Before i get into my reply, thanks to everyone for giving me feedback here!
I've been on the fence a bit this past year, but hearing from those who've done some things that i've thought about (like Chromecast), has helped to confirm my intended path for the time being.
I agree with Serenity. I haven't had cable since I left home in 1988. I pay $70/mo for Internet, $11 for Netflix, $11 for Spotify and I'm good. I use my work-issued cellphone and Google Voice to communicate. If I want local news, I go to the Net.
I know folks who pay $280/month for legacy phone, internet and cable. They admit all they do with their cable is channel-surf. I don't know why they don't cancel. It's like it's become a habit or a security blanket.
Well we have a younger child in the house so for the sake of dialing 911 and them knowing the house location, we need to keep our landline in the very least. Additionally, until they get their own cell (many years yet into the future). they could be at home at some point without a phone to access. Getting rid of the landline is something for the future, but long away future.
We pay about $65/mth for internet and would need to up that cost by another $10/mth to get 25 MB/s download (Canadian internet costs are right stupid for what we get). The satellite is $100/mth but i get movies, all the sports i care to watch (some NHL, some NFL, TSN), local and US channels plus boutique channels in HD 1080 and DD quality with no loss. All sets are PVR so recording is easy and with their app, i can watch the satellite from anywhere and have done so sitting in airports waiting for delayed flights. Of course you can do that with Netflix as well, but i'm just throwing in the functionality of our package.
That aside, there's bunches of channels and/or programs not covered by Netflix (e.g The Game of Thrones debacle) which also includes channels the wife likes (Foodnetwork, Outdoor Life, Woman's Channel). They had a slew of bad B movies on all Christmas with some former A list actors/tresses that the wife watched endlessly just because they were on. Having to sit down to Netflix and go searching for something is almost like work for her.
Anyway, all this is presently covering the three main and two extra viewing sets in the home which is pretty good for 5 locations.
Thinking about all we get, that's not bad for the cost!
No extra computer box upkeep or links/patching to stay current.
No punching more holes in walls or running more cables.
No getting angry at said options after having done all that and not getting a consistent HD quality presentation.
BUT, if i can at least get rid of the movies option ($20 or $25/mth) and go to Netflix, it would be preferred for movie selection. I wouldn't have to PVR movies and keep them on the PVR. I could find what i wanted to watch for a movie rather than having to wait for it to hit the satellite.
That's convenience, but a lot to ask for setting up the whole thing compared to what i have presently especially without a guarantee of quality.
I need more incentive to do it and it sound like Chromecast and the Netflix downloading isn't there yet to fulfill my preferences for quality, content and experience....
e.g.
Reviews like this i hear a lot yet keep me from venturing it...yet.
I have the first generation of Chromecast Audio and Video. The Audio works well but me and others find the Video flaky. Perhaps that has been fixed in the newer generation....
Regarding Netflix, I am happy with the video quality but the audio quality is hit and miss. All the Netflix shows are high quality audio - no complaints. But take WOTW for example; I don't know why the audio is so muted.