My Streaming Life

I became a die-hard fan of Homicide: Life on the Street years ago, catching it in syndication after its original run on NBC. The show's gritty realism, compelling characters, and intricate storylines captivated me. It remains one of the best shows I've ever seen. But for years, I haven't been able to revisit those mean Baltimore streets. It didn't show up on streaming services, of if it did, I always seemed to miss it. That's why I was thrilled to hear the recent announcement that Peacock will be streaming all seven seasons of Homicide starting in August! I'm eager to dive back into the lives of Detectives Pembleton, Bayliss, and the rest of the iconic homicide unit. Of course, I'm also a bit nervous. Will the show hold up after all this time? Will it feel dated? I'm going in with high expectations, hoping they won't be dashed. If you've never seen Homicide , I highly recommend giving it a watch. It's a groundbreaking police drama that...

Cord Cutters News reported on recent layoffs across the TV industry, including at major players like Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox. There also job losses at Spectrum, Comcast, and other companied. They reflect a broader trend in the media landscape. Economic downturns, like the one we've experienced in recent years, undoubtedly contribute to layoffs. However, I believe that many of these layoffs stem from fundamental shifts in the industry, primarily the rise of streaming and the decline of cable. A weak economy simply exacerbates the situation. It's disheartening when talented individuals lose their jobs, as it has affected many, including people close to me. Yet, this doesn't change the reality that the TV industry, particularly consumption habits, is evolving and impacting traditional content providers. The fact that Spectrum, Comcast, and other companies are experiencing layoffs isn't surprising. Even without a struggling...

Amazon is gearing up to unveil a new era for its voice assistant, Alexa, with a premium subscription tier powered by generative AI.  The Wall Street Journal reports that this upgrade could be available as early as this month, and would come with a monthly fee of $10. This move signifies a major shift for the tech giant, which has historically offered Alexa's core features for free. The upgraded version, tentatively named "Remarkable Alexa", is expected to offer more sophisticated conversational capabilities, enhanced productivity tools, and a wider range of personalized experiences. What to Expect from Premium Alexa: Conversational AI : Deeper, more natural conversations with Alexa, akin to interacting with ChatGPT. Enhanced Productivity : Improved assistance with tasks like scheduling, note-taking, and information retrieval. Personalized Experiences : Tailored recommendations, content, and features based on user preferences and ...

Amazon is set to revolutionize how fans experience the NBA, thanks to a landmark 11-year deal starting in the 2025-26 season. This groundbreaking agreement grants Prime Video exclusive global streaming rights to 66 regular-season games, select playoff matchups, and the entire postseason Play-In Tournament, after outbidding TNT, which had held broadcasting rights for many years. For fans, this means greater accessibility and potentially innovative viewing experiences. They'll be able to watch their favorite teams and players on a platform they likely already use, while Amazon's history of innovation suggests they could introduce new features tailored for basketball enthusiasts. While TNT attempted to retain the rights, the NBA ultimately chose Amazon's bid, indicating a shift in the sports media landscape towards streaming platforms. This move also intensifies competition between traditional broadcasters and streaming services for sports rights...

There is a new streaming service bundle, and I'm interested. Just introduced is the new Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max bundle. That is a , the ultimate streaming experience for the whole family! With this bundle, users will have access to a vast library of content from three of the most popular streaming platforms, all at a discounted price. Hulu provides a wide range of popular TV shows, movies, and original programming, including award-winning series. I've subscribed to Hulu for years. It was my original cable replacement when I dropped cable in 2011. If you want live TV and sports from major networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox, that's an option, although it's expensive. For me, the $8/month plan does the job. Disney Plus transports you into the magical worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Subscribers are able to stream all of their favorite Disney classics, along with new releases like Encanto and Wish . Plus, their original series like T...

The Olympics have officially started, with some preliminary archery events taking place yesterday. Tonight marks the highly anticipated opening ceremony. Personally, I stopped watching the Olympics years ago when they delved into politics.  The same organization that held the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany and criticized both the U.S. and Soviet Union for their boycotts in 1980 and 1984, respectively, suddenly became politically active themselves. This hypocrisy turned me off completely. However, I know many people are passionate about the Olympics, and if you're a streaming enthusiast, you're in luck. NBC is the primary broadcaster, but Peacock TV offers comprehensive coverage of every event. For the most extensive viewing experience, Peacock TV is the way to go. Here's how you can access NBC and Peacock: NBC: Antenna: Free Peacock (Plus): $14/month Sling TV (11 markets only): $45/month YouTube TV: $73/month Hulu+Live TV: $77/month Fubo (Pro): $80/mo...

