I have a question that may show what a techno-dummy I am: I am

[schmuls]

thinking of dropping cable, for several reasons. If I do, would I be able to still watch my dvds on my tv? I don't have an antenna. I think the answer is yes, but just checking. I told you it is a silly question!

[HopeHoops]

1. Absolutely yes.

If the TV takes a coax cable, the DVD player can provide the same signal. Newer TVs and DVD players have other options for making the connection. I've got a DVD player, a DVD/VCR player, a plain VCR, and a LaserDisc player all connected to the same TV. I don't get cable. I also have the sound output from the TV fed into the amplifier for the stereo system so I can use the wall-mounted speakers instead of the ones on the TV (which aren't bad, just not intense).

On Edit:

The DVD/VCR player is cool. It has a simple way to copy a VCR tape directly to a recordable DVD. Apparently it also has a digital TV tuner, but I've never tried to use it.

[schmuls]

2. Thanks for the info. I have a VCR/DVD combo too. I just have

to find the correct code so I can use my universal remote. I'm thinking about getting rid of my cable bundle and using my cell phone instead of a land line, using my PC at Starbucks, and continuing to get my movies through Netflix. The only thing I would miss on TV would be TCM and Nova.

[HopeHoops]

3. If you are worried about it, just try it before you cancel cable.

Run a coax cable from the back of the DVD to the TV and leave the cable TV line on the floor. If it works, which it should, you obviously don't need the cable TV feed.

And just a heads up on free WiFi, I read recently that McD's is doing away with the $2.95 for 2 hrs. charge to use their WiFi. That essentially means you'll be able to sit in their parking lot and use the Internet. I don't eat at McD's, but then I also have rarely used public WiFi and refuse to if there's a charge.

[RebelOne]

4. Definitely yes. I have played DVDs on a small

TV plugged into a small generator when power went out. You do not need cable.