Do Your Research: A Deep Dive into Cord-Cutting Preparation

In my previous post, "7 Essential Tips for Cord-Cutters," I emphasized the importance of research before diving headfirst into the world of streaming. But what does that actually entail? How can you ensure you're making informed decisions and setting yourself up for a successful cord-cutting experience?

This deep dive will explore the "Do Your Research" tip in detail, providing a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the streaming landscape and create a personalized entertainment setup that perfectly fits your needs and preferences.

Step 1: Assess Your Viewing Needs

Before you even start exploring streaming services or devices, it's crucial to take a step back and assess your current TV viewing habits. What do you watch, when do you watch it, and how important are certain channels or shows to you?

The research process has evolved alongside the streaming landscape. In the early days of cord-cutting, I meticulously tracked every show I watched on cable to ensure I could find a streaming alternative. While this approach was helpful at the time, it's not always necessary today.

With the vast array of streaming options available, it's often more effective to focus on the types of shows you enjoy rather than specific titles. This allows for more flexibility and discovery within the streaming universe.

Here are some questions to consider:

• What genres do you gravitate towards (e.g., comedies, dramas, documentaries, reality shows)?
• Are there any specific channels or programs that are non-negotiable for you (e.g., live sports, news, kids' shows)?
• How important is live TV viewing to you?
• Do you need DVR capabilities?
• How many simultaneous streams will you need to support in your household?

By honestly answering these questions, you can create a clear picture of your viewing priorities and guide your research accordingly.

Step 2: Explore the Streaming Landscape

Once you have a good understanding of your viewing needs, it's time to explore the vast and ever-expanding world of streaming services. Here's a brief overview of some of the major players:

• Netflix: Known for its extensive library of original series, movies, and documentaries.
• Hulu: Offers a mix of current network TV shows, original series, and live TV option with Hulu + Live TV.
• Disney Plus: Home to Disney classics, Pixar films, Marvel and Star Wars content, and National Geographic documentaries.
• Max: Features a wide selection of movies, HBO original series, and Warner Bros. content.
• Amazon Prime Video: Offers a mix of popular movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals, as well as a free ad-supported section called "Freevee."
• Apple TV Plus: Showcases Apple Originals, including award-winning series and movies.
• Paramount Plus: Features a library of classic and new shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.
• Peacock: Offers a mix of current and classic shows from NBC, as well as live sports and news.

Each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to research their content offerings, pricing, and features to determine which ones best align with your viewing preferences. And don't forget to take advantage of free trials to test drive different services before committing to a subscription.

Step 3: Consider Your Budget

Cord-cutting can lead to significant cost savings compared to traditional cable, but it's important to be mindful of your budget and avoid overspending on streaming services.

Start by setting a realistic budget for your monthly streaming expenses. Consider how much you're currently paying for cable and how much you're willing to allocate to streaming. Remember to factor in the cost of internet service and any necessary equipment, such as streaming devices or antennas.

It's often a good strategy to start with a few essential services that cover your core viewing needs and then gradually add more as your budget allows. You can also explore options for rotating services ("churning") to maximize content variety while minimizing costs.

Step 4: Evaluate Your Equipment Needs

While many smart TVs have built-in streaming capabilities, a dedicated streaming device can often provide a better overall experience. Here are some of the leading platforms to consider:

• Roku: Known for its user-friendly interface and wide app availability.
• Google TV: Offers a personalized experience with Google Assistant integration and a vast content library.
• Apple TV: Provides a seamless experience for Apple users with access to Apple services and a growing selection of apps.
• Fire TV: Amazon's platform with a focus on Prime Video and Alexa integration.

I consider these four platforms to be the "Big Four" in the streaming device market. Each offers a unique set of features and benefits, so it's important to research and compare them to find the best fit for your needs.

Personally, I prefer to use the same platform on every TV in my house for consistency and ease of use. I currently have a combination of Google TV and Roku devices on all my TVs, as I find this setup to be the most effective for my viewing habits.

Remember, you can add any streaming device to any TV, regardless of the TV's built-in smart platform. This gives you the flexibility to choose the devices that best meet your needs and preferences.

Step 5: Don't Forget About Free Resources

While paid streaming services offer a wealth of content, there are also many free resources available to supplement your viewing options. Here are a few to consider:

• Over-the-air (OTA) channels: An antenna can provide access to free, local channels, including major networks and sub-channels.
• Free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services: Platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Xumo offer a variety of live and on-demand content.
• Free content libraries: Some paid streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video with its "Freevee" selection, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV, offer free content libraries with a rotating selection of movies and shows.
• Live sections on streaming platforms and devices: Many platforms and devices, such as Google TV, Fire TV, and Roku, have dedicated "Live" sections that aggregate free live content from various sources.

By exploring these free resources, you can expand your viewing options without increasing your streaming budget.

Step 6: Stay Informed

The streaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new services, price changes, and content updates happening all the time. To stay ahead of the curve, it's important to stay informed.

Subscribe to streaming news sites or blogs (like My Streaming Life!) to keep up with the latest trends and developments. This will help you make informed decisions about your streaming subscriptions and ensure you're always getting the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Cord-cutting can be an exciting and rewarding way to take control of your entertainment experience. But before you make the leap, it's crucial to do your research.

By carefully assessing your viewing needs, exploring the streaming landscape, considering your budget, evaluating your equipment needs, and staying informed, you can create a personalized streaming setup that perfectly fits your lifestyle and preferences.

And don't forget to explore potential deals and discounts offered by various providers, including bundled services that might give you access to additional streaming apps.

My Streaming Life is all about finding the best ways to enjoy streaming content, and I believe that thorough research is the foundation of a successful and fulfilling cord-cutting journey.