In my previous article on the Google TV Streamer , I briefly mentioned the need for better app management. While Google TV's app management isn't as seamless as Roku's, it's definitely a step up from Fire TV. Roku excels at managing app storage by automatically removing unused apps when space is limited, effectively creating space for new installations. These removed apps are replaced with shortcuts for easy re-download when needed, ensuring users never run out of storage. Google TV's 2023 update has also improved app management by automatically removing apps unused for 30 days, similar to Roku's approach. However, unlike Roku's comprehensive solution, Google TV's approach doesn't manage recently used apps, leaving the possibility of running out of space. Despite this limitation, Google TV's new process is a welcome improvement compared to its previous iteration. While Roku's method remains superior in my view, Google TV's efforts to ...

Image: 9to5Google.com I've recently become a much bigger fan of Google TV. I've always been a loyal Roku user, but the recent improvements to the Google TV interface have won me over. I rarely even use my Roku anymore. Traditionally, the Chromecast dongle and the Walmart Onn Streaming Box have been the go-to devices for Google TV. However, the Chromecast with Google TV is getting a bit outdated, and an update has been highly anticipated. Now, 9to5Google reports that the new device won't be a Chromecast at all, but rather a set-top box called the "Google TV Streamer." This upcoming device was first revealed back in April, and 9to5Google has confirmed it will be named the " Google TV Streamer :" Google is ditching the compact dongle form factor that plugs into your TV and remains out of sight. As seen in images shared with 9to5Google, Google is aiming for a set-top/table-top design that has a slanted, pill-shaped surface. ...

I've been a streamer for over 13 years. However, I realize not everyone shares my concerns, hopes, and desires about streaming. For me, the most pressing issues are the rising cost of subscriptions and the increasing fragmentation of content. As more streaming services enter the market, each with exclusive content, consumers like me find it increasingly expensive to access all the shows and movies we want. This has led to "subscription fatigue," where viewers feel overwhelmed by the number of services and their associated costs. New streamers, in particular, can be very overwhelmed. Besides the financial burden, content fragmentation across platforms makes it difficult to find and watch what we want. Constantly switching between apps and services is inconvenient and frustrating. Other concerns include: Quality and variety of content : Viewers want engaging and diverse content that caters to their interests. User experience : A seamless interface an...

Netflix remains the top-of-mind streaming service for many, and rightfully so. Recent data from the Wall Street Journal confirms its continued growth, with subscriber additions exceeding those from the previous year's second quarter : The streaming company added 8.05 million subscribers in the second quarter, compared with 5.89 million net new subscribers during the same period a year earlier. It expects new customer additions to be lower in the current quarter than the same period last year, when it began limiting password sharing in earnest. Revenue rose nearly 17% year over year to $9.56 billion in the second quarter, beating the company’s projections. Netflix raised its revenue growth forecast for 2024 to 14% to 15%, up from 13% to 15%. The strong performance is a sign that Netflix’s efforts to change its plan pricing and lineup, limit password sharing and expand the advertising tier of its service are bearing fruit. ...

I'm a privacy advocate, and strongly dislike the way that Windows 11 violates fundamental privacy. However, not everyone feels that way. I don't like using Windows, and prefer macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS over Windows, partially for privacy, but mostly for security. Britec has a video that says Windows isn't really a problem. While I disagree, his argument is worth considering: [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life follows, as much as possible, the good security and privacy practices I follow everywhere. I understand what Britec is saying, but I think it's possible to reduce privacy concerns as much as possible, and dropping Windows is a way to go.

Netflix is ending its cheapest ad-free plan, prompting existing subscribers to choose between a new, cheaper ad-supported option or a pricier ad-free plan. The streaming giant is removing the $11.99 basic ad-free plan in the U.S. and France, after previously doing so in the U.K. and Canada. This leaves subscribers with the following choices: Basic with ads: $7/month Standard (no ads): $16/month Premium (no ads): $23/month The move is expected to drive more subscribers to the ad-supported plan, which has already seen a significant increase in popularity. Netflix aims to enhance the value of this tier by offering improved features such as higher definition video, multiple streams, and downloads. This change marks another step in Netflix's evolving subscription model, as it seeks to balance revenue growth with subscriber retention in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape. While the removal of the basic ad-free plan might displease some user...

In 2011, I cut the cord and bid farewell to cable TV. While I enjoyed the freedom of streaming with my Roku, cable news was the one thing I missed. Back then, there were no streaming options like Sling TV, so I resorted to a brief, not-so-legal workaround before realizing I didn't truly need cable news in my life. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has drastically changed. The recent shooting of a presidential candidate rekindled my desire to follow breaking news, and I discovered that watching it without cable is now easier than ever. Numerous free and paid streaming services offer live news channels, and most major news organizations provide free live streams on their apps and websites. Here are some options to consider: Free: Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo: These services offer a variety of live news channels from major networks. News Organization Apps/Websites: Most major news organizations (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.) have their own free live stre...

