My Streaming Life

In Part 1, we took a deep dive into DIRECTV's new "MySports" package, analyzing its channel lineup, price, and potential impact on the streaming landscape. But as we explored the evolving world of cord-cutting sports, one question lingered: could the launch of "MySports" actually pave the way for the resurrection of Venu Sports? A Quick Recap: The Venu Saga Remember Venu? It was the ambitious sports streaming service announced in early 2024 by a powerhouse trio: Disney (ESPN), Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox. It promised a comprehensive collection of sports content, but it was met with a lawsuit from FuboTV, who alleged anti-competitive practices. Then, in a surprising turn of events, Disney acquired Fubo's technology and subscriber base for Hulu+Live TV, and Fubo dropped its lawsuit. Just days later, Venu was abruptly canceled, with the official reason being "shifting market dynamics." Could "MySports" Change the Game? Now, with th...

The streaming world is constantly evolving, and for sports fans, it's been a wild ride. We've seen the rise and fall of dedicated sports streaming services (RIP, Venu), the ever-increasing cost of cable and live TV streaming, and a growing demand for more flexible and affordable ways to watch our favorite teams and games. Now, DIRECTV has thrown its hat into the ring with "MySports," a standalone sports package that promises a comprehensive lineup of channels, including those coveted regional sports networks (RSNs). But is it a game changer for cord-cutters, or just an overpriced gamble? Let's dive in and find out. What is "MySports"? "MySports" is DIRECTV's new standalone streaming service that focuses solely on sports content. It includes a wide variety of channels, such as: ESPN , ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in many markets League-Specific Channels : NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network ...

Comcast has just launched a new streaming package aimed squarely at sports and news fans: Sports & News TV. At first glance, it seems like a decent option for budget-conscious cord-cutters, but there are some important caveats to consider. Let's dive into the details and see if this package is a slam dunk or a fumble. What You Get (and What You Don't) For $70 per month (when bundled with Xfinity internet), Sports & News TV offers a streamlined selection of channels, including: Live Sports : ESPN, FS1, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, GOLF Channel, and SEC Network. This covers major college and professional sports, but notably missing are TNT and TBS, which air events like March Madness and some NBA games. News Channels : You get your local broadcast channels, plus national favorites like CNBC, CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC. Peacock Premium : This is a nice bonus, giving you access to more live sports (Premier League, WWE), original shows, and next-day access to NBC...

Fubo TV has been hitting the news lately for raising their prices—again! As a cord-cutting blogger always on the lookout for the best value, I wanted to take a closer look at Fubo's pricing and uncover the real cost of subscribing to their service. Transparency is crucial when it comes to choosing a streaming service, and unfortunately, Fubo TV's pricing isn't as straightforward as it seems. Fubo TV Plans and Pricing: More Than Meets the Eye Let's break down Fubo TV's current plans and their actual costs. You might be surprised to find out that the advertised price isn't always the price you end up paying! Plan Advertised Price RSN Fee Actual Price Essentials $84.99 $0 $84.99 Pro $84.99 $15.99 $100.98 Elite $94.99 $15.99 $110.98 Latino $32.99 $0 $32.99 As you can see, the Pro and Elite plans come with an a...

Lon.TV recently released a video called " I finally cut the cord! Retiring the HDHomerun Prime and what's next " that really resonated with me. In it, Lon talks about finally getting rid of his cable service after years of frustration with rising fees, especially those pesky broadcast TV fees. He was already using an HDHomeRun device to access digital cable channels without renting boxes, but even that wasn't enough to justify the ever-increasing cost of cable. His story reminded me of my own cord-cutting journey, which started back in 2006 with a TiVo. I was already experimenting with ways to save money and have more control over my TV experience. By 2011, I was done with cable entirely! It wasn't just about the local channels or broadcast fees for me either. Later on, Comcast/Xfinity had this weird pricing structure where it was actually cheaper to get internet and cable than internet alone! Crazy, right? But that's how they got you. So for a few years, I ...

In today's digital age, our online privacy is more important than ever. It's easy to feel like we're constantly being tracked and monitored, but there are steps we can take to reclaim our privacy and protect our personal information. This video outlines six easy steps that anyone can take to improve their online privacy. It covers a range of topics, from choosing a privacy-focused browser to using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. [ YouTube ] I urge you to watch this video and start taking steps to protect your privacy online. Even small changes can make a big difference. My Streaming Life is about enjoying the convenience and entertainment of streaming, but it's also about being mindful of our digital footprint and taking control of our online experience.

