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Ditch Your Cable Company With Free, Legal Alternatives

By Dave Drager on Feb. 16th, 2008

Ditching your cable company has never been more viable than it is today. The rise of online, streaming TV shows allows you to save on one of the most expensive household bills if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of the convenience of having either a cable box or DVR. The main question you will need to ask yourself is what shows you actually enjoy watching. Several name brand shows are now available online in free, ad supported formats; if your particular shows are not available then you may be stuck with your cable company, at least for now. More and more shows are always coming online, so keep checking back to see if your favorite show is available.

1. Joost

Joost

Joost, formerly known at the Venice Project, is the undertaking of the creators of Skype and Kazaa. Using P2P protocol to deliver its video, it is a free, legal video service. Joost is currently in deals with several networks including CBS, VH1, MTV, other Viacom channels as well as several other video distribution networks. Joost’s interface is one of the best around, and is meant for a ‘big screen’. It is workable via mouse, keyboard, or remote control. The strong point of Joost is it’s interface and its content that is available so far. A sampling of currently available shows:

  • Star Trek: The Original Series
  • Jericho
  • CSI
  • MacGyver
  • GiJoe
  • Several VH1 Shows
  • Top Fifth Gear
  • Punk’d

Joost Star Trek

The weakness of Joost is also its content. Although there is a huge amount of content available, it is mainly niche content and is not very attractive for a large audience. Since there is so much content it is necessary to wade through much of it to find the gems. If Joost can get additional deals with other networks, it could really be the cable killer. However, since cable systems own stake in many distribution companies, I have a feeling that they are not very anxious to get their content online. Therein lies the problem – not a technical one but a political and dollars and cents problem.

Joost is in ‘beta’ but is now open and available for all to download at http://www.joost.com.

2. Hulu

Hulu Interface

Hulu is where it’s ‘at’ if you want to watch many of your favorite shows online. It is a project of NBC Universal and News Corporation and is currently in private beta. If you want me to send you an invitation I currently have 10 invites – please add your email to the comments area and I will send one off. If I have used my invites up – please use InviteShare to get an invite.

The single biggest feature and draw of Hulu is the volume of shows available. Not all content is available but a handful of currently airing shows are available to stream, as well as a multitude of ‘Clips’. Shows currently available include (but are not limited to):

  • The Office
  • Family Guy
  • Saturday Night Live
  • American Gladiators
  • Prison Break
  • The Simpsons
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
  • House

As you can see – it is an impressive offering. Hulu also allows you to embed whole shows or clips into your website in a YouTube-esq fashion.

hulu interface playing

The downside (isn’t there always one!!) is that the interface isn’t the greatest. It is pretty apparent that this is meant to be a small screen offering; you need your mouse to navigate the shows.

Hulu offers a multitude of shows and therefore in my own eyes is the best video site currently out there. They are always adding more shows and as it moves out of beta we may see more providers sign on.

3. Episodes via Network Websites

The television networks are now streaming a lot of their content onto their own individual websites. Remember the writer’s strike that recently settled? That is what it was all about – the writers were not getting a fair share of online ad revenue.

Dealing with each individual network is a pain but if you know where to look there is a lot of content available.

ABC

Watch ABS shows for Free

This is a sampling of ABC shows are available:

  • Lost (HD)
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • Ugly Betty
  • According to Jim

MTV

mtv

Shows such as:

  • Real World/Road Rules Challenge
  • My Sweet 16
  • The Hills

Discovery Channel/TLC/Animal Planet

  • Dirty Jobs
  • SmashLab
  • FlipThatHouse

There are too many networks to list all of them, but check out the website of your favorite network and see if they offer streaming shows online. You’ll be surprised to find that many of them do!

4. Miro

miro interface

Miro player is technically a video player. It does not have any direct content, so you need to be able to add content to it using RSS feeds.

Using its directory there are a plethora of Video podcasts available, such as Diggnation, Tekzilla, CBS News and much more. Adding this content to Miro is easy, however shows must be downloaded before you can watch them. Miro will gladly run in the background and download new shows as they are available. However, this can quickly add up to a lot of disk space lost, so you may want to customize your settings to only keep a few shows at a time.

The Killer feature of Miro is the integrated BitTorrent client. It allows you to set up an RSS feed of episodes which it will then automatically monitor and download. One such site that offers these types of RSS feeds is tvrss.net.

So about that television provider…

As you can tell, the choices available for replacing your television provider are really getting viable. Although nothing beats plopping down in front of the television after a long hard day at work, products such as Joost almost replace your current set top box and actually Joost is rumored to be working with hardware providers on creating a Joost set top box. DVR functionality isn’t quite there yet; but with content being on-demand on many of the sites above, replacing a DVR may work for many people.

