Is It Time to Replace Your Streaming Device?

It's tough to give a hard and fast rule for how often to replace a streaming device. My own habits have changed over the years. I used to be an early adopter, grabbing the latest Roku every time a new model came out. I went through the XDS, the 2 XS, and the Roku 3 in quick succession.

But something changed with the Roku 3. It was just so reliable. I never had the reboot issues I experienced with earlier models. When the Roku 4 launched with reported problems, I decided to stick with my trusty Roku 3. Even the later Ultra models didn't offer enough to tempt me away.

That Roku 3 served me well for years, even after I added a Roku Ultra to the mix. In fact, both devices are still going strong, though mostly used in secondary rooms now.

But back to the original question: how long should a streaming device last? I'd say a reasonable expectation is around four years. That doesn't mean you need to replace it after four years, but be prepared to if you encounter problems or want the latest features.

Of course, your mileage may vary. Factors like usage intensity, how well you care for the device, and even luck can play a role.

Here are some signs it might be time for an upgrade:

• Slow performance: Lagging menus, slow app launches, and buffering issues.
• Outdated software: If your device no longer receives software updates, you might miss out on new features and security patches.
• Hardware limitations: Older devices may not support the latest streaming technologies or have enough processing power for demanding apps.
• New features: Maybe you want Dolby Vision support, a faster processor, or improved voice control.

Ultimately, the decision of when to replace your streaming device is up to you. My Streaming Life has had recent devices last for years. You too might be surprised by how long these little gadgets can last!

MSNBC's High-Stakes Gamble: News, Opinion, or Oblivion?

The potential split between Comcast and its cable networks has raised serious questions about the future of MSNBC. If the spinoff happens, MSNBC will be cut off from the vital newsgathering resources it currently shares with NBC News. This leaves the left-wing channel with some tough choices to make if it wants to stay in the news game:

If the spinoff proceeds, MSNBC will need to find alternative ways to maintain its newsgathering capabilities. Several options are possible:

• Building an Independent News Organization: MSNBC could invest in building its own team of reporters and editors, creating an independent newsgathering operation. This would require significant financial resources and time to establish.
• Striking a Deal with NBC News: MSNBC could negotiate a deal with NBC News to continue accessing its reporting resources, potentially for a fee. This would allow MSNBC to maintain its current programming mix without building a news organization from scratch.
• Shifting Focus to Opinion: MSNBC could shift its focus to opinion-based programming, relying less on original reporting. This would reduce its reliance on NBC News but could also impact its viewership and brand identity.

Each of these options comes with its own set of challenges and potential downsides. Building a news organization from scratch is expensive and time-consuming. Striking a deal with NBC News might be the easiest solution, but it could come at a significant cost. And shifting to an opinion-heavy format risks alienating viewers and damaging MSNBC's brand. The stakes are high, and the decisions MSNBC makes in the coming months could have a lasting impact on its future.

My Streaming Life doesn't use these cable networks. I don't watch left-wing or right-wing propoganda masqerading as news. I get my news online, but not from a cable channel. However, I realize many do. You might. If this causes an actual news channel to result, then this will be a good thing.

Rudolph's Back Home at NBC! A Cord Cutter's Guide to Watching the Holiday Classic

It's official! After a long stint over at CBS, the beloved holiday special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is finally coming back home to NBC this holiday season. That's right, the most famous reindeer of all will be gracing our screens on December 11th at 8:00 PM ET/PT, just in time to spread some Christmas cheer.

Why the move back to NBC matters:

For many of us, watching Rudolph is a cherished holiday tradition, filled with nostalgia and warm fuzzy feelings. Seeing that little red nose light up our screens takes us right back to childhood. And let's be honest, who doesn't love singing along to "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "We Are Santa's Elves"? Having Rudolph back on NBC, where it originally aired back in 1964, just feels right.

But I'm a cord cutter! How can I watch?

