My Streaming Life

2024 was a wild year for streaming! Remember when we all cut the cord to save money? Well, streaming services caught on, and suddenly, those monthly bills started looking a lot like cable packages. But that's not the whole story. Here are the top 5 trends that changed how we watched TV in 2024: The Price Hike Backlash: Let's be honest, nobody likes it when prices go up. And in 2024, it felt like every streaming service decided to hit us with higher subscription fees. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu – they all wanted a bigger piece of our wallets. This led to a lot of frustrated subscribers (myself included!) and made us rethink which services were truly worth the cost. FAST Channels Explode: Remember those old-school TV channels with commercials? They're back, but with a streaming twist! Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Xumo became my go-to entertainment source this year.  Honestly, I've been watching more FAST channels than anythin...

I've been a cord cutter since January 2011. At the time, around 85% of households had cable TV—I was definitely in the minority! At first, I enjoyed the novelty of watching TV in a new and different way. There were some major differences since nothing like Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, or the like existed. Hulu was already available, but it was all on-demand after current TV shows aired, with some shows available free and some requiring a subscription. Over the years, streaming TV caught on, and Sling TV came to be. Other live cable-like services were launched and grew to dominate streaming. As that happened, cable subscriptions dropped. Year Percentage of US Households with Cable TV 2011 85% 2012 83% 2013 80% 2014 78% 2015 76% 2016 73% 2017 70% 2018 67% 2019 65% 2020 62% 2021 58% 2022 55% 2023 52% 2024 40% (projected) Note: The data for this analysis was compiled from a variety of sources, including Leichtman Research Group , Nielsen ,...

Michael Tinnermann from Michael Saves recently posted a video with a 7-step action plan to save money on YouTube TV or find a cheaper alternative. [ YouTube ] Overall, YouTube TV is a great service with a lot to offer, but it can be a bit pricey. Sling TV is a good option for budget-minded viewers, but it may not have all the local channels you want unless you have an antenna. If you're looking for a good balance of price and features, YouTube TV is worth considering. My Streaming Life is all about finding the best value, and right now, I think Sling TV offers that, as long as you don't mind supplementing with an antenna for local channels. Ultimately, the best streaming service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. I hope this video has helped you make a decision!

Streaming services are getting more expensive by the day, but don't despair, fellow cord-cutters! There's a sneaky little trick that could help you keep those monthly costs down. It involves the "C" word... cancellation! Okay, okay, before you panic, hear me out. This isn't about giving up your favorite shows. It's about leveraging your power as a consumer to potentially snag some sweet discounts. The Secret Weapon: Retention Offers Many streaming providers are eager to keep you as a subscriber. So, when you initiate the cancellation process, they might just hit you with a "retention offer" -- a discounted rate to convince you to stay. How it Works: Head to your account settings: Find the "cancel subscription" or "membership" section. Start the cancellation process: Don't worry, you won't actually cancel (yet!). Look for the offer: At some point during the cancellation steps, you might see a pop-up or messag...

Choosing between streaming services can feel like a never-ending battle. Max, with its prestige HBO shows, and Paramount Plus, with its mountain of familiar favorites and live sports, both offer tempting options for cord-cutters. But what if I told you that you could have your cake and eat it too? That's right, you might be able to get both Max AND Paramount Plus with Showtime for a fraction of the regular price! The Showdown: Max vs Paramount Plus Let's start with the basics. Max (formerly HBO Max), starts at $9.99/month for its ad-supported plan and goes up to $19.99/month for the ad-free premium plan with 4K streaming. It brings you the best of HBO, Warner Bros., and DC Comics. Think "House of the Dragon," blockbuster movies, and classic sitcoms. Paramount Plus, on the other hand, offers its Essential plan (with ads) for $5.99/month or its Premium plan (mostly ad-free) for $11.99/month. They also offer a Premium plan with Showtime for $11.99/month. Paramount P...

