If you can live with Antenna, I'd recommend an HD Homerun. You can connect a single antenna to the device, and it pushes the signal to any compatible device on your network:

https://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/

I've tried a lot of different setups. I had Directv for a while, then cut the cord to antenna/netflix... then went to Sling, then eventually settled on a cable/internet bundle with no rental equipment. That last option is more viable even without an HDhomerun because the streaming experience has gotten so much better recently.

The HDHomerun for OTA is nice if you don't want to run antennas to each TV. That way you're paying for a single antenna (plus the box).

Keep in mind they also have versions for Cable. You just need to get a cablecard from the installer.

Check into HDHomerun and NextPVR

The worst part is, you can see the way things are trending with networks trying to pump their own subscription services with "exclusive content". Luckily all of it looks terrible. Most of those networks are painfully slow to adapt, and do a poor job of replicating what it is that worked with services like netflix to begin with. That's what happens when you have a bunch of crusty old white guys running an entertainment empire. You get Blue Bloods, now with exclusive bonus content from the ultraweb.

Sports are definitely what keep me tethered, and my want for passive noise. I hate selecting a show and then ignoring it while I'm doing something else. I'd rather just have a rerun of the simpsons on in the background that I didn't spend 20 minutes picking out. Hard to explain..

My HTPC crashed tonight, and broke a lot of my stuff... sort of bad timing. When I started this the streaming services from the tv providers was dreadful. Now it actually works, and with cheap hardware (like Roku). I would probably suggest that route for someone that doesn't want to completely cut - just a handful of Rokus and basic cable (assuming you get a good deal when bundled with your internet).

I have Internet/Cable/Phone bundled right now for about 85 total. Same thing, I have a cable card, and premiums (at least HBO, I had the others but never watched anything on them).

Edit - nevermind.. I guess I'm paying 130 after further review. 30 of it is phone (my wife insists on it, and I use it for work), and 16 is other charges and taxes. My other charges is also higher than I thought. I'm gonna need to check into this.

Assuming it's the same as the other HDHomeRun devices - you'll get the cable signal (or OTA) into the HDHR, and then connect the HDHR to your router. You'll be able to stream wirelessly to any compatible device on your network. I typically don't have much problem doing that, but the most reliable connection is going to be hardwired.

Quite a few steelers games would be national. For the others, would you watch on a delay? NFL gamepass is pretty cool, can even watch games condensed, or on different cameras (all 22). I think you need to wait until the next day to watch is the only caveat.

If that would work you could also do nhl tv. I think you could get each of those for about 100 a year.

I own a google nexus puck, a roku, and a firestick. The roku is the best of those devices, easily. If it supports all of the apps you'll use, I think that's the obvious choice.

I'm pretty frustrated over all of these new streaming services. All of the channels seem to be headed that way, and with exclusive content - CBS, AMC, and now all of Disney. I don't see it as anything other than bad news for everyone.

I have a similar schedule, except my kids go to bed about an hour later, and I stay up later than I should most nights (1130 is early for me).

I don't normally "sit and watch" anything other than a Packer game - those are mandatory dedicated viewings. I normally have it on in the background, and have an incredible knack to catch key plays and moments (even when I'm napping, believe it or not). While it's on I'm normally hanging out with the kids, internetting, playing some games, or getting some work or house project done.

Actually playing pinball is very active.. meaning there's not a lot of time where you can pause and catch a play or two during a game. That's why I think a 'passive' game like darts or pool are really great for game rooms, as they allow you to take a break even between shots to tune into a ball game. As quickly as you paused, you can resume.

I find that a passive watch like that is plenty to keep up to date with your favorite team.

Spectrum just jacked up our rates after our 2 year contract. I tried the call and cancel move, they didn't budge. They even went so far as to tell me the introductory offer shown on their website didn't exist, and that I was getting the best deal they have available for anyone (literally $100 over what the site showed for the same services).

That SNL skit hit me hard. When I regain my patience I'm going to need to try again or start to seek some alternatives. I have and like the HDHomerun, so that's a bit of a barrier.