My Streaming Life

Hurricane Helene hit last week, and caused a lot of damage in the area. I'm still without power, and still without Internet. I'm operating on cell phone, as long as I can find a way to charge it. I haven't watched a lot of content since Thursday. In fact, I haven't watched any. The whole "no Internet" thing can do that. My Streaming Life is non-existent at the moment. I go online for updates on power restoration and for checking on family members. Somethings are fun (streaming) and some things are important (real life). I hope your real life is going well.

With the strenuous hardware requirements of Windows 11, many computers running Windows 10 won't be able to upgrade. Buying an all new computer isn't the only way to deal with this situation. One possibility to extend the life of your computer is to install a lightweight operating system such as Linux or ChromeOS (a version of Linux). A couple of weeks ago, we looked at a video from Explaining Computers that talked about switching to Linux. Today, we are looking at a related video that shows how you can text Linux without giving up Windows. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life uses dedicated streaming devices, not desktop nor laptop computers. I do use desktop and laptop computers, and a couple run Linux. It's a good option if you're fed up with Microsoft and their Windows requirements. 

Week 5 of the 2024 college football season has begun. There have been three games so far, with one on Thursday and two last night. Today, 53 games are on the schedule . There are 23 Top 25 teams playing, with four games between ranked teams. Between now and next Saturday, there are six more games. 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 ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month) Hulu+Live TV ($77/month) Fubo (Pro) ($80/month) ACC Network Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) Hul...

Back in April, a new Google TV Streamer was announced. I saw more information about it in July and I wondered if I would get one. Spoiler alert: I did. I wasn't sure at first if I would. I thought I would wait on the testing results from others, but I decided to not wait. I ordered one, and it arrived Wednesday afternoon. I set it up Wednesday night, and decided to spend what time I had available the next few days testing it myself. That's what I'm doing. I will mention a couple of things I noticed immediately. First, there was not HDMI cable. That surprised me. It wasn't a problem as I had one, but I actually had expected one to be there. It was late before I decided to set it up Wednesday night, and if I hadn't had a spare HDMI cable I would have had to either stopped, or gone to the store late at night. To be fair, on the Google Store page for the device, it does say "All you need is an HDMI cable and the Google Home app. HDMI ca...

Netflix has eliminated its cheapest ad-free plan, and current subscribers are being switched to a more expensive one. Cord Cutters News reports that the automatic upgrade is to the Standard ad-free plan at $16/month, a price increase of nearly $4. Earlier this year, Netflix announced that subscribers could choose to switch to another plan, including a $7/month ad-supported plan. Those who didn't make a choice were automatically upgraded to the $16 plan. The current Netflix plan options are: Basic with ads: $7/month Standard (no ads): $16/month Premium (no ads): $23/month While some predicted that many subscribers would choose the cheaper ad-supported plan, we haven't seen data to confirm or deny that. However, those who didn't actively switch plans were moved by Netflix to the more expensive option. This move reflects Netflix's ongoing efforts to adapt its subscription model in a competitive market. While some users may be u...

In the world of cord-cutting, where saving money and enjoying diverse content reign supreme, there's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST). What is FAST? Think live TV, a treasure trove of movies, and a plethora of shows – all without those pesky subscription fees. FAST services are your ticket to entertainment bliss, readily available on various devices. Why FAST is a Cord-Cutter's Dream:Wallet-Friendly: No more hefty cable bills! Enjoy a wide array of content without spending a dime. Content Galore: From news and sports to classic sitcoms and blockbuster hits, FAST offers a smorgasbord of channels, movies, and shows to satisfy every craving. Watch Anywhere: Your TV, smartphone, tablet, or computer - take your entertainment with you wherever you go. Unlocking the FAST Universe Accessing FAST is easier than you might think! Many popular platforms are just a click away:Pluto TV: A universe of live TV channels, on-d...

