Many of us have heard or used the phrase “cutting the cord” regarding changing from traditional television viewing avenues, such as cable or satellite, to streaming television options; but do you know what the process involves?
There are three main things you need: High-speed internet, a smart TV or streaming device, and some type of streaming service. Let’s look at each one of these in more detail.
1. What is high-speed internet and do you have it? The FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, considers 25 Mbps as high-speed; however, this speed can rarely accommodate the ever-growing number of devices connected to the internet. If you are looking to switch from cable to streaming, it is best to have 50 Mbps or higher, but it also depends on the number of devices connected. If you have multiple TVs, computers, tablets, phones, connected appliances, security systems or other devices, the speed will need to be increased.
The biggest users of data are streaming video and gaming, because of the quality, or resolution, they require (whether it be standard definition or high definition (HD) up to 4K). Standard definition requires 1 Mbps, HD requires a minimum of 3.5 to 5 Mbps, and 4K needs 15 Mbps. All of these requirements are per device, so take into account the number of TVs that might be streaming at one time to determine the speed needed in your home. Still unsure? You can use the website highspeedinternet.com to determine the minimum speed needed for your family.
2. Now let’s talk about the device. There are different devices that can be used to facilitate streaming content. One is to purchase your own “smart TV.” These TVs come equipped with the ability to connect to the internet and offer different apps that you may want to stream.
If you want to use your existing TV, you can purchase a streaming device to connect to it. These devices will require your TV to have at least one HDMI input. You can check to see if your TV has the input, which is typically located either on the side or back of the TV. There are several streaming device options, such as the Roku Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV or Google Chromecast. Each of these companies often have more than one model with multiple options depending on your preferences and TV type. You can go to https://techforluddites.com/streaming-media-players-comparison-chart/ to help determine which device best suits your needs.
Additionally, if you happen to play video games, you may already own a streaming device. Play Station 3 and higher models and the XBOX can also be used to stream content.
3. After selecting your device, you will need to choose a service to stream television and movies. There are several types of streaming service companies, those that offer live television, those that offer on demand programming and a few that offer both. You can find live network TV with services like Sling, YouTube, AT&T Now, AT&T Watch and Hulu Live. Companies like Netflix, Apple TV, Disney +, Amazon Prime, Hulu + offer on demand shows and movies but not live network television. Sling, YouTube TV, AT&T Now, and Hulu Live offer live TV and on demand options. These services, or apps, can range in price from $5 to $60 per month each.
A great feature of these services is that they do not require contracts, giving you the added flexibility to change which apps your family enjoys within minutes. With so many services to choose from, you can look up most of these companies’ channel lineups with https://clark.com/technology/tvsatellite-cable/streaming-tv-comparison-best-channel-lineup/
4. One consideration when changing over to a streaming service is how to watch local news. There are three ways to view local channels: first, purchase an HD antenna. These antennas can be purchased online or in-store and will allow you to watch your local channels, many times in HD, at no charge. You’ll also find that some local stations have their own app that can be downloaded on your phone, tablet or TV. Some local stations can be viewed on Hulu Live.
Lastly, write down all the channels and shows your family watches and decide which service or services best fit your needs.
Streaming is fun; you just need to make sure you have three things: 1) high-speed internet, 2) a streaming device or smart TV and 3) a streaming service to best suit your family’s needs.
Central Access is a locally-owned fiber based internet service provider serving communities in central Alabama. As a subsidiary of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, our mission is to provide reliable, lightning-fast and affordable internet service to rural Alabamians. To find out if you’re eligible for service in our area, visit www.centralaccess.com and enter your address.
Comments