Is Cord Cutting Right for You? Part 1: Understanding Your Viewing Habits

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 were becoming more robust, and the potential savings were significant. This experience taught me the importance of a thorough self-assessment, which is why we're starting here.

How much live TV do you watch?

Be honest with yourself here. Is the majority of your viewing done through scheduled broadcasts, or do you primarily watch on-demand content?

• If you watch a lot of live TV: Consider why. Is it for real-time events like news or sports? Or do you simply prefer the experience of watching programs as they air?
• If you mostly watch on-demand: What services do you currently use (if any)? How often do you find yourself waiting for the latest episode to drop or browsing for something new to watch?

What are your must-have channels or shows?

Make a list! What are the absolute non-negotiables?

• Are there specific channels you can't live without? (Think local networks, news channels, specific entertainment channels).
• Are there particular shows that air live that you wouldn't want to miss?
• Can you access these must-haves through streaming services, either on-demand or via a live TV streaming option (like Hulu+Live TV or YouTube TV, though as a long-time cord-cutter, you might not subscribe to these regularly)?
• Could an over-the-air antenna provide access to your local network channels?

How important is access to sports or local news?

For many, these are key considerations.

• Sports Fans: Which sports do you follow? Are they available through streaming services? Are regional sports networks (RSNs) a must-have? (Keep in mind the complexities of RSN availability on streaming). Could a temporary subscription to a service like Sling TV during the college football season (like you do!) be a solution for your needs?
• Local News Viewers: Do you rely on local news broadcasts? Can you access these through an antenna? Are there streaming apps that offer local news in your area?

Do you prefer on-demand viewing or scheduled programming?

This speaks to your viewing style and flexibility.

• On-Demand Preference: Do you enjoy the freedom to watch what you want, when you want? Are you comfortable navigating different streaming apps to find content?
• Scheduled Programming Preference: Do you like the predictability of a TV guide and watching shows at a specific time?

Answering these questions thoughtfully is the first step in your cord-cutting journey. Your viewing habits will heavily influence the streaming services and equipment you might need, and ultimately, whether cutting the cord will be a satisfying and cost-effective move for you.

In Part 2, we'll delve into another crucial aspect: your comfort level with technology. My Streaming Life often involves flipping between live local channels via my antenna connected to my AirTV and the curated content on Google TV, all controlled from the comfort of my couch.