My Streaming Life

In my previous post, "7 Essential Tips for Cord-Cutters," I highlighted the importance of taking advantage of bundled services to maximize your entertainment options while potentially saving money. But what exactly are bundled services, and how can you find the best deals? This deep dive will explore the world of bundled services, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the different options, evaluate their value, and make informed decisions that align with your cord-cutting needs and preferences. Types of Bundled Services Bundled services come in various forms, each offering unique benefits and considerations for cord-cutters. Here are the main types to be aware of: Streaming Service Bundles These bundles combine multiple streaming services together, often at a discounted price compared to subscribing to each service individually. Some popular examples include: The Disney Trio : This bundle includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus, offering a wide var...

In my previous post , I shared my excitement about a potential solution for Braves fans like myself: FanDuel Sports Network. They've announced they'll be directly broadcasting Braves games (and 8 other teams) without local blackouts, a dream come true for those of us in the Braves' TV territory. After a few days of testing, I'm ready to share my initial assessment. Let's start with app performance. I've been using the FanDuel Sports Network app on my Google TV devices, and I'm thoroughly impressed. The picture quality is crystal clear, and I haven't experienced any buffering whatsoever. Of course, I have a very stable network, but the app is clearly well-optimized for live sports streaming. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and find the games. My son, who's also been testing it on his Apple TV, agrees -- the app is incredibly stable, and he's had similar results to my own. As for Braves game access, I'm happy to report...

We spend a lot of time talking about streaming services, devices, and antennas when we talk about cutting the cord. And rightly so – these are the tools we use to access our entertainment. But there's a silent workhorse in the background, often overlooked until it falters: your home WiFi network. Think of your streaming services as the content providers, and your streaming devices as the delivery trucks. Your home network? That's the road the trucks need to travel on. If the road is bumpy, narrow, or congested, the delivery isn't going to be smooth. In the world of cord-cutting, a weak or unreliable home network can lead to frustrating buffering, dropped streams, and a generally poor viewing experience. The Ever-Increasing Demand on Your WiFi As highlighted in a recent report from Cord Cutters News, the average home now has a staggering number of connected devices – often exceeding 30! This surge is fueled by smart TVs, streaming sticks, tablets, smartphones, smart home...

A recent article on Cord Cutters News caught my attention, discussing an upcoming Supreme Court decision that could have significant implications for how online piracy is handled. Authored by Luke Bouma, the article delves into the case where Sony is pushing for internet providers to be held responsible for the pirated content accessed by their users. Grande Communications, one of the internet providers involved, is understandably concerned, warning that such a ruling could force them to disconnect subscribers even without definitive proof of wrongdoing. Bouma astutely points out that this decision could fundamentally reshape how we access the internet. While I agree with the overall importance of this case and the potential for widespread impact, one particular conclusion in Bouma's article gave me pause. He suggested that if Cox Communications (involved in a similar case) were to win, it "could mean fewer repercussions for users who download copyrighted material." W...

For years, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd have been sounds I've had to chase as a cord-cutter and a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan living right in their broadcast territory. The frustration with MLB.TV blackouts is a familiar story for many of us, leaving us scrambling for often unreliable or inconvenient ways to watch our favorite teams. But now, a new player has entered the game, and it might just be the home run we've been waiting for: FanDuel Sports Network. FanDuel Sports Network, for the 2025 MLB season, is directly broadcasting games for 9 teams, and thankfully, the Atlanta Braves are on that list! The other teams included are the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays. 1  For fans of these teams, this is potentially huge news. The key benefit? A direct-to-consumer streaming option that promises to eliminate those dreaded local blackouts – a game-cha...

Well, cord-cutters, there's been a significant shift over at Max that those of you on the Basic with Ads plan need to be aware of. Earlier this week (effective March 30th, 2025), Warner Bros. Discovery made a change that impacts access to live sports. If you were enjoying live NBA games, MLB matchups, NHL action, or big events like NCAA March Madness on Max while subscribed to the ad-supported tier, you'll now find that those are no longer available. To continue watching these live sporting events on Max, you'll need to be on either the Standard or Premium ad-free plans. Previously, the inclusion of live sports was a nice perk for those opting for the more budget-friendly Basic with Ads option. However, that has now changed, meaning if you want your live sports fix on Max, you'll be looking at a higher monthly bill. It's also worth noting that CNN Max content is no longer included in the Basic with Ads plan. For those already subscribed to the Standard or Premi...

The clock is ticking for Windows 10. With official support ending in October 2025, the conversation has shifted from if you'll upgrade to what you'll upgrade to. An article on XDA Developers recently offered its advice, essentially outlining several operating systems to avoid: macOS Arch Linux Kali OS ChromeOS While the article diligently explained the reasons for its recommendations, it inadvertently pointed towards a more expensive reality for many users: the potential need to buy a new computer capable of running Windows 11. However, reading through the justifications for avoiding these alternatives, I couldn't help but feel that the picture painted was unnecessarily bleak. My personal experience suggests a different reality, one where migrating away from Windows might not be the daunting task the article implies, especially when considering options that can breathe new life into existing hardware. Take macOS, for example. The XDA piece touched on it...

In the first post of this series, "7 Essential Tips for Cord-Cutters," I emphasized the importance of trying free trials strategically when exploring streaming services. But what does that actually entail? How can you maximize the benefits of free trials and make informed decisions about your streaming subscriptions? This deep dive will explore the world of free trials, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the streaming landscape, discover new content, and find the services that best fit your entertainment needs. Why Free Trials Are Essential for Cord-Cutters Free trials are a valuable tool for cord-cutters, offering a risk-free way to experience different streaming services before committing to a subscription. Here's why they're so essential: Exploration and Discovery: The streaming landscape is vast and ever-expanding, with new services and content emerging constantly. Free trials allow you to explore different platforms, discover hidden gems...

In the vast online world, it's easy to get lost in the noise of big platforms. However, smaller websites and independent creators often provide unique, valuable insights and build tight-knit communities. Recent changes in search algorithms have made it more challenging for these resources to thrive. This post aims to highlight several exceptional websites and creators, among many others, that deserve your attention and support. The Value of Focused Expertise: Small websites often excel in niche areas, providing in-depth knowledge that larger platforms can't match. These creators are driven by passion, offering authentic content and fostering genuine connections with their audiences. A diverse online ecosystem benefits everyone, and supporting these voices ensures valuable information remains accessible. The Challenges They Face: Algorithm changes, limited resources, and monetization struggles can significantly impact smaller websites. These challenges threaten the sustaina...