My Streaming Life

I am taking a new look at one of my favorite niche streaming services, Pub-D-Hub, to see how it fares in 2025. With subscription video on demand (SVOD) prices soaring and the free ad-supported television (FAST) market constantly exploding, it’s a good time to check on the real budget options. Pub-D-Hub remains a bedrock, a highly niche service dedicated exclusively to Public Domain (PD) content -- classic films, cartoons, and old-time radio programs -- that provides exceptional value in a way no other service can. It's an essential part of my cord-cutting toolkit, offering a simple, affordable, and quality experience. This update covers its price, features, and device support in 2025. The Price of Ad-Free Value The most striking thing about Pub-D-Hub is that its price remains almost comically low, especially when compared to the dozens of other streaming services that have hiked prices over the last year. The service maintains a three-tier structure: The Basic service is st...

The Week 10 college football schedule had four games played on Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving five remaining games from Thursday through Friday. We cover the networks and streaming options for those remaining matchups right up until the main slate on Saturday. This week's early lineup features just one game involving an AP Top 25 team, and no games matching two ranked opponents. How to Watch Most of the games are available for viewing live by streaming, or with an antenna. Here are the networks carrying the games this season. CBS Sports Network DIRECTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) ESPN ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange ($46/month) DIRECTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) ESPN2 ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange ($46/month) DIRECTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85...

When you decide to cut the cord, setting up an Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna is a top priority for getting your local channels. However, the prospect of running a new cable to every TV can be daunting. If you're like me, needing an outdoor antenna to reach the major network towers, you want the simplest way to get that strong signal around your house. Fortunately, the wiring is likely already done for you. You essentially have two great options for using the existing coaxial cable runs. The simplest approach is to use a network-connected OTA DVR system like Tablo or another DVR system. In this case, you only need a single cable run from your antenna to that device, and you can use any streaming box on any TV to watch antenna channels over your home network. If you need (or simply want) the antenna signal directly at multiple TVs, the existing coaxial cable infrastructure in your walls is the solution. The Fundamental Principle: Why Coax Works The coaxial cable already snake...

The news that Roku, which now owns Frndly TV, is locked in a public contract dispute with Hallmark Media, threatening a blackout of all three Hallmark channels, is a frustrating return to the "cable chaos" most of us left behind. For millions of budget-conscious cord-cutters, the central question is whether losing this content is enough to drop a beloved, low-cost service. Speaking personally, this is high stakes: Frndly TV is the one live streaming service I keep year-round , and my loyalty was built entirely on securing those three Hallmark channels affordably. While I would much rather have Hallmark remain on the service than lose it, the answer today is a likely "no" -- the loss would be undesirable, but it is not a reason to cancel. The Irony of the Streaming Skinny Bundle This scenario is exactly the kind of contract fight -- a content owner seeking maximum fees versus a distributor trying to maintain low prices -- that made me cut the cord in January 201...

I'm a big fan of movies that scare you with shadows, suspense, and psychology instead of relying on excessive blood and guts. This Halloween, if you're looking for classic monster stories, Cold War paranoia, or modern psychological dread, I've compiled my favorite films that prove the imagination is scarier than any amount of gore. I originally set out to give you a tidy list of ten films, but frankly, I couldn't cut it down. The process of narrowing my choices, knowing I was removing many films that are someone else's favorite, was harder than I anticipated. The sixteen films here are the ones I simply could not bring myself to remove; they are all genuinely great, and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching each of them. You may notice that nearly a third of this list falls under the science fiction umbrella. That's no accident -- these are films that seamlessly blend genres, being just as much great sci-fi as they are great horror. Best of all, a dozen of these ...

In this essential video for streamers, Lon Seidman from the Lon.TV YouTube channel breaks down Amazon's shift to a new operating system, debating what this architectural change means for the general cord-cutting audience. The move sees new devices, like the latest Fire TV Stick, debut with limited specs and a completely redesigned foundation. [ YouTube ] The video confirms that Amazon is moving its Fire TV platform away from the old Android base to a new, proprietary Linux-based system called Vega OS. This major shift creates an immediate compatibility problem, as the vast majority of apps were built for Android. Amazon's solution is the Cloud App Program, which runs the older apps on Amazon's servers and streams the interface to the new device. This critical workaround ensures that all the top services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu, and more, remain immediately accessible to customers, preserving service continuity. Immediate Impacts for the Cord-Cutter ...

The college football schedule for Week 9 explodes this Saturday with a massive slate of 45 games. Of those, 19 games involve at least one ranked team, including three battles where both teams are currently in the Associated Press Top 25. Ranked Team Matchups #8 Ole Miss at #13 Oklahoma (12:00 PM, ABC) #15 Missouri at #10 Vanderbilt (3:30 PM, ESPN) #3 Texas A&M at #20 LSU (7:30 PM, ABC) How to Watch Most of the games are available for viewing live by streaming, or with an antenna. Here are the networks carrying the games this season: ABC Antenna: Free ESPN Unlimited: ($30/month) Sling TV Orange: ($46/month) DirecTV Stream MySports (in select markets): ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV: ($83/month) YouTube TV: ($83/month) DirecTV Stream: ($85/month) Fubo: ($85/month) ACC Network ESPN Unlimited: ($30/month) Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra: ($57/month) DirecTV Stream MySports: ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV: ($83/month) YouTube TV: ($83/month) Fubo: ($85/month) Big Ten Ne...

