My Streaming Life

Recently, a helpful article titled " What is the Best Advice for a Cord-Cutter? " appeared on the website TV Answer Man, written by Phillip Swann. In essence, Swann wisely advises potential cord-cutters to first thoroughly research their must-have channels and then take advantage of free trials offered by live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and DIRECTV Stream. He emphasizes the importance of testing these services while still maintaining your current subscription to ensure they meet your needs before making the final cut – a smart way to minimize disruption and buyer's remorse. While this advice from TV Answer Man provides a solid starting point, the journey to successful cord-cutting involves a few more crucial considerations. To truly make an informed decision and build a setup that works best for you, we need to dig a little deeper. Let's explore some essential factors that go beyond just channel availability and free trials. The Unsung Hero: Your Interne...

The cord-cutting world is always buzzing with potential shifts in the traditional TV landscape, and a recent opinion piece by Luke Bouma over at Cord Cutters News has really got me thinking. He posits a fascinating scenario: could Comcast be forced to spin off its Xfinity cable TV and internet divisions to safeguard NBCUniversal after a less-than-stellar Q1 earnings report? As someone who's been happily navigating the world of streaming since 2011, this idea of a major shake-up at a behemoth like Comcast definitely caught my attention. Luke, a respected voice in our community, makes a compelling argument that the declining fortunes of traditional cable TV could be dragging down the perceived value of the entire Comcast enterprise, potentially impacting their media powerhouse, NBCUniversal. Reading his piece got me reflecting on my own experiences with Comcast (now Xfinity) in Georgia, particularly their internet service, which is the lifeline for all us cord-cutters. It also br...

For a while, it seemed like you couldn't scroll through Facebook or browse online marketplaces without stumbling across ads for streaming boxes promising access to "all channels" for a ridiculously low price. I definitely saw my fair share of these tempting offers. My immediate reaction, even then as a dedicated cord-cutter, was a huge red flag. These "pirate TV boxes," as they're often called, come pre-loaded with software designed to tap into paid content without the proper subscriptions. The sellers often touted incredible savings and the convenience of having everything in one place. You might have heard claims like "one-time payment for lifetime access" or vague statements about cutting out the "middleman." Sound familiar? It's the same kind of nonsense you often see plastered across shady websites promising the impossible. But let's be clear: these deals were, and still are, indeed too good to be true, and for very good rea...

Congratulations, savvy cord-cutters! You've reached the final step of our ultimate guide. You've analyzed your viewing, chosen your services and devices, set up your internet and antenna, and even said goodbye to cable. But the journey doesn't end there. Being a successful cord-cutter in the long run involves a bit of ongoing management and staying informed in the ever-evolving world of streaming. Think of this final step as your guide to maintaining a smooth, cost-effective, and enjoyable streaming life. Let's dive in! Smart Subscription Management One of the great things about streaming is the flexibility, but that also means you need to be smart about managing your subscriptions: Tracking Your Subscriptions : Don't let those monthly fees add up unnoticed! Create a system to track all your streaming services, their monthly costs, and their renewal dates. A simple spreadsheet, a dedicated app, or even a note on your phone can work wonders. This will give yo...

Welcome back, cord-cutting champions! You've done the groundwork: understanding your viewing habits, exploring the vast world of streaming, choosing the perfect devices, and ensuring your internet and antenna (if needed) are ready to go. Now, it's time for the moment you've been waiting for – officially cutting the cord! While the thought of canceling your cable TV might feel like a big step, remember all the preparation you've done. This is where you finally unlock those significant savings and embrace the freedom of your personalized entertainment setup. Let's walk through how to say goodbye to cable and hello to a brighter, streaming future. Preparing for the Visit (or Online Process) Before you take any action, a little preparation will make the cancellation process smoother: Review Your Contract : Dig out your cable TV contract and understand if there are any early termination fees or required notice periods. Knowing this upfront will prevent any unwelc...

Welcome back to our ultimate guide! We've already covered understanding your viewing habits, exploring streaming service options, and choosing the right streaming devices. Now, we're moving on to the often-underestimated but absolutely crucial foundation of your cord-cutting setup: your internet connection and the potential for free, over-the-air TV with an antenna. Think of your internet service as the highway that delivers all your exciting streaming content. Without a reliable and sufficient connection, you'll likely experience frustrating buffering and interruptions. Simultaneously, a strategically placed antenna can unlock a surprising amount of free, high-definition television. Let's dive in! Your Internet Connection: The Unsung Hero Your internet connection is the lifeblood of your streaming experience. Here's what you need to consider: Assessing Your Current Needs : Remember when we talked about how many people in your household might be streaming at...

Welcome back to our cord-cutting journey! We've already explored your viewing habits (Step 1) and the exciting world of streaming service options (Step 2). Now, it's time to talk about the hardware that brings those services to your TV screen: streaming devices. Think of streaming devices as the essential bridge between your internet connection and your TV. They're the small but powerful boxes or sticks that allow you to access all your favorite streaming content. The "right" device for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget, so let's explore the options. The "Big Four" Streaming Platforms While there are many streaming devices on the market, four major platforms dominate the landscape: Roku: Strengths : Roku is known for its user-friendly interface, making it incredibly easy to navigate, even for beginners. It also boasts a vast app selection, supporting virtually every streaming service you can imagine. Plus, Rok...

