cutting the cord

Ditching cable or satellite for fun and (comp arative) profit

Do I need scissors?

As you might expect, the phrase is somewhat metaphorical. Cutting the cord is the practice of disconnecting yourself from traditional TV services in favour of getting the content you want from online sources instead. The more legitimate sources that pop up – and the more our viewing habits change because of them – the more popular it becomes.

So I’ll save money?

That depends on what you want to watch. If all you’re interested in is Netflix or Amazon Prime, one of those services will be significantly less expensive than a Virgin Media or Sky subscription – but bear in mind that an unbundled broadband connection may work out slightly more expensive than one that comes with TV. If you’re a voracious consumer of streaming services, it might still be pricey, but losing the traditional TV box will drop your media spend significantly. And if you spend your days watching repeats of Homes Under The

Hammer on the obscure channels in the mid-200s, you’re better sticking with what you have now.

What about Sky channels?

Most of Sky’s premium output can be found through Now TV – you can pick up a Roku-derived box for just £14.99, with bundles available to add the entire Sports line-up for £ 6.99 a day or £33.99 a month, or the Cinema channels for £ 9.99 a month. Not cheap.

The alternatives?

Sweet-talking a salesman from your TV provider – or, as the classic tactic goes, threatening to leave for their competitor – may net you a discount that could make keeping your current box more worthwhile.