We've all fallen victim to it. Scrolling through YouTube, you're lured in by a captivating thumbnail and a title that screams, "You won't BELIEVE this!" Maybe it's "Celebrities Who Died in 2024!" with a picture of your favorite actor, or "I Found a SECRET Hidden in My Backyard!" Intrigued, you click, only to find a video that's completely unrelated, outdated, or just plain boring. This, my friends, is the plague of clickbait, and it's an epidemic for us cord cutters. Since ditching cable years ago, YouTube has become my go-to for entertainment, news, and everything in between. But navigating the minefield of misleading titles and thumbnails is exhausting. That's why I was excited to learn that YouTube is finally cracking down on clickbait, starting with what they're calling "egregious clickbait" in news and current events. YouTube's Clickbait Crackdown YouTube's new policy targets videos that deceive vi...

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore a...

As we approach Christmas, we're breaking to offer this classic, that you may remember from your childhood, or which your children or grandchildren may in future remember from theirs. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-de...

Tired of the same old holiday movie marathons? Looking to escape into heartwarming stories of love, family, and Christmas miracles without breaking the bank? Fear not, cord-cutters! There are several free streaming platforms that offer Hallmark Movies & More, bringing you a dose of holiday cheer without a subscription fee. Top Free Platforms for Hallmark Movies & More The Roku Channel : This free streaming service offers a variety of live TV channels, including Hallmark Movies & More. You can tune in to catch your favorite holiday classics and new releases. Pluto TV : Pluto TV is another excellent option for free streaming. It features a dedicated Hallmark Movies & More channel, bringing you a steady stream of heartwarming holiday content. Google TV : Google TV's free live TV channels include Hallmark Movies & More. So, if you have a Google TV device, you're all set for some festive viewing. Xumo : Xumo is a lesser-known free streaming service...

Are you a sports fan who's also a cable subscriber? If so, I have some bad news. You might be experiencing the frustrating trend of rising sports fees while actually getting less sports programming. Yep, cable companies are at it again, raising their regional sports network fees, even as they offer fewer channels and more blackouts. Sound familiar? It might be time to finally cut the cord. Let's break down why this latest move by cable providers is a major red flag for sports fans. A recent article in the Chicago Tribune highlighted this exact issue, where Comcast is raising fees even though they are in a dispute with a regional sports network, resulting in blackouts of popular games . The 5.5% increase, which took effect Wednesday, bumps up the regional sports network fee to $20.25 per month for Comcast subscribers in Chicago and the suburbs. For December, that fee covers Cubs reruns on Marquee Sports Network, "Campus Eats" and other assorted programming on the...

While many of us appreciate the convenience of automatic updates, it's easy to overlook their critical importance.  In this insightful video from Britec, the potential consequences of neglecting Windows updates are explored in detail. From security vulnerabilities to performance degradation, the risks are significant and warrant careful consideration. As the video clearly demonstrates, maintaining an updated operating system is vital for a secure and efficient digital experience. My Streaming Life prioritizes staying informed about the latest security practices and applying them across all devices, from computers to streaming hardware. Should your current system be incompatible with the latest Windows updates, Britec outlines several alternatives, including third-party patching solutions and exploring operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Each option offers a pathway to continued digital security, allowing for uninterrupted enjoyment of your streaming content.

As a die-hard college football fan and dedicated cord-cutter, I'm all about more playoff action. The 12-team College Football Playoff is a fantastic upgrade, but I believe we can elevate it even further! The 12-Team Format: A Good Start Currently, the top five conference champions automatically punch their ticket to the playoff, joined by the seven next highest-ranked teams overall. This means more teams get a shot at the title, and we get more thrilling games to stream. But Let's Make It Even Better: Here's my vision for maximizing the excitement and inclusivity of the College Football Playoff: Every Champion Deserves a Shot : Guarantee a playoff spot for every conference champion. This ensures diverse representation and prevents any deserving team from being left out in the cold. No More Byes, More Upsets : Let's jump right into the action! Eliminating first-round byes means every team starts on equal footing and increases the potential for thrilling upset...

