Knowledge

Top 5 Streaming Services

Think back to the first time you tried to stream a video. Perhaps you’re circle of friends constantly talked about the launch of Netflix which eliminated the need to mail in movies. Or your partner announcing after a long day of work that movie watching took a 180 turn.
No matter what the story, streaming technology has made huge strides. Slow internet speeds proved to be one of the biggest hurdles to complete one movie without the buffer icon. Fast forward to today, viewers can watch almost anything by streaming the content. You have Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix and live sports events from Sling as well as various other types of content for different viewing preferences.
With the number of streaming platforms and services available, those who are not familiar with streaming might find it overwhelming. But that’s why we’re here to help. We want you to have the best experience. Here we’ll share with you all you need to know to stream your TV shows and movies.
<h2>What is Streaming? What is a Smart TV?</h2>
Streaming
Streaming is a method of sending and receiving audio and video material over the internet in a continuous flow to a device such as a smartphone, laptop, or Smart TVs. This allows viewers to start playback as the remainder of the data gets sent over. It provides viewers the convenience and flexibility of watching content wherever and whenever they want.
Smart TV
A Smart TV looks like a regular flat-screen TV but you’ll find more options when you turn it on. You can connect it to your Wi-Fi so you can stream shows from YouTube and Amazon Prime Video apps. In essence, a Smart TV is like a bigger version of your tablet or phone.
<h2>Connecting a Smart TV to the Internet</h2>
1. Push the Menu button on the remote
2. Choose Network Settings. Then select Set up a wireless connection
3. Choose your Wi-FI name from the list
4. Enter the Wi-Fi password by using the remote.
<h2>Do I need to buy a Smart TV to stream?</h2>
Smart TV is just one option you have if you want to stream shows from Hulu, HBO, or Netflix but it’s not a requirement. You can use a streaming device like Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Apple TV to connect your TV to a Wi-Fi network and stream content. Most streaming platforms have a monthly subscription plan.
<h2>Can I use a streaming service if I already have a cable TV plan?</h2>
Yes. Many households usually have what we can traditional cable plus a streaming service subscription. There are also cases where you need a cable subscription to watch certain shows through your player. One example of such is HBO. If your cable plan includes access to HBO, you can go to the HBO Max app to stream on-demand content. Just enter the login details and you’re good to go.
<h2>How to stream from a tablet or smartphone?</h2>
Streaming platforms have mobile apps that you can download to your phone or tablet. For instance, if your family has a shared Netflix account, you can download the app on your mobile device, log in with the account details, and stream to your heart’s content. The biggest advantage of a mobile app is that you can enjoy your TV shows and movies anywhere. Do note that streaming itself can drain your battery faster.
<h2>Can I stream live TV from my preferred service?</h2>
The answer depends on which streaming platform you’re using. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV NOW, and Sling TV are among the streaming platforms that offer live TV streaming. Each service will give you access to a different set of channels so it’s important to choose one that will broadcast your favorite shows.
If you’re not yet sure which service is the best option, no worries because most of them offer a free trial. You can use this period to explore their interface and library to find out which one you prefer. To avoid any unexpected charges to your card, set a reminder to cancel the trial period before the deadline.
<h2>How to avoid buffering videos?</h2>
The best solution to enjoy a continuous and smooth streaming experience is to place the router at the same height as the TV. Routers are good at sending horizontal signals more than vertical ones. If the router is on a different floor than the TV you’re using, you can expect some issues with loading. You can also connect to the internet with an Ethernet cable which ensures the most stable connection.
<h2>Why am I experiencing delays and slow internet when streaming?</h2>
If several people in your home are streaming simultaneously from different devices, this means that you’re fighting for bandwidth. Multiple devices streaming at the same time can reduce the quality of the video and slow down the loading time. If you enjoy different content, try to schedule different times for each member. You can also upgrade to a more premium Wi-Fi plan which gives you faster speed.
Although streaming offers a lot of advantages, there are also some downsides worth nothing. For live events, you will experience real-time delays which could go from 13 up to 39 seconds. Although this isn’t exactly a long time, a lot can happen especially when you’re watching a climactic sports event. The best solution to prevent delay is to turn off phone notifications and avoid going on social media.

