When we hear the word entertainment, our minds unintentionally turn to the television. Yes, television is the ultimate source of entertainment, with its seemingly endless channel roster. Our grandparents used to watch television to keep up with what was going on in the world. Even if the options were restricted, primetime shows and weekend flick sufficed to quench their thirst for entertainment.
Fast forward to now, entertainment is available at the touch of a button. You pull out your smartphone, switch on the television, or turn on your laptop, and within minutes, you have access to any form of entertainment.Â
Those who rely on television to view their favorite channels, on the other hand, are frequently perplexed as to whether they should stick with cable or switch to a streaming service. One of the most compelling reasons to switch is the whooping cable bill. Furthermore, some cable companies tack on extra fees without informing their customers.
However, there are still a few cable firms dominating the cable industry by offering low-cost services. If you are one of such people who prefer using Cable TV and want to save on cost, then you should check out Optimum TV plans, which allow you the freedom to select the channel lineup that best suits your needs.Â
Nevertheless, many people have begun to lean towards streaming options due to the superior content and reduced rates.
Hence, it is the beginning of the year, and it is time to get rid of your cable box and your cable TV payment. You no longer need cable or satellite service to view all of your favorite TV series, movies, news, and sporting events live or on-demand thanks to streaming. If you are used to your cable box’s DVR, live TV streaming services have their cloud DVRs that work similarly. A solid internet connection and apps built into your smart TV or running on an affordable streamer are all you need to cut the cord.
If you are not tech-savvy, cutting the cord and installing a new system may seem daunting, but do not worry; we have got you covered. We will go over all you need to know about cutting the cord in this article.
What does it mean to ‘cut the cord’?
Cutting the cord, as straightforward as it sounds, entails canceling your cable subscription and replacing it with internet-based streaming alternatives. For the following reasons, you may desire to cut through the cable chains:
- Only pay for what you want
- A flexible schedule for watching television series and movies
- Access to streaming services’ original content
Essentials of cord-cutting
At its most fundamental level, cord-cutting necessitates the following:
Internet connection
To cut the cord, you will most certainly require internet access as well as a Wi-Fi device, so that your streaming gadgets can connect to the internet from anywhere in your house.Â
Therefore, if you have not already, sign up with a reputable internet service provider that offers a high-speed internet connection with no data cap. Moreover, home internet rates should be no less than 15Mbps for every gadget, you plan to use simultaneously, as a general guideline.
Streaming devices
Streaming can be accomplished on a variety of devices. The majority of Americans currently have a smart TV for streaming, which is a fantastic option. If you have a smart TV, you can get started almost right away. However, some smart TVs do not allow you to download new applications, which limits your options.
A streaming device can fill the hole that a smart TV would leave. Examples of such streaming devices could be Roku Streaming Stick, which works with Alexa and gives you access to Disney Plus, Hulu, Showtime, and Netflix, among other services. Then there is Amazon Fire TV, which is one of the most cost-effective choices. Another example could be of Apple TV; it allows you to get the most recent accessible apps from the app store and includes Sling, YouTube TV, and iTunes, among other services.
Streaming services
There are two roads you can take when determining which streaming services you need to have before you can cut the cord. One option is to keep most (if not all) of your current cable channels. You will need a live TV streaming provider for that.Â
These services, which offer hundreds of live channels as well as familiar features like DVR and a channel guide, essentially imitate the cable bundle. You may be able to watch most or all of your local broadcast channels depending on where you reside.Â
The other option is to create your TV package using on-demand services, free video sources, and possibly an over-the-air antenna. Going this way may require you to completely forego standard cable channels such as ESPN, regional sports networks, and CNN, but it will save you a significant amount of money.
Live TV streaming service
If you prefer to watch live TV online, there are several options accessible in the United States some of which include Sling TV, AT&T TV Now, and YouTube TV, etc.Â
Because each of these services has a different channel lineup, you should start by eliminating the ones that do not have your favorite channels. You may start comparing features once you have cut things down by channel lineup. If you have gone through all of this and still have more than one potential match, we recommend trying them out after you have decided on a streaming device.
On-demand entertainment alternatives
On-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu offer a more convenient method to cut the cord than live TV streaming. There are no strange DVR rules to contend with, ad skipping is common, and there are no esoteric constraints on where you may watch.Â
These services are also far less expensive than a channel bundle, allowing you to save even more money. However, be prepared to miss out on a lot of what’s currently on TV, especially as Netflix and other streaming services priorities original programming over licensed episodes.
TV antenna
Using an antenna is one approach to avoid the high cost of local networks when streaming. To be considered a television rather than a monitor, a display must include an over-the-air tuner that allows you to connect an antenna and view broadcast networks.Â
The way you are received differs greatly depending on where you reside, and you are limited to live-only watching unless you get an antenna DVR.
Below, we have listed an overview of what we have discussed so far.
Step by step guide to cord-cutting
Step 1: Invest in a good internet bundle
Step 2: Choose a streaming device
Step 3: If you want to view free local stations, get an antenna
Step 4: Save money
Final words
With each new option, that enters the market, cutting cable becomes easier. You get the freedom to choose the services you want and to drop them like a hot potato if you do not like them any longer. It is all about choice when it comes to cutting cable, and if you do it correctly, you will never miss your old cable box.
