No analog TV signals means I have to get cable?

So, as most of you have noticed, there are no longer any analog TV signals- which means that those of us who have old TVs and relied only on "peasant view" TV, are hooped! 

With winter coming, the kids spend less time outdoors, and a little more time in front of the TV.  That may be bad mothering on my part, but it's pretty much a fact of life in this house.  I like to monitor when and what my kids are watching, but with all the TV signals disappearing, they have really missed some of their CBC Kids shows!!

I looked into getting cable or satellite, but was seriously turned off by the high monthly prices!!  In order to get the few shows that would actually be worth watching, we'd end up with a bill of at LEAST $50 a month.  But really, as far as bills go, the sky is the limit!  It's crazy... totally insane.  I cannot believe that people spend that kind of money so that they can turn on the TV and watch! 

But... I too was going to go down that route in order to at least have something that the kids could be entertained by when I needed it.

My brother mentioned that if there were just a few shows that my kids wanted (Word World, Busy Town, Little Bear, etc.) I should look into Netflix.

Netflix is definitely the answer to my dilemma!  With a free trial offer for the first month, and $8 each month after that, we decided to give it a try.  I was immediately pleased with the results!!  We use my computer or the Wii to view our shows, I don't have to worry about any commercials or shows that I'd rather my kids not see, and we don't have to wait until a specific time for them to watch what they want to see!

I've noticed that Netflix changes their lineup quite frequently... they used to carry all the Mythbusters episodes, but recently dropped those.  My kids LOVED WordWorld, but in the last week, those are gone too.  However, it's not like the kids won't find something decent to watch, there's always Veggie Tales movies, Little Bear, or even Dora.  Steve and I have enjoyed seeing all the Blue Planet shows, and other nature style shows.  If we want, there's a ton of movies to choose from as well.

I'm pleased!  For $8 a month I can choose when and what my kids watch, without having to sign up for a cable or satellite connection that would cost me a lot more!