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All You Need To Start Streaming TV

There are several reasons why you should try streaming TV whether that’s an annoying cable plan bill or the last season of a new Hit Show available only on Netflix.
Nowadays it’s even more and more difficult to get TV content without streaming them. In 2018, there were more original titles from streaming platforms compared to basic and broadcast cable. A Deloitte study reported that more Americans are subscribed to a streaming platform instead of traditional cable TV.
If you haven’t switched to a streaming platform yet, the abundance of options might overwhelm you. In the U.S, there are over 200 streaming platforms available. And you might even ask, what exactly is streaming. Well, let’s fill you in with what you should know.
Streaming TV is not a complicated process. It’s most likely that you already have everything you’ll need. And if you’re missing some of the items on this list, you’ll need less than $50 to get started.
<h2>What You Need for Streaming?</h2>
Fast and Stable Wi-Fi
A great streaming experience comes from a stable internet connection. The quality of the video depends on the speed of your Wi-Fi.
• For standard definition videos, the recommended speed is 3 Mbps
• For high definition videos, the recommended speed is 5 Mbps
• For 4k or HDR videos, the recommended speed is 25 Mbps
If you don’t know what video quality you’re streaming, it’s probably HD. Standard definition isn’t as common today and the last time that they used SD for a TV broadcast was in 2014. Around 2009, the FCC released a mandate that TV signals should be digitally transmitted. This means that starting in 2009, TVs were manufactured with high definition.
Netflix is the only major platform that currently offers an SD subscription and it’s mostly a way to offer a plan at a lower cost. At the other end of the field are 4K TVs. These will give you the best video quality but also take a huge toll on your internet speed.
Many new TVs will be manufactured in HD. Given this, you should have a minimum speed of 5 Mbps to enjoy uninterrupted streaming. Try a speed test to find out your internet connection speed.
Preferred streaming device
Once you’re satisfied with your Wi-Fi speed, you need a device where you can access the streaming platform. The three most common methods are:
Smart TV – The most popular device in the US for streaming are Smart TVs. 31% of Americans who stream use their Smart TVs. If your TV can connect to the internet and has built-in apps, then you have a Smart TV. However, it might now be able to support every app you want to use and you’re limited in what apps you can add.
Streaming Device – Amazon and Roku TVs cost $40 on average and you can plug these into a TV’s HDMI port to access streaming services. There are several apps available for download. If your Smart TV doesn’t have HBO Now, adding a streaming device will allow you to access more platforms. These devices also have a user-friendly interface and allow you to search titles across different streaming platforms.
Gaming Console – although gaming consoles are also popular for streaming, it’s mainly for secondary use. It’s not worth dropping hundreds of dollars on a console if you’re only going to stream shows.
<h2>Do I need a streaming device?</h2>
Well, a streaming device will give you more options if you’re not satisfied with the built-in apps on your smart TV. You’ll also have a friendlier search system and user interface. Smart TVs usually come with a set of pre-installed apps and there’s no option to add new ones. If you want to watch WandaVision but don’t have Disney+ installed, then you’ll need something else to access the content.
A streaming device gives you more choices in terms of streaming apps you can access. It’s also easier to switch between different platforms. For example, if you search the movie Jaws, you’ll get a free option with an HBO Max subscription or rent it through Vudu or Amazon Video. You save a lot of time searching each app to see if the title is available and you also get more use out of your current subscriptions.
<h2>What about TVs with no HDMI port?</h2>
If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still stream using the right tools. As of the moment, Roku is the only manufacturer of devices that are compatible with the red, white, and yellow jacks on SD TVs. You can also get an HDM to RCA adapter if you already own another streaming device. However, there are users who experienced issues with using an adapter with their streaming devices.
<h3>Getting Started</h3>
1. Plug the streaming device
If you’re not using a streaming device, you can start with step two below. Most streaming devices are plugged into an HDMI port and a power outlet. Once you have that in, switch the TV to HDMI input and follow the steps that appear on your screen.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi
After plugging the streaming device into your TV, you need to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Devices such as Google Chromecast Ultra and Amazon Fire TV Stick can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This allows you to get a more stable connection and enjoy a smoother streaming experience.
3. Log in to the streaming service
Smart TVs and streaming devices often have popular platforms such as Hulu and Netflix pre-installed. If you’re interested in more specific content like The Criterion Channel and Shudder from niche providers, you’ll need to download this onto the device.
<h3>Find content to enjoy</h3>
There are two types of services that are available for streaming TV – on-demand and live. On-demand streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu do not broadcast live content so you can watch their movies and TV shows anytime you want to. Live TV streaming is often cited as an alternative to cable TV. They broadcast the same channels, commercials, and pay more compared to other platforms.
On-demand Streaming Platforms
The list below contains some of the most popular services. On average, a subscription will cost you $10 a month. These usually provide a 7-day free trial that allows you to access their complete library. Here we have some of the most popular bundles
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="319">Streaming combo</td>
<td width="150">Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319">Netflix + Hulu (with ads)
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="150">$19 monthly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319">Netflix + Prime Video + Hulu (with ads)
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="150">$28 monthly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319">Netflix + Disney Plus
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="150">$20 monthly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319">Netflix + HBO Max + Prime Video
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="150">$37 monthly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319">Disney Plus + ESPN + Hulu +bundle
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="150">$13 monthly</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Live Streaming
Alternative to cable plans that stream live content typically cost $50 per month. Although the rates are higher than on-demand subscriptions, you still get to save money when you compare it to traditional cable TV.