I've heard the claims that cord cutting leads to a mountain of streaming subscriptions, but my experience has always contradicted that. Now, a recent survey backs me up. According to a July 2024 poll of Cord Cutters News readers, nearly 70% of cord cutters actually subscribe to four or fewer streaming services – a figure that's grown by almost 7% in just three months. Digging deeper, over 54% reported using three or fewer services, a jump from around 47% in Spring 2024 . These numbers must scare media companies as increasingly cord cutters are unwilling to pay for more services. This has recently led to multiple streaming services teaming up to launch streaming bundles. Why no live TV streaming services like FuboTV or Hulu with Live TV? In short, our survey shows most cord cutters don’t pay for live TV services. If you are not a sports fan, you do not need a live TV streaming service. There is also an argument to be made that the on-demand services listed above offer more conte...

As a streamer, my entertainment depends on the digital landscape. So when news broke about Disney+ accounts being hacked and sold on the dark web, it sent chills down my spine. It's a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cyberattacks in the industry. What Happened? Reports suggest that hackers used a technique called "credential stuffing," exploiting usernames and passwords leaked from other websites to gain access to Disney+ accounts. These compromised accounts were then sold on the dark web, potentially giving unauthorized users access to personal information and viewing history. Why Should Streamers Care? This incident highlights a few crucial points for all streamers, both providers and consumers: Security is Paramount: As the number of us streaming grows, so does the responsibility of streaming platforms to protect their data. This means implementing strong security measures, like two-factor authentication and regularly updating passwords. Beware of Credentia...

Last week's news that Crackle is shutting down hit me hard. Back when I cut the cord in 2011, Crackle was my first experience with free ad-supported TV. I was hooked on its original and independent content, especially the short-form videos and series. Crackle was special to me. While other services have since adopted and even perfected the concept, Crackle was a pioneer. And now it's shutting down : The company, sagging under the weight of nearly $1 billion in debt and a tall stack of unpaid bills, filed for bankruptcy protection on June 29. During bankruptcy court proceedings, it secured a “debtor in possession” loan of $8 million designed to help it resume paying workers after nearly a month of no paychecks and also restore their medical benefits. Deadline had earlier reported on the delays in pay and health care. On Wednesday, HPS Investment Partners, which has been one of the company’s backers and arranged for financing for ...

There are three main types of streaming devices: sticks, boxes, and smart TVs. Sticks : These are small, dongle-shaped devices that plug into an HDMI port on your TV. They are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to use. Examples include Roku Streaming Sticks, Amazon Fire Sticks, and Chromecast devices (although the latest Chromecast doesn't look exactly like a stick). Boxes : These are larger devices that sit near your TV. They tend to be more powerful than sticks and may offer additional features, such as expandable storage. Examples include Roku Ultra and Apple TV devices. Smart TVs : Many TVs now come with built-in streaming capabilities. These TVs have apps for popular streaming services, so you don't need a separate device. Examples include Roku TVs, Fire TV sets, and Android TVs. Which option is right for you? The answer is: that depends. If you have a standard TV -- or a smart TV that you don't like -- a stick or box is a good option. ...

Ever hit a website and think, "Who is this person telling me what to do?" That's a fair question! "My Streaming Life" is all about my adventures in cord-cutting and streaming, starting back in 2010 (officially ditched cable on January 11, 2011 – big day!). While I can't guarantee a one-size-fits-all approach, I've learned a lot along the way. Consider me your streaming sherpa, here to guide you with real-world experience and answer your questions. After all, in the streaming world, we're all experts in our own way, right? "My Streaming Life" reflects my journey and what I've discovered. It's not about blindly following – it's about learning, comparing options, and ultimately, finding what works for you. My mission? To empower you with the knowledge you need to make confident streaming decisions.

One common question cord-cutters have is: "Can I replicate the cable TV experience with streaming?" The answer? Not perfectly, but it can be surprisingly close! Adapting to Change The biggest adjustment is the way you access shows. Unlike traditional cable with its set channel lineup, streaming often requires choosing specific services or apps. However, most people find this transition smoother than they expect. Think about the last time you moved to a new area with a different cable provider. You had to learn new channel numbers and explore different options. Streaming presents a similar adaptation, only with greater flexibility and potential cost savings. Live vs. On-Demand: What's Right for You? A key factor to consider is live TV. Do you need to watch shows the moment they air, or are you comfortable catching up later? Many people already utilize DVRs to time-shift their viewing. Streaming services like Hulu (standard) offer similar functionality with current s...

