Ok Redszoners in the Cincinnati area, I need advice. I just did a search for cable TV but all I came up with was digital, HD advice etc. I just need the most basic cable advice.
I am considering -- CONSIDERING -- getting cable TV. When I moved to Cincinnati almost a year ago, I wanted phone and internet service, no cable. So that's what I got. I have unlimited free long distance and high-speed internet. Ostensibly it was supposed to cost $50 a month but with fees it's always at least 10 bucks more than that, and Cincinnati Bell has been terrible (it took them five months to get my deal correct; I had to call every time I got a bill).
The whole reason I did this was because I was not interested in cable. But with the deals Time Warner appears to have, it kind of looks like I'm getting screwed. Especially since I'm considering -- CONSIDERING -- lightening up on cable, since I waste enough time on the Internet anyway and figure I might as well waste time watching the Discovery Channel or ESPN instead.
The deal currently listed on Time Warner's website is $59.95 for digital cable and phone for one year, plus free Internet access for one year. This sounds quite reasonable to me, ie. basically throwing in cable to what I already have for only a little more than what I'm paying now. But I've never had cable so I want to make sure I know what that means. Is that $59.95 + $25 in fees every month? Is that phone service local only? I will be calling the company but I thought I might be able to glean some knowledge and experience from locals.
A few things to take into consideration:
- I'm in the city (don't know if location makes a difference)
- I currently have free long distance and I DO use it. I can make some phone calls from my cell phone (I never get close to my limit there) but I'd prefer to have the land line option most of the time. Are long distance rates usually outrageous?
- What does "digital" mean, technologically speaking? I've been quite aware of the benefits of a land line since September 11; I'm kind of neurotic about it. When the power goes out, does your phone go out? Is digital all that's available anymore? Does anyone ever get phone service from the phone company and cable/internet from TW anymore, or is it no longer a viable option financially?
- I only need very basic cable. No premium channels, HD, DVR or anything like that.
- Is the "one year contract" really one year? I can't commit to any more than that. I'd prefer not to commit to a full year, actually, but I don't know if that's an option (is it?)
- Are there other companies besides Time Warner?
Thanks for any advice you locals can give. As I said, I'll be doing some research on my own, but it kind of makes my head hurt and personal experience is best I think.