Have you already made the cut? Please let us know about your experiences with ditching your cable company!

_ _ _ _ _


    UPDATE 1: (Hulu Invites)

    Hi folks,

    My name is Christina and I work at Hulu. I noticed a bunch of readers were interested in getting Hulu beta invites. We’ve created a page at www.hulu.com/beta/makeuseof that will provide the first 500 users a Hulu beta invitation. Just submit your email address and we will send you an automated email with your temporary login and password. We hope you will enjoy!

    Let us know what you think after you check it out. feedback@hulu.com

    UPDATE 2: Sorry guys, all invites are already gone.

_ _ _ _ _

(By) Dave is an IT Manager by day and technology consultant by night. He is interested in all things internet but is specifically interested in system administration, network security, history, and backpacking. He lives near Philadelphia with his family. See his blog @ www.systembash.com.

stumble it!

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More about: better alternatives . documentary . movies . Podcast . standup comedy . streaming . tivo . TV . tv shows

218 Comments

2008-02-16 21:07:33
Chris Miller

Great article. I knew about Joost, but I never heard of hulu before. If you still have some invites left, could I snag one for hulu? With the network websites, you left out Fox. Fox allows you to view their shows a day after they air.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:41:50
Bryan

Streaming TV Episodes is the best site that I’ve found for looking up where to find television shows online. It links to most of the networks full episode players. The site also has many TV episodes from HULU available for those of you that don’t have HULU accounts. Sorry I’ve no HULU invites though :/

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 21:10:41
Nate

Could I get a Hulu invite?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:03:48
Dave Drager

Sent!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 01:43:57
Maniok

Well those are all fine but Joost is not worth your time, Miro is overrated, Hulu is great but it’s only for US (they don’t update as often as I’d like). Plus these aren’t real cable alternatives, they’re not live most you just have to hope that your show becomes available and you have to watch right then and there (as in 2 days to watch it before it gets deleted)

I highly recommend (because it’s free) FreeTube( http://www.freetube.us.tc ), it’s a more realistic cable solution, lets you watch certain TV channels in live video. So you can watch CNN or NBC as it airs – again you have to catch the schedules and watch what’s on at that point but at least you’re not left wondering whether it’s going to work or not and it’s not geo-restricted. All you need is windows media player or quicktime or an alternative plugin.

There are a few bugs to it, like there’s no schedules yet but it definitely works great.

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2008-02-17 01:44:55
Maniok

Try out http://www.freetube.us.tc , it’s an actual real cable alternative and it’s completely FREE to use.

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2009-01-14 02:32:42
Bryan
Subscribed to comments via email

Dave, can I get an invite sir, thank you, Bryan.

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2009-03-26 00:56:15
Amber
Subscribed to comments via email

oh please, can I have a hulu invite…I also need instructions! Im a total Non-techy. I heard that you can hook it up to your television as well, is this true? How do you do it?

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2008-02-17 01:31:05
gerri

hi,
can i get a invite to that web site hulu please
my email adderss is BOOTS507@GMAIL.COM
thank you,
Gerri

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 21:29:27
Keith

Could I also have an invite to Hulu please?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:04:39
Dave Drager

Sent your invite!

Reply to this comment
2009-03-13 15:06:06
Gloria Sanchez

well im not sure what you all are saying but.. i want to be able to view movies and good ones to.. so plese can i have some feedback.. what websites are good… help

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2008-02-16 21:41:53
Andrae

Can I get a Hulu invite please :)

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:05:26
Dave Drager

Just sent your invite.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 21:55:48
Cedric

Never knew about any of these sites. Thanks for the heads up. I wouldn’t mind an invite to hulu too please.

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:06:05
Dave Drager

Invite sent Cedric!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 22:05:33
Cubicle Dropout

There are also free alternatives using free2air satellite setups. Not an internet based solution, but worth looking into

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 22:20:55
Martin

This is a great post.
Could I also have an invite to hulu?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:06:54
Dave Drager

Martin, invite sent!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 22:28:03
Sophism

can i have invitation to HULU
rhetoricsophist@yahoo.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:02:17
Dave Drager

Sent! Enjoy.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:30:29
sudhir

Pls can i have invitation to HULU

sudhir_gonu@yahoo.com

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2008-02-16 22:28:37
Draven

love your site…..spare a hulu invite? thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:07:57
Dave Drager

Draven: I received this message: This email address has already been associated with a Hulu account.

