Simplify Your Life With a Universal Remote!

Dad, tell me again how when you were my age you had
to walk all the way across the room to change a channel?

So, you finally got that ginormous big screen TV you've been drooling all over. And an awesome network enabled Blu-ray player. After a week in wiring hell, you've finally got it all hooked up with your antenna, network cables, Xbox, PS3, the cable or satellite box, surround sound system and DVR. And here's what you've got sitting on the arm of your La-Z-Boy recliner: 7 remote controls that completely won't get along, much like your totally dysfunctional family on Thanksgiving. Everybody hates you, and it's all your fault. The only time they even talk to you is when they want to change the channel - because you're the only one that knows exactly which remote does what.

 Fear not, for the solution to your woes is as near as your favorite electronics or discount store, or or online retailer. It's a  universal remote control, and it can cost you less than $20 for a basic learning remote up to several hundreds of dollars for a remote that will do everything but mow your lawn.

But before you rush out and buy something, here's a few things you should know...

Make Your Own TV Antenna

If you want to try free OTA digital TV, but don't want to spend a lot of money, here's a project that will only cost you a few dollars and about a half hour of your time. Keep in mind that this antenna is NOT for outdoor use, but it is great for mounting in a closet, in your attic, or it could even be hidden in a picture frame with a little modification. It's also a great way to see how many TV channels you can get for free before investing in a commercial antenna.

You could easily re-design this antenna using durable materials to make it suitable for outdoor use.

Watch the video here:

Weigel Broadcasting Co. Seeks Affiliates For its Classic TV Network, ‘Me-TV’

If you broadcasters out there in TV Land are listening (and I know you are) here's yet another opportunity to add subchannel programming to your revenue stream: The Me-TV Network, featuring classic television programming. Me-TV is from one of the partners who created the ThisTV Network that features mostly movies.

Here is Weigel Broadcasting's press release:

AntennaTV Network: Commercial

Antenna TV: Announcement / Commercial

All the greatest shows from the golden age of TV will soon be coming to a TV antenna near most of you, on The AntennaTV Network in January! See their 1st quarter 2011 schedule HERE

What, you say you don't have an antenna? Time to get one!

Northern Utah viewers, AntennaTV will be a sub-channel of FOX 13. Viewers in other parts of the country, check to see if there is an affiliate in your area HERE.

External Link: Classic TV Returns with new Antenna TV Channel

Previously on Cache Free TV: Antenna TV Coming Soon to Fox13

Netflix vs Blockbuster: ...and the Winner Is? (as if you didn't know)

Here's a review I wrote for www.DTVusaforum.com:

About a month ago, I started a one month free trial on both Netflix and Blockbuster. Guess Who won?


The program for Netflix was one DVD at a time unlimited with streaming, 8.99 a month plus tax. The plan Blockbuster gave me by default was their 3 out at a time unlimited, Total Access, with streaming on demand at $19.99.

It would seem at first glance that blockbuster, while more expensive, would be a good deal. But, for me, the "Total Access" was "Totally Worthless". Blockbuster hasn't had a store in my area for years. So the return to the store with 5 in store rentals is useless. Upon learning this, I changed to the 3 out at a time with no store access plan - a mistake that would come back to haunt me later.

Save money... get HDTV for free!

Here's a local news story about families that have cut the cable,
News Report that ran on KGW Channel 8 Portland, Oregon:




"Ugly mass of metal"? hmm, to me an antenna is beautiful. It screams "FREEDOM!"

My favorite quote, though, is "I didn't know you could still use them". Yes, you can!

Save free TV!

Save Free TV!

A commercial from the 1970's. More relevant now in 2010!

Yes, It could happen. The government and broadband providers are conspiring at this very minute to TAKE AWAY YOUR FREE BROADCAST TV, or cut the number of available channels. WHY? Because they want those channels to be SOLD to the highest bidder at auction,... So a for-profit corporation can sell it back to you as a subscription wireless internet service. Face it, the US government is deep in debt and is willing to sell almost anything for a buck.
Yes, the FCC "goon squad", AT&T, Verizon, Comcast,  Time-Warner etc, want to take your granny's TV away, and offer her to pay for tv and twitter on her fixed income. Oh, and you too!

The "secret" for getting FREE HD TV

The "Secret" for Getting FREE HD TV.

 Ready?

Put a TV antenna on your roof, in your attic, or on a wall. Aim it toward your desired stations, and enjoy.

Huh? That’s it? Hey, I know what you're thinking. "My grandfather had an antenna. He got 4 stations and bad reception. That’s why we pay for TV now - more channels and HDTV. Besides, do they even do that anymore?"

This is NOT your grandfather's Antenna TV!

Yes, they still do that. Over-The-Air (OTA) TV is very much alive and well, and better than ever. AND more channels. But, you ask, what about your grandfather's 4 snowy channels, then? In 1974, that was the state of the art of OTA TV. That was then, this is now. It's not 1974 anymore, we're in the digital age now. In most markets, you can get ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS, in full HD, and at least some of the minor networks (ionTV, CW, ThisTV, etc). At my location, I get 30 channels – 13 in HD.

I know most of you are looking to just call someone and “just make it work”, and there is probably someone who CAN do it for you (See the FAQ). But the purpose of this blog is to save you money, and that almost always involves investing time and/or money. So, your first task is to find out what channels you may be able to get, and where they are.

NOTE!

Please, READ THIS ENTIRE POST before you do anything!

The TRUE cost of Pay TV

*fine print: AFTER THE 6 MONTH PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, COMCAST’S REGULAR CHARGES APPLY UNLESS SERVICE IS CANCELLED. SERVICE MAY BE CANCELLED BY CALLING 1-800-COMCAST. Comcast’s current monthly service charge ranges from $56 to $62 for Digital Starter, $72 to $78 for Digital Preferred, and $105 to $130 for Digital Premier, depending on area. Limited to service to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes and franchise fees extra. May not be combined with other offers. Certain services are available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic Service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at the time of purchase. Converter and remote required to receive certain services. HD choices include HD channel lineup and HD programming available from Comcast On Demand. Choices and availability may vary by market. Call Comcast for full details and restrictions. DVR service may require a deposit. DVR service requires an additional monthly DVR service fee. Number of recording hours varies by model. Please call your local Comcast office for restrictions and complete details about service, prices and equipment. Comcast ©2010. All rights reserved. HD choices based on a comparison of satellite’s HD channel lineup to the combination of Comcast HD channel lineup and Comcast HD programming available On Demand.

Sure, that $29.95 offer from the pay TV sevice looks inviting.
But once the "promo" expires, whats it really going to gost you? Recent Surveys indicate the average pay TV subscriber pays about $70 a month. This price generally does not include "premium" channels or packages, or even an occasional Pay-Per-View. Even HD is extra for some providers. About a hundred channels, including lots of infomercial-religious-and useless,and about 4 local stations. 

So lets take a look at what Pay TV is Really costing you...