Streaming Device: PlayStation 3 (250 GB)
Why? I knew I could get any of the Wi-Fi-capable Blu-ray players or gaming systems, but only one device offered both. I’m not much of a gamer (that’s an understatement), but I could see myself passing the time with a game now and then.
The quality of the player is what really sold me, though. When reviewed, the PS3 was not only judged as a great disk-playing gaming device. Rather, it held it’s own against all other top-notch stand-alone players. That impressed me. So, for just a little more money than a good, stand-alone player, I decided to get the more diverse PS3.
I’ve heard people complain that it is a annoying to have to use the Netflix PS3 disk in order to stream, but that is a minor inconvenience. Besides, what difference does it make? You can’t play another disk while streaming, so it’s not really in the way of anything.
Television: Insignia 32″ LCD HDTV (1080p, 120Hz)
Why: Same picture quality as TVs costing $100 or $200 more. I’ve had it for a while now and I’m happy with it. Plus, I came to realize that, after I made the switch from my digital cable set up to the above, any concerns I may have had about intermittent picture quality were to blame on the cable service, not the TV.
Phone Service: Vonage
Why: Cost and flexibility. While this may seem to have little or nothing to do with my TV setup, it actually does. Since Cable and FiOS try to sell you on bundles that seem to save so much money, I wanted be clear on just what my cost comparisons are based.
One word of warning regarding Vonage. They claim to have no hidden fees, but after your first order, you will be hit with a lot of extra fees that you didn’t see coming. Among other things for example, their Enhanced 911 feature is really not part of their service plan. It is an extra $2.00 per month. All tolled with taxes and fees, my first bill of $15 for service plus $10 for shipping of the Vonage box actually came to $34.
Even with all those sneaky extra fees, their service is still cheaper ($15/month for the first three months, $26/month thereafter) and more flexible than the others. After all, you can take the Vonage box with you when you travel and make calls as if your were home. And that’s something you can’t do with FiOS, Cable, and even certain wireless providers (yeah, I’m looking at you Verizon).
Cost Comparison:
Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty. No matter how good or bad the selection of movies or TV shows may be, the ultimate question has to do with the final cost. Extra taxes and fees have been estimated for this example.
- Time Warner Cable Triple Play with HD DVR:
– For the first year, about $122/month
– After that, about $210/month - Verizon FiOS Triple Play with HD DVR:
– For the first year, about $100/month
– After that, about $150/month - My Setup (FiOS Internet, Netflix, Vonage):
This is tricky due to Netflix’s one free month and Vonage’s three cheap months, but:
– For the first month, about $75/month
– For two months after that, about $84/month
– After that, about $95/month
So, there you have it. Will I be able to seriously go without any broadcast television ever again? I’m not sure, but I am willing to try it this way for a while.
Oh, and if you’re wondering where I will get my news from … the internet.
Now excuse me, I have to go watch some more Doctor Who.
That’s cool, although I don’t think I could do it. I’d miss my afternoon soaps.
As you say, everything is almost there now with Netflix and Hulu Premium. The big kicker for a lot of people is the lack of real time sports coverage. Sure you can watch it online in a lot of cases but who wants to watch that in a browser window.