Review: Concise, up to date, and  full of solid information - UPDATED 5/12/14
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 11, 2013
Recently I researched, and did 'cut the cord' with a cable. I had not yet read this book, and so when I went to read it after the fact I expected I'd know all of what was in it.  I was wrong.Much to my surprise and delight I found information on specific things like TiVo and Slingbox to be extremely helpful to me.  Those were two items that while I knew what they were, I wasn't sure how to integrate them into dumping the cable.  I'd not been clear until after reading this book, even after looking at lots of posts on forums and in reviews.This book cleared out the fog about what's available and how to use it, and did so in layman's terms, which was appreciated.I also like how the author didn't shy away from the 'sports' question.  For me it's the premium channel (Showtime/HBO) loss that I struggle with, but Amazon Instant Video and iTunes fills in the gap.  I cross my fingers that one day we'll get the option to subscribe just to those channels without needing a full package deal!I'm using theMohu MH-004092 Leaf Ultimate Amplified Indoor HDTV Antennaand pulling in all my HD local channels including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and PBS.  I've used aRoku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player(older versions) for years, and love their versatility and performance.  Recently I purchased aApple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] as I want to use the AirPlay functionality.  Now I'm thinking TiVo will be the next hardware purchase sometime in the future.I also have Netflix and HuluPlus accounts, and have been using Amazon Prime Instant Video, however much of the time get no audio with that service when viewing HD programming.  Not sure if it's Amazon or me, but have let them know.Overall, what I find is that I miss specific shows like Sons of Anarchy (FX), Duck Dynasty (A&E; - a few episodes online), and Showtime.  I can get that programming eventually via iTunes or Amazon, but I have to wait for it.The author now has a fabulously cheap low end cable package, so all is not over-air.  If my local company (Charter) offered me that option when I went to cut them out, I'd probably bite too.  I have played the give them a call game (mentioned in the book), and previously gotten great deals that way, but in the past six months they have said they no longer offer 'deals' and the price is the price.  Undoubtedly that is different with every company, and in every area, but eventually if you cut services - they'll want you back.Overall, this book is filled with some excellent advice for dumping cable TV.  It's not all inclusive, but it's not meant to be.If you are thinking of making the cut, take the advice that's given in this book and research your area for over-air channels.  Consider your watching habits and reaize you can always go back if you miss it!UPDATE: 5/12/14I never expected that I'd be a full-fledged 'cord cutter', but in reviewing flat antennas, helping others to discover OTA TV in HD, reading books like 'Dump Cable TV', and doing my own research, I made the cut about a year ago.Lots of questions and answers later, I ended up doing the unexpected - writing my own book on the subject:Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV. I save $1200 a year enjoying all the major networks in HD over-the-air, and by using streaming media to supplement that programming. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything other than a cable TV bill, and I love it!  I hope cord cutting is a trend that will continue long into the future, and give the cable and satellite companies food for thought - and ultimately impetus to change.