How can I Watch Cox Cable without a Box?
It is quite evident that most folks are interested in reducing their cable bill at the moment. There is therefore a way to save money through Watching Cox cable without getting a cable box for all the TVs in the house. Removing an array of cable boxes can reduce up to $10-15 per TV, per month off the bill rather quickly.
The good news is that with regards to Cox cable, it is indeed possible to watch it without a cable box. Here are several Cox digital cable options that will enable you to watch Cox channels and programs on your TV as you refrain from paying for the Cox cable modem rental fee. Here is some important information that you should be acquainted with.
Use a CableCARD
One of the easiest options for cutting the cable cord while retaining Cox cable channels is by using CableCARD. CableCARD is a device that is slotted into your TV and it decodes premium and normal cable channels.
Here’s how it works:
1. Contact Cox to arrange a purchase of a multi-stream CableCARD. This particular card is capable of decrypting numerous streams of data simultaneously to support services such as the multi-room DVR. While there is no fixed monthly rental charge for the first CableCARD, Cablevision charges $1.99 per month for each additional CableCARD thereafter.
2. If using a CableCARD, insert the CableCARD into the slot located on the rear of your TV. Newer TVs now come with CableCARD slots but always check to ensure that your provider will supply a CableCARD before getting one.
3. To activate the card follow the following procedures; Dial Cox and have the CableCARD ID number read to you. This links your card with your Cox account.
It gives you the ability to view all of the channels that are included in your Cox package as if you were using a physical cable box. The only other significant limitation is the absence of Cox On Demand or the ability to view pay-per-view programs. However, you will still have access to all the standard-definition and high-definition stations as you are being charged for them.
A CableCARD is superior to a TiVo box because it allows you to record shows using an independent digital video recorder. One good option is the HDHomeRun PRIME which does not require CableCARD to work with the set-top box.
reducing the subscription type to a basic package
Another way to cut the cord is to change the Cox package to one that does not need a box for a subscriber to get their program. Cox provides an option called TV Starter that has a limited channel package and will let you get local broadcast stations, public television, and some cable networks.
This means that you do not need a cable box especially if you are subscribed to the company’s Starter plan and as you know, this means that you will be saving a lot of money on rental fees every month. But even in the absence of equipment, the cable can be connected directly to the TV set and you would be able to watch up to 30 channels. This is perfect for those, who would like to get rid of cable TV services but still get to have basic cable. You can always start the upgrade process again later if you change your mind about some of those extra channels.
Use an OTA DVR
An antenna is the most affordable way to watch TV today, it is almost free if you compare it to other options. Moreover, with the over-the-air (OTA) DVR option you can record all your favorite shows from broadcast stations in high definition without even requiring a cable subscription.
Some of the best OTA DVR systems that exist in the market come from Tablo, TiVo, and Plex. Many function in a similar manner to a typical cable or satellite DVR and enable users to schedule recordings, watch live programs, and stream content to other devices such as smartphones and tablets. Many also have their smart apps installed like Netflix, Hulu, and any other application that you may think of.
The majority of OTA DVRs offer free TV guide data and it is therefore simple to browse through the channels and set a recording. With a broadcast antenna, you would also be in a position to listen to your regional options ranging from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS among other stations that are available for over-the-air broadcasting at your place.
The one drawback is that an antenna will not let you see any of the cable-only channels from a Cox package. But, if an OTA DVR is employed alongside streaming services, it can be possible to cut the cord entirely without any interruption!
Consider a Smart TV
To further complicate things, many of today’s televisions come with a streaming service integrated into the system. Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, and other similar services can be accessed by these smart TVs which have a variety of applications. Some even have free Channel Program Guides for Over the Air stations for the local broadcast television.
If you have a smart TV with all your favorite streaming apps and also an antenna to get the local stations, you realize that a cable box from Cox is not needed. Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming apps combined with free over-the-air broadcasts are very close to offering all the content you would get from Cox cable, and it might be reasonable for many families to switch to cord-cutting completely.
But, make sure any new TV is smart to access streaming and OTAs apart from being a basic TV set. Today, you can get 4K sets from brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, and many others at a relatively low price even with smart applications and broadcast calibration integrated into the sets.
Get a Streaming Device
If you do not own a Smart TV, many of those services can be added with external streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Chrome Cast, or Apple TV. These convenient devices require a direct connection to any empty HDMI sockets at the rear of conventional TVs to offer the present’s most in-demand streaming platforms.
After connecting, these devices are similar to many cable boxes in their appearance and usage – instead of changing to various cable channels, you open separate applications for such services as Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, and many others. Some of them also give you the convenience of being able to cast from your phone or tablet screen to your television which is quite useful.
Just be mindful that although these streaming devices offer plenty of web streaming and applications, they will not scan and lock the local networks like a smart TV. There will still be a need for an antenna to capture local broadcasts from ABC, NBC, Fox, and other stations that have not shifted to streaming. Thankfully, indoor OTA antennas can be easily installed and cost a fraction of what it costs to get a good channel selection.
The Right Solution to Your Needs
Ditching the cable box in its entirety is the quickest way to get the desired results in terms of monthly reductions. However, assessing the best option for watching TV without renting from Cox will be highly dependent on individual preferences, requirements, and financial capacity.
Cable box free has more options than it did before; from downgrading to a starter package to adding streaming functionality through devices or smart televisions. Any of these alternatives allow you to retain cable or streaming services you enjoy, whereas, with cable boxes, you pay for more than you need. And one can imagine that exploring any of these paths can save a lot over time especially if the prices of the medications are significantly high.
Hopefully, this little breakdown provides you with a better insight into the options beyond the expensive traditional cable boxes. And it offers a good reference point for finding the best TV Cox-free on the market for your home.
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