Don't get Mr. Fiftyshift started on the topic of television. For decades we had a  20 foot antenna that kept us in good stead. High in the western Massachusetts hills, we were able to pull in Boston radio (Eric in the Evening!) and television (Jack Williams! Chronicle! Emily Rooney!)

Then came the hallowed digital switchover. Because we live in a rural area, without cable television access, we held out. But the best we could do for over-the-air television was the Spanish language station from Worcester, only on days when the temperature went below 32 and there was no precipitation.

Forced we were into the world of DirecTV, which was fine for the first year. Then the price went up, and we began looking at our monthly Netflix, internet and television expenses--which now totals about $120 a month. So we're looking around. Here's what I've found. 

To successfully cut the cable, you'll need to consider three things: a dependable high-speed internet connection; a streaming player like a Roku ; the variety of online services that provide the programming, like Hulu. It may be cheaper than monthly cable, but it definitely demands more time and planning. 

Start with this Wired Magazine piece from last year, Wired's Guide to Picking Your Perfect TV Setup.

 Over at the website Man of The House, writer Eric Burgess offers tips for cutting the cable cord. Some good advice here, particularly in the comments section. 

Here's how one commenter manages her tv diet:

Nina S. I have been doing this for over 6 months. Well I didn't pay for cable before that, just had basic tv. I have my 46" LCD hooked up to my powerful desktop that I recently build, and my ps3. I watch Netflix movies online, sometimes entire series on netflix. Then I go to websites, even cable sites, to watch the shows I like. I go to A&E's website to watch Hoarders, Intervention, etc, full episodes online. I go to Fox's website to watch full eps of Hell's Kitchen, etc. ABC to watch Desperate Housewives. Most of the cable sites offer at least some of their tv shows online in full episodes the day after it aired. Plus 30-60 sec commercials instead of 5+ min on regular tv/cable. - 03/22/2011

Of course, there will be tradeoffs. You may not be able to watch shows the same night they're on. For us, who can no longer stay up for the ten o'clock shows, and who get home from work after 6:30 or so, this is not a problem. But if you demand a lot of real-time sports programming, that could be an issue. 

Over at The Holistic Economy, blogger Daryl Kulak explains the equipment breakdown and choice of services in his house.

Tech guru Walt Mossberg offers sites to watch tv on your IPad. 

At MediaShift, Mark Glaser provides some sample setups and looks at where things need to go for full digital t.v. 

And here's a great post from Walletpop's Barbara Thau with some other tips. 

Have you cut the cord? Send us your advice. 

                                                                  --B.J. Roche