Just yesterday, I wrapped up a three-part series looking at Netflix, its content, and its place in the streaming world. But the streaming world never stands still, and Netflix has made some big changes that impact your wallet. In fact, these price increases are the first we've seen from the streaming giant since October 2023. Let's take a closer look at what's happening and what it means for you as a streamer. Breaking Down the Price Hikes Netflix didn't raise prices on just one plan. Every plan went up, and some of them by a significant amount. Here's the breakdown: Standard with Ads : Increased by $1 (from $6.99 to $7.99) Standard (Ad-Free) : Increased by $2.50 (from $15.49 to $17.99) Premium (Ad-Free) : Increased by $2.00 (from $22.99 to $24.99) You might recall that Netflix eliminated its lowest-priced ad-free plan back in 2024, forcing many users to jump to the more expensive Standard (ad-free) plan to avoid commercials. Now, that same plan has g...

My Streaming Life has come a long way since those early days of red envelopes and the dawn of streaming. Today, the entertainment landscape is vastly different. Netflix, while still a dominant force, faces fierce competition from all sides. In this final installment of my Netflix journey, I'll explore the current state of streaming and how I'm navigating these choppy waters, even as an infrequent subscriber to Netflix itself. The Streaming Wars Heat Up: Remember when Netflix was the only game in town? Those days are long gone. Now, we're in the midst of the "Streaming Wars," with giants like Disney Plus, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Paramount Plus vying for our attention and subscription dollars. Content, Content, Content: As I've always said, content is king. But in this crowded market, securing and retaining compelling content is more challenging than ever. Netflix continues to invest heavily in original programming, but they're also losi...

As much as I cherished those red envelopes, there was a new wave of excitement on the horizon: streaming. Netflix, once again, was at the forefront of this revolution, transforming how we consume entertainment. My Streaming Life was about to enter a whole new era, one with instant access to a world of movies and TV shows at my fingertips. The Dawn of Streaming: Remember the early days of streaming? Clunky interfaces, limited selection, and constant buffering were the norm. But Netflix persevered, steadily improving their platform and expanding their library. Suddenly, waiting for DVDs seemed like a distant memory. With a few clicks, I could watch anything I wanted, whenever I wanted. Original Content Takes Center Stage: One of the most significant shifts in Netflix's journey has been its investment in original programming. 1 Shows like "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black" broke new ground, proving that streaming services could produce high-qu...

Remember those iconic red envelopes? For many of us cord cutters, they were a symbol of a revolution in home entertainment. Long before streaming dominated our screens, Netflix's DVD-by-mail service was a game-changer. My Streaming Life truly began with those little red packages arriving at my doorstep, each one holding the promise of cinematic discovery. A World of Movies at My Fingertips: In the early days of cord cutting, options were limited. Streaming was in its infancy, with clunky interfaces and a paltry selection. But then came Netflix, offering a vast library of movies delivered right to my mailbox. It was a revelation! Suddenly, I had access to a treasure trove of films, from new releases to classics I'd always wanted to see. Discovering Cinematic Gems: What truly set Netflix apart was its depth. Beyond the mainstream blockbusters, there were those hard-to-find gems – independent films, foreign cinema, documentaries, and those Oscar-winning classics from years go...

As a cord cutter, or someone considering the leap, don't overlook the value of a TV antenna. A surprising number of people can access free over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts with a simple antenna setup. It's a throwback to the old days, but it's a technology that still works! The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of OTA TV Back in the day, antennas were the only way to watch TV. We had a big antenna pointed towards Savannah, the nearest city with TV stations. Cable eventually came along, offering more channels and convenience, and many people, including myself, switched over. But with the explosion of streaming services, cable's dominance has been challenged. People are rediscovering the cost-saving benefits of OTA TV, and the antenna market has seen a resurgence. Unfortunately, this has also led to a lot of misleading claims about antenna capabilities. The Truth About Antenna Range Some antenna manufacturers boast about 200-mile ranges. Let me be blunt: they're lying....

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the following speech in Washington, DC: Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we've come to our nation's ca...

