We don't have cable anymore either (8 months now). So our kids watch very little programming unless it's on youtube or something. When we didn't have a TV running all the time, I was amazed at how little they seemed to miss it.
I also pulled them out of school in October to homeschool. This in addition to no TV has changed our lives so much for the better. They are much more happy, energetic, creative, playful... I could go on and on.
And because they are no longer in school, 100% of their diet is monitored by me. Another huge bonus since their menu was atrocious and the kids didn't want me to pack them a lunch (since no friends packed a lunch).
Go for getting rid of the TV!! That in and of itself will make a significant impact on everyone in the family.
I was wondering when more parenting threads would start popping up on PA. Having kids at home gives this ascension thing a unique twist, no?