My Streaming Life

The Evolving Streaming Landscape For many of us who embraced streaming early on, the appeal was often the vast on-demand libraries and, for some services, a blissful absence of commercials. While ad-supported options have always existed in various forms, we're currently witnessing a significant and strategic shift. What was once just one facet of the streaming world has now become a central, viable strategy for cord-cutters looking to maximize their savings: modern ad-supported streaming. This renewed focus offers significant financial benefits for those willing to embrace a viewing experience that now often includes commercials. And for me, personally, commercials are far from a deal-breaker. In fact, as I recently discussed in my post, " Ads? No Problem! Why This Cord Cutter Doesn't Mind Commercials ," I've found that integrating ad-supported viewing into my streaming habits is a powerful way to keep costs down without sacrificing access to great content. The...

Cutting the cord can be incredibly liberating. You ditch those hefty cable bills, gain more control over what you watch, and often discover a whole new world of content. But there's a sneaky cost that many cord-cutters overlook: internet data usage . If you're not paying attention, that freedom could come with unexpected charges or frustrating slowdowns. Understanding your data consumption is just as vital as picking the right streaming services, especially if your internet plan has a data cap or if your connection isn't lightning fast. Let's be clear upfront: streaming is streaming. Whether you're watching a live sports event, binge-watching a series on demand, or enjoying free ad-supported TV, every minute you spend streaming uses internet data. There's no getting around that fundamental truth. The Basics: How Much Data Does Streaming Actually Use? The amount of data you use primarily boils down to video quality . The higher the resolution and the better ...

As cord-cutters, we're always looking for ways to save money and maximize our streaming experience. But there's a frustrating dilemma that often lurks beneath the surface of our seamlessly playing shows: our home network. We rarely think about it until it breaks, leaving us in a frantic scramble to buy new equipment just to get back online. It feels like a no-win situation -- either you rush an expensive purchase, or you endure frustrating downtime while you figure things out. I recently found myself in this very spot when my internet service provider (ISP), usually very reliable, had a nearly day-long outage. While the problem ultimately lay with them, the downtime made me question my own network. My Google Wifi system from 2017 has been otherwise working great, but with an outage, you start wondering if your own gear is the culprit. This experience highlighted a crucial point: proactive research into your home network isn't just a good idea; it's essential for any s...

So you've decided to ditch cable and save money by streaming. Great! But what about the stuff that actually makes it all work? While streaming subscriptions get the headlines, the right hardware is crucial for a smooth, enjoyable, and reliable cord-cutting experience. While some of these topics were touched upon in our " Ultimate Guide to Cutting the Cord " series, this post offers a dedicated, deeper dive into the essential equipment. From the absolute necessities to "next-level" upgrades, we'll explore the gear that empowers your streaming life. The Absolute Essentials: Your Cord-Cutting Foundation These are the core components you'll need to get started and ensure a solid streaming experience. Reliable Internet Connection: The Undisputed King Your Internet connection is the highway for all your content; without it, nothing moves. It's not just about raw speed; consistent reliability is paramount. Think about how many people in your househ...

The streaming landscape is constantly shifting, and one thing cord-cutters can always count on is the occasional price adjustment from their favorite services. Earlier this year, Frndly TV announced a modest increase to its subscription plans. Now that these new prices have been in effect for a couple of weeks, it's the perfect time to reassess: does Frndly TV still hold its crown as the most cost-effective option for family-friendly live TV? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, especially when compared to its closest competitor, Philo. Understanding Frndly TV's Updated Plans While nobody cheers for a price hike, Frndly TV's adjustments have kept it firmly in the "budget-friendly" category. Here’s a look at the current monthly and annual pricing for their plans: Monthly Plans: Basic Plan: $8.99 per month Classic Plan: $10.99 per month Premium Plan: $12.99 per month For those looking for even greater savings and willing to commit for the long term...

I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering works on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue. Promises may not be kept; plighted faith may be broken; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask of vice. We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict. He must still withstand the assaults of time and fortune, must still be assailed with temptations, before which lofty natures have fallen; but with these the conflict end...

Are you thinking about cutting the cord or just looking to trim your current streaming expenses? Many of us are always looking for ways to get the most entertainment for our money. Michael Timmermann, from his popular YouTube channel Michael Saves, shares some great insights into common pitfalls and smart strategies for managing your live TV streaming subscriptions. [ YouTube ] Video Summary: This video offers valuable advice for anyone aiming to optimize their streaming expenses, highlighting five common mistakes people make when canceling live TV streaming services. It delves into the potential trap of simply swapping one high bill for several smaller ones that add up, the importance of focusing on specific content rather than a long list of channels, and the often-unaccounted "convenience tax" that comes with having all your content consolidated in one place. The discussion also touches on the tendency to overthink the cancellation process and the frustration that c...

For many looking to cut the cord, the first step is often picking up an affordable streaming stick. These compact devices pack a punch, transforming any TV into a smart hub for your favorite content. In the budget-friendly arena, two giants stand out: the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick . Both are excellent choices, but which one is the right fit for you ? Fire TV Stick: For the Amazon Enthusiast If you're already deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, the Fire TV Stick is often the superior choice. It offers seamless integration with services like Prime Video and Amazon Music, making it incredibly convenient if those are your go-to platforms. The remote's built-in Alexa voice control is also a huge plus, letting you search for shows, launch apps, or even manage your smart home devices with just your voice. The interface feels familiar and intuitive for anyone comfortable with Amazon's layout, providing a smooth transition into streaming. Roku ...

