Today, more and more people are eliminating their cable service and saving hundreds of dollars annually in the process. With a wide variety of devices and streaming services, it’s no secret that cable TV isn’t the only option anymore.
We’re going to walk you through some of the basics of cutting the cable cord.
Buy A Wireless Router
Aside from an Internet service, you’re going to need a wireless (WiFi) router. A wireless router carries an Internet signal and spreads it throughout your home so that your wireless devices can receive it.
Consider NETGEAR Nighthawk AC 1900 for its blazing fast speeds, extensive WiFi coverage, and voice command abilities.
Upgrade to Smart TV
A Smart TV is like a television and a smartphone in one, sort of. Utilizing the wireless network created by your router, you can connect your Smart TV to the Internet. Smart TVs allow downloading and installing different apps that add functionality like web browsing and gaming, but most importantly… television programming! They help you eliminate cable by providing direct access to a variety of streaming services via the Internet.
Your Smart TV comes with the ability to download apps like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, to name a few. These are all streaming video services – and some have options for live programming. While Netflix and Hulu require paid subscriptions, Prime Video is free for Amazon Prime users
Streaming Sticks
If you’re not in the market for a Smart TV, but you still would like to cut the cord – you’re in luck! A streaming stick like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or the Roku Stick is just what you’re looking for. Fortunately, these streaming sticks are a very economical and efficient way to gain access to streaming services via your HDTV. Simply plug it in to your HDTV’s USB port and you’re halfway there.
The streaming sticks receive your WiFi signal and utilize it to connect to the Internet. Much like a Smart TV, they are capable of downloading various apps that provide TV programming, gaming, web browsing, YouTube, and more.
Digital TV Antennas
There are nearly endless options of streaming TV shows, but we understand that you probably enjoy watching your local TV stations for news, weather, etc. Fortunately, you can take comfort in knowing that you can still get all of those even without cable
You can simply pick up a digital TV antenna to do the trick. We recommend the Clear Stream 2V due to its capability of picking up TV signals within a 50-mile radius with impressive clarity. Regardless of the digital TV antenna you choose, setup is relatively simple. Modern options allow for installation indoors, or outdoors.
While you get better results by installing at higher altitudes, we welcome you to test the reception in various positions to find the best fit. Once you find a suitable spot for installation, connect the cables to your television and scan for channels.
Also, you can check Antennaweb.org and enter your Zip code for an overview of the channels available in your area. Utilizing this tool, you will have a better idea of what to expect, and a way to gauge the suitability of your atenna’s location.
