A guide to cutting the cord

I've written from time to time about things to do when cutting the cord. But I've never put everything you need to do all in one place.

Others have done that, and it's kinda hard to improve on that. All I can ever do in those situations is to offer what was more important to me, or sometimes what I didn't need to do because of my unique situation.

And that last bit is kinda important. You see, whatever your situation, it's your situation. It's not someone else's, and what's important to them may not matter to you.

Having said that, Tom's Guide to to cancelling cable and streaming TV online is actually pretty darn good. Here's a sample:

If you're currently on the phone canceling your cable subscription, or in the store to pick up cord-cutting gear, here are the bare-bones necessities you need to consider. The rest of the article goes into more detail about each point:

• Invest in an HD antenna. Your local broadcast networks are very expensive to carry, so cut the middle man while you cut the cord. The best TV antennas will let you watch all of your favorite network TV stations live, in high definition, with no cost beyond the antenna itself.
• Consider cable TV alternatives. The best cable TV alternatives are perfect for reluctant cord-cutters. They're almost the same thing as having a traditional cable or satellite subscription — but at a lower price. Sling TV and Philo are the cheapest.
• Pick the best streaming device for your needs. Every streaming device has pros and cons.  Consider whether you need 4K resolution, fancy remote controls, or the ability to play games. (The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is our current top pick.)
• Check your smart TV. Yes, you may not need a standalone streamer, as most smart TVs offer dozens of streaming services, so you may not need any additional hardware at all.
• Subscribe to the best streaming services. Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Amazon Video provide vast libraries of classic movies and TV, as well as lots of original content. Peacock, Paramount Plus and AMC Plus are decent options too.
• Find a way to stream your own content. With the right library, DVD-ripper and hardware, you can DIY. Plex is the one of the best programs for the job, and most of its features are free.

It's a pretty darn good guide for beginning your Streaming Life.