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Newbie’s Guide To Streaming Tv – Everything You Need To Know

Streaming is the process of sending or receiving audio or video over a network. There is a continuous flow of data wherein pieces of data are being accessed while the remainder is being sent or received. It’s similar to having someone interpret languages simultaneously.
With streaming, you can watch a video and the rest of the file will continue loading as you consume the earlier parts. There’s no need to save or decompress it. When it comes to streaming TV, you want a device that can connect to Wi-Fi be it a laptop, desktop, or smart TV.
Streaming TV is a simple process. You connect the TV or laptop to a Wi-fi network and use a platform or app that will convert the content. These streaming apps or platforms require viewers to subscribe which we’ll discuss more later.
For streaming, you need a fast and stable network speed if you want high definition and continuous content. To stream TV without issues, check out these reminders:
1. Make sure the internet speed is stable.
2. Choose your preferred streaming device- this can be a gaming console or a smart TV.
3. Choose a streaming platform. Each platform would have different collections of titles and some are also niche and more focused on content like sports.
4. Get comfy, grab a snack, press Play, and enjoy your show.
<h3>Streaming Platforms</h3>
Now that we’ve explained how streaming works, let’s talk about the available options. There are different types of streaming.
On-demand streaming
On-demand content is the go-to alternative to cable TV. These kinds of platforms and services offer subscriptions that cost $10 a month. Subscribers can watch licensed content from other networks and in-house titles. On-demand streaming platforms have produced some of the most popular shows in the last decade such as Game of Thrones from HBO.
Here are some popular platforms and what users like about them
• Amazon Prime – great perks
• HBO NOW – great original titles
• Hulu – great Network shows
• Netflix – great collection
• The Criterion Channel – great classic movie titles
These are some of the most popular platforms that influence viewers into ditching their cable TV plans.
Live Streaming
For more flexibility, there are also platforms that offer live TV streaming. The price of a monthly subscription ranges from $16 to $50 based on the number of channels you want access to. Below are some of the live TV streaming platforms and what viewers like about them:
• Fubo TV – great for scoccer fans
• Hulu + Live TV – great channel listing
• PlayStation Vue – great for sports fans overall
• YouTube TV – great user experience
• Pluto TV – great free option
• AT&amp;T WatchTV – great skinny bundle
• Sling TV &#8211; great affordable option/sports fans
• Disney+ &#8211; great option for kids
These are just some of the more popular platforms. Each provider can cater to a different set of preferences and budget requirements.
Free Streaming
There are free options for viewers who are not ready to get a new subscription. These are not perfect but it won’t hurt your budget if you try them out. Each platform will benefit different types of viewers, and it mostly depends on whether you like TV shows or movies.
Here’s our ranking in terms of movie title collection:
1. Tubi TV / Hoopla
2. Vudu / Kanopy
3. Sony Crackle / Pluto TV / Roku Channel / IMDb Freedive
4. YouTube Movies / Popcornflix
5. Yahoo View
And here are the rankings in terms of TV show titles:
1. Yahoo View / Pluto TV
2. Roku Channel / Tubi TV / Hoopla / Sony Crackle / IMDb Freedive
3. Vudu / Kanopy / Popcornflix
4. YouTube Movies
<h3>Streaming TV vs Cable TV</h3>
An increasing number of younger people prefer to access their TV shows online. In fact, 90% of younger people prefer this option. but why are so many viewers switching to streaming? Is it going to eliminate cable TV completely? Well, not in the next few years. The increasing popularity of streaming is because allows viewers the freedom and flexibility to choose the content they want to watch at the most convenient time for them.
However, if you like to watch different types of content from different channels, streaming subscriptions may prove more costly than cable plans. Of course, it’s better if you can experience both to choose which one fits your requirements.
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
Streaming TV is not just for movie lovers. Now that you have an idea of what it is and what benefits you can get, you can try out the platforms and services on our list. Most platforms will offer a 7-day or 30-day free trial where you can enjoy their service and explore their title collection.

