Hallmark Family

There's a new channel on streaming services (and cable). Only it's not new. It's just a new name.

Hallmark Family debuted yesterday, with the same stuff it's been playing for a while. Yes, that actually does make sense.

Before Wednesday, the channel was called Hallmark Drama. But, on Wednesday, it became Hallmark Family.

Only the name changed.

Why the change? Well, I don't really know. I suspect that Great American Family channel is why. That competitor from former Hallmark executives has made inroads into the traditional Hallmark market. Enough that it could be the reason Hallmark rebranded Hallmark Drama as Hallmark Family.

Or, it could have nothing to do with it. (I really think it did.)

Hallmark Family is available streaming from most streaming services, as this chart shows.

My Streaming Life has enjoyed Hallmark Drama (now Hallmark Family) for a while through Frndly TV, the cheapest way to watch the three Hallmark channels. Oh, and yes, the Great American Family channel and other channels from that group, too. I don't know if there are any real changes in store for Hallmark Family apart from that new name. As long as they offer family friendly programming, I'm happy.

A new Locast, but will it succeed?

I saw a couple of articles yesterday about a new service offering local channels via streaming.

Locast did something like this a couple of years back, but were sued and lost, forcing a shutdown of that service. However, the reason for the ruling was that Locast was practically forcing users to "donate" $5/month for the service, and used it to expand, making them a for-profit business, rather than a not-for-profit business.

Had Locast been declared a not-for-profit business that was following proper rules and regulations, they may have won and still be in operation. But that's not what happened.

Now, a couple of reports are out about a company called LocalTV+ that currently operates in Boston. So far, there have been no legal challenges to the company and its service, according to Cord Cutters News:

... a new service called LocalTV+ has launched to offer free ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in the Boston area. It is also accepting donations, and now the question is whether it will avoid the same fate as Locast did.

LocalTV+ apparently first quietly launched back in 2022 and is now available in the Boston area.

I thought I also read an article by Tyler the Antenna Man, but I can't find it now. If my memory is correct, he expected them to be challenged and lose.

My Streaming Life involved over the air TV via an antenna I own. However, I could certainly see such a service being useful. But, like some others, I don't have high hopes of them staying in business if they try to expand.

Amazon Prime benefits: -$100

I've considered dropping Amazon Prime for some time. I went ahead and let it renew last month. I almost didn't, but until Walmart Plus gets shipping on par with Amazon, I can't talk myself into dropping Amazon Prime.

I don't use the Prime Video service much, but I do use the shipping benefits. I've been a member since that's all Amazon Prime was: shipping benefits. Before Prime Video even existed, I was an Amazon Prime member.

So, with the price now at $139/year, how much benefit am I getting? Well, Amazon says I'm getting $39.44 of benefit from my $139 subscription.

That means, according to Amazon's own numbers, I'm behind by $99.56 over the past 12 months. And I believe it.

Maybe I should be watching more Prime Video. They would have to have more that I want to watch for that to happen.

Maybe I should order more. They would have to have more stuff that I couldn't find elsewhere for that to happen.

Or maybe, just maybe, I should drop Amazon Prime. That's within the realm of possibility.

My Streaming Life doesn't involve a lot of Prime Video. I will look at doing that between now and the end of the year. By January, when the subscription would renew, I'll see if I'm getting $139 in value from Amazon Prime. If not, I'll be saving some money when I drop it.

Frndly TV's new home screen

Frndly TV has been a favorite of mine since the service launched in 2019. It is cheap, starting at $7/month, and lives up to its name in being a source of family friendly TV.

The interface has always been simple, defaulting to a cable-style TV guide. It also had a section for on-demand movies and on-demand TV shows, plus a place where your recordings were stored.

Now, Frndly TV has added a new home screen that makes it more like other services.

As you can see, it has the top carousel of suggested content, with live TV suggestions below. Scrolling down gets you a "Continue Watching" section, a "Recommended For You" section, a "Tending Now" row, a "Coming Soon" row, "Critically Acclaimed," followed by other rows of content.

It's new, and I really haven't decided if I like it or not. Maybe I will come to really like it. Or maybe I'll jump straight to the Guide each time. I can see why some would like it, and maybe that will include me. One day.

My Streaming Life has enjoyed Frndly TV for years. It will enjoy it for years to come. And I may enjoy this latest change to the system. Time will tell.

Computers that won't run Windows 11

Next year, Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10. If you don't have any Windows 10 computers, you don't need to worry about that. But, if you run Windows 10, and if your computer won't install and run Windows 11, you have a very big problem.

Your options are to buy a new computer, use an unsupported hack to install Windows 11 anyway (there are many reasons to not do this), or to switch to another operating system.

Recently, a new requirement for Windows 11 emerged, but in this case, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Here's a video about the new requirement:

[YouTube]

This specific requirement isn't a really big deal for most people. However, as the video said, this could simply be the first of changes that will impact more and more older computers.

The reason this isn't that big of a deal is that this new requirement only impacts computers over 15 years old. It's probably time for an upgrade.

That's easy enough to say, but not everyone can afford to use an older computer. What then?

• Continue to run an unsupported system, which is a serious concern.
• Install another operating sytem that will run on the older hardware:
  • Linux
  • ChromeOS

There really aren't any other options. And for a device that old, ChromeOS may not be the way to go. Another version of Linux might be the best option, if you want to keep using the old hardware.

My Streaming Life doesn't extend to really old computer hardware. But I really do understand the desire to keep older hardware running, and not simply toss it in a landfill.

Ask the Robots: Why should I cut the cord?

I cut the cord in 2011 to save money. That was the actual reason. Sure, I thought it was an interesting idea and I wanted to try something new and different, but I wasn't going to do it if it cost more money. So, I compared prices of cable vs streaming. And, after two years of research (I put some serious thought and research into it), I pulled the plug in January 2011.