Don't worry, fellow cord cutters, I've got you covered! Here's how you can catch Rudolph's triumphant return to NBC:

• Peacock: NBC's own streaming service, Peacock, will be streaming Rudolph starting on December 1st. So, you can get a head start on your holiday viewing and watch it anytime you want.
• Antenna: Dust off that old antenna! NBC is a broadcast network, which means you can watch it for free with an over-the-air antenna. It's a great way to enjoy all your favorite holiday specials without a cable bill.
• NBC App and Website: You can also watch Rudolph on demand on the NBC app and website. Just make sure you have your login credentials from your TV provider handy.

Rudolph: More than just a shiny nose

Beyond the nostalgia, Rudolph is a timeless classic with important messages about acceptance, friendship, and believing in yourself. It's a story that resonates with viewers of all ages, reminding us that what makes us different also makes us special. My Streaming Life has included it yearly. Heck, I watched it when it first aired in 1964.

So, mark your calendars, cord cutters! Rudolph is back on NBC, and it's time to celebrate. Grab your hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a heartwarming holiday tradition.

They want to keep it hard to drop cable

Cord-cutters, beware!  Just when you thought the cable giants couldn't sink any lower, they've launched a new attack on our right to ditch their overpriced services. Comcast and Cox are suing to block a new "click-to-cancel" rule that would make it easier to say "goodbye" to cable once and for all.

Luckily, Lon Seidman of Lon.TV is here to break down this ridiculous lawsuit and explain why it's just another desperate attempt by Big Cable to hold onto their dwindling customer base.  Check out his insightful video below:

[YouTube]

Personally, I've never had trouble dropping cable. My Streaming Life is mine, and I make sure it runs how I want it. Most people do, though. My personality is more insistent than most, and that helps. But it's infuriating to see Comcast and Cox resorting to these tactics to keep people trapped in their expensive contracts.  But as cord-cutters, we're used to fighting for our right to choose how we consume entertainment.

Watching College Football: 2024 Week 10

Week 10 of the 2024 college football season is underway/ Nine games have been played already. There were three Tuesday night games, two Wednesday night games, only one Thursday night game, and three games last night. Only one ranked team has played, and that was one of last night's games.

Today, 40 games are on the schedule. Before next Saturday, there are 10 more games scheduled, starting Tuesday. Today, there are 16 Top 25 teams playing today, with two games between ranked teams.

This weekend's games will be broadcast over several networks. Here are the channels or networks you'll need to watch all the game this season:

• ABC
• ACC Network
• Big Ten Network
• CBS
• CBS Sports Network
• The CW
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN U
• ESPN+
• Fox
• Fox Sports 1
• Fox Sports 2
• Max
• NBC
• Peacock
• SEC Network
• truTV

Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week:

ABC

• Antenna (free)
• Sling TV (8 markets only) ($45/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

ACC Network

• Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($106/month)

Big Ten Network

• Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($106/month)

CBS

• Antenna (free)
• Paramount Plus (Premium) $12/month
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

CBS Sports Network

• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Ultimate) ($136/month)

The CW

• Antenna (free)
• Not available streaming.

ESPN, ESPN2

• Sling TV (Orange) ($40/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

ESPNU

• Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• Vidgo (Plus) ($70/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Elite with Sports Plus) ($100/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($106/month)

ESPN+

• ESPN+ (standalone) ($11/month)
• Disney Bundle Trio Basic ($15/month)

Fox

• Antenna (free)
• Sling TV (19 markets only) ($45/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports 2

• Sling TV (Blue + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

Max

• Max (with Bleacher Report Sports Add-on) ($22/month)

NBC

• Antenna (free)
• Peacock (Plus) ($12/month)
• Sling TV (11 markets only) ($45/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

Peacock

• Peacock is its own service, and can be used to watch NBC live programming with the $12/month plan.

