves to earn a profit- while more and more are cutting cable services and moving towards internet streaming services.

               As you wade through the many options to move to no cable services- consider looking at the cost of business class internet.  Some companies are not making the service too out of reach and still a reasonable savings by not having the bandwidth cap.

TIRED OF LIMITATIONS? FORGET VIEWING RESTRICTIONS!

     So you have cut the cable cord, you have a Hulu Plus account and you sit down on your couch and you decide to watch 30 Rock or the Discovery Channels show Hooked to only get the message that Hulu does not have the right to stream to your TV.  Are you kidding me?  Do they [the networks] not already understand that we can just plug in a DVI cable into our computer and watch whatever we want?!  I guess the entertainment industry enjoys pissing off the consumer.

     As you may have learned already, I am about finding solutions and alternatives- solutions to saving money and enjoying what I desire in my viewing entertainment.  In my quest to find alternatives, I have come across a Nettop (Walmart.com) that is not much bigger then a typical router, but is a full blown computer, with Windows 7 and has a HDMI output on board.  Some of the NetTops even come with a Remote Control, allowing easy control of your Windows Media Software.  I have seen the NetTops for sale from $189.00 to $489.00.  Walmart today has the one in the photo on this post for $379.00.

     A Full PC with Windows 7 that will provide full high definition viewing in 1080p.  You can then view Hulu and Hulu Plus on your big screen television in your living room without getting a message that you can not view it.  Of course that can be a bit of a large expense to go to in order to obtain just Hulu Plus.  If you were to only consider Hulu, then the cost would be a bit stretched for some- however- toss in NFL Network, then maybe.

     Again, the problem is the NFL Network does allow you to view online in the United States, Canada or US Territories.  There is a way around this, which requires a VPN with a IP address in another country- but most people will not run out and get a VPN.

     There are alternatives for streaming- Roku, NetTop Devices, Boxee, Apple TV, Google TV.  Whatever your choice, you WILL SAVE MONEY but cutting cable television.  

YOUR OWN HBO/SHO/MAX ON THE GO

     When speaking about Internet streaming, those of that are currently streaming their entertainment know that there is some big players that would tip the scales and have yet to come on board.  The National Football League Season Ticket is only available on Direct TV and Sony PlayStation.  Showtime and Cinemax are complete holdouts.  HBO has come out with HBO GO, but unless you have a current subscription with a HBO Cable Provider, you will be out of luck.

     As cord cutting is picking up momentum as seen on a twitter hash tags #cordcutting and #cutcable it would only seem logical that the individual networks are going to be loosing money due to the loss in revenue coming in from the cable companies.  It would seem that we will be seeing more Ala' Cart options becoming more available from individual providers in the very near future.  The ability to stream their programming to your Roku device while you pay a small subscription fee for being able to watch their channel is what will come next.

     Glenn Beck created his own TV programming station that offers Ala' Cart programming for 4.95 per month.   According to the Wall Street Journal, and BTIG analyst Rich Greenfield estimates(registration required) that Beck could generate $27 million in subscription revenue within a year.

Forbes writer Jeff Bercovici even thinks Beck is on track to “become a $100 million man.” Subscription revenue could eventually reach $135 million, estimates Bercovici. Combined with sponsorships, radio deals and merchandise, Beck “is on course to break the $100 million barrier sooner than later,” writes Bercovici. 

     So, the question is- how do I still get the content that I desire without the high monthly cable cost?  Well, I have found one way so far.  A Slingbox is a device that allows a individual to hook up their existing cable to the 'Slingbox' and then if you are Internet Tech savy, you can then stream the live feed over the Internet.  You are probably reading this and saying, 'wait, I am trying to cut cable TV, no continue to keep it!'  I totally agree with you as I have also cut my cable.  But what would prevent you from putting the Slingbox one of your family member's home that desires to keep their cable TV subscription?  If they have HBO,SHO, MAX, you would have HBO,SHO,MAX. You could offer to pay a small fee to assist with the subscription costs.  I am sure that the cable company and individual providers would currently be reading this article and would be up in arms screaming breech o f contract and copyright laws.  While the networks scramble to hold onto every penny in profit- the people will continue to seek ways to reduce their costs while still being able to enjoy their viewing entertainment.

     As technology changes, the cable industry is going to be forced to change- they will have to change their entire business model.  No longer are they the only option that can hold all the cards and charge extremely high prices.  The Cable Companies are bleeding from loss of revenue, which in turn will mean that the individual networks will loose money as well.  The networks will be forced to break away from the traditional ways of making money of the past and will need to look to making money without the need for having to use the conduit of the cable industry to depend on their earnings.

