TV on PC freeware programs (or shareware) - We turn to the experts once again!

[RTSDaddy2]

Ok - As of today, I am out of work due to a company downsize.  For those who don't know, I went through a period of layoff from 2007 to 2008 which just simply ate up every bit of our savings.  Bluntly put, if I don't find work soon, it's gonna get ugly.

That, however, is not why I'm here. The wife discovered, quite by accident, that there are freeware programs out there that will allow us to watch TV through the internet with no additional parts to buy.  She downloaded and tried one called RevoluTV, and I also found one called anyTV.

What she's obviously thinking is that "hey, we could turn off our cable TV subscription and just have one bill for the internet" (or one internet bill and a one time registration fee if it's sharewear), verses paying the cable company twice over basically.

Bearing in mind that we have a 6 year old who loves cartoons, what would you seriously suggest?  Is there a program you use for TV to PC better than the two above, would you forget the freeware end all together and buy a PC tuner, etc?  Your best - and cheapest - advice for us to get the most out of this would be greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks again!