Dear DU Lounge, please help me convince the family to give up satellite tv.

[Dappleganger]

We really need to cut another bill due to being underemployed and this would help the bottom line. We already get Netflix and use it a ton, plus have high-speed internet for watching so much more.

Dh is a huge sports addict, unfortunately. He really doesn't have the time to watch like he thinks he does as he is still looking for permanent employment. I can go without it easily because of the internet. We have two hd-capable tv's and one coupon for a digital tuner for regular tv so what else do we need, an antenna?

Anybody cut the cable or satellite cord with a big family (3 teens and an 11 yr. old) and didn't fear for their lives? Please give me some reasonable arguments to try and convince them!

[DeepBlueC]

1. I can't think of any

I loves me my cable & I have it all. For me it's cheap entertainment.

[WildEyedLiberal]

2. Yikes... we just got satellite TV after years of only having the 5 major networks, and I love it

But if you need to save the money, I wonder if your husband could watch the games he likes at friends' houses, or a bar? As far as just TV shows and movies, Netflix and hulu.com should do just as well. (Although I am addicted to the 24/7 Law and Order reruns on USA and TNT.)

[fizzgig]

3. i think the money factor is good enough

it was the first thing i cut when i lost my job, but i don't have kids, so the situation is different. that said, if you guys need to save money, that should be the long and short of it. you can always get it back when your financial situation improves.

[lizziegrace]

4. Try a test run

one week without maybe? I moved and cannot afford cable anymore. I got a converter box and really don't miss much that was on tv.

[skygazer]

5. Straight talk with your husband seems in order

"We're struggling to pay the bills and we need to cut somewhere. This is the area that seems sensible."

As for the kids, unless they're paying for the tv, they'll just have to suck it up and do without. Tough love. Sometimes it's the only way.

[azmouse]

6. Keep track of when the satellite tv is being watched.

Add up the number of hours and divide by the cost. When you see what it is costing per hour of viewing time... well, that should prove your case that it is a luxury that you could do without.

[texanwitch]

7. If I had to give something up it would be cable tv,

I could get broadband for the computers really cheap.

You can wach tv on the computer.

[graywarrior]

8. My dream is to become completely chair bound in front of a 72 inch HDTV with access to

every goddamn channel on earth and the ability to TIVO 24/7. There. I finally am able to state the truth about wanting a lazy lifestyle with no responsibilities to anyone or anything accept TV Guide. And the cat will need to find someone else to feed him and change his stinking, smelly football field sized litter box.