Ultimate Streaming Guide
Are you tired of seeing your cable bills go higher and higher with no reason why? Do you want to retake control of your entertainment options and save money at the same time? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to cutting your cable bill and unlocking the power of streaming. In this ultimate streaming guide, we will walk you through all the steps you need to take to ditch your cable subscription and embrace the world of streaming.
With the rise in popularity and ease of use of streaming services for recorded and live TV, there has never been a better time to cut the cable make the switch. Not only do these services offer a wide range of movies and TV shows at a fraction of the cost, but they also provide the flexibility to watch your favorite content whenever and wherever you want.
From choosing the right streaming device to finding the best streaming services for your needs, our guide has got you covered. We will also delve into the world of streaming add-ons, tips for optimizing your streaming experience, and how to save even more money by cutting the cord. Get ready to revolutionize your entertainment options and start saving money with our ultimate streaming guide.
The benefits of cutting the cable cord
Cable is not just expensive it’s also tied to older communications infrastructure that is slower and more susceptible to disruption. More and more people are ditching their cable subscriptions for streaming. First and foremost, Cable TV packages can cost hundreds of dollars per month, and the costs often continue to rise year after year. By switching to streaming services, you can enjoy a wide range of content often for a fraction of the cost. Many popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+, offer monthly subscriptions for less than $20 per month, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars annually.
Another benefit of cutting your cable bill is the flexibility and convenience that comes with streaming. Why be limited to watching content on a specific schedule or through a set-top box when streaming allows you to watch your favorite shows, movies, and live events on-demand, whenever and wherever you want? This means you can binge-watch your favorite series, pause and resume content and access a vast library of content at your fingertips.
Finally, if your TV isn’t tied to cable your internet doesn’t have to be either. The new and improved alternative to cable internet is fiber-optic. Fiber is the gold-standard of broadband offering superior speed and reliability at competitive prices. Fiber fast internet opens the door to not just streaming but also telehealth, virtual learning, video calls and a host of other web-based activities.
Now that you are ready to make the switch, here are the simple steps:
1. Choose your streaming device.
Streaming requires either a Smart TV or a streaming stick to get started.
What is a Smart TV? A Smart TV is an internet-ready television, that can connect to your Wi-Fi. Typically, you’ll see icons for streaming apps on your remote if you have a Smart TV.
If you don’t have a Smart TV, you’ll need to purchase a streaming stick. This is a Wi-Fi ready device under the brand names such as Apple TV, Fire TV, Google TV and Roku. Most of this equipment will plug into TV and allow you to download most apps needed for streaming.
2. Setting Up Your Streaming Device.
Most streaming equipment mentioned above plugs into the HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Turn the device on and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. This may involve connecting the device to your home Wi-Fi network, creating an account and potentially linking it to your existing streaming service accounts.
3. Choose your streaming apps.
One of the most well-known and widely used streaming platforms is Netflix. With its extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries and original content, Netflix has become a household name in the world of streaming.
Another popular platform is Hulu, which offers a mix of on-demand content, live TV and original programming. Hulu offers a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+
Amazon Prime Video, the streaming service offered by Amazon, is another top contender, providing access to a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and original content, as well as additional benefits like free shipping and other Amazon perks.
YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream are brands that offer a more conventional TV experience, with more than 100 live TV channels. NH Broadband subscribers can get a discount on DirecTV Stream through our website. You can also find all the channels DirecTV has to offer here.
4. Create accounts.
This typically involves providing your personal and payment information, as well as choosing a subscription plan that fits your budget. Be sure to keep track of your login credentials, as you'll need them to access your accounts on various devices.
Accessing local news and sports through streaming
One of the main concerns people have when cutting their cable bill in New Hampshire is the ability to access WMUR and New England sports teams like the Red Sox. Fortunately, there are several streaming options that cater to these needs.
Live TV: Streaming Services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, Vidgo and DirecTV Stream offer live TV channels, including local broadcast networks like WMUR, news channels and sports networks. These services typically provide a cable-like experience with the convenience of streaming.
Sports-Focused Streaming: For sports enthusiasts, there are dedicated streaming services like ESPN+, NFL Sunday Ticket and MLB.TV that provide access to live games, highlights and analysis. These services often offer a more comprehensive sports-focused experience compared to general live TV streaming options. If you live in New Hampshire and want to watch every Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots or Celtics game, you’ll need a NESN 360 subscription or a service that allows a NESN add on, such as DirectTV and Fubo. If you just want to watch the ESPN game of the week, you can do that with an often less expensive ESPN+ subscription.
Streaming Bundles and Add-Ons: Many streaming services offer the ability to add-on sports or live TV packages for an additional fee. This can be a cost-effective way to access the live content you desire without the need for a traditional cable subscription.
Tips for optimizing your streaming experience.
To ensure you get the most out of your streaming experience, consider implementing the following tips:
Optimize Your Internet Connection: Streaming content requires a stable and reliable internet connection, like the fiber-optic service offered by NH Broadband. Make sure your internet speed is sufficient to support high-quality video streaming, especially if multiple devices will be used simultaneously. Consider upgrading your internet plan to 1 or 2 gig service or using a wired Ethernet connection for the best performance.
Streaming Device Features: Streaming devices often offer advanced features that can enhance your viewing experience. Explore options like voice search, parental controls and personalized recommendations to tailor the experience to your needs.
Manage Your Streaming Subscriptions: Keep track of the streaming services you're subscribed to and regularly review your usage to ensure you're getting the most value. Since there is typically no contract with these subscriptions, consider rotating services to access fresh content and save money.
Saving money with streaming bundles and deals
One of the key advantages of cutting your cable bill and embracing streaming is the potential to save a significant amount of money. However, to maximize your savings, it's important to be strategic in your approach to streaming services and take advantage of available bundles and deals.
Streaming Service Bundles: Many streaming platforms offer bundled packages that combine multiple services at a discounted price. For example, the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle provides access to all three services for a lower monthly cost than subscribing to them individually.
Free Trials and Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for free trial periods and promotional offers from streaming services. These can provide you with the opportunity to test out a service before committing to a paid subscription, and in some cases, may even offer extended trial periods or discounted rates for the first few months.
Embracing the future of entertainment with streaming
Cutting your cable bill and embracing the power of streaming is a smart and cost-effective way to modernize your entertainment experience. By taking advantage of the wide range of streaming platforms, devices, and options available, you can enjoy a vast library of content, live TV and sports, all while saving a significant amount of money.
As we move towards a future where streaming dominates the entertainment landscape, it's clear that the benefits of cutting your cable bill are numerous. From the flexibility and convenience of on-demand viewing to the ability to tailor your entertainment options to your specific needs and preferences, the streaming revolution has transformed the way we consume and enjoy content.
So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and start your journey towards a more affordable and personalized entertainment experience by cutting your cable bill and embracing the power of streaming. With the right strategies and a little bit of research, you'll be well on your way to unlocking a world of entertainment possibilities and saving money in the process.
