The Rise of Streaming Services
The traditional way of watching television, cable TV, is slowly losing its popularity. More and more people are cutting the cord and switching to streaming services. This is mainly due to the fact that streaming services offer more flexibility, variety, and affordability compared to cable TV. If you’re looking to cut cable but still want to watch TV, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that.
Choose Your Streaming Service
The first step to cutting cable is to choose a streaming service that suits your needs. There are many options out there, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. Each service has its own selection of shows and movies, as well as its own pricing plans. Take some time to research each service and choose the one that best fits your budget and preferences.
Get a Streaming Device
Once you’ve chosen your streaming service, you’ll need a device to stream it on. There are many options available, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming sticks. If you already have a smart TV or gaming console, you may not need to get a separate streaming device. However, if you don’t have one of these, a streaming stick like Roku or Fire TV is a good option.
Get an Antenna
If you still want to watch local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, you’ll need an antenna. This will allow you to watch these channels for free over the air. You can get a basic indoor antenna for as little as $20, or you can invest in a more expensive outdoor antenna for better reception.
Cancel Your Cable Subscription
Once you have your streaming service and device set up, and your antenna in place, it’s time to cancel your cable subscription. This can be a daunting task, but it’s worth it in the long run. Call your cable provider and let them know that you want to cancel your subscription. They may try to offer you a better deal to keep you as a customer, but stay firm and stick to your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I still want to watch live sports?
- What internet speed do I need for streaming?
- Can I still use my DVR?
- What if I don’t have a smart TV or gaming console?
- Do I need a subscription to every streaming service?
- What if I have multiple TVs?
- Can I still watch cable news?
- What if I want to watch international channels?
- Can I still watch shows and movies that are only available on cable?
- What if I want to watch shows and movies offline?
Many streaming services offer live sports, such as ESPN on Hulu and NFL on Prime Video. You can also get a subscription to sports-specific streaming services like NBA League Pass or MLB.tv.
Most streaming services recommend a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for HD streaming, and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. However, this can vary depending on the service and the quality of the content you’re streaming.
If you have a DVR from your cable provider, you won’t be able to use it after you cancel your cable subscription. However, some streaming services offer cloud DVR, which allows you to record and save shows and movies to watch later.
If you don’t have a smart TV or gaming console, you can get a streaming stick like Roku or Fire TV. These devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port and allow you to stream content from your chosen streaming service.
No, you don’t need a subscription to every streaming service. Choose the one that best fits your preferences and budget. You can always add or cancel services as needed.
You may need multiple streaming devices and antennas if you have multiple TVs. Alternatively, you can invest in a streaming service that offers multiple streams at once, such as Netflix or Hulu.
Some streaming services offer cable news channels like CNN and MSNBC. You can also watch live news for free on websites like ABC News Live and CBSN.
Some streaming services offer international channels, such as Sling TV’s International packages. You can also get a subscription to international streaming services like Acorn TV and BritBox.
Unfortunately, some shows and movies may only be available on cable. However, many popular shows and movies eventually make their way to streaming services after their initial run on cable.
Many streaming services allow you to download shows and movies to watch offline. Check with your chosen service to see if this is an option.
Tips for Cutting Cable
- Take advantage of free trials to test out different streaming services before committing to one.
- Consider sharing your streaming service subscription with family or friends to save money.
- Invest in a good internet connection to ensure smooth streaming.
- Use an HDMI cable to connect your streaming device to your TV for the best quality.
- Check with your local library to see if they offer free streaming services like Kanopy and Hoopla.
Streaming Service | Monthly Price | Free Trial |
---|---|---|
Netflix | $8.99 – $17.99 | 30 days |
Hulu | $5.99 – $60.99 | 30 days |
Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 – $12.99 | 30 days |
Disney+ | $7.99 – $13.99 | 7 days |
Apple TV+ | $4.99 | 7 days |
Conclusion
Cutting cable doesn’t mean you have to give up watching TV altogether. With the rise of streaming services, there are more options than ever before. By choosing a streaming service that fits your needs, getting a streaming device and antenna, and canceling your cable subscription, you can save money and still watch your favorite shows and movies. Remember to do your research, take advantage of free trials, and invest in a good internet connection for the best streaming experience.