If you've ditched cable for streaming, you might be wondering if you're still stuck with those dreaded price increases. The short answer? Yes, streaming services are raising their prices too. But don't worry, there are ways to fight back! Why the Price Hikes? Just like cable, streaming services face rising costs for content, competition, and inflation. Those extra expenses often get passed down to us, the subscribers. While cord-cutting once meant big savings, it's not always the bargain it used to be. Take Control: Smart Strategies for Streaming Savings But before you throw in the towel and go back to cable, remember: you have options! It's time to get strategic about your streaming subscriptions: Trim the Fat: If you're juggling multiple services, consider cutting back. Do you really need them all? Rotate Your Subscriptions: Subscribe to one service at a time, binge your favorites, then cancel and move on to the next. Free a...

Cord cutters, brace yourselves!  Hulu, one of the most popular streaming services for those who've ditched cable, is raising its prices again. Effective October 17th, 2024,  we're seeing increases across the board. So, what does this mean for us, and is Hulu still a good value? Let's dive in. Breaking Down the Price Changes: Hulu (With Ads): $7.99/month to $9.99/month Hulu (No Ads): $14.99/month to $18.99/month Hulu + Live TV (With Ads): $76.99/month to $82.99/month Hulu + Live TV (No Ads): $89.99/month to $95.99/month ESPN+: $10.99/month to $11.99/month Ouch! Those are some significant increases, especially for the ad-free plans and the Live TV bundles. It's starting to feel like cable all over again! Why is Hulu Raising Prices? Hulu, like many other streaming services, is likely facing increased costs for content acquisition and production. As competition heats up in the streaming wars, the price of securing popular show...

If you have a Windows 10 PC and it doesn't support Windows 11, you either have to buy a new computer (expensive), workaround the restrictions and install Windows 11 anyway (works until Microsoft breaks it), or use another operating system on that older PC (my suggestion). You have two options when it comes to that: Linux and ChromeOS. Both are very secure, and reasonable options. For privacy, Linux is the better option, but there is a bigger learning curve. ChromeOS should be considered as an easier to use system to extend the life of an older PC. [ YouTube ] ChromeOS isn't as private as Linux, because Google gets your information. If you already use Google Search and Gmail, they have your information already, so it's not that much of a deal insofar as privacy is concerned. My Streaming Life keeps security as the forefront, and keeps budget in mind always. Extending the life of an old computer via ChromeOS may be a good option for you.

Week 3 of the 2024 college football season is behind us, and Week 4 has begun. and there was an upset last night. There were three games last night, and one the night before. Today, 60 games are on the schedule . There are 20 Top 25 teams playing, with three games between ranked teams, including the one last night. Between now and next Saturday, there are three more games. 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 ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month) Hulu+Live TV ($77/month) Fubo (Pro) ($80/month) ACC Network ...

An article recently listed a new pricing structure for Spectrum claiming a $30/month plan. There's a catch, of course. That's the price when bundled with another service. The actual price is $50/month, and there's a $20 discount for bundling a package. Don't get me wrong, $50 is a good price for 500 Mbps service, but it's not what the news headline was touting. This is a problem with both news outlets -- Cord Cutters News, in this instance, but others do the same thing -- and Internet service providers. They promote a special price, but it's for a limited time, or you have to bundle something else you don't want. In the case of Spectrum's "deal" you have to add a TV package (which as a streamer is useless to me) AND two unlimited telephone lines. The price doesn't include TV and two phones, but rather that's the price is you also pay for TV and two phones. Not such a deal after all.\ These special deals from ...

A report on Cord Cutters News says that Comcast subscribers face hefty fees on top of advertised prices, causing many to switch to streaming. Some areas see broadcast and RSN fees totaling $55.40 monthly, or $664.80 annually. A popular TV package, with locals and basic add-ons, can jump from $60 to over $115. Additional fees for DVR, HD, and extra boxes further inflate the cost. This fee structure illustrates why cord-cutting continues to rise. I ran the numbers myself, looking to set up new service, and found that TV along was $107.10/month. The lowest package with cable channels -- not just local channels, but an actual cable TV package -- was $70, with an additional $37.10 in fees, broken out as Broadcast TV Fees ($25.70) and Regional Sports Fee ($11.40). The fees they would charge me are actually less than the $55.40 price Cord Cutters News found. Xfinity Internet is $66, the lowest plan they offer, and the price for a new package runs up to $173.10. However, th...