My journey to streaming minimalism has been a long one, filled with experimentation and evolving preferences. It started back in 2011 when I first cut the cable cord and embraced the world of Roku. Now, let me be clear: Roku is a fantastic platform! But like any streaming device, it offers a vast library of apps, and it's easy to get carried away. Over the years, I've explored various platforms – Apple TV, even a few hesitant dips into the Fire TV pool (which I quickly abandoned!). Each experience taught me something valuable about my streaming needs. But it wasn't until late 2023, after several test drives with Google TV (and its earlier Android TV iterations), that I landed on a setup that truly clicked. And a key part of that "click" was realizing I could achieve streaming satisfaction with a surprisingly small collection of apps. The Early Days: My Roku and the App Exploration Phase When I first got my Roku, back in 2010, I was like a kid in a candy store. ...

I recently watched a video by Tyler the Antenna Man about when you should not run a channel scan on your TV. I found it to be a helpful reminder for cord cutters who have an antenna. Tyler explains that it's usually a good idea to run a channel scan when you first connect an antenna to your TV, and to do it periodically. However, there's one situation where you should not run a channel scan: when a local channel stops coming in due to a weak signal. If you run a channel scan in this situation, the TV will remove the channel since it's not being picked up. [ YouTube ] Hopefully, this video has been helpful to you in your cord cutting journey. My Streaming Life is all about finding ways to save money and still enjoy the entertainment I want, and a digital antenna is a great way to do that.

We've all been there -- that heart-stopping moment when you open your cable bill and wonder if you accidentally purchased a small island instead of TV service. But what if I told you there's a better way? Cord cutting doesn't have to mean sacrificing entertainment; in fact, with a little savvy, it can be incredibly budget-friendly. In this post, we'll explore how to trim your entertainment costs while enjoying all the shows and movies you love. From choosing the right services to maximizing free options and even optimizing your internet plan, we'll cover it all. Choosing the Right Streaming Services First things first: take an honest look at your viewing habits. Do you really need 800 channels, or are there a few key shows you can't miss? You might be surprised to find you don't need a full-fledged live TV streaming service like YouTube TV. If you do want some live channels, consider budget-friendly alternatives like Frndly TV or Philo, which offer a sl...

Tired of those sky-high cable bills? Ready to join the streaming revolution but feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, we've got you covered! As a fellow senior who's been streaming for about 15 years now (I cut the cord way back in 2011!), I know firsthand that switching from cable can seem like a big leap. But trust me, it doesn't have to be scary. With a little guidance and the right tools, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies while saving a bundle. Why Make the Switch? Save Money: Say goodbye to those outrageous cable bills! Streaming services are much more affordable, and many offer free trials so you can test the waters. More Control: You're in charge! Watch what you want, when you want, without being tied to a cable schedule. Easier Than You Think: Streaming devices and apps are designed with user-friendliness in mind. You don't need to be a tech whiz to get started. Getting Started Choose Your Device: There are several user-fr...

Cable and satellite TV bills are climbing higher than ever, and even live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu+Live TV are getting pricey. But don't despair, fellow cord-cutters! There's a whole world of free entertainment out there, just waiting to be discovered. You might be thinking, "Free? There's gotta be a catch!" And yes, most free streaming services are ad-supported. But let's be honest, even cable TV and those expensive live streaming services have commercials. The difference? You're not shelling out a hefty monthly fee to watch them! As someone who rarely uses paid services outside of college football season, I rely on free streaming to keep me entertained year-round. And trust me, there's something for everyone. Here's a rundown of some of the top free streaming services available: For the Movie Buff: Tubi: A massive library of movies and TV shows, from classics to recent releases. Tubi even has some exclusive original...

The live TV streaming landscape is constantly evolving, and with the recent Fubo/Hulu + Live TV merger and YouTube TV's price hike , it's a good time to re-evaluate your options. Two of the biggest players in this space are Fubo and YouTube TV. Both offer a compelling alternative to traditional cable, but which one comes out on top? In this post, we'll break down the key differences between Fubo and YouTube TV, considering their pricing, channel lineups, features, and user experience, to help you decide which service is the best fit for your needs. Pricing Fubo : Starts at $79.99/month for the Pro plan. YouTube TV : Starts at $82.99/month for the base plan. Fubo currently has a slight edge in pricing, offering its base plan for $3 less than YouTube TV. Channels Fubo : Offers 185+ channels in its base plan, with a strong focus on sports. YouTube TV : Offers 100+ channels in its base plan. Fubo boasts a wider selection of channels, especially for sports...

