My Streaming Life

Week 14 of the 2024 college football season began Tuesday and concludes today. 17 games have been played already, which is higher than normal, but it is Thanksgiving weekend, where many traditional rivalries are played on the holdiay or the day after. Today, 50 games are on the schedule . Next week are the conference championships. 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 Fox Sports 2 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 + Sport...

Black Friday means sales on smart TVs and on streaming devices. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. One of the first big decisions is choosing between a smart TV or a streaming device. Both offer access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, but there are key differences to consider. Smart TVs: The All-in-One Solution Pros: Simplicity: Everything is built-in, no extra devices or remotes needed. Streamlined Interface: Navigate streaming apps right from your TV's home screen. Cost-effective (sometimes): Can be cheaper upfront than buying a separate TV and streaming device. Cons: Often Slower and Less Responsive: Smart TV interfaces can be sluggish compared to dedicated streaming devices. Limited App Selection: May not support all the apps you want, or updates may lag behind. Privacy Concerns: Some smart TVs collect data about your viewing habits. May Become Obsolete: Smart features might not be suppor...

Thanksgiving Proclamation Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789 By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation. Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:” Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or th...

Cable TV is in serious trouble. Cord-cutting is accelerating rapidly, with millions of subscribers ditching cable for streaming services every year. This trend is driven by the flexibility, affordability, and on-demand content offered by platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus. The situation is so dire that some cable companies are already shutting down their TV services, and experts predict that over 50 more could follow in 2025.  Even giants like Comcast and Spectrum are feeling the heat, losing hundreds of thousands of TV and internet subscribers in recent months. Cord Cutters News says that 5 million cut cable this year : In 2023, traditional pay TV providers in the U.S. lost a staggering 5.4 million subscribers, marking a significant increase from the 4.9 million who cut the cord in 2022. This exodus shows no signs of slowing down, with an estimated 5.7 million subscribers already having abandoned cable TV in the first three quarters of 2024. In the first two q...

Amazon is investing another $4 billion in Anthropic , an AI company that makes a chatbot called Claude. This means Amazon has now invested a total of $8 billion in Anthropic. This partnership is a big deal because it means: Anthropic will use Amazon's technology to make Claude even better. This means Claude might become more powerful and helpful than other AI chatbots. Amazon gets to be a leader in AI. By working with Anthropic, Amazon is showing that it's serious about AI and wants to be at the forefront of this technology. What this means for cord-cutters: Better AI could mean better entertainment. Imagine AI that can recommend shows you'll love, create personalized music, or even write new stories for you. This partnership could make that a reality. More innovation in streaming and entertainment. As AI gets smarter, it can be used to make streaming services more interactive and personalized. Basically, this partnership could lead to some r...

I've long been an advocate of not having a live streaming service -- think YouTube TV, Sling TV, etc. -- for a while. Not everyone feels that way. Even I use such a service during college football season. But a long time advocate, Michael Tinnermann of Michael Saves, has now decided that he doesn't need an expensive service such as YouTube TV. He even advocates dropping services altogether during certain times of the year. [ YouTube ] By the way, I realize this is two days in a row I've posted something from Michael Saves. It just worked out that way. The thngs he has said resonate with me, and I think you should give it consideration. My Streaming Life has not relied on an expensive service year-round, and won't. More people are feeling that way.

New Roku devices are out. But is it worth upgrading? Michael Tinnermann of the Michael Saves YouTube channel has some thoughts. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life depended on Roku at the beginning. It's still a good streaming choice.

Week 13 of the 2024 college football season is underway. 9 games have been played already. There were 3 Tuesday night games, 2 Wednesday night games, 1 Thursday night game, and 3 games last night, including one featuring a ranked team. Today, 56 games are on the schedule . Before next Saturday, there are 17 more games scheduled, starting Tuesday. Today, there are 19 Top 25 teams playing today, with 3 games between ranked teams. 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 Fox Sports 2 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)...

I saw an article recently on Tom's Guide that listed the 7 best musicals of all time . I only agree with a couple of their selections. Rather than list what I agree with -- "Sound of Music" and "West Side Story" (but they picked the wrong version) -- and what I don't, I'll give my thoughts on the best musicals of all time. You may wonder my critera. It's simple. Did I enjoy the experience? What films gave me the most enjoyable experience? In no particular order, I give you: Singin' in the Rain (1952) : This Gene Kelly masterpiece is often considered the greatest musical ever. Its joyous celebration of Hollywood's transition to sound, iconic dance numbers, and witty humor are unmatched. The Sound of Music (1965) : Beloved by generations, this Julie Andrews film features unforgettable songs, a heartwarming story, and stunning Austrian scenery. The Wizard of Oz (1939) : This may be controversial. Is it really a musical, or just a mov...

