Is Cord Cutting Right for You? Part 2: Assessing Your Comfort Level

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 connecting devices to your TV and Wi-Fi? Do you find navigating new apps and menus intuitive?
• Tech Averse: Does the thought of setting up new devices and learning new interfaces feel daunting? Do you prefer a single, simple remote and a straightforward menu system?

Keep in mind that while most streaming devices are designed to be user-friendly, there's still a learning curve involved.

Do you have a reliable internet connection?

Streaming video consumes a significant amount of bandwidth. A stable and reasonably fast internet connection is essential for a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience.

• High-Speed Internet: Do you have a broadband internet connection with sufficient speed to stream video without issues?
• Unreliable or Slow Internet: Do you frequently experience slow internet speeds or connectivity problems? If so, this could lead to frustration with streaming.

Consider your current internet plan and whether it meets the recommended speeds for the streaming quality you desire (HD, 4K).

Are you willing to troubleshoot minor technical issues?

Even with a good setup, occasional technical hiccups can occur in the world of streaming. This might involve restarting a device, reconnecting to Wi-Fi, or troubleshooting app issues.

• Confident Troubleshooter: Are you comfortable looking up solutions online or experimenting to resolve minor tech problems?
• Prefer Things to "Just Work": Do you prefer technology that is plug-and-play and rarely requires troubleshooting? Would you rely heavily on tech support or family members for help?

Your answers to these questions will help you gauge whether you'll find the technical aspects of cord-cutting manageable and enjoyable, or a source of frustration. Being honest with yourself about your tech comfort level is key to setting realistic expectations.

Looking Ahead

In Part 3, we'll wrap up our self-assessment by looking at your budget and lifestyle considerations. 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.