This morning while I was out on a visit to Woodcrest, I was asked by someone about the HBO show “Big Love.” I watched one season, but haven’t seen it for a few years. When I told the person that I do not subscribe to HBO or other premium movie networks via DirecTV, they were a little surprised. Outside of the fact that these premium channels cost an arm and a leg on DirecTV, and the HD choices with these premium packages just stink, why would I spend more money each month on channels I would barely watch?

I currently receive the Choice Extra – Plus HD/DVR package with DirecTV. It is essentially a basic package that has HD channel access and DVR capabilities. This television package suits me fine. I receive local sports, local channels, and all the top pay channels minus the premiums. On top of this, I receive the National Hockey League’s Center Ice package, which is basically all the NHL games, many in HD.

Instead, I told them, I am a Netflix subscriber. I pay $9 a month and get unlimited movie rentals (I can have only one DVD at a time) while being able to stream a whole lot of movies and TV shows to my Netflix Roku box for free. With Verizon Fios Internet service, the movies stream perfectly, even in HD. And the Netflix streaming service is wonderful – I catch up on television shows I never watch. For instance, “Heroes” is not on my weekly “must watch or record” list. Netflix allows subscribers to stream each episode of Heroes without any additional costs above the monthly $9 charge. About a week ago, I watched the first couple of episodes of the first season.

Tonight, I am going to watch the Rangers game – if I stay awake. But afterwards, maybe I will flip over to my Roku box and stream “Spaceballs.” I love that film.

I also have an Apple TV where I can rent movies from iTunes. Again, why pay for premium movie networks when I have other choices – more choices – for less price?