Welcome back, cord-cutting hopefuls! In Step 1 of our ultimate guide, you diligently analyzed your TV viewing habits and identified your must-have channels, preferred content, and how you typically watch. Now, armed with that crucial information, it's time to explore the exciting landscape of streaming service options that can bring your entertainment needs to life without the hefty price tag of cable. The world of streaming can seem vast and overwhelming at first, but it can be broadly categorized into a few key types. Understanding these categories will empower you to make informed decisions and choose the services that best align with your unique viewing profile. Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) Services Think of SVOD services as digital libraries of movies, TV shows, and documentaries that you can access on demand for a recurring monthly fee. These services typically boast extensive catalogs, including original programming you won't find anywhere else. Examples :...

Welcome back to our ultimate guide on cutting the cord! In our first post, we explored the exciting world of streaming and the many benefits of ditching cable. Now, before we dive into the vast array of streaming services and hardware options, it's crucial to take a step back and do a little self-reflection. This post, Step 1, is all about understanding your current TV habits and needs. Trust me, this initial analysis will be the foundation for making smart choices that save you money and ensure you don't miss the content you truly love. Why is this step so important? Jumping headfirst into the world of streaming without understanding what you actually watch is like grocery shopping without a list – you'll likely end up with things you don't need and forget the essentials. By taking the time to analyze your viewing habits, you can avoid overspending on unnecessary streaming services and pinpoint the services that will truly satisfy your entertainment cravings. What D...

Are you staring at your monthly cable bill, wondering why you're paying for hundreds of channels you never even glance at? Do you feel trapped in long-term contracts with rising costs and limited flexibility? If so, you're not alone. More and more people are discovering a liberating alternative: cord cutting. What is Cord Cutting? Simply put, cord cutting is the act of canceling your traditional cable or satellite TV service and replacing it with a combination of streaming services and other over-the-air options. It's about taking back control of your entertainment and, more often than not, significantly reducing your monthly expenses. Instead of being locked into a bundle of channels you don't need, you curate your own personalized entertainment experience. Why Cut the Cord? The reasons for cutting the cord are compelling, and they resonate with a growing number of viewers: Cost Savings : This is often the primary motivator. The average cable bill continues to...

Luke 24:1-9 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

The world of television is constantly evolving, and the latest shift is the ongoing transition to ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV. While this new standard promises exciting advancements like sharper picture quality and interactive features, it also brings potential changes to how we access one of the most fundamental sources of information and entertainment: free over-the-air (OTA) television. A recent public notice from the FCC, coupled with discussions within the cord-cutting community, has raised concerns about the possibility of encrypted signals and the potential for having to pay for what has always been freely accessible. Now is the time for us to understand these changes and, more importantly, to make our voices heard. These two videos, one from Lon Seidmann and one from Tyler the Antenna Man offer more informatoin: [ YouTube ] Lon's video provides an important overview of the FCC's public notice regarding the new television standard. It emphasizes the opportunity...

As cord-cutters, we're always on the lookout for affordable and engaging ways to entertain and educate our children without racking up endless subscription fees. While streaming services offer a wealth of content, there's a fantastic, often-underutilized resource right in your community: the public library. More than just books, today's libraries are vibrant hubs offering a surprising array of FREE resources for kids, from streaming video and interactive learning stations to physical media and engaging programs. Let's dive into the incredible world of your local library! The Streaming Goldmine: Dive into Kanopy Kids Many libraries have partnered with Kanopy to offer free streaming of high-quality movies and documentaries. Even better for families is Kanopy Kids, a dedicated section brimming with educational and entertaining content for children. Think animated storybooks, engaging learning series, and even some familiar characters, all available ad-free with your lib...

So, you're thinking about cutting the cable cord and joining the ranks of cord-cutters? That's a smart move! Free, high-definition TV is a major perk of ditching those ever-increasing cable bills. However, navigating the world of TV antennas can be a bit confusing, especially with some of the wild claims you might see. This post aims to clear the air and help you make informed choices, drawing inspiration from helpful resources like a recent blog post from Tablo TV that addressed common antenna myths. Myth #1: All Antennas Are Created Equal If you’re used to the plug-and-play nature of cable TV, you might assume any antenna will do the trick. But as Tablo TV discusses, that’s simply not the case. Antennas come in various shapes, sizes, and, most importantly, capabilities. Think about it: a small set of indoor "rabbit ears" is designed for a completely different scenario than a large, outdoor antenna mounted on your roof. Different antennas are built to capture sig...

For cord-cutters seeking a reliable and budget-friendly source of family-friendly entertainment, Frndly TV has long been a popular choice. Offering a curated selection of channels, including the beloved Hallmark lineup and a solid collection from A&E Networks, it has carved out a valuable niche in the streaming landscape. While the world of streaming presents a mix of free and subscription-based services, where some content overlap can naturally occur, Frndly TV's core strength lies in providing affordable access to a specific bundle of channels that typically require a paid subscription for live viewing. The latest news from Frndly TV is that they will be implementing a $1 per month price increase across all of their subscription plans. This change will take effect immediately for new subscribers and will impact existing customers starting on May 15, 2025. Here's a quick look at the current and upcoming monthly pricing: Plan Current Price New Price (Starting May 15...

I used to go to the movies a lot. When I worked in Jacksonville back in the 1980s, I would make the short drive south to Orange Park at least once a week. Unlike the theaters in Jacksonville, Orange Park boasted three different cinema locations within a couple of blocks, showcasing around 15 different movies. This meant I could almost always find something that caught my eye on the big screen. Over the years, however, my moviegoing habits have changed significantly, and now I rarely venture out to the theater. The last few years have only solidified this shift, as the experience of watching a movie at home has become increasingly appealing. There's the undeniable comfort of my own living room, the convenience of pausing for a bathroom break without missing a single frame, and the overall control I have over my viewing environment. The vast world of streaming services offers an incredible library of content right at my fingertips, making it easy to find something to watch without ...