Frndly TV has been my go-to streaming service for family-friendly entertainment since its 2019 launch. Before that, I relied on Feeln (now Hallmark Movies Now), but Frndly TV's arrival provided a wider range of wholesome content, including three dedicated Hallmark channels. I've been a loyal subscriber ever since. It seems I'm not alone in appreciating Frndly TV's offerings. A recent report from Cord Cutters News highlights a significant surge in the service's popularity over the last quarter : There is a major change in third place with Frndly TV jumping from just 2.9% in the spring of 2024 to almost 9% in the summer. Philo also saw strong growth jumping up to 7.5% of our survey. The affordable starting price of $8 per month likely contributes to its growing appeal. My Streaming Life appreciates what Frndly TV has to offer. It's clear that Frndly TV is gaining recognition as a top choice for families seeking quality entertainment.

Earlier , I covered my first steps into cord cutting. Today, I cover where the steps became strides and the pennies began to add up. A year of tracking my TV habits paid off! In late 2009, the numbers said streaming wasn't quite there yet. But it was close, so I kept cable for another year. Fast forward to 2010. I updated my trusty spreadsheet with all the shows we watched, then priced them out for streaming services like Amazon and iTunes. Remember, watching shows on TiVo was basically on-demand already, so that wasn't an issue. The verdict? Switching to streaming and ditching cable would save a whopping $63 a month! This surprised me – I was expecting a small savings, not a major shift. Now came the setup. For iTunes, I'd need an Apple TV. For Amazon, I could either wait for downloads on TiVo or use a new streaming device like Roku. I opted for the Roku, planning to buy it after Christmas. (Side note: brownie points for this tech-savvy husband! My wife wanted better...

Growing up, television was my window to the world. From the iconic shows of the 60s to the original Star Trek, I was there for it live. Fast forward to 2006, and my wife's soap opera obsession led to a purchase I knew she wouldn't love: a TiVo. Little did she know, it would be a game-changer for both of us. The beauty of TiVo? No more juggling VHS tapes or missing shows. It was time-shifting at its finest - watching what you want, when you want. Sound familiar? This concept, now known as on-demand viewing, was the seed that planted the idea of streaming in my mind. In 2008, with a website called Hulu on the horizon, I knew the future of TV was online. But how? The cost was a big question mark. So, I embarked on a research mission, analyzing my TiVo habits to see if streaming could truly compete with cable. Late 2009, I crunched the numbers. Could buying content from Amazon or iTunes, along with free Hulu, beat my cable bill? The answer, unfortunately, was no. Streaming in ...

Amazon Fire TV users are buzzing about the platform's new full-screen ads. While many have expressed frustration, here's a breakdown of what you may want to know: Types of Full-Screen Ads : Screensaver Ads : These pop up after a period of inactivity, replacing the usual screensaver for 30 seconds to a minute. Start-up Ads : Previously full-screen, these ads have been toned down due to negative feedback but are still present when turning on your Fire TV. Other Ads : Sponsored tiles, banner ads, and feature rotator ads are also scattered throughout the Fire TV interface. Can You Disable Them? Screensaver Ads: There's currently no way to disable these ads. Start-up Ads: You can disable them in Settings > Preferences > Device & Software Options > Start-up Sound/Screensaver. Mixed Reactions : Many users find these ads intrusive and disruptive, while Amazon sees them as a way to monetize their platform and offer more content. I agree that Amazon should be able to mon...

Amazon's home internet service, Project Kuiper, is aiming to launch its first mass-produced satellites in the 4th quarter of 2024 with a goal to offer the service in select areas in 2025. The service will come in three speed options: Standard (400 Mbps), Pro (1 Gbps), and Portable (100 Mbps) with different antenna sizes to accommodate different needs. Cord Cutters News says no price has been set : Amazon’s new satellite construction facility at its peak capacity it will be building up to five satellites per day with plans to launch its first satellites in the 4th quarter of 2024. This is still inline with its plans to start offering the service in select areas in 2025. "Building advanced communications satellites at this scale is incredibly complex, and we want to ensure every Kuiper spacecraft meets our standards for performance, reliability, and safety," said Steve Metayer, Project Kuiper’s vice president of production operations. "The progress from the te...

