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 Do You Watch Now? (Channel-Centric Approach)
Let's start with the basics: what channels do you currently watch on your cable or satellite TV? Grab a pen and paper (or open a document on your computer) and make a comprehensive list of every channel you tune into, even if it's just occasionally.
Once you have your list, go through it and categorize each channel:
- Must-Haves: These are the channels you absolutely cannot live without. Perhaps it's your local news for staying informed, ESPN for following your favorite teams, or a specific kids' channel that keeps the little ones entertained. Highlight these!
- Nice-to-Haves: These are channels you enjoy watching, but if they weren't available, it wouldn't be a deal-breaker. Maybe it's a home improvement channel you watch sometimes or a specific documentary channel you occasionally enjoy.
- Never Watch: Be honest with yourself here. These are the channels you pay for as part of your cable package but rarely, if ever, watch. This category will likely highlight the inefficiency of bundled cable and the potential for significant savings with a more targeted streaming approach.
What Types of Content Do You Enjoy? (Genre/Show-Centric Approach)
Now, let's think beyond specific channels. What types of programs do you actually enjoy watching? Consider genres like dramas, comedies, reality TV, documentaries, movies, live sports, and local news.
Also, make a list of your favorite specific TV shows. Knowing where these shows are currently streaming is crucial in determining which services you'll need. For example, if you can't miss "The Mandalorian," Disney Plus is a must-have. If you're hooked on "Succession," you'll need Max.
If there are multiple people in your household who watch TV, make sure to involve them in this process. Understanding everyone's viewing preferences will ensure a smooth transition to cord cutting for the whole family.
How Do You Watch TV? (Viewing Habits)
- Live vs. On-Demand: Do you primarily watch live events like sports or news as they air, or do you prefer the flexibility of watching shows and movies on your own schedule? This will heavily influence whether you need a vMVPD (Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor), which offers live TV streaming, or if SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) services, which provide on-demand libraries, will suffice.
Key Streaming Terms:
- SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand): Streaming services that offer a library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries for a monthly fee (e.g., Netflix, Disney Plus, Max).
- vMVPD (Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor): Streaming services that offer live TV channels and sometimes on-demand content. Examples: Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV.
- Simultaneous Viewing: How many people in your household typically watch TV at the same time? This will determine how many simultaneous streams you'll need from your chosen streaming services. Most services offer multiple streams, but it's something to consider.
- Where Do You Watch? Do you primarily watch on your main living room TV, or do you also watch on tablets, phones, or other TVs in your home? This will influence the types of streaming devices you might need and the compatibility of different services.
- Recording Needs: Do you frequently record shows to watch later? If so, you'll need to consider whether a vMVPD offers a cloud DVR feature or if you might need a device like an AirTV paired with an antenna for recording over-the-air broadcasts.
Putting It All Together: Identifying Your Core Needs
Now, take a look at all the information you've gathered. What are your absolute "must-have" channels and content? What's your preferred viewing style – mostly live, mostly on-demand, or a mix? How many people in your household will be streaming simultaneously?
Answering these questions will help you identify your core entertainment needs and avoid paying for services or features you won't use. This crucial information will guide you in the next step, where we'll explore the various streaming service options available.
Take Action
To make the most of this step, I encourage you to take the following actions:
- Spend at least 30 minutes listing your watched channels and categorizing them.
- Make a list of your favorite TV shows and movies.
- Discuss viewing habits with everyone in your household who watches TV.
- Consider Reviewing Your Viewing History: If you have a DVR or similar system, review your past recordings and watch history to identify consistent viewing patterns. For example, when I was seriously considering cutting the cord, I reviewed my TiVo scheduled recordings and watch history from the past year. This helped me create a concrete list of the shows I regularly watched.
- Consider keeping a simple TV viewing diary for a few days to get an even more accurate picture of your habits.
Next Steps
Understanding your TV habits and needs is the essential first step on your cord-cutting journey. By taking the time for this analysis, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about streaming services and hardware that will save you money and provide you with the entertainment you truly value.
This is Step 1: Understanding Your Viewing Habits in our ultimate guide to cutting the cord in 2025. Here's a look at the complete series:
Welcome to the World of Cord Cutting!
- Step 1: Understanding Your Viewing Habits (you are here)
- Step 2: Exploring Streaming Service Options
- Step 3: Choosing the Right Streaming Devices
- Step 4: Setting Up Your Internet and Antenna for Cord Cutting
- Step 5: Saying Goodbye to Cable (and Hello to Savings!)
- Step 6: Managing Your Streaming Subscriptions, Troubleshooting, and Staying Updated
In our next post, we'll take the information you've gathered here and explore the exciting world of streaming service options, helping you find the perfect fit for your unique needs.
My Streaming Life has shown me that the key to successful and satisfying cord-cutting, which I've enjoyed since January 2011, always starts with a clear understanding of what you actually watch and how you watch it.
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