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How Streaming TV Works?

If you realized that your cable TV contract is not only limited but also too expensive, then you should try to live stream your content. If you’re a fan of sports, you can enjoy live events for a lower price than cable TV and without getting locked into a long-term contract. Find out below how to find the best streaming service for sports fans.
<h2>Choosing the Right Streaming Platform</h2>
Choosing the streaming platform for your entertainment content can be a bit difficult due to the abundance of options, each with different features and benefits. At the end of the day, your best bet will depend on what you want from the service provider. There are a couple of factors you can consider when comparing different platforms and services.
1. What types of shows do you like? If you are a big fan of sports, consider which sports you actually want to watch live and see which platforms offer the content you want.
2. How much are you willing to spend? As always, you need to find a plan that fits your budget. Live sports streaming services are a bit more expensive than your normal streaming package. However, you will still save a lot of money if you compare it to the cost of cable TV. Hulu, for instance, offers a monthly subscription for $64.99 and many TV networks are also launching their own services.
<h3>Advantages of Live Streaming Sports</h3>
There are a couple of factors that contribute to the growth of streaming platforms over the years.
One is the cost-effectiveness of the service. Viewers have several options in terms of subscription plans. They can go for a basic one that costs a few dollars a month or they can purchase a premium subscription that includes a wide variety of shows for less than the price of regular cable TV. Hulu’s premium package, as an example, costs $64.99 a month. Many services also offer free trial periods so you can test out the platform and its features and explore the titles available. What’s more, is that you don’t have to be tied to a lengthy contract. 
Two, viewers realize that they pay more for channels they don’t watch due to the fixed cable TV packages. Viewers’ preference has changed and they want the freedom to choose what to watch, when to watch, and where to watch it. Using a streaming service means they only pay for shows that they actually watch. They customize their packages based on their preferences especially for fans of sports. When comparing streaming services, focus on the types of sports and teams that you support or enjoy watching.
Hulu has made a mark on the industry as a great overall choice with a decent mix of entertainment, news, and sports channels. They have more than 65 channels available which include Fox Sports, ESPN, The Disney Channel, Big Ten Network, Animal Planet, CNN, MSNBC, and ABC.
Another platform to keep an eye on is Fubo TV. It was originally launched as a niche live soccer streaming service and has quickly positioned itself as the favorite live sports streaming service. From the biggest sports events down to the most niche ones, you can find the sports you enjoy. Fubo TV also provides access to NBA TV, Fox Sports, ABC Sports, ESPN, and The NFL Network. If you’re not satisfied with these, you can also add extra channels such as Sports Illustrated, NFL Red Zone, The Tennis Channel, and The Fight Network for an additional monthly fee. Fubo TV isn’t limited to sports content and has expanded its content selection in the past years. Some of the recent additions to their catalog include BBC America, A&amp;E, Discovery, and local news channels.
Vidgo, launched in 2019, is a relatively new player in the market. In terms of channel offerings, it can be compared to Hulu but with a lower price tag. Vidgo has a good selection of live sports and entertainment channels which include NFL Red Zone, Fox Sports 1, ABC, ESPN, Discovery, A&amp;E, The Food Network, and Comedy Central. The service doesn’t have that many news channels to offer. You won’t get access to CNN but you do have ABC News and Fox News available in their Core and Plus packages.
Sling TV was one of the pioneers of watching TV without cable and was launched in 2015. It has an excellent channel lineup and is priced reasonably making it a competitive choice. For sports fans, the Sling Orange package provides access to three ESPN channels, MotorTrend, and Stadium.
<h3>Sports You Can Watch</h3>
Baseball
The Regional Sports Network usually covers more than 80% of the Major League Baseball telecasts, with 23 out of 30 teams available to watch locally. Hulu, AT&amp;T Now, FuboTV, and Sling TV offer streaming plans that include RSN coverage. The best package will depend on the teams that you want to watch. Chicago Cubs games are covered by The Marquee Sports Network available on AT&amp;T Now or Hulu while Houston Astros fans can watch their games through FuboTV. National games not covered by RSN may be available on Fox, ESPN, TBS, FS1, or Facebook.
Basketball
Similar to baseball coverage, 80% of sports telecasts will be aired on the RSN. 25 NBA teams can be watched by fans locally. Two of the five teams remaining may not be covered by live streaming. Compare each streaming package to see which ones cover the teams you follow. For instance, if you’re a fan of the Brooklyn Nets, you will need a Hulu subscription to watch them. National games not aired on RSN may be available on ABC, TNT, or ESPN. Many streaming services offer these channels which also broadcast playoff and final games.
American Football
Networks share football coverage which depends on the day of airing and the teams playing. AFC teams can usually be seen on CBS while NFC teams are on Fox. There are streaming services that don’t have a local broadcaster for each market, but there is at least one service that has Fox or CBS affiliate in every NFL team’s local market. For football fans, you can watch through Hulu, FuboTV, or AT&amp;T Now which have massive rights on the games except Indianapolis Colts. Sling TV and Philo plans do not air NFL coverage.