Just as I wrapped up my 4-part series on the Fubo/Hulu+Live TV merger, the streaming world threw us another curveball: Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery abruptly cancelled their joint sports streaming venture, Venu Sports. This unexpected move raises questions about Disney's overall streaming strategy and the future of sports streaming in general. A Recap of the Fubo/Hulu Saga As you may recall, my recent series explored the implications of Disney's merger with FuboTV, the parent company of sports-focused streaming service Fubo. I analyzed the potential benefits and drawbacks for sports fans, cord-cutters, and the streaming landscape as a whole. Note: You can catch up on the series here: The Big Picture Sports Fans Rejoice (or Should They?) Cord-Cutters Take Note Disney's Master Plan? One of the key points I discussed was the potential impact of Venu Sports, a planned standalone sports streaming service that was in the works before the Fubo/Hulu mer...

Cord cutting is about finding smart, legal ways to enjoy your favorite entertainment without breaking the bank. But sometimes, the temptation of "free" content can lead down a dangerous path. Pirate TV boxes, those devices promising unlimited movies, TV shows, and live channels for a one-time fee, are a prime example. While the allure is strong, the reality is that you're not just getting something for nothing -- you're stealing content, supporting criminal activity, and putting your entire digital life at risk. The True Cost of "Free" Content: Think about it: those movies, shows, and live channels you're accessing for "free" are the result of countless hours of work, creativity, and investment by writers, actors, directors, and production crews. When you access that content illegally, you're not just getting a free ride -- you're undermining the people who create the entertainment you enjoy. Beyond the Ethical Dilemma: Besides the...

The Fubo/Hulu+Live TV merger has sent shockwaves through the streaming world, but what's the real story behind this unexpected alliance? Is it simply a smart business move, or is there a deeper strategic game at play? Let's put on our detective hats and try to unravel Disney's master plan. Dominating the Streaming Landscape Disney has been aggressively expanding its presence in the streaming market, with Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu already under its umbrella. By merging Hulu+Live TV with Fubo, Disney gains a stronger foothold in the live TV streaming space and further solidifies its position as a streaming powerhouse. This move could also be seen as a strategic response to Warner Bros. Discovery's Max streaming service. The Sports Streaming Gambit With the launch of a new "Sports & Broadcast service" featuring ESPN channels, Disney is making a bold play to capture a larger share of the sports streaming market. This move could put pressure on riv...

The Fubo/Hulu+Live TV merger has sent ripples throughout the streaming world, but what does it actually mean for those of us who have already cut the cord? Will this lead to better value, more choices, or just more confusion in the already crowded streaming landscape? Let's dive in and explore the potential implications for cord-cutters. Potential Benefits for Cord-Cutters More Competitive Pricing : The merger could intensify competition in the live TV streaming market, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better deals for consumers. Increased Flexibility : We might see the emergence of new and more flexible packages, allowing cord-cutters to customize their channel lineups and pay only for the channels they actually want. Enhanced Bundling Options : The combined company could offer attractive bundles that combine live TV streaming with other Disney services like Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, potentially leading to cost savings for those who subscribe to mu...

The Fubo/Hulu merger is particularly exciting news for sports fans like my son. He's a big sports enthusiast and relies on Fubo for his daily dose of live games and sports commentary. With Disney's sports channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS, joining forces with Fubo's already robust sports offerings, the future of sports streaming looks even more promising. But will it truly be a win for sports fans, or could this merger lead to unexpected consequences? The Sports & Broadcast Service One of the most anticipated outcomes of this merger is the launch of a new "Sports & Broadcast service." This dedicated sports streaming service will feature a curated lineup of sports channels, likely including those ESPN channels, and potentially more. This could be a game-changer, offering a more affordable and streamlined way to access live games and sports programming. Fubo's Existing Strengths Even before the merger, Fubo had already established itself...

The streaming wars just got a whole lot more interesting! In a surprise move that's sending shockwaves through the industry, Disney, the entertainment giant behind Hulu, has announced a merger with sports-focused streaming service FuboTV. This is big news, especially for sports fans like my son, who relies on Fubo for his daily dose of live games and sports commentary. This unexpected alliance has left many wondering: what does this mean for the future of live TV streaming? The Basics Here's a quick rundown of the key details: Disney Takes the Lead : Disney will become the majority owner of Fubo, holding a 70% stake in the combined company. Separate But Equal : Both Fubo and Hulu+Live TV will continue to operate as separate services, each with its own branding, channel lineups, and pricing. A Long Road Ahead : The merger is expected to take 12-18 months to complete, so don't expect any immediate changes to your streaming experience. Why Merge? The official ...