Streaming Services
Steaming services provide “video on demand” entertainment by allowing users to stream the same television shows and movies typically recorded on a DVR. This requires a fast and reliable internet connection to sustain playback of video and audio. Internet speeds of 50 – 100 mbps should provide a solid streaming connection for multiple people streaming simultaneously – possibly 4 devices or more. Streaming users do not receive any downloaded files. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video provide on-demand movies and television shows to subscribers.
Recommended Streaming Services
Subscriptions – Monthly or Yearly
On Demand – Pay
Bundled – Access is included with some cable and satellite subscriptions
Free
Kids – Subscription, Bundled and Free
Streaming Devices
Streaming Devices include products from Apple TV, Roku, Amazon and Smart TVs. Purchases of some devices includes access to streaming movies and television. Owning a Roku device gets you access to the Roku channel and many more streaming channels including many choices for free movies. Click the button to add the Roku Channel to your device including hundreds of free streaming movies. You can also add the channel from your Roku device interface.
Visit our Shop
Visit our shop to see all the recommended hardware for Mac, PC, and Smart Televisions.
Switch to Streaming
Are you ready to start saving over $1000 yearly? “Cutting the cord” is a phrase most people use to describe turning off cable or satellite service to their home and switching to streaming television. Here’s a step by step guide to making the switch to streaming.
Step 1: Don’t turn off any of your existing cable or satellite services until your new streaming service and equipment is working.
Step 2: Get high speed internet service and a cable modem if you don’t already have it. 50 mbs service should be fine to stream on multiple devices simultaneously and you can rent the cable modem from your cable internet provider. Some cable companies will offer a 30 day guarantee so you’ll have time to test your new streaming service. If you haven’t had cable service in a number of years, you may need a new cable installed from the street to your house. Typically, there is no additional charge for the new underground cable installation from the street to outside your house or apartment.
Step 3: Make sure you have a high quality wi-fi router connected to your cable modem to supply all your wireless devices with streaming video and audio. See our shop for recommended wi-fi hardware. I recommend the Apple Airport Extreme.
Step 4: Choose a streaming device like an AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire or Google Chromecast.
Step 5: Test your new streaming equipment and service for a few weeks. Many services offer free Apps and free trial subscriptions.
Step 6: Cancel your cable TV and/or satellite service when you’re sure your new high speed internet and streaming equipment is working perfectly.
Step 7: Buy the RCA Digital HD outdoor antenna or the indoor digital flat antenna from Amazon to get live HD broadcast television. There are websites to help you install the rooftop antenna at exactly the right angle.
Step 8: You may need to occasionally reset your equipment by turning the power off for a few minutes and then turning it back on.
Login Credentials
Login credentials include a user name and password. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you are probably eligible to have an online account to access your providers streaming content. Once you have your login credentials for your satellite, cable or subscription service, you are ready to enjoy streaming virtually any show or movie. Many streaming users don’t even have a satellite or cable subscription and simply stream everything from Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
Activating
You can activate new apps on your AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire or “Smart TV” from the comfort of your couch. All you need is your smartphone or tablet and you’re ready to go to the “activate” web page and enter the code you see on the TV screen to gain access to newly installed apps. You’ll use your login credentials from your cable service, satellite service, “starter package” or HBO GO / HBO NOW, STARZ, Showtime or MaxGo (Cinemax) account – to authorize access to content from apps. Access will not be allowed to apps that are not included in your subscription package although you may be able to “preview” some free content. HBO NOW, Showtime, STARZ and MaxGo are unique premium services that can be purchased without an existing cable or satellite subscription. Sling offers content from many networks, like a cable or satellite subscription, and includes live broadcasts and on demand. More details on the activation process to come…
Amazon Prime
You can now subscribe to just Amazon Prime Video – without Amazon Prime – by clicking “See more plans” or get Prime Video and free shipping. There’s also a free 30-day Prime free trial that includes shipping and streaming. Also, low-income families can use EBT to get Prime for a lower monthly fee. You can browse and buy great services like HBO, STARZ, Showtime, and Cinemax from Amazon.
