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What is the Best Way to “Cut The Cable Cord” In 2020?
The technology boom is at its peak and everything that felt indispensable yesterday is becoming obsolete today, and with such ease, as well. There has never been a better time to save some bucks on entertainment than it is now. With innumerable entertainment options available, this is the right time to cut the cord and set yourself free from all those lengthy bills.
Although familiar, Cable TV is an expensive entertainment and you have to take the first time someday to better your life, why not take it today? If you are not tech-savvy, cutting the cord and inducing a new system might feel like a burden but throw your worry out of the window because we have got you covered. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cutting the cord.
WHAT DOES ‘CUTTING THE CORD’ MEAN?
As simple as it sounds, cutting the cord, generally refers to cutting the cable subscriptions from your life and switching to internet-oriented streaming services. You might want to break through the cable chains because of these reasons:
- Save the big bucks
- Pay for what you like only
- Flexible schedule to watch shows and movies
- Access to the original content of streaming services
It has been reported that since 2018, streaming services have come up with more original content than traditional TV.
DO I EVEN WANT TO CUT THE CORD?
Whether you want to cut the cord and switch or enjoy the very few good programs on cable is entirely up to you. But we will most certainly help you come to a decision.
Are you tired of traditional cable service?
Switching to a streaming service means fewer or no ads, ease of watching shows anywhere from any display, entertainment on your schedule, and always have something to watch.
Are you willing to pay at least 65 USD monthly for cable TV?
Reasonable live TV services start from 65 USD per month and cutting the cord easily translates into saving some money. Although if your TV provider is giving you a good deal, you might not feel much of a difference.
Do you have an internet connection at home?
Most cable TV packages are bundled with phone service and internet connection. If you are a moderate or heavy internet user, cutting the cord might make a lot of financial sense.
Do you want control over your entertainment choices?
By signing up for streaming services, you will have complete authority over your schedule. You will never have to wait for a show or dread missing a movie because you would be able to watch anything, anywhere.
CORD-CUTTING ESSENTIALS
In order to cut the cord, you would need the following things:
- High-speed internet connection
- Streaming device
- Streaming service
Internet Connection
A great internet connection is absolutely essential for streaming. No internet, no entertainment. Therefore, if not already, sign up with a reliable internet service provider supplying a high-speed internet connection preferable without any data cap – you might just get the perfect internet package by exploring https://www.localcabledeals.com/optimum.
For standard (SD) streaming, an internet speed of 3 Mbps works well but who wants to watch in SD when technology has boomed to 4K. You can get content in ultra-HD definition or 4K with a 25 Mbps minimum. Although, if you want to connect multiple devices and stream simultaneously, you would need a better speed.
Streaming Device
There are a lot of devices that can be used for streaming.
Smart TV
Almost 31% of U.S. citizens already own a smart TV for streaming and this is a great option. If you have a smart TV, you can pretty much get started immediately. But some smart TVs do not give an option of downloading new applications and thus restrict your appetite.
Streaming Device
The void that smart TV might create can be filled with a streaming device.
Roku Streaming Stick – compatible with Alexa and provides you with Disney Plus, Hulu, Showtime, Netflix, NBC, HGTV, ESPN, Stars, and Disney Now, etc.
Amazon Fire TV – one of the most pocket-friendly option. You would get all your favorite streaming apps like HBO, Prime Video, Netflix, Sling, Hulu, and Disney Plus, etc.
Apple TV – enables you to download the newest available apps from the app store and offers Sling, YouTube TV, iTunes, HBO Go, ESPN, Netflix, and Hulu, etc.
Gaming Console – if you have a gaming console like Xbox One already, you can use it as a streaming device as well. Although, if you don’t own it or are generally not interested in games, this might not be a good option for you.
Streaming service
There are several streaming services available right now and you can subscribe to the streaming services of your choice. Many television networks are in the process to release their streaming services as well. Gone are the days when the only streaming services we knew of were YouTube and Netflix; a study suggests that there are almost 200 streaming options in the U.S. as of now.
You should also research to see if there are any bundles available like you can get Disney plus, ESPN, and Hulu in 12.99 USD and this is just one example.
WHAT IF I WANT TO WATCH LOCAL CHANNELS?
Through the government’s initiative ‘Switch to Digital’ a few years ago, TV networks broadcasted their signals from analog to digital and subsequently, you can watch local channels in HD free of cost, using a digital antenna.
There are two types of antennas:
Indoor Antenna is about the same size as a paper sheet and would cost you approximately between 17 USD to 100 USD on account of signal strength.
Outdoor Antenna is better when having trouble getting a signal with an indoor antenna.
CORD-CUTTING STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Step 1: Subscribe to a good internet package
Step 2: Select a streaming device
Step 3: Get yourself an antenna if you want to watch free local channels
Step 4: Save money
CUSTOMIZED SERVICE
one of the greatest benefits of cord-cutting is that you can customize your entertainment appetite. You can watch whatever shows and movies you want to at your schedule and binge-watch exciting shows. You would never have to wait a week for the next episode with this service and also, you would get rid of commercials to a great extent. Your hardware options can also be customized and you can just watch anything you want, anywhere on any display device.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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