I gave up cable a few months ago to focus on some schooling I need to get.
When I went to cancel Shaw offered me free cable for 8 months Since I canceled every other month they have been calling me with anywhere between 2-4 free months of cable because I am still an Internet customer. I was an early adopter like you and sold my PVR for $350.
So far I can watch all CFL/News/NFL Pre Season for free online. It takes some tinkering with trial and error but it works great. I really miss my PVR but until i am done with these damn exams I am not hooking it back up. Weirdly I have started to read alot more