How to cut cable- An easy step-by-step guide to saving money without sacrificing content

Step 1: Check your Internet

Before cutting any cable cords, check your internet connection to make sure you have a broadband connection with sufficient bandwidth and speed for streaming video. Many streaming services recommend at least 3 – 5 Mbps to handle their content.

Also, consider whether you will have multiple devices streaming at once (don’t we all?), and whether you’ll be downloading HD or 4K content, as these require higher download speeds to make sure proper buffering. For multiple devices or high-resolution content, you will most likely need even higher download speeds of at least 15-20 Mbps.

It’s a good idea to check your internet provider’s download speed in your contract, but also to test the actual download speed during peak hours when your neighbors are also streaming – say 6-10 pm. You may even want to test your speed with several sites to get a good average, as each site will vary depending on its protocol. Here are a few sites for free testing in the Frisco, Plano and Prosper, TX area:

www.testmy.net

http://speedtest.xfinity.com/

https://www.bandwidthplace.com/

https://www.speedtest.net/

Step 2: Decide on your streaming hardware

Streaming internet content can be accomplished on many types of devices, including your computer or handheld device, smart TVs, smart DVRs, set-top streaming boxes, over-the-air (OTA) HD antennas, and even many gaming consoles. Unlike cable or satellite service, the purchase of equipment is a one-time investment – you don’t pay monthly rentals or subscription fees.

For serious streaming, we’ve discovered you’ll need two pieces of hardware to maximize your experience.

First- HD Antenna

Remember the days of adding tinfoil balls to your antenna ears to get better reception? Well, new antennas have come a long way. Now, a good HD antenna can deliver crystal clear programming of live TV from local stations that rival cable and satellite.

The HDTV antenna is a great investment for those wanting free over-the-air local programming from major networks like Fox, ABC, NBC, and CBS, as well as other stations located within your area. Additionally, many streaming services mentioned below incorporate an HD antenna into their interface, so you don’t have to worry about different remotes or switching back and forth between different programming environments.

To find out what broadcast stations are available in your area, go to FCC DTV Reception Maps and enter your zip code. You will see all broadcast stations available through an antenna, as well as the distance each tower is from your home address. The distance is important because when you shop for antennas, you’ll want to make sure the antenna has enough power to reach the signal from your favorite broadcast station tower.

We searched for top-rated antennas and found a few worth mentioning below. You can also utilize the geek experts at Best Buy to help if you are unsure of which one would be best for you. You will also need to consider whether your antenna should be a window or set unit, or if it should be placed in the attic or on the roof, depending on the terrain and distance to your favorite broadcast stations.

Highly Rated HDTV Antennas

Mohu ReLeaf– $20

Mohu Curve– Amplified – $70 (Cool design!)

1byone– $20

ClearStream Eclipse– $35

Vansky Outdoor– $35

Second- A streaming Device

As mentioned earlier, there are lots of device types that allow you to stream content over the internet. Although your smart TV or smart/Blu-ray DVR may already have some apps (aka streaming services) loaded, our research shows that a true, dedicated streaming device is your best option to take advantage of the plethora of services available to you.

These streaming devices come in the form of a streaming stick, a set-top box, or a gaming console.

We’ve listed a chart below of the top streaming devices we found in our research. A good start to finding the service that is right for you is to consider:

What programs do you already watch and/or need?
The streaming services in the next section offer a mix of Live TV, streaming videos including movies and TV shows, and some services combine both. The majority of streaming devices already include many apps (i.e., streaming services) and free content.

A great start to the selection process is to think about the programs or content you watch consistently (can’t live without?) and narrow down your choices to those services that include your favorite channels or type of content.

Many streaming services offer add-on subscriptions for specialty channels like HBO or Showtime, but these come at an additional cost. It’s essential to consider this before choosing your streaming service(s).

What technology ecosystem?
Are you an avid Apple fan with lots of iPhones and devices, or possibly already have Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home thoroughly embedded in your current smart home technology?

If your home and devices are already skewed to one of these ‘ecosystems’, consider a streaming device that integrates smoothly with your current technology for easier setup, streaming, and integration across all devices.

Additionally, the technology available on your TV will make a difference. For example, if you have Ultra HDR capabilities or your system uses Dolby Vision, you’ll want to pick a compatible device.

Here’s a glance at the top streaming devices:
(click on image for larger view)

Step 3: Select your streaming service

The selection of your streaming service goes hand-in-hand with the selection of your streaming device. Consider the content you want and the ecosystem you prefer, as well as TV and other technology requirements.

Many cord-cutters layer several streaming services together, so the interface of each service is important if you want to avoid jumping from environment to environment, for example, from live TV to streaming videos.

Also, some services offer cloud DVR so you can record live TV, while others do not. For those streaming services that do not provide cloud DVR, you can add an OTA (over-the-air) DVR in conjunction with your HDTV antenna. Examples include Tablo or TiVo. Check out this guide to OTA DVRs.

Here’s a quick reference guide to top-rated streaming services. (Click on image for larger view)
Remember that this industry is changing rapidly as new players enter the market, others merge, and regulations and contracts change. This chart is a great snapshot of the top providers, but their channel lineups, offers, and pricing will likely continue to evolve rapidly.