Earlier this week, I decided to investigate the options of switching from our cable provider, Comcast, to something else, primarily to see if we could save some money each month. Obviously there is no other cable providers in the area, so it was either DirecTV or Dish Network. Involved in the consideration was that Comcast also provided our Internet. So, because our home phone service is through Verizon, I called them up to see if they could make me a deal, as I knew they did bundle packages with DirecTV.
Well, they ended up making a pretty good deal. Our home phone got upgraded to have long distance, which is nice considering our cell phone numbers are long distance in Elkhart County. Then we have Verizon's DSL service instead of the cable modem, and DirecTV with about twice as many channels as Comcast, and we will save about $30-$40 a month. And, as long as we keep the service for at least two months, they will send us a $150 prepaid bank card. And we got a free modem.
I particularly liked the fact that as soon as I hooked up the wireless router to the Verizon DSL, the router started transmitting the wireless signal that our computers recognized...For the last month or so, all the indicator lights on our cable modem and the router said it was working, but we either couldn't detect the network, or, could detect it but couldn't connect to it. Its been an off an on problem for the last couple years. So my completely uneducated self regarding wireless technology just wonders if the problem was on the Comcast side of things, some compatibility issue between the wireless router and the cable modem, rather than my setup. Because, like I said, all I had to do was move the router and plug it into the modem, and it started working right away. In any event, its just nice to have wireless again in the house...definitely makes the laptop more functional.
Now the TV switch, and the reason for the title of this post. I have already noticed that our picture is a bit better, which is kind of strange. But even Jackie confirmed that the little numbers on the bottom of ESPN's ticker are clearer, it is easier to tell the difference between the 5, 6, 8, and 9 numbers than it was before, where you had to almost lean in and squint. DirecTV also has more potential for me as a sports fan. Frankly, Comcast sports package, an upgrade you pay extra for, stinks. I would never get it. With DirecTV, I could upgrade and end up getting all the Fox Sports Channels, meaning I would get Fox Sports Detroit and all the Tigers game, which is something that will probably happen at some point. Also, with the additional channels we get, we ended up getting the new MLB Network, all baseball all the time. I think Jackie already hates it, saying she "misses ESPN because it at least had variety." A channel of all baseball all the time...awesome.
I know switching internet and television providers is hardly exciting stuff. But having more sports available is exciting for me. And saving more money each month, which gives us the ability to continue to be more aggressive to pay down debt (law school is so incredibly expensive is so many ways), is the most exciting thing.
But MLB Network could be dangerous...is it possible to watch too much baseball?
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