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Nfl Live Streaming Services

It’s time to face the fact that the cable TV industry is on a slow death over the past few years. Streaming services have taken over as the top option for entertainment. There are a few reasons why this happened.
1. Cable TV is more expensive than before – An average cable TV package currently costs at least $100 per month, and this is not in an affordable range for everyone.
2. Viewers don’t want to pay for channels they don’t need – Cable TV packages cannot be customized so viewers are stuck paying for more channels that they don’t ever visit.
3. Americans need flexible online entertainment – Viewers want the option to watch the content they want anytime and anywhere. Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are more popular devices to watch content compared to TV.
<h2>Streaming Pros and Cons</h2>
Pros
<ul>
<li>Free trial periods</li>
<li>Cheaper than cable TV</li>
<li>No long-term contracts</li>
<li>Huge collection of available content</li>
<li>Watch shows anytime, anywhere</li>
</ul>
Cons
<ul>
<li>Strong internet connection required</li>
<li>Limited options for live sports</li>
<li>Lengthy delay before cable shows become available</li>
<li>Some shows are only available on cable TV</li>
<li>Inconsistent program lineups</li>
</ul>
<h2>Video Streaming and How It Works</h2>
Video and TV streaming platforms compete directly with cable providers with their affordability and convenience.
1. Streaming platforms have various price options
The basic subscription package from Netflix costs $8.99 a month while the premium live TV bundle from Hulu will set you back $64.99 a month. With any of these platforms, you get access to a wide range of content at a lesser cost than regular cable TV.
2. Streaming is at the top of the digital era
Users pay for streaming platforms so that they can watch their favorite content anywhere with Wi-Fi. They don’t have to be stuck at home to watch TV shows.
3. Consumers make their choices
Through a streaming platform, viewers don’t need to pay for any channel they don’t like. There are different platforms that cater to different types of content. FuboTV has 30,000 sporting events available for sports fans. Disney+ will give you access to beloved Disney shows and movies. Streaming services are more flexible compared to traditional cable TV, and viewers can choose whatever they want to watch.
<h3>On-Demand Streaming vs. Live TV Streaming</h3>
On-Demand Streaming
On-demand streaming services provide a library of shows and movies that viewers can choose from to watch at their convenience. The type and range of content vary depending on the streaming platform. Most services have thousands of titles that viewers can enjoy.
Some streaming platforms also allow users to download a limited number of episodes on their devices so that they can enjoy the content even without an internet connection. The convenience that on-demand streaming platforms provide is a huge factor in attracting subscribers since they don’t have to follow TV schedules.
Live Streaming
Live Streaming is like a bridge between traditional cable TV and on-demand streaming. It’s perfect for viewers who are not quite ready to give up live TV programming. Live TV streaming platforms allow viewers to watch regular TV shows through the internet as they are currently airing in their respective networks o channels. There are several services to choose from such as Sling TV, FuboTV, and Hulu.