Looks like you already have one!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:18:10
Aibek

:-) :-)

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2008-02-16 22:51:07
Wants Hulu

Can you send me a Hulu invite also?

Thanks.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:08:52
Dave Drager

This email address has already been associated with a Hulu account.

Reply to this comment
2009-10-20 22:39:54
DLC
Subscribed to comments via email

can i can an invite too? thank you!

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2008-02-16 23:04:03
RJ

Hey, do you think you could send me an invite?

Thanks,
RJ

P.S. Great Newsletter!
it’s really been quite a help

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:10:12
Dave Drager

RJ: Received this message: This email address has already been associated with a Hulu account. Did you sign up or is the site having problems with the invitations?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:18:34
Pam

thank you so much for this list. i have never subscribed to cable! if you still have invites left, i would like to try hulu. – pam

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:26:16
Dave Drager

Pam: Invite sent!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:26:15
PeterD

Great post, if any are left could I get a Hulu invite please.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:31:19
Shreela

I signed up with InviteShare, and I believe I sent out a few invites to GrandCentral (but they’re not showing up yet). If it doesn’t work, I’ll return here to try to get one.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-16 23:51:57
rpowe

Great post, mind if i get one your hulu invites?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 00:12:19
Dave Drager

Sent Ryan!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 00:13:19
Chris

Great post!

Can I get an invite?

Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 00:57:18
Zach

Way back when I first signed on with suscom it wasn’t to bad, but when my bills started approaching a hundred dollars a month for cable internet and tv I called it quits. I have tried joost but wasn’t impressed. I have been looking to get in on Hulu since I heard about it and would appreciate an invite if you’ve got another to spare. Awesome and concise article thanks Dave.

-Zach

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 09:02:44
Dave Drager

Invitation sent – I’m all out of Invites now! Thanks for the interest everyone. Please use Inviteshare to try to get invited to Hulu or any other of the private beta websites.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 01:39:02
Scott

I’d really like to try Hulu (any invites left?). Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 01:45:12
Maniok

comments aren’t working.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 02:53:19
nathan gathright

if I’m tallying correctly. I missed the hulu invites by one invite :(

I’d like one if’ve you’ve got it

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 03:45:31
Duncan

If one doesn’t count those already with accounts (and I’m tallying correctly as well), then there should be one invite left, which I’d really appreciate one as I’ve ditched cable due to cost here in SF and NBC broadcasts very poorly out of San Jose so I’m missing the shows that you wrote are available via Hulu. (I.e. Not to just “try out”, but to use fully and evangelize!)

Btw, kudos on a great article and website! Cheers!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 09:28:43
Ashutosh Mishra

1.I use Miro.
2.I like Hulu as well.
3.I hate Joost.
4.I hadn’t heard of ABC before.

:)

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 14:34:48
mpninja

could i get an invite if im not too late?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 14:35:37
mpninja

shoot too late, oh well. i’ll try invite share

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 14:40:01
Ryan

Better yet get a cheap LCD TV and connect your PC to it – like this dude has his
( http://techavid.com ) .

He even details how to use his TV to surf the net! Thanks to stumbleupon this set up I cut the cord a few months ago!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:19:25
Michael

Hulu Invite Please? Does it work on a mac?
mikeleejordan AT gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:22:28
chris

hi can i get a hulu invite? looks awesome.. chrisishere [at] gmail [dot] com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:23:58
Zach

Probably already used up, but I would love a Hulu invite.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:25:19
The Apple

any Hulu invites left?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:27:19
Greg

I like MyEasyTV.com, because its free and it has real live TV stations. Sites listed in the articles aren’t really giving you real TV stations

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:29:51
Jon

Got any Hulu invites left, if so id love to try that out… Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:29:59
Henk

Hi,

Ditched my cable subscription almost a year ago. Stopped watching tv almost two years before that. Bought a Mac mini, hooked it up to the tv. Subscribed to a sh*t load of podcasts and since then: never a dull moment. I’m off cable for good (or as long as podcasts stay this spontaneous and fun as opposed to scripted crap on cable).

Henk.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:53:06
motech

with apple tv we are very close to this reality . . .
i mean im paying close to 130$ a month for TV . .
soo. . . im sure i can pay itunes less and get away with more . .

we’re close . .

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:40:25
Daniel

I would love a hulu invite

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:44:48
T

surfthechannel.com > all =p

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:49:52
John

I know its not free, but Netflix offers unlimited online streaming for over 5000 shows and movies. As long as you have the one out at a time unlimited you can stream everything you want and they are adding stuff all the time.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:49:59
Alex

can i have a hulu invite?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 17:57:45
JWK

Could I get an invite to hulu??? sounds awesome.. ingenierovazquez@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:02:50
Hans

Could I please get a hulu invite as well?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:04:42
Todd

Fancast – Same content as hulu, no invites needed. I don’t like the interface as much,

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:05:29
Joe

Great article, saved and dugged!

