How to cut the cable bill and start streaming
The cord-cutting trend has gained significant popularity as consumers look to save money by eliminating cable expenses. By getting rid of cable, including taxes, fees, and equipment rental costs, cord cutters can experience significant savings. However, transitioning from cable to streaming services can be a daunting task. In this beginner’s guide to cord cutting in 2022, we will provide you with the necessary information to help you navigate this process successfully. 1. In This Guide This guide aims to provide you with a step-by-step approach to cord cutting. We will cover everything from establishing your monthly costs to choosing the right streaming equipment. By following this guide, you will be well-equipped to make informed decisions throughout your cord-cutting journey. 2. Establish Your Monthly Costs Before making the switch, it is essential to determine your current monthly costs for cable or satellite services. This will help you compare the potential savings of cord cutting. Take into account the base package, additional fees, equipment rental costs, and any premium channels you may subscribe to. 3. Find the Content You Want Identify the shows, movies, and other content you cannot live without. This will help you determine which streaming services to subscribe to. Consider your preferences, whether it’s live sports, specific TV series, or access to a wide range of movies. 4. What are Live TV Streaming Services? Live TV streaming services allow you to watch shows, sports, and other programs in real-time on your favorite channels. These services often offer different packages catering to specific interests like sports or music. Take advantage of free trials and preview periods to test different options. Additionally, check if the services include built-in DVR options to ensure you never miss your favorite shows. 5. What Are On-Demand Streaming Services? If you don’t need real-time viewing, on-demand streaming services can be an alternative to live TV streaming. These services allow you to watch your favorite content without the need for a live TV streaming service. On-demand streaming services often offer extras like older TV series, next-day streaming, and streaming originals. Survey the numerous services available and take advantage of free trial periods to find the ones that match your preferences. 6. Choose Your Streaming Equipment To access streaming services, you’ll need a streaming device. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing a device that supports the desired apps and services. Roku, Fire TV, and Android TV are popular streaming platforms with various price points and features. If you’re looking for a device with impressive gaming capabilities, consider the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or Apple TV. 7. Can I Use an Antenna to Stream Local Channels? If you want to access local channels for free, consider using an OTA (over-the-air) antenna. Websites like Antenna Web can help you determine available channels and recommend antenna placement based on your address. Indoor antennas are affordable and can be found for under $50, while outdoor solutions require more involved installation and are more expensive. 8. Check Your Internet Speed Before transitioning to streaming TV, it is crucial to check your internet speed. Different streaming services have different speed recommendations, and faster internet provides a better viewing experience. Ensure that your internet speed can handle the added traffic and higher quality video. Streaming services often offer adjustable quality settings to accommodate speed concerns or monthly data caps. 9. Compare Costs to Your Cable Bill To determine if cord cutting is financially beneficial, compare the costs of cord cutting to your current cable or satellite bill. Take into account equipment rental fees, additional charges, and any add-on packages you may require. If streaming options seem expensive, reassess the types of content you prioritize and consider adjusting your package accordingly. 10. Our Top Tips and Advice Cutting the cord can be a new and intimidating experience, but with the right approach, it can lead to significant savings. Take your time, make informed decisions, and choose services that suit your preferences. Remember, cord cutting doesn’t have to be done immediately, so don’t rush into it.