Cutting the cord is more popular than ever, but the streaming landscape can feel like a confusing maze. Today, we're breaking down three popular options – NOW TV, Philo, and Frndly TV – to help you find the perfect fit for your entertainment needs (and budget!). The Contenders: NOW TV : Xfinity's streaming service, offering a blend of popular channels and Peacock Premium. Philo : A streaming veteran focused on entertainment and lifestyle channels, with a generous unlimited DVR. Frndly TV : The budget-conscious choice, delivering a curated selection of family-friendly programming. Round 1: Price (The REAL Cost) NOW TV : $20/month (requires Xfinity Internet or NOW Internet) Philo : $28/month Frndly TV : Starts at $7.99/month (Basic plan) Winner : Frndly TV still holds the price advantage, especially for its basic plan. However, NOW TV becomes competitive if you're already paying for Xfinity internet. Round 2: Channels NOW TV : 125+ channels, inc...

I'm a fan of the Atlanta Braves. My son and his wife and kids are too. My college football loyalties lie with UGA, but my son's lie with Florida State. That's not that unusual for sports fans in the southeast. If you are a sports fan, and are ired of the rising costs of cable TV, and worried about missing a single down or home run, what do you do? Cord-cutting might be the answer, but navigating the streaming world for regional sports can be tricky. Let's face it, whether you're in the Southeast or following your favorite teams from afar, we need options that cover it ALL. The Challenge: Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) and Conference Channels One of the biggest hurdles for cord-cutters is accessing Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports South, crucial for watching the Braves. On top of that, if you and your son are rooting for different college teams (say, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida State Seminoles, just as an example!), you'll need bot...

AMC Plus, the streaming service known for its original series and curated movie library, has recently announced a price increase. This news comes hot on the heels of other streaming services like YouTube TV raising their rates. Here's the breakdown of the new AMC Plus pricing: Ad-supported plan : $6.99/month (previously $4.99/month) Ad-free plan : $9.99/month (previously $8.99/month) While AMC Plus offers a unique selection of content, including acclaimed shows like "Dark Winds" and critically acclaimed films, the question remains: Is it still worth the cost, especially for casual viewers? Should You Stick with AMC Plus? If you're a dedicated fan who regularly watches AMC Plus originals or its curated movie library, the price increase might be worth it. However, for those who only tune in occasionally, the rising cost could make it less appealing. Here are some tips for cord-cutters to navigate the ever-increasing streaming costs: Binge and Cancel : ...

We all know the joys of escaping the clutches of Big Cable -- more choice, more flexibility, and less of those ridiculous bills. But did you know the average American household is still spending a ridiculous amount on internet and entertainment? Yep, according to this report from Reviews.org, folks are shelling out an average of $273 per month on internet, streaming, and cell phone services.  They break it down like this: $64 for internet, $63 for mobile phones, and $74 on cable and streaming combined.  That's crazy, right? Especially when we cord cutters know there are ways to get way more bang for our buck! (Want to see how much you could save? Check out the full report at Reviews.org .) My Cord Cutting Success Story (and How You Can Do It Too!) I'm living proof that you can enjoy a fantastic entertainment experience without breaking the bank. Here's how I do it: Internet: While the average person pays $64, I snag blazing-fast internet with Xfinity's NOW plan ...

It's that time again, folks. The dreaded price hike email has arrived from YouTube TV.  And this time, it's a big one. Here's the bad news: "We're writing to let you know that the price of your YouTube TV membership is increasing from $72.99 to $82.99 per month, starting on your next billing cycle after January 13, 2025." That's a whopping $10 increase, bringing the total cost to $82.99 per month.  This comes on the heels of their last price hike less than two years ago, which means YouTube TV has increased its price by almost 30% in a short period! The Streaming Wars Heat Up: Everyone's Raising Prices Unfortunately, YouTube TV isn't alone in this trend.  Many live TV streaming services are increasing their prices, citing rising programming costs.  Here's a quick look at the competition: Hulu + Live TV: Also just increased to $82.99 per month for their base plan. Sling TV: Increasing prices by $5.99 per month for all plans start...

