We are still using going strong with the over the air TV. We did recently replace our old channel master to a new one. We also had to move our antenna to a different location on our house because we had our roof replaced, but that is about it. There have been some mighty improvements in the ability for those looking to cut the cable, so I thought I would share some of what I've learned during the process.As I mentioned in my TV Switch post, one of our biggest requirements to making the cut was to find a way to keep the ability to have a DVR to record our local TV programming. So we purchased a Channel Master DVR that worked very well for us.The DVR wasn't without it's problems, but overall we were very happy with it.
So let's move on to today shall we? So a few months ago we purchased Channel Master's new DVR+. I had been following the release of this new DVR with anticipation because by the time it would be released it would coincide with our necessity for needing a new DVR. So I watched the launch, read several reviews and decided to take the plunge. 
There are a few things that you should be aware of if you are going to buy this product. First thing first, you will need to buy a portable hard drive. It does not have a built in hard drive to record your shows. It has 16g built in, but that is mostly for apps and the OS. So the base unit itself runs about $250. They have a 1TB version of the DVR+ for $400, but portable hard drives are cheap and I would recommend just buying one separately. That move alone will save you close to $100. Here is one that we purchased for $50 (I believe it is listed around $60 at the time of this post). 
You will also need to find a way to connect your DVR+ to the internet. It has a built in LAN on the back, but if you require wifi, then you will need to purchase a separate USB wifi adapter. Channel Master has one for $40, but you can get one cheaper on Amazon.
Pros:
- No monthly fee, or contract.
- Excellent TV guide/menu.
- It is very thin and small (takes very little space).
- Doesn't consume much power and in return doesn't produce much heat.
- Only requires one antenna input and can still record two shows at once.
- HDMI out.
- It has access to YouTube, Pandora and VUDU apps.
Cons:
- Having to connect a portable hard drive. It would be nice to have it all be included in one unit.
- The remote is very thin. Some might see this as a positive, but I hate how the remote feels and I hate that it requires small watch batteries instead of AA's.
- The price.
- Doesn't have Netflix and Amazon Instant Video (as of this post).
- You need to purchase a separate wifi USB adapter for internet access.
It is also important to note that you will need an antenna. And this will greatly depend on your area. There are many to chose from. I would recommend an outdoor antenna if you can. It will increase your ability to have a stronger signal and access to the greatest amount of available channels.
Also HBO has recently announced that it will be offering HBO NOW, which will be a subscription service ($15 a month) to access their content online through certain devices (Primarily iOS devices).
Playstation has also announced a cloud based TV service called Playstation VUE. This alternative could be very promising, but it is currently only available in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York City.
