How to find the best deal for Cable/Mini-Satellite TV - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

wally · 07-24-2003, 05:41 PM

So after getting free cable for over 3 years in my apartment, it was finally disconnected yesterday. So I'm starting to look into what my options are as far as paying for something. Here's what I'm looking for:

Pretty much a basic package. I don't watch many movies, so I don't need all the movie channels. I'd like to spend less than $50/month on this.

Any ideas on how to go about finding the best deal and who might currently have any really good deals?

dy156 · 07-25-2003, 01:03 PM

Not really a handyman question, but I'll share my experiences with digital cable. Depending on the area, it's usually less than $50/month. Then, you can add on/ remove services just by calling the cable company and they do not have to come do installation. That's the trick, at least with my cable people, to getting lots of channels for not much money. Every few months they offer a different deal, that's only advertised through mail brochures to people who don't get cable, but subscribers can get the same deal if they call in. I found this out when my wife asked me about getting HBO so she could get Sex in the City, and I found out that the deal then would let me get 4 HBOs and would actually reduce my bill by $10. Just remember to call back in three months to switch to the new deal. Some are better than others, and this strategy doesn't work with a wife hooked on HBO!

Vogad · 07-25-2003, 07:53 PM

The Dish network is offering a 50 channel package with free installation and activation for $25 month. Your problem is - what will the management let you do. Most apartment complexes don't allow an external satalite antenna and if they do keep in mind it must have a good view of the southern sky.
Personnally I'm surviving off a $20 Radio Shack VHF/UHF antenna and get about 10 (including all 5 networks and PBS) good channels (FREE).

nothingx · 07-28-2003, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vogad
Most apartment complexes don't allow an external satalite antenna and if they do keep in mind it must have a good view of the southern sky.

There was a law passed quite a while ago that made it illegal for apartments to prohibit tenants from installing sat dishes. The reason is that it helps make a monopoly for the cable company. Apartment owners are required by law to allow you to install your dish. It is true though that you must have a view of the southern sky, and you only have about 100 ft. of cable between the dish and the reciever before the signal gets weak.

"The rule is cited as 47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000 and has been in effect since October 14, 1996. It prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to- home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal."

Source FCC.

sunstone · 08-23-2003, 09:34 AM

Moelester seems to be on top of this and is totally correct. This is a federal rule.

Also right about trying to keep the cable run less than 100 feet, but if it has to be more than that you can easily add an inline amplifier that you can get at Radio Shack for about $10 (I think). You just insert it between the antenna and the cable at the antenna end of the cable. I had to do this with a satellite internet connection and it's working fine. The amp boosts the signal to make up for loss in the cable over a long run.

07-24-2003, 05:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
wally Crazy	How to find the best deal for Cable/Mini-Satellite TV So after getting free cable for over 3 years in my apartment, it was finally disconnected yesterday. So I'm starting to look into what my options are as far as paying for something. Here's what I'm looking for: Pretty much a basic package. I don't watch many movies, so I don't need all the movie channels. I'd like to spend less than $50/month on this. Any ideas on how to go about finding the best deal and who might currently have any really good deals?

07-25-2003, 01:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
dy156 cookie Location: in the backwoods	Not really a handyman question, but I'll share my experiences with digital cable. Depending on the area, it's usually less than $50/month. Then, you can add on/ remove services just by calling the cable company and they do not have to come do installation. That's the trick, at least with my cable people, to getting lots of channels for not much money. Every few months they offer a different deal, that's only advertised through mail brochures to people who don't get cable, but subscribers can get the same deal if they call in. I found this out when my wife asked me about getting HBO so she could get Sex in the City, and I found out that the deal then would let me get 4 HBOs and would actually reduce my bill by $10. Just remember to call back in three months to switch to the new deal. Some are better than others, and this strategy doesn't work with a wife hooked on HBO!

07-25-2003, 07:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Vogad Registered User Location: Sooner Nation	The Dish network is offering a 50 channel package with free installation and activation for $25 month. Your problem is - what will the management let you do. Most apartment complexes don't allow an external satalite antenna and if they do keep in mind it must have a good view of the southern sky. Personnally I'm surviving off a $20 Radio Shack VHF/UHF antenna and get about 10 (including all 5 networks and PBS) good channels (FREE).

08-23-2003, 09:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
sunstone Upright Location: Pacific Northwest	Moelester seems to be on top of this and is totally correct. This is a federal rule. Also right about trying to keep the cable run less than 100 feet, but if it has to be more than that you can easily add an inline amplifier that you can get at Radio Shack for about $10 (I think). You just insert it between the antenna and the cable at the antenna end of the cable. I had to do this with a satellite internet connection and it's working fine. The amp boosts the signal to make up for loss in the cable over a long run.