The Ultimate Guide To Cutting The Cord

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Are you ready to finally break up with your cable TV provider? Whether you're fed up with rising bills, channel blackouts or simply want to spend less on TV; cord cutting for a streaming provider could be a viable option for your family. However, there's a lot to consider before finally cutting the cord. So we've put together this handy guide that'll walk you through everything you need to know about cord cutting here. Let's dive in!

Required Hardware To Start Streaming

To cut the cord and start streaming, you'll need a bit of hardware to get started. You'll need a streaming device. That can be a DVR box, stick, gaming system, or smart TV. If you're lucky, you may already have a streaming device. If not, you can get one as low as $30 to get started.

You'll Need Quality High Speed Internet

Before you decide to cut the cord or not, you will need a high quality internet service from a reliable internet provider. For streaming we recommend choosing a fiber or cable internet provider. These providers have faster internet plans available that can not only handle streaming well, but all the other online activities that your household likes to participate in.

Know What Streaming Services Out There

No two TV streaming services are alike, so it's important to know the ins and outs of every streaming service before finalizing any decisions. First you'll want to ask yourself if you want only on-demand programming, live TV channels or both. From there you'll need to consider what channels or on-demand programming they have, monthly price and any other extra features you'd like to consider.

On-Demand Streaming Services

Most of the time when people talk about cord cutting and streaming, they're referring to on-demand streaming services. They're subscription based with no contracts so you can subscribe and cancel at any time. They often offer movies and TV shows you know from cable TV and their own original movies and series. Some streaming services like Netflix have some highly desirable original series worth checking out. Here are the most popular on-demand streaming services now streaming today:

Live TV Streaming Services

There's also live streaming services available. They're the closest you'll get to a cable TV replacement without the contracts and other added fees that cable TV has. You can still subscribe and cancel anytime, however these live TV streaming packages do come at a high cost very close to the costs of traditional cable TV. Here are the most popular live TV streaming services now streaming today:

Cord Cutting & Streaming Quick Tips

If you're still on the fence on whether or not you're ready to cut the cord, here are some quick cord cutting and streaming tips that may sway your decision:

● Test what streaming services you think you want to subscribe to before cancelling your cable TV service.

● If you're cord cutting to save money, add up all your streaming services together to ensure that you're really going to save money.

● Cancel streaming services you're not currently using to save money.

● If you're undecided about cord cutting, consider a live TV streaming option. You'll still get the channels you're used to and can still channel surf when you want to.

● Review your internet plan. Find out what internet speeds you're paying for and make sure you're actually receiving them before cord cutting for the best streaming experience.

● For local channels, get a HD antenna. It will allow you to watch all your local channels in high definition for free other than the cost of the antenna.

● Pick the best streaming services for you and your family, not just what everyone else uses. Every streaming service has pros and cons and what you like may be vastly different from a friend or family member.

● Before running out to your local electronics store for a streaming device, check your TV. They've become increasingly popular and you may have a smart TV already without even realizing it. Gaming systems will also do the job as well.