In a world where privacy is increasingly under threat, Naomi Brockwell, a journalist and activist, takes on the common misconception that privacy is about hiding something. Her video, "'I Have Nothing to Hide' – The Dangerous Myth About Privacy," challenges this harmful narrative and emphasizes the importance of protecting our right to privacy. [ YouTube ] Naomi Brockwell's video is a powerful and thought-provoking reminder of the importance of privacy in the digital age. Her message is clear: we must not be afraid to stand up for our right to privacy, and we must take action to protect it. My Streaming Life is always looking for ways to save money and get the content I want without compromising my privacy. I've found that using streaming services that prioritize privacy is a great way to do this. By choosing services that don't track my viewing habits or sell my data, I can enjoy my favorite shows and movies without worrying about my privacy being com...

The 2024 college football regular season is over. Well, after today's Army-Navy game, the season is over. Now, the bowl season, and 12-team playoffs, begin. The first bowl games are today, and will continue for several weeks, ending over a month from now with the national championship game. Here's the lineup. The Games Saturday, December 14, 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl ABC 12:00 PM Jackson State (11-2) vs South Carolina State (9-3) IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl ESPN 9:00 PM South Alabama (6-6) vs Western Michigan (6-6) Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl ESPN 9:00 PM [25] Memphis (10-2) vs West Virginia (6-6) Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Boca Raton Bowl ESPN 5:30 PM Western Kentucky (8-5) vs James Madison (8-4) Art of Sport LA Bowl ESPN 9:00 PM California (6-6) vs [24] Nevada-Las Vegas (10-3) Thursday, December 19, 2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl ESPN2 7:00 PM Georgia Southern (8-4) vs Sam Houston (9-3) Friday, December 20, 2...

So, you're a cord cutter, or thinking about becoming one. You're bombarded with streaming services, all vying for your hard-earned cash. It can be overwhelming! One service I've really enjoyed is Paramount Plus. I actually get it bundled with my Walmart Plus membership (sweet deal!), and I spring for the Showtime upgrade. Why I Love It Solid Content: Paramount Plus has a surprisingly diverse library. They've got some great originals like "1923", "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds", and "Tulsa King". Plus, they have a ton of familiar shows from CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon. Nostalgia overload! Live Sports: This was a big one for me. Paramount Plus has NFL games, Champions League soccer, and a bunch of other live sports. Being able to watch my teams without cable is a huge plus. Showtime Upgrade: Okay, this adds a bit to the cost, but it's worth it for me. Showtime has some fantastic shows like "Yellowjackets...

We get it. Streaming is the future, right? Shiny apps, endless choices, and the sweet satisfaction of ditching that monthly cable bill. I've been shouting it from the rooftops for years here on this blog. But lately, I've had a realization. Not everyone is ready to take the plunge, and you know what? That's okay. See, I've been there. Trying to explain the intricacies of a Roku remote to my own parents? Let's just say it wasn't pretty. And that's when it hit me: cutting the cord isn't just about the technology, it's about a change in mindset. For many of our grandparents (or even our parents!), cable has been a constant companion for decades. They know where to find their favorite channels, the DVR is their best friend, and the remote is practically an extension of their hand. It's comfortable, it's familiar, it's...well, it's home. So, before we judge Grandma and Grandpa for clinging to that cable box, let's consider why the ...

Roku, the popular streaming platform that's become synonymous with cord-cutting, has been the subject of acquisition rumors lately. While nothing is official, whispers of a potential sale have been swirling, leaving many cord cutters wondering what this could mean for their streaming experience. Why the Buzz? Several factors are contributing to the speculation: Market Dominance: Roku holds a significant share of the streaming device market, boasting a massive user base and a strong brand presence. Valuable Data: Roku collects a treasure trove of data on user viewing habits, which is highly valuable for targeted advertising and content recommendations. Growing Ad Revenue: Roku's advertising business is booming as more viewers ditch cable and embrace streaming platforms. Industry Consolidation: The streaming landscape is getting crowded, with giants like Amazon and Google vying for dominance. Acquiring Roku could be a strategic move for a larger company to gain a ...