I've long admired Cord Cutters News and Luke Bouma's dedication to keeping us informed about the ever-changing world of cord-cutting. However, I've noticed a trend, not just with them but many news sites, of recycling old news with headlines that suggest something new is happening. It's not outright deception, but it does feel like a disregard for accuracy. A recent example is their article titled "The Price of Disney+, Hulu + Live TV, Hulu, & ESPN+ is Going Up." This gave the impression of another imminent price hike, but it was merely a reminder that a previously announced increase had taken effect. A more accurate headline would have been something like "Announced Price Increase for Disney+, Hulu + Live TV, Hulu, & ESPN+ Now in Effect." I understand the need for catchy headlines to generate clicks and revenue, but it's a shame when a reputable site like Cord Cutters News resorts to clickbait. It undermine...

Cord-cutting enthusiasts often turn to devices like AirTV and Tablo to integrate over-the-air broadcasts into their streaming setups, complete with DVR functionality. However, if you're considering upgrading your storage or replacing a faulty hard drive, be warned: Moving the hard drive on AirTV and Tablo devices can lead to the irreversible loss of all your recordings. The Inseparable Bond Between Device and Storage Both AirTV and Tablo create a unique link between the recordings and the specific hardware configuration they're stored on. This means that even if you successfully move the hard drive to another compatible device or even a computer, you won't be able to access those cherished recordings. Why Does This Happen? The exact reasons may vary slightly between AirTV and Tablo, but some common factors contribute to this limitation: Proprietary File Systems : Both devices likely use proprietary file systems to manage recordings, which might not be reco...

Remember when getting TV meant fiddling with an antenna or dealing with a bulky cable box? Thankfully, those days are long gone! Now, we've got streaming devices that bring a world of entertainment right to our living rooms. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Let's break it down. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Streaming Device There are a bunch of streaming platforms and devices to choose from, each with their own pros and cons.  So, what should you think about before making a decision? Streaming Services: The first question to ask yourself is, "What do I want to watch?" Make a list of your favorite streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) and make sure the device you choose supports them. While major platforms support most major apps, some devices are exclusive to specific services. A tip: try to avoid getting locked into a specific TV brand's operating system. If you love Samsung's Tizen, y...

On weekends, we often talk about security and privacy. Today is one of those days. If you are looking to switch away from Windows, Linux may be the way for you to go. MacOS and even ChromeOS are more secure. Linux is the most secure (MacOS is related to Linux, and ChromeOS is a type of Linux) and by default the most private operating system. If you do consider switching to Linux, here is a video that will be helpful: [ YouTube ] Linux is the most private and secure operating system, and if that's important to you, it's something to consider. My Streaming Life keeps security and privacy in mind at all times. It should be important to everyone.

Week 2 of the 2024 college football season is in the books, and there was an upset or two. But that's college football. Week 3 is this weekend, and actually began Thursday night with two games, and last night with another two. Today, 59 games are on the schedule. There are 18 Top 25 teams playing, with two games between ranked teams, including one last night. Between now and next Saturday, there are four more games. 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 ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month) Hulu+Live TV ($77/mont...

Yesterday, I offered three tips for cord cutting newbies. I'd like to revisit that and expand on one tip. Tip 1 was "Assess Your Viewing Habits." The idea was to understand your needs to help you choose the right streaming services to replace your cable subscription. Most people think of this as picking between a nirtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) such as Sling TV, Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, fubo, or even Philo. While that is the route most people will take, my experience is that a pay service isn't always necessary. Today, live major sports channels such as ESPN do require a pay live streaming service. However, it's possible to find a lot of entertainment without a vMVPD service. Current cable channels with new programming will require one, but when you cut the cord, try asking yourself if you really do need one of those. Check into the free streaming options on your streaming device. Each of the major platforms ...