But why would someone today cut the cord? Well, I asked Google Gemini and ChatGPT both the same question: Why should I consider cutting the cord?

Here is what each said.

Google Gemini

There are many reasons why you might consider cutting the cord, depending on your priorities and viewing habits. Here are some of the main pros:

Cost savings: This is often the biggest motivator. Cable bills can be expensive, and with streaming services, you have more control over what you pay for. You can choose individual services for shows and movies you actually watch, rather than paying for a bundle of channels you never use.

Greater control and flexibility: You're not tied to a contract, so you can easily switch between services or cancel them altogether if you're not using them. You can also watch on your own terms, with on-demand content and the ability to pause, rewind, and fast-forward.

Wider content selection: Streaming services offer a vast library of content, including original shows, movies, documentaries, and more. You can also access niche channels and international content that might not be available on cable.

Improved viewing experience: Many streaming services offer high-definition and even 4K content, with Dolby Atmos sound for an immersive experience.

Mobile and device flexibility: You can watch your favorite shows and movies on any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Upfront costs: You may need to purchase streaming devices like Roku or Chromecast if you don't already have them.

Internet dependence: Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for smooth streaming, and data usage can add up quickly.

Live TV: While some streaming services offer live TV options, they may not cover all local channels or sporting events you want to watch.

Subscription fatigue: With so many streaming services available, you can easily end up paying for multiple subscriptions, which can negate the cost savings.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cut the cord is a personal one. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs and preferences. To help you decide, consider:

• Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on TV?
• Your viewing habits: What kind of content do you watch the most?
• Your technology: Do you have the necessary devices and internet connection?
• Your priorities: How important is flexibility, control, and specific content to you?

By carefully considering these factors, you can decide if cutting the cord is the right move for you.

ChapGPT

Cutting the cord refers to cancelling traditional cable or satellite TV services in favor of alternative options, such as streaming services or over-the-air broadcasts. There are several reasons why you might consider cutting the cord:

1. Cost Savings: Cable and satellite TV subscriptions can be expensive, often including fees for equipment rental, installation, and premium channels. Streaming services typically offer more affordable monthly subscriptions with a variety of content options.
2. Flexibility: Streaming services allow you to watch content on-demand, whenever and wherever you want, on multiple devices. You're not tied to a specific schedule or location, giving you more freedom in how you consume entertainment.
3. Content Variety: Streaming services offer a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, original programming, and live sports. You can often find niche or specialized content that may not be available through traditional TV providers.
4. Ad-free Options: Many streaming services offer ad-free or limited-advertising options, providing a more seamless viewing experience compared to traditional TV, where commercials are often abundant.
5. Customization: With streaming services, you can customize your entertainment lineup to suit your preferences, subscribing only to the services that offer the content you enjoy. This can result in a more tailored and cost-effective entertainment experience.
6. Better User Experience: Streaming platforms often have intuitive interfaces, personalized recommendations, and features like offline viewing, which can enhance your overall entertainment experience.
7. Environmental Impact: Cutting the cord can reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for physical cable boxes and reducing energy consumption associated with traditional TV services.

Overall, cutting the cord can offer financial savings, greater flexibility, and access to a wider range of content, making it an appealing option for many consumers. However, it's essential to consider your specific viewing habits and preferences before making the switch.

So, what do you think? Does either AI provide you enough infomation to make an informed decision? And is that decision to cut the cord?

My Streaming Life has been about saving money. But, the other advantages mentioned are real. So are some of the drawbacks. For me, it was the best decision.

Freevee going away?

There have been reports recently that Amazon will be shutting down Freevee. There are a number of reports that say it isn't shutting down.

The source for all the shutdown rumors is an article in AdWeek. The story by quotes three people described as "familiar with the strategy," "familiar with the matter," or "familiar with the situation" saying the service will shut down within the next three months:

Freevee, which Amazon rebranded from IMDb TV in April 2022, has historically functioned as a free, ad-supported alternative to Prime Video, where content largely requires an Amazon Prime subscription for access.

But when Amazon introduced advertising to Prime Video in January, the decision threw the fate of Freevee into question. With both services already sharing certain titles, Amazon is essentially hosting a similar slate of ad-supported programming on two separate apps.

This redundancy, combined with several other factors, compelled Amazon to wind down Freevee, according to three people familiar with the matter. 

The report also includes an update where Amazon denies the shuttering claim.

"There are no changes to Freevee," said an Amazon representative. "Amazon Freevee remains an important streaming offering providing both Prime and non-Prime customers thousands of hit movies, shows, and Originals, all for free."

It would seem to make sense that Amazon won't keep two services, particularly when Freevee content can be accessed within the Prime Video app.

Perhaps it's the app that is being shuttered, not the service. After all, Sling TV's Freestream is simply the free part of Sling TV. There is no Freestream app, just a section of Sling TV that is free, and that's called Freestream. If the free part of Prime Video was bundled together with the Freevee offerings, and called Freevee, the retirement of the app wouldn't really mean a lot.

When Freevee content started showing up in Prime Video, I wondered how long they would keep a separate Freevee app. This isn't to say that I have any inside information. I do see how what is being rumored could be true to a large degree, and how Amazon's statement could also be true.

My Streaming Life has used Freevee some, particularly watching older episodes of Midsomer Murders. I actually use Freevee more than Prime Video, at least in part because it's not easy to find free stuff in Prime Video. And if I drop Amazon Prime service, I still want to watch free videos such as is on Freevee. I don't care if Amazon does away with the Freevee app, as long as I can easily find that content. I don't think Amazon will do a good job of it, however.