Can I get a Hulu invite too, please? joe.woah@gmail.com

I will pay it forward here, I hope everyone getting them are paying the favor forward… but for now, there is openhulu.com too.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:08:30
Nick

Hulu Invite? Probably to late but what the hell…

nick.kelleher@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:10:05
Raj Viswanathan

Can I please have an invite please…Thanks for the great information even if you don’t have any..

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:10:31
Scott

Another one to mention is TVU Networks and its Broadcasting ability. You can have your own channel to stream whatever shows you want, or you could just get the player and check out all the other channels out there.

http://pages.tvunetworks.com/

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 15:06:49
Matt Alexander

TVU Player is what I use. 24/7 Real time Comedy Central, sports channels, SpikeTV, …

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:11:54
Michael Ocean

Hulu invite from anyone, please! I ditched cable and antenna TV, but I’m drowning in Netflix TV DVDs. :( I’d rather just stream!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:14:04
DavidStagno

Invite PLEASE!

DavidStagno@Gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:15:20
Corey

Can I get a Hulu invite please?

overkill4744@aol.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:17:35
Jon Hughes

I would love to give hulu a shot, if you have any invites left.
Cheers

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:29:22
john

could i get an invite to hulu

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:32:05
rahul

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE SEND ME AND INVITE TO HULU?

EMAIL IS SPEEDDEMON04@GMAIL.COM

THANKS A LOT

and is there any way to tap into the cable companies to get their broadcasting online for free?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:38:51
TheZorch

I would like Hulu Invite Code.

thezorch@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:45:58
Dave

Looking for a HULU invite. Please and thank you.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:46:10
josh

any chance i can get an invite to hulu
meyer31 AT gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:49:23
Dmitriy

invite anybody?
dumon[at]bluebottle[dot]com

thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 18:53:09
Michael Mather

Can I please have a HULU invite? Thanks a lot.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:03:22
Use Torrents

Using sites like http://www.wortharchiving.com allows one to download tv shows with expired copyrights legally.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:05:43
raycyn

invite please

thank you!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:09:16
byron

Could you kindly send me an invite to HULU

Thanks

byronswain@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:10:38
Aticodejon

Brilliant post. Any chance you’ve an invite left?

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:12:33
D

A big point is missing from this article. Almost all of these options are for residents of USA only.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:15:16
Alejandro

I would be really grateful if someone sent a Hulu invite to me at Alejandrrroh@gmail.com

I’m going to try Invite Share but if I get an invite here I’ll gladly give my invites to the others from these comments.

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:18:34
Greg

Can i get an invite to Hulu perchance?

Gamefreak059 (at) hotmail.com

thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:20:38
Jeff

Some awesome sites, tried Joost and it was alright, but does anyone have an invite to Hulu, invite share has a long list.

To send an invite click my name and it will take you to my contact page.

Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:20:57
Jason

Invite to Hulu por favor?

jculbertson@gmail.com

Thanks….will definitely do the same.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:22:20
Bradley Allen

I would be obliged for a Hulu invite. Can some one please send one my way? bradallen1@gmail.com

Thanks,

Bradley

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:24:24
rahul

hulu invite please…

speeddemon04@yahoo.com

i will send out invites to those who request them…

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:27:44
Rob

Likewise on the Hulu invite, if anyone has any – Sharing is caring!

Thanks a ton for the article!
robwgibbons@comcast.net

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:33:25
joe

i use axisaccess

a how to film is on metacafe

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:41:17
Raf

i know is probably too late, but please hulu invite?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:45:24
Flye

Would really appreciate an invite to HULU looks really kewl would luv to check it out.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:47:48
Joe

In invite from anyone would be great!

jkcfp2b@hotmail.com

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:50:03
Ivan

I would also really appreciate a hulu invite.

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:51:09
Doug

Could you send me an invite for Hulu? Thanks!!!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:54:58
Cigr

I’d love a Hulu invite.

We’re watching Joost right now on our tv and we love it. Anime, The Tick, Fantasy Island, World of Stupid…lots of stuff to watch if you’re into things other then the usual dregs.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:57:13
Super man

Could you send me an invite please for hulu, thank you

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:58:32
Phreqd

He said he doesn’t have any more invites left. Stop asking! Geeze!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 19:59:55
Super man

could you please send me an invite, thanks!!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:12:56
Robert W.

