My Streaming Life

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...

The allure of cutting the cord is strong. Saving money, choosing your own content, and saying goodbye to endless channels you never watch are all compelling reasons to ditch traditional cable or satellite TV. But before you take the plunge, it's crucial to take a good, hard look at your current TV consumption. Cord-cutting isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and the first step in figuring out if it's right for you lies in understanding your viewing habits. Think about it: how do you actually watch TV? Answering the following questions honestly will provide valuable insights as you consider making the switch. My Own Journey I've been a cord-cutter since January 2011, but the decision wasn't made overnight. In fact, I spent two years researching and evaluating whether cutting the cord was right for me. In 2009, after carefully analyzing my viewing habits, I concluded that it wasn't the right time. However, by 2010, the landscape had changed. Streaming services...

Well, that was a plot twist I didn't entirely see coming! Just a couple of years after Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded HBO Max to simply "Max," the streaming world is doing a bit of a rewind. It was announced this week that the platform will once again be known as HBO Max, with the change expected to roll out this summer. For those of us who remember the initial transition in May 2023, the news likely brings a mix of reactions. I recall firing up my Roku back then, still seeing the HBO Max app icon, only to find the app itself had already adopted the "Max" moniker. There was the obligatory relogging, the temporary disappearance of profile avatars – a somewhat bumpy cosmetic and backend shift. The promise was a broader appeal, a unification of HBO's prestige programming with the vast library of Discovery Plus. But it seems the allure and recognition of the HBO brand have proven too strong to ignore. Warner Bros. Discovery has acknowledged the power and po...

The world of streaming continues to evolve, with more and more viewers cutting the cord on traditional cable and satellite TV in search of flexible and cost-effective ways to watch their favorite content. This shift has led to a fragmented landscape, with a plethora of services specializing in everything from movies and TV shows to live sports and news. Now, a new player is entering the arena, promising to bundle a significant chunk of content under one virtual roof: FOX One . Fox Corporation has officially announced its plans to launch FOX One in the Fall of 2025. This direct-to-consumer streaming service is squarely aimed at the growing ranks of cord-cutters and those who have never known the world of traditional pay-TV. The core concept is simple: provide a single destination for Fox's key news, sports, and entertainment offerings, all without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. So, what exactly will you get with FOX One? Let's break down the content: For new...

Remember the initial allure? The sweet taste of "free" streaming bundled with your internet service. For many cord-cutters, Peacock Premium, often included at no extra cost with providers like Xfinity or NOW Internet, was a welcome addition. And for those who craved an ad-free experience and access to their local NBC channel within the app, the monthly Premium Plus add-on offered an affordable upgrade, typically around $5 a month -- a reasonable $60 a year to enhance their viewing pleasure. Of course, it couldn't last. While you might have seen a notification about changes to your Peacock Premium Plus billing, the reality for those who enjoyed that reasonably priced upgrade is far more significant than a simple administrative tweak. In fact, Peacock's help page frames this under the seemingly innocuous question, "Why is my billing date changing for my Premium Plus account?" Don't let that gentle inquiry fool you. For many, this isn't about a billi...

The streaming landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and recent reports are shedding light on some significant shifts in consumer behavior. As analyzed by outlets like Cord Cutters News, there's a clear trend of subscriber losses in the live TV streaming sector, prompting discussions about the future of these services and the networks they carry. While initial focus often lands on the potential impact for major news and sports channels, the story appears to be much broader than that. As Luke Bouma reported on Cord Cutters News : Contrary to expectations, customers are not returning to traditional cable TV or satellite services. In fact, cable and satellite providers reported a staggering loss of over one million subscribers in Q1 2025. Combined with the streaming losses, a total of 1,661,000 people canceled access to cable TV networks in the first quarter alone. This translates to an average of over 18,000 subscribers abandoning cable TV networks like ESPN, CNN, and othe...

Thinking about simplifying your entertainment setup or adding streaming to another TV? As cord-cutters know, finding the right device is key. Roku has just released updated versions of their popular Streaming Sticks, and thanks to the insightful review from Lon Seidman at Lon.TV, we get a first look at the standard HD model. This compact device promises easy access to a world of streaming services without breaking the bank. In the video below, Lon provides a comprehensive overview of the new Roku Streaming Stick (HD). His reviews are always thorough and offer a great perspective for those considering new tech. This video covers everything from what's in the box to the user interface and key features. Given my long history with Roku devices, I was particularly interested in seeing how this new stick stacks up. Take a look, courtesy of Lon.TV: [ YouTube ] Whether you're a Roku veteran or new to the streaming world, Lon's video provides valuable insights into what the late...

