With internet TV options changing every week, it could pay to relook at what’s available today

Q: I have kept your article from May 29, as I was intrigued with how folks use alternative methods of watching TV other than cable. Here’s our situation: my husband is retired (old, in other words), and I’m almost retired. I mention that so that you know that we are not on the same level as younger folks when it comes down to understanding all these new things. We are very basic TV people — we watch baseball, football, some HGTV, and Channel 9 news. That’s it. No movies, etc. In other words, we need:

•Whatever it is that covers the Rockies games

•NFL channel

•Big Ten Network for college football

•HGTV

•Channel 9 or other local channels for news

We have our Comcast account, and we cringe every month when we open it. I’m embarrassed to say that it’s over $250. Granted, that’s for bundled services (TV, internet, landline), but that’s ridiculous for the amount of TV that we watch. So where do we go from here? — Janet Starkey

Tech+ The rise of TV alternatives jolted an industry to offer consumers cheaper ways to watch TV. But in speaking to certain readers, I know the new services aren’t quite as convenient as, for example, having a single Comcast bill. Mixing and matching channels, tools and services is just too much of a juggling act for some. For those folks, I say stick with your service but at least ask your cable provider how to get a lower monthly bill.

For everyone else, the alternatives are getting better. There are more channels available and “equipment,” like DVRs, that give users a closer semblance of what they once had with cable.

Sling TV, which happens to be based in Douglas County, now has a Cloud DVR to record shows for later viewing. DirecTV Now, which is owned by AT&T, can be bundled with AT&T’s unlimited mobile data plan for simplicity.

What I’m trying to say Janet is that every TV-watching family is different and not just in what channels they watch. My best answer is to provide the tools for you to figure this out yourself.

But let me start with this. You still need internet and a landline. Unless you live in Longmont or some other city with alternatives to Comcast and CenturyLink internet, you have two choices of internet service. For landlines, that’s the first thing many people have given up because they rely on mobile phones or use cheaper internet-based telephone service from Vonage, Magic Jack or Ooma.

As for TV, you do have some choices, but because your wishlist is heavy on live sports, you may be better off sticking with Comcast or DirecTV. At least today.

Streaming most games is limited to customers of traditional pay-TV providers who are then given the option to stream games on smartphones or tablets. But rumors abound that the NFL and other leagues are considering independent streaming channels. So, check back before the next season starts.

That said, there are some options when it comes to watching the Rockies or Broncos in Denver. Here goes:

Rockies games? If you live outside of Colorado, you can watch Rockies games on MLB.com. Otherwise, locals are blacked out from the live game because Major League Baseball’s lucrative deals with broadcasters like Root Networks. And so far, Root isn’t streaming the games to just anyone except to people who already pay for the channel on DirecTV and others (noticeably absent is Comcast). You’re kind of stuck here if you want to watch all the Rockies games. But who knows? Things could change by spring training.

NFL Network? Available on several online streaming services including Sling TV, and it looks like DirecTV Now is considering adding it. Everything could change by next fall, but an earlier Denver Post story offering guidance on watching the Broncos online, “How to watch every Denver Broncos game live online using streaming services,” (tinyurl.com/ ycom9qqg) may be helpful.

Big Ten Network? Opt for the $50/month plan with DirecTV Now to get the Big Ten Network, otherwise, you’ll need to subscribe on a cable or satellite service to stream games live.

HGTV? Nearly every major internet streaming service offers this channel. Sling TV’s may be the cheapest, at $20 a month, and that includes HGTV, ESPN, Food Network and the Disney Channel. Denver’s local network channels: The channels are free if you add a good antenna to your home. DirecTV Now also offers the four major networks (look up availability by ZIP code) as part of its cheapest plan, at $35 a month.

And as an FYI for regular cable subscribers, Comcast recently introduced its Xfinity Instant TV. The service is available for $18 a month with existing Comcast internet service. You don’t get much — just the channels you’d get with an antenna, including NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and CW. Additional channel packs are also available, such as $10 more for the kids and family pack. Details at xfinity.com/learn/instant-tv