Kaspersky products have been banned in the USA. Most of them, anyway. As of July 20, 2024, Kaspersky is prohibited from entering into any new agreement with U.S. persons involving its cybersecurity and antivirus products and services. As of September 29, 2024, resellers will no longer be able to sell Kaspersky products and Kaspersky must stop providing updates and operating its Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) in the U.S. Why? Well, the U.S. Department of Commerce cited national security risks due to Kaspersky's ties with the Russian government. U.S. government agencies had already been banned from using Kaspersky products since 2017. The new ban extends to all US persons, including private individuals and businesses. Some Kaspersky products are exempt: Threat Intelligence products and services, Security Training products and services, and consulting and advisory services are not included in the ban. Existing customers can continue using Kaspersky products until September 29, 20...

Lately, I've been reflecting on my streaming journey and wondering if my initial motivations still hold true. After all, over a dozen years later, my reasons for continuing might have evolved. A recent Facebook discussion sparked this introspection. One person mentioned ad-supported streaming, while another claimed they started streaming to avoid ads altogether. This made me question whether ad avoidance was a genuine reason for starting to stream. Local channels on cable have always had commercials, and streaming services such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, and the others include ads on local channels. On-demand content is usually the only ad-free option, but it comes at a cost. Amazon's move to introduce ads and charge extra for ad-free viewing feels like a sneaky price hike. While I'm surprised many people cite ad avoidance as a reason for streaming, it's not my personal motivation. Growing up with commercials on the few channels available, I...

Brace yourself, streaming fans: Paramount Plus is raising its subscription prices again. New subscribers will face higher costs starting August 20, 2024, while existing subscribers on certain plans will see the increase on their bill after September 20, 2024. New Prices : Paramount Plus Essential (with ads) : $7.99/month (previously $5.99) Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME (mostly ad-free) : $12.99/month (previously $11.99) Existing Subscribers : Paramount Plus Essential : No price change at this time. Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME : Price increases around September 20, 2024. Legacy Limited Commercials Plan : Price increases to $7.99/month after August 20, 2024. The annual plans for both Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME remain unaffected at $59.99 and $119.99, respectively. My sister, a longtime subscriber since the CBS All Access days, will be disappointed by this change, especially since she's on the Legacy ...

The United States Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone document, not just for the United States, but for the entire world. If you've never familiarized yourself with it, I highly recommend giving it a read. This document offers a profound look back at a pivotal moment in history. It explains the reasoning behind the American colonies' separation from Great Britain and lays out the principles upon which the new nation was founded. Understanding these ideas is essential to grasping the core values of the United States. In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mank...

I have used Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Stick devices. While it's not my device of choice, it's a good choice for a streaming device. The best reason to purchase a Fire TV Stick is the convenience and affordability it offers for streaming a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and other content from popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Fire TV Sticks are easy to set up, user-friendly, and come with an Alexa voice remote for easy navigation. Here are some other reasons why you might consider buying a Fire TV Stick: Affordable : Fire TV Sticks are relatively inexpensive compared to other streaming devices on the market. Portable : They are small and easy to take with you when you travel. Wide selection of apps : You can access a wide variety of streaming services, games, and other apps. Alexa integration : Use your voice to control your TV, search for content, and more. Regular updates : Amazon regularly releases updates for Fire...

Recently, I've been using Chromecast with Google TV more than other devices. My Streaming Life has taken a turn! Chromecast with Google TV might just be dethroning Roku as my top choice. A Name Too Long, But Performance Just Right Let's address the elephant in the room (or rather, the elephant-sized name): Chromecast with Google TV. It's a mouthful, but the functionality speaks for itself. Setup was a breeze, thanks to clear on-screen prompts. Most importantly, the device is responsive -- no annoying lag between button presses and actions. App Selection: A Feast (Mostly) Chromecast with Google TV delivers a massive app selection thanks to the Google Play Store. I checked 35 major cord-cutting and popular apps, and compatibility was impressive. Big names like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are all on board. While the selection is vast, a few niche options are missing. One I personally miss is Pub-D-Hub, a smaller service but a favorite for its classic content. Overall, Ch...

I've noticed many questions online about streaming while traveling. While I haven't personally done much of that I've researched the topic and can share some insights: The most popular options for hotel streaming are the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku Stick due to their compact size and ease of setup. The Fire Stick is generally considered the most user-friendly, especially when dealing with hotel Wi-Fi agreements, but Roku devices work well. Chromecast and Apple TV users are out of luck when it comes to hotel Wi-Fi, as they don't support web-based agreements. Personally, I don't travel with a streaming device, but many people find it a convenient way to relax and unwind while away from home. If you're a Roku or Fire Stick user, packing your device is a simple solution. For others, getting a Fire Stick or Roku specifically for travel might be worth considering. A few key points to remember: Set up your device ahead of time : Don't get a new devi...