Hey, think I could get a Hulu invite?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:14:11
Gregg Sewell

Please send a Hulu invite.

Thanks.

gs (at) greggsewell (dot) com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:21:48
Jonathanq

Could you send me an invite for HULU…Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:32:22
Monk3yPunk

hey, thank for the article that awesome and i think these are amazing altenatives, i’ll probably end up ditching my cable, also can anyone please send me an invite to Hulu at pirat3monk3y@gmail.com thanks.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:34:01
Christina

Hi folks,

My name is Christina and I work at Hulu. I noticed a bunch of readers were interested in getting Hulu beta invites. We’ve created a page at http://www.hulu.com/beta/makeuseof that will provide the first 500 users a Hulu beta invitation. Just submit your email address and we will send you an automated email with your temporary login and password. We hope you will enjoy!

Let us know what you think after you check it out. feedback@hulu.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:45:57
Javiwankenobi

You can put a stop to my boredom!! Please PLEAASE an invite to javiwankenobi@hotmail.com I need it more than anybody in here, see, i dont even have a cable company to diss… I just moved in and have no cable. PLEASE, PLEASE

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:48:19
jb

any hulu invites still out there?
knightdalejb@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:50:03
rahul

hulu invite please?

speeddemon04@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 20:56:20
Digital

Can I also have a invite, digital.death@hotmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:02:42
Felix Hu

I would love an invite to Hulu too to see what all the fuss is about.

felix0hu@gmail.com

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:06:15
Robert Cook

Can I please get a hulu invite ? Thanks :-)

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:08:24
Benjamin

I would also love an invite, please.

benjamin@hiddenpixel.org

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:40:14
Trendsettr

Could i please get a hulu invite? thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:43:00
Jayman

I dumped my cable provider almost a year ago and I will never go back. We get Netflix and have seen all the great series that we’ve missed because we could not afford HBO/SHOWTIME and all the other providers. Now we just set up the que. We finished Dexter and are on Weeds. We’ve gone through all the Star Gate series. For regular broadcasts we have an antenna. We get 7 channels, but they compliment Netflix perfectly. PBS, ABC, NBC and a few other locals. My only regret is that I can’t get the local Fox affilate (well, that and the History Channel.) I’m considering using a small dish (that’s already attached to the house) and grabbing the free sat Fox LA affilate.
The only thing is: I can’t get rid of the Cable completely. I need something for internet and the phone company wants to own my cell, plus wants me to have a land line which I don’t need.
Well, I’m off to watch some commercial free TV.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:43:20
insanezer0x

can i get a hulu invite too

insanezer0x@gmail.com

thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:44:49
B

I would love a hulu invite if anyone has one 8)
bigspammy@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 21:47:40
jaison

Please with the HULU.

U guys are awesome

jaison@accesscomm.ca

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:39:03
chris

invite sent

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:04:14
sundappled

Please may I have a hulu invite if you have any left?

Great post and thanks so much for the information!
sundappled@hotmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:10:47
Sam Shneidman

Can I get a HULU invite?

Thanks!!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:12:20
Sam Shneidman

oops, i guess you’ll need this to send me a hulu invite…

sshneidman@aol.com

thanks again!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:13:34
Scott Mead

I would also like an invite to HULU, can anyone please send me an invite? thank you in advance. Great Artical. scottymead@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 22:22:40
mike

If anyone has a hulu invite i would love it!. Thanks a bunch
msilvers@skidmore.edu

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 23:16:33
trevor

I’d love and extra invite if anyone has one. Thanks

snowboard4life@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:35:16
chris

just sent

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 23:18:52
derek

hulu invite plz

deekismusic[at]gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 23:20:41
Shepard

Hi Dave,
Can I please have an invite to hulu if you have any remaining??

THANKS!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 23:21:02
Shepard

Hi Dave,
Can I please have an invite to hulu if you have any remaining??

THANKS!

shep99@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-17 23:47:54
Matthew

Can I get a HULU invite

scottyneox38@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:33:37
chris

sent

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:26:37
JIMI

Great post! Can I grab a hulu invite also?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:32:39
chris

give email for invite.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:38:22
DaveG

I gues you have to be in US to view the abc shows.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:42:35
Wilcohol

I would like a hulu invite pls. Thanks ~

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:45:23
Wilcohol

wilcohol@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 00:49:17
Zoltan Nagy

Can I get a Hulu invite?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 01:36:04
Jesse

If anybody has a Hulu invite I would much appreciate it.

jtgamble AT gmail DOT com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 01:36:59
J W

A Hulu invite would be excellent if someone has one.