If you haven't yet cut the cord, but are considering it, you know that cutting the cord can seem daunting. However, with a little planning, it's easier than you might think. Here are three essential tips to make your transition smooth and enjoyable. Tip 1: Assess Your Viewing Habits Before you ditch cable, take some time to analyze your current TV watching habits. What channels do you watch regularly? Are there specific shows or networks you can't live without? How often do you watch live TV versus on-demand content? Understanding your needs will help you choose the right streaming services and devices to replace your cable subscription. Tip 2: Research Streaming Services and Devices The streaming landscape is vast and varied, so it's important to do your research before committing to any particular service. Popular options include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and many more. Consider factors such ...

Alright, cord cutters, let's talk about temptation. During college football season, I do the unthinkable – I resubscribe to Sling TV. It's my ESPN fix, my way to keep up with the game-day action. But the rest of the year? Nope, I'm a free-streaming bird. I get it, the appeal of Sling, YouTube TV, and the like is strong. All those familiar cable channels at your fingertips? It's like a warm blanket on a cold night. But I cut the cord back in 2011. Back then, no vMVPDs existed to tempt me. It was cold turkey, and I learned to live without those channels, discovering awesome streaming alternatives along the way. So, what happened this year? Sling lured me back in with sports, but then I started watching the news. It's an election year, my emotions are running high, and that one news channel? It was speaking my language. For a bit, it was glorious. Then the addiction kicked in. I was glued to those channels, reliving the bad old days of cable news obsession. I even ...

According to NextTV , YouTube TV has risen to the 4th largest live TV streaming provider in the US, gaining 50,000 new subscribers in the last quarter. With NFL football back in season, and the platform's appeal to sports fans bolstered by its NFL Sunday Ticket offering, further growth is anticipated. Notably, at $73, YouTube TV stands as the most affordable option among vMVPDs carrying major broadcast networks. Personally, I opt for Sling TV. While it doesn't provide ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC in most areas, I circumvent this with an antenna. My Streaming Life uses Sling's sports packages during college football season because it perfectly suits my needs.

The clock is ticking for Windows 10 users. With support ending in October 2025, the pressure to upgrade to Windows 11 is mounting. While many, myself included, prefer the familiar Windows 10 interface and have concerns about Microsoft's data collection practices, the reality is that Windows 11 is the future. And Microsoft seems intent on making that transition as enticing (or perhaps, unavoidable) as possible. The biggest hurdle for many has been Windows 11's demanding hardware requirements. Recent news suggests Microsoft won't be easing up on these anytime soon. In fact, it's looking like the experience for those running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware might get even worse. Why? It all comes down to Microsoft's ambitious AI plans. Microsoft is going all-in on AI, with 'Copilot+ PCs' set to become the new standard. These machines will require specific hardware to handle advanced AI tools, and Microsoft seems keen to drive hardwa...

With all the hardware issues and privacy concerns around Windows 11, some may be looking for another option. If ease of use is your primary concern, ChromeOS is a good, cheap option. If you are comfortable with Web apps, ChromeOS (which is a version of Linux) may be for you. If privacy or app availability is your primary concern, you may want to go with a full-blown Linux installation. Sounds scary, huh? Well, it can be. But it can also be done successfully, and easily. Explaining Computers recently had a video (20 minutes long) called "Switching to Linux: A Beginner's Guide." It may be worth a look: [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life doesn't involve a lot of computers when it comes to actual streaming. But, I do use Windows, ChromeOS, Mac, and Linux computers. I like Linux. Yes, it's different, but it's easy to get used to.

The two-week long Week 1 of the 2024 college football season finished up last weekend. Week 2 is this weekend, and actually began last night with three games. Today, 75 games are on the schedule. There are only a few Top 25 matchups, with most of the Top 25 facing non-conference opponents in what are generally considered "tune up games." Oh, and there are five more games before next Saturday, with two next Thursday and three next Friday. 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 ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/mont...

