Are there better alternatives to cable television?

[The_Guy222]

We are on a cable/digital cable/limited HD service on 2 HDTVs. A family member in my house is complaining that there are few "good" shows on, there are commercials on at least half the channels at any time, so flipping is unpleasant. Moreover, we rarely use the HD channels (we had a free preview) and are cancelling them.

It is hard for this family member to relax because of the aggravation of surfing, the dearth of any good news channels (we have the regulars), and all the infomercials at night.

This family member believes that satellite may be cheaper, or at least offer higher quality or less commercials pound for pound.

Can you tell me if this is true? I understand that satellite has reception problems compared to cable, so that would be a new headache all on its own.

I'm inclined to get some kind of internet-based TV hookup (like AppleTV), or relying on a TiVo device, but that seems a little advanced.

For reference, we are on the Cogeco plan with about 20 HD channels (which we almost never watch because they aren't our favourite channels), plus CNN, Showtime, Sci-Fi, CBC/Global/Local News Station, BNN, pay movie channels, a few specialty digital channels, etc...

[zod]

I think satellite may offer better deals, but I don't think you'll see less commericials. IE 40-42 mins of content per hour, and 18-20 mins of commercials is pretty standard. They also all seem to air them at the same time, so that if your show goes to commericial you don't find something better to watch because it'll be in a commercial too.

They wonder why people are starting to download stuff off the the internet. They've totally go insane with how much commericials they use. 40 years ago there was probably less than 10 mins of commercials per hour.

Personally even though we pay for cable, I tend to only use HD channels, and only watch sports on them. I'll DVR shows I like and watch them when I have time. It allows me to skip through all the commercials.

I suppose that might be your solution. Go to satellite and make sure they kickin in a DVR reciever model.

Then just set up weekly recordings for your favorite shows, and everytime you sit down they'll be something to watch.

[Blackmajik]

Switching providers because there are too many commercials? The cable providers are the ones who provide you with the network's broadcast and the network are the ones who provide the programming. From what I can see, the big companies are generally all the same in price unless you strike a deal or go on contract. Switching from Cogeco to Bell with the same networking programming will not yield less commercials at all. Instead of channel surfing, use the guide to see what else is currently on and what will be on. Have they added more commercials over the years? I wouldn't know because I rarely watch TV anymore and just download my shows.

If you want to completely wipe out commercials you may have to subscribe to the specialty networks like HBO, FX, AMC, etc. Also you may want to watch the show online. A few networks allow you to watch it online and there are a few other sites that allow you to watch TV shows as well.