withe011[at]cba[dot]ua[dot]edu

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 03:28:13
Awais

can anyone invite me to hulu

greatrauf (at) gmail (DOT) come

sorry but i didnt want spam :-)

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 04:14:22
Rob Cabral

PLS INVITE TO HULU:

cabral.ro AT neu DOT edu

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 04:36:27
tyler

Send me an invite to Huru someone please. That would be bloody nice of you.

tylerfeelgood@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 06:05:13
Marshall

How about this proposition, you give me an invite at rmarshall@dsl.pipex.com or i jab ya in the gums with mi’ screwdriver!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 07:05:09
John Griffiths

Cool stuff!

would love an invite ?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 07:37:56
Holmgren

Could someone send me an invite to Hulu?

superphreak at gmail (dot) com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 08:06:22
Norm Thom

I should really like an invite to Hulu
Thanks in advance
Norm

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 08:25:04
Chucky C

I use WorldWideMediaProject.com for international content.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 08:30:25
Mike

Can I get a Hulu invite please

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 08:34:16
syldania

can anyone invite me to hulu

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 08:38:16
alex

can i please have a hulu invite? thank you.

alex A T stealingtime DO T com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 08:54:18
James

Sry 2 be a bother, ne1 have invites for Hulu?

Thx, ndoftaworld@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 09:16:04
Neal

I would greatly appreciate an invite to HULU for dasneal AT yahoo dot com. Thanks in advance.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 09:21:05
Squatch

I like sports so I am screwed

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 09:27:42
Jon

Or use comcasts Fancast:

http://www.fancast.com/full_episodes

Watch full episodes and you don’t have to be a customer…. my favorite besides this is ABC’s ad based version and Joost!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 09:57:55
Kris

Please could you invite me also!
Thank you in advance.

solitaryman666 AT hotmail DOT com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 10:02:49
Abhishek Sharma

Hulu looks great.btw could u send me an invite: AbhiSharm@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 10:35:59
OracleTube.com

which of these will work with dial up connection?

Cheers,
Praveen.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 10:37:00
Mike Ray

I would also like an invite for hulu if you have any. Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 10:37:06
Scott

You mistakenly wrote that Joost has “Top Gear” available, but, unfortunately, that’s not correct. They have “Fifth Gear,” which is the same type of show, but nowhere near as good.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 10:40:01
sam

I would like Hulu Invite Code, thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 11:09:01
pat_v

I’ve seen Hula and Joost before. Nice to know that Miro has a built in rss and BT client.

Its a bummer that some network websites don’t have all their shows. I guess it depends on the deal between the network and the production company who made the show.

Great article. Please send me a Hula invite if they are still available.

Patrick

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 11:12:15
James

Hi,

If there are any left, can you please send me a Hulu invite? Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 11:41:49
Brett

Don’t need to replace cable till sites on the internet get better quality than TV. i only found ABC’s Lost to be shown in HD. until all the other places get on that. ill stick to the guaranteed quality of TV.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 11:55:44
Dave Drager

To anyone still looking for Hulu invites – a site has been set up by Hulu for Makeuseof readers to sign up for Hulu!

http://www.hulu.com/beta/makeuseof

500 invites total through this site. I’m all out of invites personally! They only give you 10.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 13:13:20
john

Please send me a Hulu invite. The Makeuseof readers 500 is used up or not working properly. If someone has some invites I would appreciate it.
Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 13:20:10
matrixclown

The makeuseof beta invites are giving me a “email address already linked to a account” bug apprently.

I would still love a Hulu invite to matrixclown [AT] gmail.com
thank you so much

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 14:08:17
conrad

If anybody has any more invites and would not mind sending one my way at conrad[dot]davis[at]gmail.com
thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 14:08:03
Nathan

Awesome, I just got a new TV/Video card to watch movies from my computer.

Joost is pretty okay so far. Late for Hulu :\, but I wonder if they’re offering the videos at the same or above resolution as broadcast.

fromyellowtoorange atsignhere gmail.com

If anyone has any left.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 14:54:29
stephanie

Hi. would love to get an invite for Hulu!

19stephanie74@gmail.com

Thanks!!!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 17:00:14
me

I also have 10 invites, if you need one, email me at saphyrre [at] gmail.com.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-18 20:37:01
VinG

don’t forget http://www.tv-links.cc

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 00:36:59
Shreela

I got mine, I think from InviteShares. Either my security/greasemonkey/noscript settings are messing with InviteShares, or I’m not smart enough to figure out how to send invites through InviteShares, because I can’t click on an email address to send out invites. It gives me a confirm button instead, which I can’t confirm at that time since I haven’t sent one out.

