First a little background about us. We have a air antenna which gives us: ABC, NBC, CBS(free TV). For the last ten years we have borrowed movies from the library and have seen all they have more than once. If any of you have TV or satellites, you know that there is not really many "good" show. And now that Tommy is home 24/7, he started watching soap operas and day time talk shows, as this was all we got. Tommy does not read, play cards, etc. All he knows is working with wood. He really has nothing to do while he is up during the day but watch TV. So I started looking into satellite and Netflix. So he could watch something he liked and what he enjoyed.
Here is what I found out:
Satellites ( looked into 2 different companies): They wanted $99 for installation and hook up or sign up for two years. (I'm not fond of signing up for anything for two years. If something happens they charge you to stop early.) Both of their lowest plans where for 100 channels. I check on the channel line ups, was not happy. On both, we would of only watched about 4-5 of the channels. and this cost $35-$45 a month with no movie channels. Needless to say we are not getting satellite.
Netflix ( our choice): They had a free offer for two weeks. Then we switched to 3 DVD's out at a time for $16.99 a month, unlimited. Along with this comes unlimited "Watch Instantly Movies and TV shows" , which can be watched on laptops and PC hooked to Internet. So this means with our 3 DVD plan, we can stream 3 different shows in at once. (We tried it on the laptop and PC, both had good pictures.) But Tommy can't see the screens really well on the laptop and does not want to sit in front of the computer screen. So Netflix has a box you can buy to hook to your TV and Internet and "Watch Instantly"movies and TV shows. This box is $99, but it's a one time price, and is your to keep, and can still be used if you move. Netflix has a cancel at any time with no fees, and you can start back up with no fees.
If times really get hard, we can switch to a low plan which is: 1 DVD out at a time unlimited during month and one stream to TV of the "Watch Instantly" movies and TV shows for $8.99 a month. Or even cancel the service for a month or two and pick it back up when we can, with no fees!
Ok, I know some of you think this is a waste of money. But for our family is great. The old movies, TV shows etc., we can watch unlimited. Some of you will not have to buy the TV box as you can watch it from your PC or laptop. But Tommy's eyes are not what they used to be. He can watch his war movies on the TV, Tommielynn can watch her kid shows on her PC, Tasha can watch her love stories on her laptop, everyone is happy.This TV box is a family Christmas gift this year. Everyone will get a few small things too. No we do not spend all day watching TV. We no longer go to town and friends houses as before. And having to stay home more because of Tommy's health, we are watching a little more TV than before.
There are other devices that can to used to get Netflix to your TV:
network Blu-ray player or even an Xbox 360.
We don't have these so we bought the box.
How we save by getting the Netflix and TV box:
- gas going to town to rent or borrow movies, then returning them.
- get to pick from 12,000 + movies and TV shows, including the oldies and goodies to watch on the TV and even more to be sent in DVD form to the house(free shipping both ways).
- $16.99 for Netflix a month instead of $35-45 for satellite(not much to watch here).
- no late fees , or cancel fees
- movies everyone likes, no fighting.
- family movie night at a click of a button.
I know this is not for everyone. But take a look and try 2 weeks free and see. I read every page on their site, even the fine print. Because this is a lot of money when everyone is having hard times. I feel like I found a pot of gold, for our family. This is what's best for us.
I just thought to share what I found out. I really wish someone would of told me sooner. Maybe someone can use this post. Hope you all have a great day.
