by Dave S.

Created on: May 01, 2010   Last Updated: May 02, 2010

So you've been waiting to cancel your cable or satellite bill but can't quite bring yourself to do it because there are a few "must-see" TV shows that the entire cable bill has been paying for.  Well, you are not alone: the research firm Yankee Group estimates 1 in 8 consumers will cancel their cable subscription in 2010.  

But how will you watch TV afterward you cut the cord? Fret not dear readers, for in this article I will explain how I have gotten my TV fix for the past three years without even owning a television set.

Be warned, however.  All of the tips I am about to reveal require a fast internet connection for maximum enjoyment.  If you are unwilling to have broadband internet in your home, you will have to look elsewhere for a solution.

Nowadays, most TV networks put some of their content online.  Hulu.com is a joint venture between NBC, Fox, and ABC that provides full-length streams of their most popular shows to your computer at any time of the day.  You no longer have to schedule your life around the TV shows you want to watch because you can watch them at any time you wish!

Do note, however, that there is usually a delay between TV show air date and when its posted on Hulu.  This delay is typically a day, but can range up to a week.  Also, for most new shows, only the most recent five episodes are available on Hulu.

Even with these restrictions, Hulu is immensely popular and draws nearly 3 million viewers everyday.  With it's large catalog of popular shows such as The Office, 24, Glee, 30 Rock, Lost, and many more, this should come as no surprise.  All in all, the viewing experience on Hulu is worth the wait.  Commercial breaks are typically only 15-30 seconds long and the picture quality surpasses that of cable (although it is not HD).

In addition to Hulu, a Netflix.com subscription can go a long way in bringing in an immense catalog of entertainment.  Netflix is most well known for offering DVD rentals by mail.  Netflix customers select their DVD rental choices through the Netflix.com website and within a day or two the DVD arrives in their mailboxes.  Prices for plans depend on how many DVD's you may rent at one time.  

More importantly, Netflix also offers a reasonably sized selection of movies and TV shows to "watch instantly" through an internet connection.  $8.99 a month gets you 1 DVD out at a time and unlimited "watch instantly", as of May, 2010.  

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