In a world of rising streaming costs and endless subscription services, it's easy to forget about the simple power of a TV antenna. But antennas are back in a big way, offering a cost-effective solution to access local news, sports, and those must-watch network shows—all without a monthly bill. Whether you're a cord-cutting veteran or just starting to explore your options, a TV antenna is a fantastic way to supplement your entertainment setup or even become your primary source of television. Why Choose an Antenna in the Streaming Age? Free Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite local channels and network programming without paying a dime. Essential Broadcasts: Stay informed with local news, weather alerts, and emergency broadcasts, often unavailable on streaming platforms. Cost Savings: Say goodbye to those ever-increasing streaming subscription fees. Reliable Reception: Enjoy crystal-clear picture quality without buffering or internet outages. Finding the Right An...

PBS is diving headfirst into the world of free ad-supported streaming (FAST)! They've just announced a major partnership with Amazon that will bring over 150 local PBS stations and the PBS KIDS Channel to Prime Video. This is huge news, marking the first time this programming will be freely available on a major streaming service. PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Ira Rubenstein, says they are excited about this new deal : "PBS member stations will be able to tap into a leading streaming service to offer quality local programming viewers know and love for free,” said PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Ira Rubenstein. “It’s part of the PBS commitment to make trusted content available to all households across as many platforms as possible. We thank Amazon for giving PBS Member Stations a new and exciting way to grow their digital footprint while engaging with audiences old and new." Prime Video will also become home to two new exclusive PBS channels: PBS...

In a recent YouTube video, Lon Siedman , a well-known expert on all things television, discussed the latest developments in ATSC 3.0 technology. ATSC 3.0 is the next generation of over-the-air television broadcasting, and it promises to bring a number of benefits to viewers, including higher quality video and audio, more channels, and interactive features. In his video, Siedman provides an overview of ATSC 3.0 technology and its potential impact on the television industry. He also discusses some of the challenges that broadcasters are facing as they transition to the new standard, and the impact of the presidential election on the FCC and ATSC 3.0: [ YouTube ] In addition to watching Siedman's video, I would also recommend checking out the following resources for more information about ATSC 3.0: The ATSC website: https://www.atsc.org/ The National Association of Broadcasters website: https://www.nab.org/ The Consumer Technology Association website: https://www.cta.tec...

The long-awaited merger between satellite TV giants DirecTV and Dish Network has gone up in smoke . The reason? A failed debt swap deal that left both companies scrambling and raises big questions about the future of traditional pay TV. This is a significant development for cord cutters, and here's why. Here's the Play-by-Play: Both DirecTV and Dish Network are hemorrhaging subscribers thanks to the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. This has led to financial difficulties, especially for Dish, which is saddled with a mountain of debt. Hoping to stop the bleeding, the two companies announced a merger in April 2023. The idea was to combine forces, cut costs, and gain more leverage in negotiations with programmers. But there was a catch: Dish's massive debt. To make the deal work, DirecTV proposed a debt swap where Dish bondholders would exchange their existing debt for new debt in the merged company.  This would have allowed DirecTV to assume some o...

We're less than 11 months to the end of support for Windows 10. Britec has a video about that. [ YouTube ] If you have a Windows 10 computer that can't be upgraded, ChromeOS is the easiest solution, and Linux is the most private solution. My Streaming Life uses both Linux and ChromeOS, and find great things about them both.

Week 12 of the 2024 college football season is underway. 11 games have been played already. There were 3 Tuesday night games, 3 Wednesday night games, 1 Thursday night game, and four games last night. Today, 44 games are on the schedule . Before next Saturday, there are 9 more games scheduled, starting Tuesday. Today, there are 19 Top 25 teams playing today, with two games between ranked teams. 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 Fox Sports 2 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) Fu...

Want to know if the Nvidia Shield TV is still worth it in 2024? Lon Seidman breaks it down in his latest video, covering everything from its impressive history to what the future might hold. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life regularly involves videos from Lon.TV. Did you find Lon's insights helpful? Head over to his YouTube channel and subscribe for more great tech reviews and cord-cutting advice.