I can’t highlight the email addresses to copy them either (probably a good thing for spam control, but darn). So I manually typed a few addresses into Tbird to send out some GrandCentral invites, but I’m not into that much trouble in order to send out invites to Hulu.

So, take my comment nick, add gmail.com to it, and I’ll send it that way until I’m out.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 08:34:26
Jason Nunez

Can I get an Invite?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 09:32:31
Val

Good article. I have been without cable for about 2 years. Currently I am paying $20 a month for internet which is great and saving me some cash. I get the main channels with an antenna (in HD), but I hardly ever watch my favorite shows when they air b/c I hate commercial. I download or watch them online and it has worked great for me. While the content I download isn’t the greatest quality I can still watch it on my tv via streaming it to my xbox360 plus I don’t have to sit through commercials. I also use most of the other services like Joost, but I have yet to try HULU, but would love to give it a try. If anyone has an invite they are willing to part with I would love to try it out. Email: val_molina8420@yahoo.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 16:19:38
David (davidaah)

could i get a hulu invite

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 19:44:08
Glenn

Could I have an Hulu invite please? Thanks in advance!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 20:33:47
Pamela

Great Post! Can I have a HULU invite please Thanks!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 20:56:36
LEROY

Hey guys!
Any of those Hulu invites left?
Just got a subscription to netflix so now my internet-based television experience is almost complete.

Plus my girlfriend complains about all the stuff we can’t watch.

Help me get her off my back.

You understand….

I need a Hulu invite…

Something fierce…

lofilegionnaireATgmailDOTcom

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 21:27:25
Ben

Can someone send a hulu invite?

my email is djbinnsu@yahoo.com

Thank you

Reply to this comment
2008-02-19 23:25:15
Tyler Poole

I currently use the rss feeds from tvrss.net and eztv.it and a bittorrent client to completely replace my cable. Hard drive space is not too big of an issue so i tend to manually delete the shows that i will never watch again. Its been working out great for me so far but i will definitely check out Hulu and FreeTube.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-20 10:20:33
hotdog556

Could I also have an invite to Hulu please?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-20 14:26:40
Moby

love the article……..can someone please send me a HULU invite at mubashar65@gmail.com……..Thanks a million.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-20 18:22:25
Will

could I have a Hulu invite please
Cuttingties@gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-02-20 23:48:23
Chris Wilson

Can I get a Hulu invite too plz

Thanks

Reply to this comment
2008-02-21 01:50:36
sun

great article dave. I have been using joost for some time.

Can you please send me an invite to hulu if you have one?

Reply to this comment
2008-02-25 14:08:39
Jeremiah

I don’t quite see the stronger advantage in this live streaming or online viewing. I actually thought the title of the subject suggested that there was a cable connection alternative that perhaps decodes or unblocks network channels that are basically free in specific states as opposed to cable paid for cause it’s not syndicated. it was my own dream. But this is rather an cool evolution to a revolution in watching your favorite programs. As it is obvious these sites will become better over time and get more programs that are popular to viewers to be seen by it’s subscriber’s; I like the idea of it. It still is a movement in itself and i would like to be a part of it. scount me in fellas im all about beatin the machine.

Reply to this comment
2008-02-25 19:05:19
Tyler Volz

Does anyone have a Hulu invite to spare?

tgvolz@gmail.com

Thanks!!!

Reply to this comment
2008-02-27 10:58:38
Ken

I would love to get a hulu invite too!

kenlee514 {-at-} gmail.com

Reply to this comment
2008-03-07 14:50:50
jacque

hi i need a hulu invite

Reply to this comment
2008-03-07 14:54:29
jacque

can someone please send me a hulu invite if they have extra please tharealist1@sbcglobal.net

Reply to this comment
2008-03-07 19:13:56
Mike

Anyone else got a Hulu invite? mike@digitalsolecism.net

Would be greatly appreciated :)

Reply to this comment
2008-03-12 19:33:40
David La Buda

I would love to get an invite to hulu

Reply to this comment
2008-04-09 17:46:36
John

doctorianent@earthlink.net

Reply to this comment
2008-04-09 17:47:29
John

A hulu invite please.

Reply to this comment
2008-04-09 17:50:38
John

a hulu invite please at doctorianent@earthlink.net

Reply to this comment
2008-05-17 10:44:59
Sue

Hi I just have a question. Why is everyone asking for an invite to hulu? I just went to the site ans signed up. Does getting an invite get your special privileges as opposed to just signing up on the site? Any answers are appreciated

Reply to this comment
2008-05-17 16:13:53
Tina

Thist post was published in February. Hulu has probably opened up to the public in the meantime.

