Drop your cable, watch TV with a Roku and save!
It's time for a new cable modem.
Internet slower than it should be? You can go to a website such as www.speedtest.net to find out what your current upload and download speed is. Are you not getting the speeds you are promised? Chances are you might not be using a docsis 3.0 modem which increases your maximum possible incoming bandwidth over the beleaguered docsis 2.0 modems.
Do you currently rent a modem from your ISP? That will add a charge of $5 monthly you can get removed if you buy your own. Cable modems cost around $60, an investment that will pay for itself after only a year. It's all savings from there!
Your current modem might not be Docsis 3.0 compliant! Your download speeds could be capped even if your pay your ISP for faster service!
You can just buy your own cable modem off amazon and return the rental to your ISP.
A very fast modem for a home user that's Docsis 3.0 compatible and reliable is the latest SB6141 Motorola Surfboard cable modem. Some of the five star features this modem includes are:
- Internet download speeds up to 343 Mbps and upload speeds up to 131 Mbps based on your Cable provider service
- Ideal for streaming HD Video and gaming on multiple devices at a time
- Rear panel color coded for ease of installation
- Gigabit port to connect with router or computer
- Compatible with ALL Major CABLE providers like Comcast, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Mediacom, Bright House
- Docsis 3.0 with backward compatibility with 2.0 and 1.x
When your new modem arrives give your ISP a call!
When the modem arrives, call up your service provider with the serial number in hand (found on the modem or box). Plug in the power, the coaxial cable from your wall, and attach the ethernet cable either to the internet port on your router or directly into your network card on your computer.
Upon entering the serial number into their system, your service will begin to work immediately. They will ask you to bring in the old modem so they can remove the monthly fee from your bill.
You can also get an older model for a little bit cheaper if you prefer. Just make sure it has docsis 3.0. The Motorola SURFboard SB6121 will probably be enough for you as it has all the options of the previously mentioned but with a lower speed cap:
- Up to 160 Mbps downstream, up to 120 Mbps upstream
The average user usually doesn't have much faster than a 50 Mbs downstream and 12 Mbps upstream, but ISPs are upgrading their speeds over time to it pays to have room for speed expansion.
How many of you own your own cable modem?
Drop your cable service and watch internet on your TV or other devices to save even more!
The strategy to giving your television bill the boot is to identify your favorite shows and then find alternative (but still legal) ways to view them. You can find just about any show on the internet, entire on demand backseasons of your favorite sitcoms, comedies, and dramas. CBS.com, ABC.com, and other networks stream their shows right from their websites (usually with less commercials). You can also find cable programming at sites like Hulu.com.
You may also stream TV shows and movies with an Xbox, Wii, PS3, Roku or Apple TV to your TV, PC, or other portable devices. Amazon and Netflix offer a vast library of movies and TV shows available for immediate viewing with a paid membership.
My favorite streaming device is the new 
Roku 3.
- Faster and more powerful. With up to 1080p HD video and extended-range, dual-band wireless performance for increased speed
- Amazing remote with headphone jack. Use the included in-ear headphones to crank up that late-night flick while the kids (or parents) sleep
- Motion control for games (Angry Birds Space included free)
The Roku 3 is the #1 selling device on amazon for TV & Video products. The Roku interface is really slick and makes watching your internet content on your TV a breeze. All you have to do is plug it into your TV and stream wifi to it (or plug in ethernet). The earlier Roku's didn't support 1080 HD.. and having a remote with a little headphone jack in it is a really nice touch for late night TV when you don't want to disturb anyone.
Roku has more channels than its competitors (over 750). Its processor is 5x faster than the Roku 2. If you don't have a HD tv you should get an earlier version of the Roku. The Roku also has a usb port allowing you to play Video: MP4 (H.264), MKV (H.264); Audio: AAC, MP3; Image: JPG, PNG directly to your TV.
Saving money is that easy.
Have you cut your cable bill yet? What is your favorite streaming device?
Let me know in the comments below!