     The tables have already turned- just the cable company does not desire to admit it nor do they want the people to know they have a choice.  The people have options- viable options- and it does not mean moving from Cable to Satellite- it means actual monthly savings that does not involve a 6 month 'special' to entice you to come over them and stay.

HOME SECURITY WILL BE NEXT IN THE CORD CUTTING PHENOMENA

     Seems like everyday I have a new security guy knocking on my door wanting to show me his system or offer me a "free" system.  Guess the security signs in the yard do not really matter to them.

     If you knew me personally you would know that I am all about home security- I do nothing but try to ensure that my home is secure and my family is safe.  I am a firearms enthusiast and almost always have a firearm on me and of course- I have a home security system.

     There has been a push within the American culture to cut the cable cord, freeing yourself from high costs of entertainment- paying for 100's of channels, when you actually only really watch a watch just a few.  The cable industry is feeling the heat, with 9% of the paying customers leaving in 2011 and a anticipated 11% leaving in 2012, the cable industry is bleeding.

     This leads me to the thought of who is next?  Cable is not the only bill that the consumer is paying high costs for.  I believe that the security industry is going to be next in line.  How? Why?  It is simple, with technology moving over towards broadband services, the ability to secure your home and personal effects is going to be more effective, efficient and end user friendly.

     I have had my alarm system go off, the dispatching center would get the notification and contact the police.  I would of course get a phone call, provide the dispatch center my password and then proceed to my home if I was near by.  On more then one occasion, I was already home, cleared my own house with my own firearm (concealed carry) and was waiting for the police to arrive.  The average response time in my neighborhood is 15 to 20 minutes for a home security alarm.  I do not know what you think of a time frame that is long enough to get a short work out in, but I can assure you, it does little to nothing to actually prevent a burglary from happening and the crooks know it.

     So now what are we supposed to do?  We are paying $30-50 dollars per month ($360-$600 per year) to a security company so we can try and have peace of mind that our personal belongings and family is safe- when in reality, it is a false sense of security.  The security company helps to make you "feel good" and feel safe, when in actuality, if someone were to break in to your home, your stuff would be stolen and the cops would be notified take a report of the incident, because your belongings and crooks would already be long gone.  You are paying hard earned money to be notified in the event your home is broken into, you are not paying to actually prevent or catch the crook(s) in the act.  Sure a yard sign helps, but it not a guarantee.

     What is the alternative?  A IP networked Camera system.  IP Networked Camera systems are becoming more and more common and offer much of what a monthly paid security system would offer to you.  I personally feel that they offer much more.  Most Networked cameras can be seen on your smart phone and most of the systems have a DVR to record to.  Some DVR Networked Camera systems can even send you a .mpg video or photo when a specific area of a room is breached.  So, instead of paying hundreds of dollars to a security company, own your own camera security system.

     If you want to take things a step further, you can still have a home alarm system, without the dispatch service.  Then the siren will  still sound and the crook can think that the cops have been notified.  Still the most effective form of home security at this point would be to have cameras in your home.  You will not pay monthly fees if you own your own system and you can monitor your own home when ever you desire.  The biggest satisfaction of it all, is knowing that your locked in a safe DVR will have video of the crooks in the act, aiding in the investigation of the crime and potentially catching them in the end.

     Yes, the camera security companies are starting to jump on to the Networked IP service, but they are charging more money for such services.  So you are still paying a monthly bill to be notified of a break-in and you then have them on video.  You can get the exact same result by owning your own system and having a audible alarm that sounds without the cost of the monthly service fees.

     There are several cameras on the market that offer exactly what I have described in this article.  Foscam, D-Link and Cisco Linksys all offer home monitoring cameras at about the $89-$100 price.  I have not had the pleasure of being able to use and test all of these (have tested the Foscam) but would love the opportunity to someday try them so I could give a accurate review.

     If you are trying to figure out what bill can be cut in your budget and you have already axed cable tv and home phone service and are now using a VOIP service such as Ooma, then you are on the hunt to find out what next in your budget can be taken out.  I would suggest looking at your home security system.

ALTERNATIVE TO HOME PHONE SERVICE

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to speak with my cousin who is residing in Maine.  They have recently made the switch to "cutting the cord" and  and have changed to Roku and TIVO as I have described in a earlier post on here.  I found out that she is paying A LOT of money to be able to have a home phone in her home so that she may telecommute from home.