Reply to this comment
2008-07-01 14:09:36
J.J.

Online Video Guide

http://www.ovguide.com/

Reply to this comment
2008-08-01 22:03:30
petey

hulu invite please

Reply to this comment
2008-08-23 21:33:27
alejandro

hi
hey its great
i want a invite too
plx

Reply to this comment
2008-09-30 11:28:45
BoB Tollman
Subscribed to comments via email

thanks for the info, I use this site for all my free movies, TV and cable viewing
http://www.nosubscriptionrequired.net/

Reply to this comment
2008-10-29 19:05:10
watch sons of anarchy

If you just search on your favorite search engine you can find episodes easily. Often they are even in HD.

Reply to this comment
2008-12-31 12:43:46
kate

Buhl Industries MediaPlay XMS Digital Presentation Player

Why pay for cable when you can buy the Buhl MediaPlay XMS and record all your shows online and transfer with a USB drive? No need for bulky hard drive transportation or messy computer to television hookup. Get the Buhl MediaPlay XMS digital presentation player for the price of one month of cable at for $114.95! Talk about extreme savings! That is over $1,000 a year!
The Buhl MediaPlay XMS is a completely portable presentation player that connects to any Plasma, LCD, Projector or regular TV and plays back your presentations, video, pictures and audio in HD (Up to 1080i Resolution).

Buhl MediaPlay XMS digital presentation player is perfect for everyone including:
• Business and Industry – Business proposals, employee training, product showcases, trade show videos
• Education – School presentations, announcements, student projects
• Digital Signage – Display compelling dynamic content, loop playback for 24/7 operation
• Home – Plug in to your home TV and enjoy your digital media away from your computer

Easy, No-Fuss Setup!
Simply plug-in your Flash memory drive or SD card (not included) into one of the two available USB ports or SD card slot and connect the MediaPlay XMS to your TV or projector and also no PC required!

Key Features:
• Play MPEG-1/2, RealVideo and DivX videos
• Play MP3 and WMA music and playlists
• View JPEG and GIF digital pictures
• Video output: Composite, RGB and Component
• Video resolutions: Supports up to 1080i
• Audio output: Two channel RCA audio
• USB and USB Host connectors
• Accepts SD cards and USB memory sticks

Reply to this comment
2009-01-07 13:41:38
Jimi

Can I get a Hulu invite?

Reply to this comment
2009-02-03 12:12:44
Ricia

I would like an invite please to Hulu

Reply to this comment
2009-02-16 06:28:22
xian

can i have an invitation to hulu
this is my email

xiancruz[at]gmail[dot]com

thanks

Reply to this comment
2009-04-07 21:31:32
Dionne
Subscribed to comments via email

This was a very useful article, dropping my Cable today!!!

Reply to this comment
2009-05-09 21:16:30
John

Can I get a Hulu invite? Seen the Seth commercial using Family Guy and thought it was the greatest!!

Reply to this comment
2009-05-15 14:21:17
Justin

what about….BOXEE?!

Reply to this comment
2009-06-06 14:42:07
Patrick

Can I have a Hulu invite

Reply to this comment
2009-07-11 14:37:53
Ami

Please send me ahulu invite ?

Reply to this comment
2009-09-20 23:33:14
Derek

please send me a HULU invite…thanks

dt005@msn.com

Reply to this comment
2009-10-14 22:17:32
Jodi

Would love invite…Would also like more information about getting tv content without the cable bill…just cut it out….was over $200….way too much….I have been using fancast for most of my shows and then heading to lifetime for the others…been ok for now, but would like more alternatives which do not require me to be a computer programmer… Thanks everyone!!

Reply to this comment
2009-12-07 10:57:02
kahlil

if u dont mind could u spare me an invite thanks!

Reply to this comment
2009-12-22 20:56:01
bmw540er
Subscribed to comments via email

Hello Dave can you send me an invite to jimmywmce@hotmail.com thanks and Happy Holidays.

Reply to this comment
2010-01-04 13:20:51
Ben

Please send me an invite to imageben@yahoo.com

Reply to this comment
2010-01-05 02:44:54
Nina
Subscribed to comments via email

Great tip! Pls. send me a Hulu invite. Thanks

Reply to this comment
2010-01-06 20:18:00
kris

do you still have any Hulu invites or know where I can get one? $60/month for cable – yeah they’re crazy, I’ll need to start liking to read :)

Reply to this comment
2010-01-16 14:08:33
Joe

I can’t believe people still ask for “Hulu invites”.

Hulu is free at http://www.hulu.com but afaik it only works for people located inside the USA.

Reply to this comment
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