Netflix just dropped some bombshell numbers: their ad-supported plan has snagged a whopping 70 million users globally! It's only been around for two years, but this cheaper option is clearly resonating with viewers. No surprise there – who doesn't love saving some cash? This news definitely caught my eye, because it perfectly reflects my own cord-cutting journey. I'll be honest, I haven't been a die-hard Netflix subscriber for a while now. With so many other streaming services (many of them free!), I found I could get my content fix elsewhere and ditch the monthly Netflix bill. But here's the thing: I still use Netflix strategically. If there's a must-see show or special, like a Dave Chappelle comedy event, I'll sign up for a month, binge-watch to my heart's content, and then cancel. And guess which plan I choose? Yep, the ad-supported one! My Streaming Life doesn't require Netflix, but it's a nice-to-have when the price is right. And it...

Amazon has announced that Freevee is going away. Freevee is going away. Except it's not. Not really. Amazon isn't shutting down Freevee completely, but they are phasing out the Freevee name and branding. This means that the content you currently enjoy on Freevee will still be available, but it will be accessed through Prime Video instead. Here's what's happening: Freevee content is moving to Prime Video: All of the movies, TV shows, and original programming currently on Freevee will be integrated into the Prime Video platform. No change for Prime members: If you're already a Prime subscriber, you'll still have access to all the same content, including Freevee's offerings. Free content remains for non-Prime members: Even if you don't have a Prime membership, you'll still be able to watch a vast library of free content, including some original shows, licensed movies and series, and FAST channels, all within Prime Video. Essentia...

Max is the latest streaming service to take aim at password sharing. Just like Netflix and Disney Plus have already done, Warner Bros. Discovery wants to limit Max accounts to a single household. They're starting with a gentle approach, sending out reminders about the rules. But eventually, those sharing accounts with people outside their homes will have to pay extra. Oh, and Max itself might be getting a bit more expensive soon, too. Even with these changes, Max is still gaining millions of new subscribers. It seems the streaming wars are heating up, and companies are looking for ways to maximize their profits. Personally, I understand the crackdown. When people share passwords, streaming services lose money, which can lead to higher prices for paying customers. It's only fair that everyone contributes their share. After all, it's their content, and they have the right to protect their investments. If I disagree with their policies, I can always choose to cancel...

Today is Veterans Day. We have observed it since the end of the first World War, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1954. The president issued a proclamation that year . Proclamation 3071—Veteran's Day, 1954 October 08, 1954 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Whereas it has long been our custom to commemorate November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace; and Whereas in the intervening years the United States has been involved in two other great military conflicts, which have added millions of veterans living and dead to the honor rolls of this Nation; and Whereas the Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926 (44 Stat. 1982), calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies, and later provided in an act approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351), that the eleventh of November should be a legal holiday...

Last week, I wrote about things to consider about when it's time to replace your streaming device . Today, I've got a follow up. Well, not exactly from me, but from Lon Seidman of Lon.TV. He has a video about the top streaming devices currently available. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life always includes a top tier device, including the ones Lon discussed. It's a good rundown, and while I have generally used Google TV recently, they are all good platforms, and whichever you choose will likely be the right choice for you. It really depends on what you're after, what's more important, and what your budget allows. The platforms overall are good. The top tier owes will work well for anyone.

Week 11 of the 2024 college football season is underway. Ten games have been played already. There were two Tuesday night games, two Wednesday night games, two Thursday night game, and four games last night. Only one ranked team has played, and that was one of last night's games. Today, 40 games are on the schedule . Before next Saturday, there are 11 more games scheduled, starting Tuesday. Today, there are 22 Top 25 teams playing today, with two games between ranked teams. 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 Fox Sports 2 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...

Comcast and Spectrum, two of the biggest cable providers, are struggling. They lost a ton of TV and internet customers in the third quarter of 2024 because people are ditching cable for streaming and cheaper internet options. A report from Cord Cutters News says that even though Comcast and Spectrum are losing customers, both companies are still making money. Spectrum is doing well with its mobile phone service and overall internet revenue, while Comcast is making more money per internet customer and growing its own mobile service. My Streaming Life began as a supplement to cable. It didn't remain that way, and I dropped cable in January 2011. Others seem to feel the way I did. Basically, cable is becoming less popular, and these companies are trying to find new ways to stay in business.

According to an article on The Wrap from late last month, Ampere Analysis reports major media companies (Netflix, Disney, Comcast, Google, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount) are projected to spend a record-breaking $126 billion on content in 2024. This represents 51% of the total global content spend. "Ongoing investment by major studios and streaming platforms into new programming will continue to be key to keeping audiences engaged and entertained. We can expect that the content landscape will see low level growth in 2024 as production schedules recover from disruptions caused by the pandemic and the writers’ and actors’ union strikes," Ampere Analysis research manager Peter Ingram said in a statement. While these companies are heavily investing in streaming, with $40 billion earmarked for their streaming services, Ampere Analysis predicts that overall content spending growth will plateau as companies prioritize profitability and strategic investments. D...