A recent report from Cord Cutters News , based on a poll of over 1,200 readers, lays out the nine most popular streaming services among cord-cutters. These survey results paint a picture of a diverse and fragmented streaming landscape, where the average user relies on a mix of platforms for entertainment. The top services, by percentage of readers who report using them, are: Amazon Prime Video: 61.1% Netflix: 53.9% Paramount Plus: 50.6% Peacock: 46.6% Hulu: 45.1% YouTube: 43.5% Disney Plus: 37.7% HBO Max: 33.9% Apple TV Plus: 24.1% The Anecdotal Reality of Access vs. Use What's fascinating about a list like this is that it measures access , not necessarily usage . As a veteran cord-cutter, my own subscriptions offer an anecdotal contrast, highlighting how many services are acquired through cost-saving bundles or free benefits rather than individual payment. This often means that an app's popularity doesn't always translate to daily viewing. A Look at My Own ...

Welcome back to the college football season! As we hit the heart of Week 9, four mid-week games have already been played, but we still have a great lineup of games tonight and tomorrow. Out of the total eight games scheduled for the early window (Tuesday through Friday), all were unranked matchups, meaning there are no games involving a ranked team, and therefore no games between ranked teams. The next two days offer plenty of opportunities to catch some football before the big weekend slate. How to Watch Most of the games are available for viewing live by streaming, or with an antenna. Here are the networks carrying the games this season: CBSSN DirecTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) ESPN ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange ($46/month) DirecTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) ESPN2 ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange ($46/month) ...

"Here we go again." That's the phrase echoing in my head as I look at the latest round of streaming price increases, effective today, October 21, 2025 . It feels like just yesterday we were talking about Hulu's upcoming hike, and now it's hitting some of the biggest players in the game: HBO Max , Disney Plus , and even the bundles we've come to rely on for savings. As a dedicated cord-cutter, these frequent price adjustments can be a real gut punch. We left cable behind for the promise of more control and, frankly, lower bills. Yet, the trend continues upward, making us all constantly re-evaluate whether we're still getting our money's worth. The Latest Hit List (Ad-Supported Monthly Plans) HBO Max (Basic with Ads): Up $1.00 from $9.99 to $10.99 Hulu (With Ads): Up $2.00 from $9.99 to $11.99 Disney Plus (With Ads): Up $2.00 from $9.99 to $11.99 If you were to subscribe to all three of these individually, you'd now be looking at around ...

One of the cornerstones of my decision to cut the cord back in January 2011 was the ability to access major network television for free. After more than a decade of relying on an antenna, I can tell you that over-the-air (OTA) television is not only alive but is a crucial part of the modern streaming experience. I recently came across an excellent article by Luke Bouma of Cord Cutters News that summarized the best practical advice for antenna setup. While the suggestions often lean toward people using indoor or close-range antennas, the core principles apply to everyone. These tips are especially important for those of us who live farther away from the broadcast towers. As the article notes, preparation is essential: "Now the number of channels you can get will vary depending on where you live. A site like AntennaWeb will be able to tell you what stations are nearby and give you an idea of what type of antenna will work best for you." If you are not near the towers, ...

Michael Timmermann, on his YouTube channel, Michael Saves, presents a video titled "10 Hidden Costs of Streaming TV in 2025!" that delves into the unexpected fees and price traps that can make streaming a lot more expensive than people realize. He breaks down how the streaming industry has found new ways to nickel and dime subscribers. [ YouTube ] The Hidden Costs of Streaming The video outlines ten sneaky ways streaming services increase your costs. These include: increased commercial loads on ad-supported plans; paying for features like 4K streaming that are locked behind expensive tiers; the higher cost of content access for full libraries or local channels; paying through a middleman (like app stores) at an inflated price; and the cost of your data on "free" services like Tubi. He also highlights expiring promotional savings that cause bill shock; the waste of unnecessary bundles and unneeded hardware upgrades ; and being hit with unexpected taxes and...

Most people know to watch out for the big, scary phishing emails that promise a lottery win or threaten to shut down a bank account. You hear about those high-stakes scams all the time. However, the most successful security threats are often the ones that don't feel like a threat at all. They hide in plain sight on social media, especially Facebook, disguised as a fun way to connect with friends. The Most Common Facebook Scams To provide context for the stealthier threat, it's worth a brief reminder of the most common, high-urgency scams currently circulating: The Hacked Friend / 2FA Code Scam: You get an urgent message from a friend saying they are locked out of their account and need you to send a code that was just texted to you. Do not send it. That code is your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) code, and the scammer is trying to take over your account. The Malicious Clickbait Link: Posts or messages pop up saying, "OMG, is this you in this video?" or som...