SEC Network

• Sling TV (Orange) ($40/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($116/month)

truTV

• Sling TV (Blue) ($40/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($116/month)

That's this week in Division 1-A/FBS college football, and covers the networks that are carrying college football games this weekend. My Streaming Life focuses on college football during this time of year. Of course, we'll cover next week's games next weekend.

The Streaming Device Slowdown: Are We Reaching Peak Roku?

Remember the days of rushing to buy the latest Roku every year? Well, it seems those days might be over. A new survey reveals a surprising trend in the cord-cutting world: We're holding onto our streaming devices longer than ever.

For years, I was caught in the upgrade cycle myself, always eager to get my hands on the newest streaming stick with its slightly faster processor and shinier remote. But lately, I've found myself perfectly content with my trusty old Roku. And it turns out, I'm not alone.

A recent survey of 1,000 cord-cutters by Cord Cutters News found that Roku is the most popular streaming device, with 64% of respondents owning one. However, a whopping 77% of those surveyed don't plan to buy a new streaming player anytime soon. This trend has been increasing, with only 73.3% saying they didn't plan to buy a new player in the Spring 2024 survey.

Why the sudden shift?

This shift in consumer behavior has several underlying causes. First, streaming devices have reached a level of maturity where they simply do what they need to do. Most devices offer the same basic features, such as access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, high-definition video quality, and voice control. Unless you're a serious cinephile who needs the absolute latest in picture and sound technology, there's no longer a compelling reason to upgrade every year.

Second, many cord-cutters are now using smart TVs with built-in streaming capabilities. This eliminates the need for an external device altogether, further shrinking the upgrade market. Why buy a separate box when your TV can do it all?

Finally, let's face it: consumers are becoming more cost-conscious. With so many streaming services to choose from, viewers may be hesitant to spend extra on new devices when their old ones work just fine.

The ripple effect

This trend has a significant impact on streaming device makers. Companies like Roku and Amazon, who have traditionally relied on hardware sales, are now diversifying their businesses. They're focusing on ad-supported free streaming services and other features to generate revenue from existing devices rather than solely relying on new device sales.

What does this mean for you?

The good news is that you don't need the latest and greatest streaming device to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. If you're happy with your current device, there's no need to upgrade.

However, it's still important to consider your needs when choosing a streaming device. If you crave the latest features, such as Dolby Atmos sound or HDR support, you may need to upgrade. But for most users, a basic streaming device will suffice.

Here are some tips for choosing a streaming device:

Consider your needs. What features are important to you? Do you need a device with voice control? Do you want a device that supports 4K HDR?

Read reviews. Before you buy a streaming device, read reviews from other users. This will help you get a sense of the device's pros and cons.

Compare prices. Streaming devices can range in price from around $30 to $200. Compare prices before you buy to make sure you're getting the best deal.

The future of streaming

While the streaming device market might be slowing down, the streaming landscape itself is still evolving rapidly. Will smart TVs eventually eliminate the need for external streaming devices altogether? What new innovations might entice us to upgrade in the future?

One thing is certain: as cord-cutters become more discerning, companies will need to adapt or risk being left behind.

What are your thoughts?

My Streaming Life will likely include the same lineup of devices for some time to come. What about you? Do you plan to upgrade your streaming device? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And be sure to share this post with your fellow cord-cutters to see what they think!

Cord Cutter Halloween: Age-by-Age Guide to the Best Movies

Streaming services offer several advantages for families during Halloween:

• Cost-effective: Streaming services often offer more affordable entertainment options compared to cable. Instead of paying a high monthly fee for a cable package, families can choose a more affordable streaming service that fits their budget. This is especially beneficial for families with multiple children who want to watch different shows or movies at the same time.
• Variety: A wider selection of movies is available on-demand. Streaming services offer a vast library of Halloween movies, from classic favorites to new releases. This means families can find something to watch for everyone, regardless of age or interest.
• Convenience: Watch anytime, anywhere, and easily pause/rewind for bathroom breaks or snack refills. Streaming services allow families to watch movies and shows at their own convenience. They can start and stop watching whenever they want, and they can easily pause and rewind if they need to take a break or go to the bathroom. This flexibility is especially helpful for families with young children who may have shorter attention spans.
• Parental Controls: Most services have parental control features to manage what kids can access. Parental controls allow parents to set viewing limits, block specific titles, and create separate profiles for different family members. This helps parents ensure that their children are watching age-appropriate content and protects them from potentially harmful or disturbing material.