Did you get that email from Netflix recently? The one that stated if you're still rocking an original Fire TV or first-generation Fire TV Stick , your device will soon lose Netflix support? If so, you're probably feeling a mix of frustration and annoyance. After all, your device might still "work," even if it's a bit sluggish. The last thing anyone wants is to be forced into buying new tech. But here’s a surprising truth: while having to shell out money for a new streaming device is never fun, this forced upgrade is actually an opportunity. An opportunity for a dramatically better streaming experience that will genuinely shock you. Why Your Old Device Can't Keep Up Anymore: The Age of Technology Let's be clear: those first-generation Fire TV devices are built on technology that's over 11 years old . Think about how much the world has changed since 2014! In the fast-paced world of streaming, that's ancient history. Back then, 4K HDR and Dol...

A recent article from Cord Cutters News, "75% of Streamers Have Tried an Ad-Supported Plan, Report Shows," really got me thinking about my own long history with ad-supported television, and why, unlike some, I've always been pretty comfortable with commercials. You can read the article here . My Lifetime of Ad-Supported Television I grew up watching TV in the 1960s and 70s, and back then, there was really only one type of TV experience: over-the-air, via an antenna, and it came with commercials. That was just how television worked. Ad-supported viewing was the norm; it was simply part of the package. Even when cable TV started to become common, most of what we watched was still ad-supported. I remember getting channels from Savannah and Jacksonville, Georgia, and they all had ads. The early "superstations" like WTCG out of Atlanta (which eventually became WTBS, then TBS), WGN, and WOR/WWOR were brought to cable nationwide, and they always had commercials. Tr...

As a cord-cutter since January 2011, I’ve seen the streaming device landscape evolve dramatically. What started with limited options on devices like my early Roku has grown into a vibrant market, with new contenders constantly emerging to challenge the established "Big Four" of Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. One of the most talked-about recent developments has been Walmart’s entry into the streaming device arena with their Onn line. These devices promise impressive performance at a surprisingly low price, making them a hot topic for anyone looking to maximize their streaming savings. I’ve been closely following the discussions and reviews surrounding the latest Onn streamers, particularly how they stack up against popular devices from Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA. A great resource that offers an interactive way to compare these devices is the AFTVNews comparison tool. It allows you to directly compare the Onn HD Stick, Onn 4K, Onn 4K Plus, and Onn 4K Pro against oth...

Cutting the cord is more popular than ever, and the streaming landscape offers a dizzying array of choices. If you're looking for budget-friendly options that still deliver a good selection of channels, Philo and Frndly TV are two names that frequently come up. Back in December, I posted a comparison of some cord-cutting services, including NOW TV. However, over the past few months, I've been rethinking that piece, realizing a critical oversight in my analysis: the limited platform availability of some services significantly impacts their viability for many cord-cutters. NOW TV, for instance, isn't available on major platforms like Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV/Google TV -- platforms that are central to the streaming experience for many. As a result of this crucial limitation, NOW TV will not be part of this discussion of budget-friendly streaming options. Instead, let's pit Philo and Frndly TV against each other to see which budget streamer might be the best fit f...

Welcome back to the final installment of our series on determining if cord-cutting is the right move for you. We've explored your viewing habits, your comfort level with technology, and the budget considerations. Now, let's delve into how your lifestyle preferences play a crucial role in this decision and help you bring all the pieces together to make your final choice. Beyond the practicalities of content and cost, how does television fit into your daily life? Channel Surfing vs. On-Demand Browsing Do you enjoy the spontaneous discovery of flipping through channels to see what's on? Or do you prefer the intentional act of browsing through streaming libraries to find something specific to watch? The cord-cutting experience leans heavily towards on-demand browsing, though some live TV streaming services offer a guide-like experience. Consider which approach aligns better with your viewing habits and preferences. Flexibility of Devices Cord-cutting often involves watchi...

We've already taken a look at your viewing habits and your comfort level with technology. Now, let's talk about one of the biggest drivers for many considering cutting the cord: the budget. Understanding the financial implications is crucial to determining if this switch will truly save you money and align with your financial goals. First, let's get a clear picture of your current spending. How much are you currently paying for cable or satellite? Take a moment to calculate your total monthly expense for television. This should include the base service fee, any equipment rental charges for cable boxes or DVRs, regional sports fees, broadcast TV fees, taxes, and any other miscellaneous charges that appear on your bill. Having this number as your starting point is essential for comparison. Considering the Cost of Content: Leveraging Existing Subscriptions Before you start adding up the costs of new streaming services, let's consider what you might already be paying ...

Welcome back! In Part 1, we explored your viewing habits to understand what and how you watch TV. Now, we're going to shift gears and consider another crucial factor in the cord-cutting equation: your comfort level with technology. The world of streaming involves devices, apps, and internet connections, so it's important to honestly assess how comfortable you are navigating this landscape. Think about your everyday interactions with technology. Do you embrace new gadgets and software, or do you prefer things to be simple and straightforward? Your answer here will significantly impact your cord-cutting experience. Are you comfortable setting up streaming devices and navigating apps? This is a fundamental aspect of cord-cutting. You'll likely need to set up one or more streaming devices (like a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Google TV) and learn to navigate various streaming service apps. Tech Enthusiast: Do you enjoy setting up new electronics? Are you comfortable conne...