The other day, a wild idea popped into my head: what if I canceled every streaming service and embraced the world of free TV? It sounded liberating, and without overthinking it, I decided to go for it. But then, doubts started to creep in. Could I really live without my favorite shows? Would I be bored out of my mind? Despite the hesitation, I'm determined to give it a shot for at least a month. But when exactly should I start this free TV adventure? First, let's assess the current situation. Here's a breakdown of my subscriptions and why I haven't canceled them yet: Frndly TV : Already canceled! I snagged a yearly discount but barely used it. It'll be gone for good in November. Hulu : I'm on the $8/month plan and pause it occasionally. I'll be done with it by the end of college football season. ESPN Plus : Essential for college football games, but I'll drop it in December after the season ends. Dis...

Recent studies have indicated that due to price increases in popular streaming services, a large percentage of users are planning to cut back on the number of streaming services to which they subscribe. This trend aligns with a recent shift where more users have been opting for fewer services. While major streaming services might not be significantly impacted, smaller niche services could face challenges as users prioritize their spending. I've always tried to keep the number of pay services to which I subscribe down. Right now, the only service to which I am subscribing and will allow to renew is the Disney Trio (ad supported), which is:  Hulu (a primary source of TV content for me) ESPN Plus (for games during the college football season) Disney Plus (really cheap when included with the bundle) I may subscribe to Sling TV, if a game I really want to watch is only available on ESPN, but so far this season, that hasn't happened. I will subscribe eventually, I...

Yesterday, I mentioned that the cost of local channels had contriubuted to the increase in cost for cable, and for major streaming services. I didn't say much about the other thing that has driven up the cost of pay TV: sports, particularly ESPN. The rising cost of content, particularly sports channels, is the main reason for the significant price increases in cable TV and streaming services since 2010. Cable networks are demanding more money to compensate for decreasing subscribers, leading to higher prices even for services without sports channels. This struggle has also resulted in frequent blackouts on various platforms. The conflict is likely to persist as cord-cutting continues to affect the cable TV industry. It's also affecting streaming services. For example, the most popular live TV streaming service is YouTube TV. It's $73/month, and that's one of the cheapest services. Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTBV Stream cost even more. Only Sli...

Recently, Cord Cutters News had an article that highlighted one of the reasons pay TV, both cable and streaming, is going up: the cost of the four major broadcast networks. The article highlights the increasing cost of streaming and cable TV services, attributing it largely to the rising cost of local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. DISH recently announced a price hike, citing the escalating fees demanded by local broadcasters as the primary reason. This trend isn't limited to cable and satellite providers; streaming services like YouTube TV and Fubo have also been forced to increase their prices due to the same issue : In a statement from DISH listing the reasons why they must raise the price, DISH blamed local TV stations "First, the local broadcasters of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC stations continually force us to pay more for their channels or threaten to remove them from our customers. The cost for these channels has risen over 200% over the past 5...

It's been a month now, with NOW. On the first of August, I switched my Internet provider from Xfinity to NOW Internet. Of course, NOW Internet is a service of Xfinity, so I essentially changed from Xfinity to Xfinity. I also cut the bill in half. It still seems odd to me that I can switch from Xfinity to Xfinity and save money, but here we are. NOW Internet is cheaper for a few reasons: It is a budget pre-paid Internet service, similar to Cricket by AT&T or Visible by Verizon. It has limited speeds, but those speeds are more than enough for streaming. The equipment is provided, which is nice, but it is refurbished. However, the equipment works. Bottom line: NOW Internet is a good service for $30/month. I got my bill for September last night: After a month, I'm happy I made the change. My Streaming Life is good, and now it's cheaper than it was.

Rob Braxman, the Internet Privacy Guy, suggests an interesting way to increase privacy. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life believes stongly in security and privacy. That's why I often post about security and privacy on weekends. Streaming if my focus, security and privacy is a major concern.