I have come to the conclusion that there is still millions of Americans that are paying for traditional home phone service from the typical bell company- You have options!
There is so many companies advertising their 'cheaper phone service', there is Vonage, MagicJack, Skype and Ooma.  I have tried them all.  Vonage tends to have 'QOS' (Quality of Service) issues due to the inability to access the Vonage router to dedicate specific bandwidth for the VOIP phone.  MagicJack is a nice idea, but unless you want to sit on your computer or laptop and the computers are always on, they do not provide a true solution for home phone service.  Skype provides the ability to have a landline with the ability to home phones that are not on the internet, but the cost is more then Ooma.com.   Then there is Ooma (Ooma.com) which provides a system that allows for a true home phone solution, the ability to control QOS and no monthly fee (except for taxes and fees).  Taxes and Fees for my area is $3.47 per month.

I own a Ooma home phone system and I love it.  I have wired the system into the home so that the entire home has a dial tone.  Because the interface is separate and no dependent upon a computer in order to operate, it is plugged into the internet router and always on.  The Ooma system provides you with a separate administrator IP address so you can access the advanced controls and dedicate bandwidth so your phone system does not south like it is under water.

I have to admit- I am still shocked when I hear that people have a 'home phone bill' and pay $40.00 per month for what I pay almost nothing to have.  I have a dial tone with caller ID, caller waiting, and free nation wide long distance for $3.00 per month.  If you are trying to find a way to cut your home phone service and need a phone for fax  or for company telecommuting, consider looking into the better deals with VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol Service).

Vizio Webcam Call Demonstration and use

Cutting the Cord

As I started to think about what is one of the first things that I would want to tell the world about- I came to quick assumption that it would have to be the 'cord cutting' attitude that is picking up with great speed within America.

If you are like me, it was only about a year ago that I would sit at the dinning room table and get upset with the amount of money that I was paying to my cable company. At that time, I was paying about $220.00 per month for internet and cable TV. Of course I had the DVR and all the other stuff that they are so good at telling you that you 'need.' lucky for me, I am stubborn enough to find a better more financial freeing solution.

I found the Roku device when I began to look for a alternative solution for TV- the Roku at that time was still in it's infancy and no where near the remarkable item that it has become today. I eventually ended up cutting my cable services slowly. First by letting go of the DVR and returning their equipment.

I ordered the HDTV antenna for the roof of my home, getting it installed and found that the clarity and the vast amount of selection available was surprising! I finally pulled the trigger and cut the cable. All was well for about 2 days- because it did not take me long to realize that the 'guide' that the cable company provided was a much missed item.

In order to solve the guide issue on my 2007 Vizio 50 inch television, I went to and purchased a TIVO DVR. The Tivo device offers a guide and had a few features such as being able to record over the air broadcasting which was a nice plus. TIVO also came with the ability to stream online content, such as Netflix, Blockbuster Video and Youtube.

I did pay for a Hulu Plus account and Netflix streaming account. So after cutting my cable and paying for everything I am sure you are asking me- what was the cost and the savings right?

Cost for Equipment:

Antenna with Coax and connectors $89.99
Roku $99.99 (now available for $49.00)
Tivo $99.99

Cost for Equipment = $289.97

Subscription Costs

Tivo= $19.99
Hulu Plus= $7.99
Netflix= $7.99

Total cost for monthly subscriptions = $35.97

Cable bill prior to cutting cable (with internet) = $220.00

Cable bill with Internet only= $79.00 (Business class)

Old Cable Bill= $220.00 minus new cable bill of $79.00 = $141.00

$141 Dollar savings minus subscription costs of $35.97 = $105.03

So there you have it- I save $105.00 per month/ $1260.00 per year!

So, if you are reading this, trying to decide if it is 'worth it' to cut cable and find a better solution for you and your family- I guess you have to do the math. In my case, paying almost $1300.00 for Discovery Channel, HGTV and History was not at all worth the cost (since those were the only channels we watched).

Cable companies are bleeding- I read a recent report that said that the cable industry lost 9% of their subscriber base in 2011 and it is expected that they could loose an additional 11% in 2012. If that trend continues- the face of TV entertainment is and will change. People of America are tired of paying hundreds of dollars for channels we are never going to watch.

I personally have one hope and desire- for NFL Season Ticket to come to Roku. I am not the only one waiting- there are several! Roku is boasting more then 2.0 million watchers with their products now sold at Target and Walmart- so I hope it is only a matter of time before NFL realizes that there is real money to be had by joining with Roku.