Although the overall experience of live TV streaming is more similar to regular cable TV, it still provides viewers the convenience of watching the shows anywhere they want as long as they have an internet connection.
Other Streaming Options
Sports events are something that most fans anticipate and watch live on TV. Watching a game that’s recorded doesn’t have the same energy and impact as watching events as they unfold. 
This zone is something internet TV services need to catch up on if they want the full advantage over cable TV providers. Currently, there’s a small number of streaming platforms that have a decent range of live sports content. FuboTV, one of the biggest platforms, doesn’t provide access to ESPN despite having a great variety of other channels.
However, streaming services are slowly improving in this area and are continuously trying to increase their live sports content.
<h2>Choosing the Right On-Demand Streaming Plan</h2>
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one you need. It’s difficult to declare just one streaming service as the best of all but we can help you decide which is best for you. There are a few factors that you can consider.
What type of content do you like?
Do you enjoy original shows? Then you might like Amazon Prime Video which has a great collection of titles such as The Marvelous Mrs. Masel and The Expanse. They are also heavily invested in creating more original content. If you or your family members are the type to enjoy Disney content, then you might prefer Disney+.
Each streaming platform caters to a different palate. In the battle for the best streaming platform, the type of content they offer is their best weapon.
How much are you willing to spend?
On-demand streaming platforms offer basic packages at really affordable prices that you can fit into your budget. Hulu’s most basic plan costs $5.99 a month and offers thousands of on-demand episodes. One of the good things about on-demand streaming is that you can subscribe to several different plans but still pay less than what cable TV will cost you.
<h2>Choosing the Right Live TV Streaming Plan</h2>
Compared to on-demand streaming, there are fewer platforms that provide live TV streaming. Depending on what they want, viewers can still find great alternatives to their cable TV subscription. The factors to consider are similar when you’re deciding on an on-demand streaming platform.
What type of content do you like?
Live sports content is most often the strongest point of live TV streaming services. We’ve mentioned before that there is an increasing number of options. For instance, Hulu is starting to offer more popular sports. Other platforms focus on live news and premium channels such as Showtime and HBO allowing viewers to watch content before on-demand platforms get them.
How much are you willing to spend?
Live TV streaming plans are more expensive than on-demand services due to the additional channels that they offer. However, it is still less than what you need to pay for a cable TV subscription. Hulu is a great platform that offers live TV with the basic package at $64.99 a month. Many big networks are also starting to launch their live TV streaming service.
If you do get a package from a network, your access will be limited to the shows that are offered by that network. This is a great option if you like most of the content they have and are looking for a less expensive option. HBO Now, for instance, comes at $14.99 while Showtime costs $10.99 a month.

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