This week's Saturday action includes a total of 50 games. Of those, 18 games involve at least one ranked team. The weekend features five highly anticipated matchups where both teams are ranked. Ranked Team Matchups #10 LSU @ #17 Vanderbilt #5 Ole Miss @ #9 Georgia #11 Tennessee @ #6 Alabama #20 USC @ #13 Notre Dame #23 Utah @ #15 BYU How to Watch Most of the games are available for viewing live by streaming, or with an antenna. Here are the networks carrying the games this season: ABC Antenna: Free ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange ($46/month) DirecTV Stream MySports (in select markets) ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) DirecTV Stream ($85/month) Fubo ($85/month) ACC Network ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra ($57/month) DirecTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) Big Ten Network Fox One ($20/month) Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra ($57/m...

The news that TiVo has stopped making new DVR hardware marks the end of an era for many original cord-cutters. For years, TiVo was the gold standard, giving people the convenience of recording OTA TV without cable company rental fees. While the modern market offers plenty of alternatives, one recent article from Cord Cutters News on the topic provided a flawed list from a dedicated cord-cutter's perspective. The original article featured these five DVR alternatives: Tablo 2-Tuner Tablo 4-Tuner Plex HDHomeRun ZapperBox My analysis shows three major issues with this selection: the baffling exclusion of a key player, an unnecessary double-dip for a single brand, and the inclusion of two different component pieces that must be paired to form a complete DVR system. The following sections break down why this list misses the mark. The First Problem: The Omission of AirTV The most confusing and glaring flaw in that list is the complete absence of AirTV . As someone who uses A...

Welcome to Week 8 of the 2025 college football season! This week of FBS action includes five games scheduled for Thursday and Friday, following five games that were already played on Tuesday and Wednesday. The action today and tomorrow offers plenty of great football to lead into Saturday's slate. How to Watch Most of the games are available for viewing live by streaming, or with an antenna. Here are the networks carrying the games this season: CBS Sports Network DirecTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) ESPN ESPN Unlimited ($30/month) Sling TV Orange ($46/month) DirecTV Stream MySports ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) Fubo ($85/month) Fox Antenna: Free Fox One ($20/month) Sling TV Blue ($46/month) (in select markets) DirecTV Stream MySports (in select markets) ($70/month) Hulu+Live TV ($83/month) YouTube TV ($83/month) DirecTV Stream ($85/month) Fubo ($85/month) Th...

Apple's recent and very quiet rebrand of its streaming service from Apple TV Plus to the utterly streamlined Apple TV has created a naming problem of epic proportions. The term now refers to three distinct products in Apple's ecosystem: the streaming media player hardware (starting at $129), the content hub software (which is free), and the original programming subscription service ($12.99 a month). If that last sentence already sounds confusing, just imagine trying to get a straight answer from an Apple "expert" in the middle of a buying decision. Welcome to the Electronics Outlet! How can I help you? I'm finally cutting the cord and am wanting to setup a streaming system. How much is Apple TV? It starts at $129. That much? I heard Apple TV is free. Apple TV is free. Just download Apple TV from the App Store. Oh, great! So I can watch all the Apple TV shows for free? No, Apple TV is $12.99 a month. Wait, I thought Apple TV was free. Apple TV ...

A recent survey by Cord Cutters News revealed a startling statistic: 78% of cord-cutters have no plans to purchase a new streaming player this year. While this figure might sound alarming to hardware manufacturers, it’s actually a confirmation of a concept I've often discussed on this blog: the market has matured, and most cord-cutters now operate on a successful four-year-plus replacement cycle. The survey also showed that even in this slow market, Roku’s dominance in new purchases is clear, and for good reason " it’s the classic cord-cutting workhorse. This data proves that for most of us, the time for frantic upgrades is long over. The Evolution from Groundbreaking to Incremental My own experience dating back to cutting the cord in January 2011 is that every new device release was a big deal. In the early days, a new device often meant a new and sometimes groundbreaking feature " a better interface, 4K support, or a faster processor that truly changed the viewing...

Back in October 2021, I sat down and asked a fundamental question for every cord-cutter: " How long should your streaming device last? " Based on years of personal experience, cycling through Roku models from the XDS to the Ultra, and dabbling with other platforms, I concluded: "I'm going to say four years . I almost said five, but I think four is more reasonable. That is not to say you should replace your streaming device every four years. I'm saying you should be prepared to if necessary. Or if you just really want to. But I would expect any I purchase to last four years." Well, it's now late 2025. It's been that long since I originally posed that question, and after three more years of living the streaming life in my own home, the answer hasn't changed. My "four-year expectation" isn't just an expectation anymore; it's a proven cord-cutting principle . What the Tech World Said Then (and Still Says Now) When I wrote th...