Becky
Comments:
We have Netflix and love it. We have had it for a couple of years so I was really excited when they came out with the watch instantly part of their program. Also you might want to check out the nbc, cbs, abc and fox networks online they offer full episodes of most of their shows. If you get a chance come on over to my site and visit. I have some pictures up of my boys with their pets that Tommy and Tommilynn will get a kick out of. Comment by http://www.littlemountainhouse.blogspot.com December 6, 2008
Becky, If you can swing the cost, continue the Netflix. It sounds like a great distraction and is of interest to Tommy. It seems like this will add a bit of quality to his life. I
love family movie night. We do the on demand thing with cable. Only the good Lord can judge you so don’t worry about what others think. I think it’s a wonderful early Christmas gift. Enjoy it! Comment by Sheila Smith December 6, 2008Becky, Checking into Netflix is on my “to do” list. Thanks for doing all the investigating! It’s good to know you are enjoying a family Christmas gift that makes everyone happy! Good Job! Glad to hear, too, that you are hanging in there. Fondly, Comment by Linda J. December 6, 2008
This is not a waste at all- I think you researched and found something frugal for your Tommy. Comment by Amanda December 6, 2008
Becky, we have used Netflix in the past and had a good experience with them. I actually cut it out for now to cut back on expenses, but we still have our cable. However, if the time comes that we need to cut our cable out I will try my hardest to get us back on Netflix. They seem to be a good company and I’ve always only heard positive things about them. I bet with the way the economy is now, their business is booming! Comment by D. December 7, 2008
I’m glad to hear you found some affordable entertainment for your family. I personally use http://www.surfthechannel.com and other sites like it. They have so many shows and movies and even some documentaries and things like that. If you have a decent internet connection, the quality is pretty good. It is also a free site and many times has the shows before the network websites. Comment by Jessi December 8, 2008
We had netflix and we loved it. I am contemplating cancelling our cable and just having my high speed internet with the company we have here and going with netflix for all the movies my husband & kids like. the kids don’t need to watch Disney channel from the minute they get home from school until bed time anyway! Good luck and enjoy that!
Janine Comment by Janine December 9, 2008Netflix has been a wonderful blessing here. Tommy has really enjoyed it and it’s given him something to do. And we have already gotten our moneys worth in less than a week. And it has brought laughter back to the house. Thank you all for your comments. If you are thinking about Netflix, I highly recommend it. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 11, 2008
We have been Netflix members for several years and LOVE it! We’ve also been using the watch instantly since it started over a year ago. We love it without having to pay for cable. All the “oldies but goodies” and good wholesome old TV shows. It’s definitely the way to go in today’s hard times. Comment by Amy December 13, 2008
I’m glad Dad is enjoying the netflix account. I can remember watching all the episodes of Law and Order (the original) years ago and being forced to endure every episode of “Heat of the Night” when it came on.. lol. Now he can watch ‘em all again! I’m really glad you guys decided to go with it. FYI: There are LOTS of movies that never make it to blockbuster stores that you can probably get on Netflix online, things that will be good for TL’s education. There is very little retail value in stores for National Geographic educational films and the like, but you can get all those things on Net Flix (probably). I know I can get them on my blockbuster account, so I’m sure Netflix has ‘em too. Comment by Tommy December 16, 2008
Hi TJ, Tommy is really enjoying it. With Tex here over the weekend to watch it with him, made it even better for him. But now Tex told Janet, he wants Netflix for Christmas this year. Thanks again for telling me about it. Becky Comment by Becky December 16, 2008
You could also consider borrowing DVD’s from your local library. Cost: FREE!
Find out other money-saving tips at http://www.jacksperks.com/blog Comment by Jack December 28, 2008We have been using Netflix for the past several years. In May 08 we decided to purchase the Roko box. We changed our plan from $17 a month to $10. a month. We have gotten hooked on this that we hardly watched our satellite. We decided to do away with satellite costing us 100.00 month. We set up an antenna to receive our local channels free and get movies via Roko or movies via the mail box through Netflix. This truly has saved us money!!! In this economy every penny counts. This really is a money saver!!!! Comment by Tara January 29, 2009
Tara, We are really enjoying Netflix. When Tommy is up all night, he watches it. We too, have a air antenna, and have bought the box for that too. (using the governments $40 card- we only paid $20 for it.) This is a great service. More people should know about it. Yesterday, on Good Morning America (ABC) they talked about it too.
Becky Comment by Becky January 31, 2009
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This is great information! I hope someone will benefit from it as well.
ReplyDeleteWe cut cable out back in summer '07 and went without it until a month or so ago, due to military moves and trying to cut costs. During the summer of '08 we decided to try Blockbuster Online. We really enjoyed that system as well. We were able to trade DVDs in the local store but never bothered - 3 DVDs at a time was plenty! Now that we are settled in a place for more than a year we've taken cable but frankly I could do without it. Our local library has plenty and I'm not much of a TV person. When hubby's not home, I'll probably shut off cable. I like this idea where you can watch on your PC and such tho - handy!!!