By taking advantage of these benefits, families can enjoy a more affordable, convenient, and safe Halloween movie experience with streaming services.

Streaming Services Spotlight:

• Disney Plus: A treasure trove of Halloween content, from classics to new releases.
• Netflix: Always has a mix of family-friendly Halloween movies and shows.
• Hulu: Offers a combination of classic and newer Halloween films.
• Amazon Prime Video: A growing library with some Halloween gems included with Prime membership.
• Apple TV Plus: Home to "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and other family-friendly options.
• Paramount Plus: Has some classic Halloween movies and Nickelodeon content.
• Peacock: For families who love the classic Universal monster movies (though some might be too scary for very young children).

Movie Categories (with Age Recommendations):

For Little Ghouls (Ages 2-5):  Focus on  gentle themes, not scares.

• "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (Apple TV Plus): A timeless classic!
• "Room on the Broom" (Netflix): A charming animated story about friendship and acceptance.
• "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" (Amazon Prime Video): A heartwarming story about being different.
• "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween!" (PBS Kids): Educational and entertaining.
• "Boo! Madea's Halloween" (Netflix): A silly, lighthearted Halloween adventure with Madea. (Note: Some slapstick humor may not be suitable for all preschoolers.)

Slightly Spookier Fun (Ages 6-9): Introduce some mild spooky elements.

• "Hotel Transylvania" series (Amazon Prime Video): Monster-themed fun for the whole family.
• "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (Disney Plus): A Halloween/Christmas classic with a unique visual style.
• "Halloweentown" (Disney Plus): A Disney Channel original about a family of witches.
• "Casper" (Paramount Plus): A friendly ghost story with a heartwarming message.
• "ParaNorman" (Amazon Prime Video): A stop-motion animation that tackles themes of acceptance and understanding.

Thrills for Tweens & Teens (Ages 10+):

• "The Addams Family" (1991) (Paramount Plus): A funny and spooky classic with quirky characters.
• "Hocus Pocus" (Disney Plus): A Halloween essential with a mix of humor and spooky moments.
• "Goosebumps" (Netflix, Disney Plus): Based on the popular books, this movie has a good mix of scares and laughs.
• "Coraline" (Netflix): A visually stunning stop-motion film that's a bit creepy but with a strong message. (Note: May be too intense for younger or sensitive viewers in this age group.)
• "Monster House" (Netflix): An animated movie with some genuinely spooky moments and a suspenseful plot.

Parental Controls:

Most streaming services have parental controls that allow parents to manage what their children watch. These controls can be used to set viewing limits, block specific titles, and create separate profiles for different family members. This helps parents ensure that their children are watching age-appropriate content and protects them from potentially harmful or disturbing material.

Here are some of the parental control features that are available on popular streaming services:

• Netflix: Netflix allows parents to create separate profiles for different family members and set maturity ratings for each profile. Parents can also block specific titles and set viewing limits.
• Disney Plus: Disney Plus has a "Kids Profile" that only shows age-appropriate content. Parents can also set viewing limits and block specific titles.
• Hulu: Hulu allows parents to set maturity ratings for different profiles and block specific titles.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video allows parents to set maturity ratings for different profiles and block specific titles.
• Apple TV Plus: Apple TV Plus allows parents to set maturity ratings for different profiles and block specific titles.

In addition to these features, many streaming services also offer parental controls that allow parents to manage what their children watch on other devices, such as smartphones and tablets. My Streaming Life enjoys movies such as these. I hope you enjoy them too.