My Streaming Life

Roku has been a staple in my streaming setup for years. In fact, every TV in my house has a Roku device! If you're new to streaming and looking for a simple and affordable way to cut the cord, Roku is a great place to start. This quick guide will walk you through the basics of setting up and using your Roku. Setting Up Your Roku Getting your Roku up and running is easier than you think. You'll need your Roku device, a TV with an HDMI port, a Wi-Fi connection, and a Roku account. Here's how to get started: Plug your Roku device into an available HDMI port on your TV. Connect the power adapter to your Roku and plug it into an outlet. Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input for your Roku. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and location. Connect your Roku to your Wi-Fi network. Create a free Roku account or sign in if you already have one. Activate your device using the code displayed on your TV. Navigating the Roku Int...

I've used Fire TV devices over the years, and while it's not my daily driver, I can see why it's so popular. If you're just dipping your toes into the world of streaming, or maybe helping a family member get set up, Fire TV is definitely worth considering. My streaming setup is a bit different, but if you're looking for an easy and affordable way to cut the cord, Fire TV is definitely a contender. I certainly wouldn't steer anyone away from it. Let's take a look at why... Streaming has revolutionized how we watch TV and movies. It's a fantastic way to access a huge library of content on demand. But if you're new to streaming, choosing the right device can feel overwhelming. There are so many options! If you're looking for a simple, affordable, and user-friendly way to get started, Fire TV is a great choice. Affordability is Key One of the biggest draws of Fire TV, especially for new streamers, is the price. Fire TV Sticks are among the most b...

Today is Washington's Birthday. While the actual anniversary of George Washington's birth is February 22nd, today, February 17th, 2025, is the federally recognized holiday honoring him. It's important to start by getting the name right. This is not "Presidents' Day." There's no such federal holiday. The official designation, as found in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code , is "Washington's Birthday." While some businesses and states may use other names, it's crucial to acknowledge the correct terminology. Why does this matter? Because calling it "Presidents' Day" dilutes the significance of the holiday and the man it honors. George Washington's contributions extend far beyond his presidency. He was the indispensable leader of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, a conflict that secured the independence of the United States. His courage, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to ...

Today, I'm taking a slight detour from streaming to talk about something that ties into both online security and the fun of tinkering with tech: the Raspberry Pi 500. This little keyboard computer runs Linux, is super affordable, and could be a great way for anyone, especially someone learning about computers, to explore the world of open-source software. [ YouTube ] Quick Summary: For those who prefer a quick overview, the Raspberry Pi 500 is a keyboard computer based on the Raspberry Pi 5. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex A76 processor, 8GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a variety of ports. It's designed for basic computing tasks, streaming, and even some light gaming, all at a very budget-friendly price of $90. It's a great option for exploring Linux and computer basics. So, if you're curious about Linux, looking for an affordable computer, or maybe even want to introduce someone to the world of coding and open-source software, the Raspberry Pi 500 is definit...

Cord-cutting. It's a phrase that's become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people ditch their expensive cable subscriptions in favor of streaming services. And for good reason! Cord-cutting can lead to significant cost savings, greater flexibility in what you watch, and more control over your entertainment experience. As someone who's been a cord-cutter since early 2011 (over 14 years now!), and streamed some content for three years before that, I've seen firsthand the evolution and benefits of cord-cutting. If you're considering joining the ranks of cord-cutters, or maybe you're just starting out on your streaming journey, here are 7 essential tips to help you make the most of it: 1. Do Your Research Before you dive headfirst into the world of streaming, it's crucial to do your research. Take some time to assess your viewing needs and preferences. What channels and shows are must-haves for you? Are you a sports fanatic, a movie buff...

Valentine's Day is here, and whether you're planning a cozy night in with your sweetheart or embracing the single life, there's a perfect movie out there to set the mood. I've compiled a list of classic and contemporary films to suit every taste, from heartwarming romances to laugh-out-loud comedies and everything in between. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to press play! Links to movie titles are to the Prime Video (or DVD, if not available on Prime Video) version on Amazon. Valentine's Day Movie Classics (and Some Newer Gems) This list spans the decades, offering a mix of iconic love stories and modern favorites that capture the spirit of Valentine's Day: 1920s : The Sheik (1921 ) - A silent film classic featuring Rudolph Valentino, perfect for a taste of old Hollywood romance. Free : Prime Video/Freevee, Plex. 1930s : It Happened One Night (1934) - A delightful screwball comedy with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. 1...

YouTube TV, the popular streaming television service, and Paramount Global, a mass media conglomerate, are currently engaged in a high-stakes carriage dispute that could significantly impact subscribers. This comprehensive report delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring the ongoing disagreements, the potential impact on subscribers, and alternative ways to access CBS/Paramount content. Statements from YouTube TV and Paramount Before diving into the specifics of the dispute, it's important to understand the perspectives of both parties involved. YouTube TV, in a statement released on February 12, 2025, emphasized its commitment to providing value to subscribers and its efforts to reach a fair agreement with Paramount without passing on additional costs 1 . The company assured subscribers that it is actively negotiating with Paramount and will keep them updated on the progress 1 . Paramount, on the other hand, has accused YouTube TV of attempting to pressure ...

The streaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new devices and platforms vying for our attention. Recently, Pixalate released its Q4 2024 Connected TV Device Market Share report , which has generated a lot of buzz. The report highlights Roku's continued dominance in the US market, along with the rankings of other popular device brands. However, it's crucial to understand that this report, while valuable, offers a snapshot of device sales, not necessarily the popularity of the underlying platforms. In this post, we'll delve into the important distinction between device share and platform share, and why it matters. The Pixalate Report: A Snapshot of Device Sales Pixalate's report focuses on Connected TV device market share, measuring the prevalence of different device brands in the market. Their methodology likely involves tracking usage data, advertising impressions, or other metrics related to specific devices. According to the report, Roku leads the US market ...

This isn't a new phenomenon. Even back in the 1950s and 60s, when television was still a relatively young medium, people were griping about loud commercials. I remember hearing jokes about it on late-night talk shows, even though, ironically, I didn't really notice it myself back then. Over the years, there have been attempts to address the issue. The CALM Act, passed in 2010, aimed to create standards for commercial loudness. But has it really made a difference? Not really. Many viewers, myself included, still find themselves reaching for the remote regularly. It feels like progress has been minimal, at best. Why the Problem Persists (and Why I'm Not Optimistic): So why does this problem persist? Well, there are a few reasons. First, there are technical aspects to audio mixing and broadcasting that can make commercials seem louder, even if they technically fall within the regulations. Second, our perception of loudness is subjective. A commercial that follows a quiet sc...