Remember my excitement last month about the potential of FanDuel Sports Network finally offering a real streaming solution for Atlanta Braves fans like myself, living right in the thick of blackout territory? The endless frustration with MLB.TV leaving us in the dark has been a long-standing cord-cutting woe. Well, the 7-day free trial has concluded, and it's time to share my experience, with a particular focus on whether I finally got to consistently see my beloved Braves play. Setting up the trial was a breeze. The FanDuel Sports Network app was readily available on my Google TV devices – a seamless process that got me ready to dive into some baseball quickly. Navigating the app was also straightforward. Live games were clearly marked, and finding the Braves broadcasts was simple and intuitive. Now for the moment of truth: watching the Braves. Throughout my 7-day trial, I made it a point to tune in whenever the Braves were playing. The result? Pure, unadulterated Braves baseb...

The streaming landscape has just experienced another significant shift. On May 7, 2025, STARZ officially completed its separation from Lionsgate, embarking on its journey as an independent, publicly traded company under the ticker symbol STRZ on Nasdaq. This strategic move aims to unlock greater value for both entities, allowing them to pursue their distinct growth strategies as "pure play" companies. For us streamers, this signifies a new chapter for a platform with a clearly defined vision. This transition underscores the increasing dominance of digital consumption, with STARZ reporting that approximately 70% of its revenue now originates from its digital platforms. With a solid base of 20 million subscribers in the US and Canada as of the end of 2024, STARZ has established itself as a key player in the competitive streaming arena. What makes STARZ stand out is its unwavering focus on a specific and often underserved audience: women and underrepresented groups, with a pa...

The world of streaming has opened up a universe of content at our fingertips, and thankfully, accessing it doesn't have to break the bank. Walmart's Onn line of streaming devices has consistently offered budget-friendly ways to cut the cord and enjoy our favorite shows and movies. Now, they've upped the ante with the new Onn 4K Plus streaming player featuring Google TV, and its $29.88 price tag is certainly turning heads. As someone who's been navigating the streaming landscape for over a decade, I'm always intrigued by new options that promise value, which is why I'm diving into what this new device offers and sharing my plan to put it through its paces myself. So, what's new with the Onn 4K Plus? Here's a quick look at how it stacks up against the previous Onn 4K model: Feature Onn 4K Plus (New) Onn 4K (Previous) Price $29.88 ~$20 CPU Quad-core Cortex-A55 Quad-core Cortex-A35 or A53...

When you decide to dive into the world of streaming, you'll encounter a few different paths to get a streaming device. The three main categories remain: sticks, boxes, and smart TVs. If you have a standard TV, or a smart TV whose interface leaves something to be desired, adding a dedicated streaming stick or box is a straightforward solution, and it's the route many streamers take. Amazon Fire TV devices are incredibly popular, and the Fire TV Stick is often the first thing people think of. True to its name, it's a compact stick that tucks neatly behind your TV, plugging into an HDMI port, minimizing visible cords. Roku also offers stick form factors, and while the current Google Chromecast with Google TV isn't technically a stick, it serves a similar purpose in its ease of connection. Essentially, these devices prioritize a clean and simple setup. The alternative is a set-top box. Roku offers several box models like the Express and Ultra. Apple TV also falls into t...

A recent survey by Cord Cutters News has delivered a resounding message from those who have ditched traditional cable: they are overwhelmingly happy with their decision and have no desire to return. In fact, a staggering 89% of cord-cutters stated they would rather spend more money than go back to the likes of Comcast or Spectrum. You can read the full article here . One particularly telling excerpt from the article highlights the depth of this sentiment: Not only did they not want to go back to their TV service also not go back to their internet services. This really underscores the level of dissatisfaction many former cable subscribers feel. It's not just about the cost of TV; it often extends to the entire experience with these providers. As a long-time cord-cutter myself (since January 2011!), these findings resonate deeply. The flexibility, control, and often the overall cost savings of streaming have been game-changers. The idea of being locked into rigid channel p...

Are you tired of watching your cable bill creep higher and higher each month? Do you find yourself wondering if all this talk about saving money by "cutting the cord" is just hype? You're not alone. One of the most persistent myths surrounding the move to streaming is that it doesn't actually save you money in the long run. Some folks believe that the cost of internet and multiple streaming subscriptions ends up equaling, or even exceeding, their old cable bill. Well, as someone who ditched cable back in 2011 and hasn't looked back, I'm here to tell you that this myth is simply untrue. In fact, the savings can be quite significant. Let's take a closer look at the real costs and see how cord-cutting stacks up against traditional cable. The Rising Cost of Cable TV The landscape of cable television in 2025 is one of ever-increasing prices. What was once a relatively straightforward monthly bill has become a complex web of base package costs, hidden fees, ...