A reader is looking for streaming options:
“I currently have a Roku box and pay for Britbox for content. I still have Comcast too, which I would like to dump. How do I keep content providers I might want, like Britbox, Acorn, or Netflix, dump Comcast and still get live TV with some sort of DVR for fast forwarding through advertising?”
Even if you dump Comcast as a cable provider you will, of course, still need a company to provide you with a reliable high-speed Internet connection. Sometimes the bundling discount for a TV package and Internet combined can actually be your cheapest option.
But let’s look at what’s out there. As long as you have the Internet and a Roku, you should still be able to get Britbox, Acorn, and Netflix. Live local TV and the DVR are the tricky part.
If you live in an area where your can pick up local channels over the air, an antenna and buying your own stand alone DVR. The Amazon Fire Recast Streaming box offers a TB of storage for recording over-the-air TV.
Many streaming service do offer local channel options in some cities. Again, that’s going to depend on where you live. You’ll have to check with the service.
Have you checked into Xfinity (Comcast) limited basic cable package? They don’t talk much about it but they offer a package that carries all of your local broadcast channels for $20 a month in your area. You’ll have to pay between $5 and $10 extra for the DVR but it might be your best buy.
Hulu Plus TV is $55 for 60 channels and offers local channels in some markets. It does offer a cloud DVR but you’ll have to pay an additional $10 a month for the privilege of fast-forwarding through the commercials.
Sling TV is $30 a month and offers Fox and NBC stations in some cities. It does have a Cloud DVR and you can fast-forward through commericals.
Premium YouTube TV also offers live TV in many markets. It costs $65 a month. There is a cloud DVR and you can fast forward through commercials.
AT&T TV Now is $55 a month and offers local TV in many markets. There is a cloud DVR with limited space and for an extra $15 you can fast-forward through commercials.
Of course, you’ll still need to pay for high-speed Internet on top of any of these subscriptions in order to stream.
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