It's tough to give a hard and fast rule for how often to replace a streaming device. My own habits have changed over the years. I used to be an early adopter, grabbing the latest Roku every time a new model came out. I went through the XDS, the 2 XS, and the Roku 3 in quick succession. But something changed with the Roku 3. It was just so reliable. I never had the reboot issues I experienced with earlier models. When the Roku 4 launched with reported problems, I decided to stick with my trusty Roku 3. Even the later Ultra models didn't offer enough to tempt me away. That Roku 3 served me well for years, even after I added a Roku Ultra to the mix. In fact, both devices are still going strong, though mostly used in secondary rooms now. But back to the original question: how long should a streaming device last? I'd say a reasonable expectation is around four years. That doesn't mean you need to replace it after four years, but be prepared to if you encounter pro...

The potential split between Comcast and its cable networks has raised serious questions about the future of MSNBC. If the spinoff happens, MSNBC will be cut off from the vital newsgathering resources it currently shares with NBC News. This leaves the left-wing channel with some tough choices to make if it wants to stay in the news game : If the spinoff proceeds, MSNBC will need to find alternative ways to maintain its newsgathering capabilities. Several options are possible: Building an Independent News Organization: MSNBC could invest in building its own team of reporters and editors, creating an independent newsgathering operation. This would require significant financial resources and time to establish. Striking a Deal with NBC News: MSNBC could negotiate a deal with NBC News to continue accessing its reporting resources, potentially for a fee. This would allow MSNBC to maintain its current programming mix without building a news organization from scr...

It's official! After a long stint over at CBS, the beloved holiday special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is finally coming back home to NBC this holiday season. That's right, the most famous reindeer of all will be gracing our screens on December 11th at 8:00 PM ET/PT, just in time to spread some Christmas cheer. Why the move back to NBC matters: For many of us, watching Rudolph is a cherished holiday tradition, filled with nostalgia and warm fuzzy feelings. Seeing that little red nose light up our screens takes us right back to childhood. And let's be honest, who doesn't love singing along to "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "We Are Santa's Elves"? Having Rudolph back on NBC, where it originally aired back in 1964, just feels right. But I'm a cord cutter! How can I watch? Don't worry, fellow cord cutters, I've got you covered! Here's how you can catch Rudolph's triumphant return to NBC: Peacock : NBC...

Cord-cutters, beware!  Just when you thought the cable giants couldn't sink any lower, they've launched a new attack on our right to ditch their overpriced services. Comcast and Cox are suing to block a new "click-to-cancel" rule that would make it easier to say "goodbye" to cable once and for all. Luckily, Lon Seidman of Lon.TV is here to break down this ridiculous lawsuit and explain why it's just another desperate attempt by Big Cable to hold onto their dwindling customer base.  Check out his insightful video below: [ YouTube ] Personally, I've never had trouble dropping cable. My Streaming Life is mine, and I make sure it runs how I want it. Most people do, though. My personality is more insistent than most, and that helps. But it's infuriating to see Comcast and Cox resorting to these tactics to keep people trapped in their expensive contracts.  But as cord-cutters, we're used to fighting for our right to choose how we consume entertai...

Week 10 of the 2024 college football season is underway/ Nine games have been played already. There were three Tuesday night games, two Wednesday night games, only one Thursday night game, and three games last night. Only one ranked team has played, and that was one of last night's games. Today, 40 games are on the schedule . Before next Saturday, there are 10 more games scheduled, starting Tuesday. Today, there are 16 Top 25 teams playing today, with two games between ranked teams. 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 Fox Sports 2 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) Y...

Remember the days of rushing to buy the latest Roku every year? Well, it seems those days might be over. A new survey reveals a surprising trend in the cord-cutting world: We're holding onto our streaming devices longer than ever. For years, I was caught in the upgrade cycle myself, always eager to get my hands on the newest streaming stick with its slightly faster processor and shinier remote. But lately, I've found myself perfectly content with my trusty old Roku. And it turns out, I'm not alone. A recent survey of 1,000 cord-cutters by Cord Cutters News found that Roku is the most popular streaming device, with 64% of respondents owning one. However, a whopping 77% of those surveyed don't plan to buy a new streaming player anytime soon. This trend has been increasing, with only 73.3% saying they didn't plan to buy a new player in the Spring 2024 survey. Why the sudden shift? This shift in consumer behavior has several underlying causes. First, streamin...