My Streaming Life

James Guttman of Cord Cutters News recently highlighted some must-have Roku accessories . I've got some thoughts and a suggestion to make the list even better. Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed.) : This is a definite upgrade. Consistent functionality across all your TVs is a major plus. Sideclick Universal Remote Attachment for Roku streaming players : While I've never used this, I understand how it could be useful for those wanting to consolidate remotes. 4-pack of silicone remote covers : These add helpful texture and protection, especially for those secondary remotes. TotalMount Remote Holders : James listed two separate remote holders. I'd combine them into one item. While I've never personally needed one, I can see the appeal of having a dedicated place for your remote. USB Ethernet Adapters : Here's my addition. While not an official Roku product, a USB Ethernet adapter can be a lifesaver for those with Wi-Fi issues. These adapters plug into the R...

Over-the-air (OTA) television has been a crucial part of my cord-cutting lifestyle since January 2011. With a good antenna and devices like my AirTV Anywhere, I can access many channels for free. However, the emergence of ATSC 3.0 and its potential impact on signal strength has me a bit concerned. I recently watched a video by Tyler the Antenna Man that shed light on this issue. For those unfamiliar, Tyler is a knowledgeable resource for all things related to antennas and OTA TV. He provides valuable insights and advice for cord-cutters looking to maximize their OTA experience. [ YouTube ] The video discusses how ATSC 3.0 gives broadcasters the option to reduce signal strength in favor of increased bandwidth for data casting. While more bandwidth might sound appealing, it could come at the cost of reliable reception for viewers like me. Living over 40 miles from the broadcast towers in Savannah, GA, I already rely on a signal booster to get a clear picture. If broadcasters decide ...

In the first post of this series, "7 Essential Tips for Cord-Cutters," I touched on the importance of being prepared for change when embracing the cord-cutting lifestyle. But what does that really mean? How can you navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of this transition and ensure a smooth and successful cord-cutting journey? This deep dive will explore the "Be Prepared for Change" tip in more detail, offering insights and support to help you embrace the shift, overcome challenges, and celebrate your successes along the way. The Emotional Side of Cord-Cutting Cord-cutting can be a significant change, not just in how you watch TV, but also in how you think about entertainment and your relationship with technology. It's natural to experience a range of emotions during this transition, from excitement and anticipation to fear and uncertainty. Some common emotional responses to cord-cutting include: Loss of Familiarity : Giving up traditional ca...

The streaming world is a battlefield, and even tech giants like Apple aren't immune to the casualties. Recent reports have surfaced, revealing that Apple TV Plus is bleeding over $1 billion annually. Yes, you read that right – a billion dollars. As a cord-cutter and streaming enthusiast, this news caught my attention, and it got me thinking: why? And more importantly, why am I not subscribing? Let's dive into the numbers. According to a recent Reuters report, Apple's streaming venture is struggling to turn a profit, despite massive investments in original content. This financial hit raises serious questions about the long-term viability of Apple TV Plus in a fiercely competitive market. Reports also show that Apple had been spending 5 billion dollars a year on content, and that in 2024, that number was reduced by 500 million dollars. This shows that the losses are being scrutinized. Now, let's talk about my personal experience. I was intrigued when Apple TV Plus fir...

Back in January 2024, I wrote about rumors that Sonos was developing a streaming device integrated into a soundbar. I was intrigued, but I also had some concerns, particularly about the reported custom Android-based operating system. Now, there's a significant update: Sonos has canceled the project . To recap, the rumored device, codenamed "Pinewood," was set to be a premium streaming device that would also function as a soundbar. It was expected to integrate seamlessly with other Sonos products and offer features like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. My main concern was the custom Android OS. I felt then, and still do, that Sonos would have been better served using an established Android-based platform, such as base Android TV (as NVIDIA Shield does) or, even better, Google TV, which Chromecast, TCL, Sony, and others run. Had they opted for one of these, they would have tapped into a well-established ecosystem. Instead, they were planning a customized Android version, wh...

Losing a loved one is never easy. Recently, my family experienced the loss of my big sister, a lifelong Star Trek fan. Her passion for the Star Trek universe, especially The Next Generation, was infectious. In her memory, we gathered at the family home after her memorial service and did exactly what she wanted: we watched Star Trek. We turned to Pluto TV, a free streaming service, and were delighted to find a treasure trove of classic Star Trek. It was the perfect way to honor her and share in her love for the series. For fans of the older Star Trek shows, Pluto TV offers a fantastic way to revisit these iconic series without a subscription. Here's where you can find them: Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Star Trek: Voyager While Paramount+ remains the most comprehensive source for all things Star Trek, including Enterprise and the more recent shows, Pluto TV provides a wonderful, free option for enjoying the classic series. It...

Cord Cutters News posted a video recently that provides a quick look at the Roku Voice Remote. If you've ever lost or damaged your Roku remote, or just want a spare, this is a great, affordable option. [ YouTube ] "As Cord Cutters News shows, this Roku Voice Remote is a handy little device for anyone in the Roku ecosystem. It's affordable, easy to set up, and offers convenient voice control. Have you used this remote before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! My Streaming Life has been made easier with convenient remotes like this.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has petitioned the FCC to begin the process of shutting down the current over-the-air TV standard, ATSC 1.0, as early as 2028. This move would accelerate the transition to ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV. But what does this mean for you, the cord-cutter? Concerns are rising about potential increased costs, mandatory new TV tuners, and the impact of DRM encryption on free over-the-air broadcasts. To understand the full scope of this proposal and its potential implications, watch this detailed breakdown by Tyler, the Antenna Man: [ YouTube ] This transition could significantly impact how we receive free, over-the-air television. Keeping informed is crucial for all cord-cutters. My Streaming Life is about staying informed and adaptable, and that includes keeping a close eye on the evolving landscape of over-the-air television.

Many of us have that old Windows 10 laptop or desktop sitting around. It's still chugging along, but it's not supported by Windows 11. You could try a workaround, but that can cause more problems than it solves. For adventurous folks, Linux is a good option. But for most people, I have a suggestion: install Chrome OS Flex. It has Linux at its core, but you don't have to learn Linux to use it. Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS designed for older PCs and Macs. It's a great way to give your old computer a new lease on life, and it's more secure than Windows 10. Why is Chrome OS Flex More Secure? Automatic updates: Chrome OS Flex receives automatic security updates in the background, so you always have the latest protection. Windows 10 updates can be disruptive and may not always install properly. Sandboxing: Chrome OS Flex uses sandboxing to isolate different parts of the system, so if one part is compromised, the rest of the system is still safe. Windows 1...