While cutting the cord has become the new trend, are you sure that you want it? Many people are jumping the bandwagon just for the sake of it and without having any knowledge about the steps and things you need to adopt the new lifestyle without cable television.
This article ensures that you get to understand everything about cutting the cord and I am sure that by the end of it, you would know whether you want to go through with it or not.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CUT THE CORD?
Cutting the cord means cutting the cable service from your life. It consequently means connecting with online streaming options.
Most people cut the cord for the following reasons:
- To spend money on content that you actually like
- To watch movies and TV shows on your own terms
- To cut back on expensive utilities and save some money
- To access all the original programming of streaming services
The last point can be backed up by a study that states that since 2018, streaming services are producing more original programming than cable TV networks.
WOULD I EVEN LIKE TO CUT THE CORD?
Cutting the cord is a big decision and if you want to go through with it, you should make an educated decision. Following are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself to understand your entertainment requirements:
Do you want to keep up with the traditional ways of cable TV?
Subscribing to streaming platforms means no or fewer commercials, flexibility to watch movies and TV shows, and watching whatever you want to and at any time on any display device is possible. See if this is exciting for you or if you want to stick to the cable TV approach of controlling your choices.
Are you willing to spend 65 USD or more for cable TV service?
Decent cable TV plans start from at least 65 USD and so if you want to keep living with your cable service, make sure that you are okay with the expense which keeps on rising every year.
Is the internet available to you at home?
If you use the internet for work or study, shifting to internet-based entertainment makes a lot of sense since it saves you the money being invested in cable TV while letting you enjoy the online options.
Are you in need to gain control over your entertainment?
By pursuing streaming services, you will have total authority over your routine. You can watch anything you want at any time you want. There will be no further need to schedule your days according to the TV specials.
What do I need to cut the cord?
If by now, your interest in cutting the cord has blossomed, take note of the following things that you will need to carry it out:
Fast Internet Connection
A fast and reliable internet connection is significant for streaming. No or slow internet simply means no entertainment. Thus, if you are not connected with a great internet plan, subscribing to one at this point is quite relevant. Ideally, you should try to take up an internet plan with no data cap and super-fast speeds – you can explore Spectrum specials to find out the most affordable and exciting internet plans that are available in 42 states.
If you are fine with SD quality video streaming, 3 Mbps of internet speed functions admirably however if you are looking forward to streaming videos in ultra-HD or 4K, you would need at least 25 Mbps of internet speed. However, if you want to stream on multiple devices, the speed should be higher.
Streaming Device
Streaming is an easy option and you can use your PC, tablet, or smartphone for streaming as well. However, if you are a king/queen of your home and want to stream content on TV, you can take assistance from the following list of streaming devices:
Smart TV
Practically 31 percent of U.S. residents own a smart TV and that is a great option for streaming. For people who have a smart TV, you can practically start streaming right away. Although, if you plan to buy a new one, make sure that it allows downloading new apps and programs.
Streaming Device
If you are confident in keeping your current television for streaming, you can invest in a streaming device. Some of the good options are:
Roku Streaming Stick is viable with Alexa and offers Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, NBC, Showtime, HGTV, Starz, ESPN, Disney Now, and many more apps.
Amazon Fire TV is perhaps the most affordable alternative. You would get all popular streaming applications like Netflix, HBO, Sling, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, and many more.
Apple TV empowers you to download the new applications from the app store as well and offers iTunes, Sling, HBO Go, YouTube TV, ESPN, Hulu, Netflix, and many more apps.
If you are a gamer and own a gaming console, you would be glad to know that it can be used for streaming. If you do not have one, I do not recommend buying it for the sole purpose of streaming.
Streaming Service
Many streaming platforms are accessible at this moment and you can sign up with any of them, as per your liking. Moreover, media companies like KBC, CBS, and Universal are also in the process or have developed their own streaming services to accommodate online customers.
This gives you even more options of streaming to choose from. Some of the best streaming platforms are:
On-demand:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
- Peacock
Live TV:
- Sling
- Philo
- YouTube TV
- Hulu Live TV
- AT&T TV NOW
How would I be able to watch live TV?
You can subscribe to a live TV streaming plan to access live TV programming on any display internet device. However, if you do not want to go down that road, you have the option to get an antenna to watch local channels for free.
Through the ‘Switch to Digital’ initiative, TV networks now broadcast their signal digitally, and so you can watch some local programming in HD quality through a digital antenna without paying a penny.
There are two sorts of digital antennas:
Indoor Antenna – similar to a paper sheet and costs roughly between 17 USD to 100 USD by the strength of the signal.
Outdoor Antenna – can be better if you are unable to catch a signal inside. Moreover, it is relatively cheaper.
How do I cut the cord?
First step: Subscribe to a decent internet bundle
Second step: Choose a streaming device
Third step: Get an antenna to access local channels (optional)
Fourth step: Save cash