So you've cut the cord, congrats! But what about local news, sports, and those must-see shows on the major networks? Here's how I tackled that as a cord cutter, and the solution I landed on. Option 1: Just Say No to Local Honestly, this almost worked for me. I'm not glued to live local news, and I catch up on most network shows via Hulu the next day. The only real snag? Live sports, especially college football. Option 2: Go Old School with an Antenna This is a classic cord-cutter move for a reason. A good antenna can snag those local channels for free. To boost the signal and watch on any TV in my house (and even outside the home!), I added AirTV. Tablo is another popular option for this. Option 3: Splurge on a Live TV Streaming Service YouTube TV has all the major networks, but it's a hefty $73/month. Not exactly budget-friendly. Option 4: The Hybrid Approach This was intriguing: Paramount+ ($13/month) gets me live CBS, and Peacock Premium Plus ($14/month) has...

Lots of people like to fall asleep with the TV on – myself included. It's comforting, and that constant stream of sound can drown out those little noises that might otherwise wake you up. But leaving the TV on all night can be a problem, especially for cord cutters. Here's a look at how to manage your streaming while you sleep: Sleep Timers: Your First Line of Defense Most Smart TVs these days, including those powered by Roku (which, by the way, is still the top dog in the streaming world!), have built-in sleep timers. Here's how to set one on your Roku TV : Press the Home button on your Roku remote. Scroll down and select Settings. Select System. Select Time. Select Sleep timer. Choose a time interval (30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). Easy peasy! Your TV will turn off automatically after the set time. And don't worry if you're not using a Roku TV; most other brands offer similar functionality. Check your TV's settings menu. The Quirks of...

Want to learn how to keep your computer safe from viruses? Check out this video from Britec09 that covers the most common ways people accidentally download malware. [ YouTube ] It's scary how easy it is to get a virus! A good antivirus and keeping your software and operating system updated are key. If you're still running Windows 10, it might be time to think about upgrading to Windows 11 if your computer supports it. But if your computer can't handle Windows 11, you might want to try something completely different like ChromeOS Flex. It's a fast and secure operating system that's easy to use, and you can install it on lots of older computers. My Streaming Life always keeps security and privacy in mind. You should too, particularly when it comes to your computers.

A few years ago, I decided to curate a collection of Best Picture winners from the Academy Awards in my movie library. I already had a decent-sized collection of around 1,800 films, but I wanted to add this specific set. Initially, I thought I had a good number of Best Picture winners, but after some research, I realized I was missing a few. So, I set out to acquire all of them. As of today, there have been 93 Academy Award ceremonies, and I have 94 Best Picture winners. You might be wondering about the discrepancy in numbers. It's because in the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, there were two top awards for films: "Outstanding Picture" and "Best Unique and Artistic Picture." "Wings" won the former, and "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" won the latter. They were considered equal at the time. The following year, the Academy did away with the "Best Unique and Artistic Picture" category and retroactively declared "Wi...

The 2024 college football regular season is over (well, except for the Army Navy game). This weekend, it's the conference championship games. Normally, we have the game network information on Saturdays, but with three of the nine games this weekend on Friday, we're doing this a day earlier than normal. Tonight, the three games on the schedule are the championship games for Conference USA, Mountain West Conference, and American Athletic Conference. Tomorrow features Big XII Conference, Mid-American Conference, Southeastern Conference, Sun Belt Conference, Big Ten Conference, and Atlantic Coast Conference. Next weekend is the Army-Navy game. 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 CBS CBS Sports Network ESPN Fox Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($4...

I've used both Tablo and AirTV, and honestly, they're both fantastic options for integrating over-the-air (OTA) channels into your cord-cutting setup. But which one comes out on top? Well, it really depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which is the better fit for you: Tablo (4th Gen): No More Subscription Fees: All guide data, recording, and in-home streaming are included. Integrated Streaming Channels: Offers free ad-supported channels within its app. Improved User Interface: Redesigned for a more modern streaming experience. Versatile Device Compatibility: Works with a wide range of devices. Advanced Features: Includes options like automatic commercial skip (with a one-time fee) and 5.1 surround sound (on some models). Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive than AirTV initially. No Out-of-Home Streaming: You can only watch your recordings and live TV within your home network. AirTV: Integra...