At one point in time, there was VHF/UHF and cable.  Cable was a no brainer if you wanted crisp clear images.

These days though, this is not the case.

Here is a list of options with cost estimates, benefits and drawbacks.  It is not comprehensive, but WTH I am not a corporation, I am a viewer like you.

Digital Antenna

• I have this.
• I run my digital antenna into my TiVo (lifetime subscription) box.  Otherwise TiVo costs about $20 per month… I think.  The boxes these days are around $600.
• The cost is a one-time outlay of about $100 for a decent antenna.  Don’t skimp, get the best you can afford.
• The benefit is that it remains absolutely free after the initial purchase
• The drawback is that it requires a (nearly) line of sight to the towers, and has a range of (realistically) no more than 65 miles.
• You can get anywhere from a few to nearly a hundred channels

Cable (usually COX)

• I have basic
• They nearly had a monopoly, and the cost shows it.  The cost is about $40 for basic, and it goes up to about $300 per month based on what premium channels you want.
• The benefit is that it’s easy to understand and navigate
• The drawback is the hellacious cost

Netflix

• I have this.  I have a two-DVD per month plan and a one-device streaming plan
• This cost is reasonable, but not as great as it used to be.  The cost is about $10 for each plan – and that is per month
• The benefit is that it is very flexible, and there are no commercials.
• The drawback is that it requires an internet data plan of at least 5 mBps – better if you have 20.

YouTube / Vimeo

• Benefit:  If you have a Smart TV you can do this.  It is currently mostly free.
• Drawback:  I find it kind of cumbersome to find programming.

Great Courses

• I do this.  It is about $20 per month, but has everything from Dog Training to Quantum Physics
• If you are into education, this is a good thing to have.

Ted Talks

• Free, and great if you like educational stuff

Amazon Prime

• I have this
• The benefit is that you have a decent selection of programming at no cost
• The drawback is that – there is nothing free in life – and Amazon makes their money with commercial advertising.  Not too bad, but commercials?  Yech.
• Amazon Prime used to be $79 per year, then went up to $99.  For 2019 the price is now $119.  There are all kind of web coverage about if this is worth it, or not.  For me, it is.

MP4 files on a Thumb Drive

• Before I got rid of all (1000+) of my DVDs, I burnt them to a 5 TB drive.  As I want something, I burn it to a thumb drive, stick it in the TV USB port and go from there.
• The benefit is that it is totally free
• The drawback is that it was a PITA getting all of the files to MP4 format, with about 2% failure rate – but remains free.  It is also a bit of a pain retrieving a movie when I want it

Hulu and Hulu Plus

• I have basic Hulu.  The benefit is it is only $10 per month.
• The drawback is that you have commercials.  The same one, usually, over and over.  SIGH
• Hulu Plus has additional programming and no commercials, but is about $20 per month… I think.

Philo – $16-20 – I don’t know too much about this

Acorn TV – $5 – This was recommended, but I am not familiar with it.

Sling – $25-40 – This used to be free.  I don’t know too much about the new paid version

Cloud DVR – I know absolutely nothing about this

RedBox – $5 per DVD rental – This remains a popular standard.  I’ve done it a few times, but not too often.  I think the loan period is only two days, with a stiff penalty after that.

TV Channels Online – I know absolutely nothing about this

Public Library – This is free – I did it once years ago, so can’t comment on current technology

HBO / Showtime / Starz – Each is about $10 and they have recent movies, but not a whole lot of selection options.

That’s about all that I have time for.  If you want to explore some more,

CLICK HERE.