My Streaming Life

In my previous post, "7 Essential Tips for Cord-Cutters," I highlighted the importance of taking advantage of bundled services to maximize your entertainment options while potentially saving money. But what exactly are bundled services, and how can you find the best deals? This deep dive will explore the world of bundled services, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the different options, evaluate their value, and make informed decisions that align with your cord-cutting needs and preferences. Types of Bundled Services Bundled services come in various forms, each offering unique benefits and considerations for cord-cutters. Here are the main types to be aware of: Streaming Service Bundles These bundles combine multiple streaming services together, often at a discounted price compared to subscribing to each service individually. Some popular examples include: The Disney Trio : This bundle includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus, offering a wide var...

In my previous post , I shared my excitement about a potential solution for Braves fans like myself: FanDuel Sports Network. They've announced they'll be directly broadcasting Braves games (and 8 other teams) without local blackouts, a dream come true for those of us in the Braves' TV territory. After a few days of testing, I'm ready to share my initial assessment. Let's start with app performance. I've been using the FanDuel Sports Network app on my Google TV devices, and I'm thoroughly impressed. The picture quality is crystal clear, and I haven't experienced any buffering whatsoever. Of course, I have a very stable network, but the app is clearly well-optimized for live sports streaming. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and find the games. My son, who's also been testing it on his Apple TV, agrees -- the app is incredibly stable, and he's had similar results to my own. As for Braves game access, I'm happy to report...

We spend a lot of time talking about streaming services, devices, and antennas when we talk about cutting the cord. And rightly so – these are the tools we use to access our entertainment. But there's a silent workhorse in the background, often overlooked until it falters: your home WiFi network. Think of your streaming services as the content providers, and your streaming devices as the delivery trucks. Your home network? That's the road the trucks need to travel on. If the road is bumpy, narrow, or congested, the delivery isn't going to be smooth. In the world of cord-cutting, a weak or unreliable home network can lead to frustrating buffering, dropped streams, and a generally poor viewing experience. The Ever-Increasing Demand on Your WiFi As highlighted in a recent report from Cord Cutters News, the average home now has a staggering number of connected devices – often exceeding 30! This surge is fueled by smart TVs, streaming sticks, tablets, smartphones, smart home...

A recent article on Cord Cutters News caught my attention, discussing an upcoming Supreme Court decision that could have significant implications for how online piracy is handled. Authored by Luke Bouma, the article delves into the case where Sony is pushing for internet providers to be held responsible for the pirated content accessed by their users. Grande Communications, one of the internet providers involved, is understandably concerned, warning that such a ruling could force them to disconnect subscribers even without definitive proof of wrongdoing. Bouma astutely points out that this decision could fundamentally reshape how we access the internet. While I agree with the overall importance of this case and the potential for widespread impact, one particular conclusion in Bouma's article gave me pause. He suggested that if Cox Communications (involved in a similar case) were to win, it "could mean fewer repercussions for users who download copyrighted material." W...

For years, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd have been sounds I've had to chase as a cord-cutter and a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan living right in their broadcast territory. The frustration with MLB.TV blackouts is a familiar story for many of us, leaving us scrambling for often unreliable or inconvenient ways to watch our favorite teams. But now, a new player has entered the game, and it might just be the home run we've been waiting for: FanDuel Sports Network. FanDuel Sports Network, for the 2025 MLB season, is directly broadcasting games for 9 teams, and thankfully, the Atlanta Braves are on that list! The other teams included are the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays. 1  For fans of these teams, this is potentially huge news. The key benefit? A direct-to-consumer streaming option that promises to eliminate those dreaded local blackouts – a game-cha...