Cutting the Cord: Your Go-To Guide for Ditching Cable and Embracing Streaming

geeksotgmd
May 22
3 min read

In today's digital age, more and more homes and businesses are making the switch from traditional cable television to streaming services. It's called "cutting the cord," and it offers a world of flexibility, choice, and often, significant savings. But if you're feeling overwhelmed by the options, don't worry – Geeks On The Go is here to help you navigate the transition smoothly.

What Does "Cutting the Cord" Actually Mean?

Simply put, "cutting the cord" means canceling your traditional cable TV subscription and relying solely on internet-based services for your entertainment. Instead of a monthly cable bill with hundreds of channels you never watch, you pick and choose the streaming platforms that offer the content you truly care about.

Why Are So Many People Making the Switch?

The reasons are compelling:

Cost Savings: This is often the biggest motivator. Bundle deals can seem attractive, but once you add up all the fees, traditional cable can be incredibly expensive. Streaming services are generally much cheaper per month, and you only pay for what you use.
Flexibility and Choice: Want to watch a specific show? There's a streaming service for that. You're not tied to a rigid programming schedule and can watch what you want, when you want.
On-Demand Content: Binge-watch entire seasons, catch up on missed episodes, or discover new favorites whenever it suits you.
No Contracts: Most streaming services are month-to-month, meaning you can cancel or switch whenever you like without penalty.
Personalization: Many streaming platforms use algorithms to recommend content tailored to your viewing habits.

Ready to Cut the Cord? Here's How to Get Started:

Making the switch might seem daunting, but breaking it down into a few simple steps makes it manageable:

Step 1: Assess Your Internet Service

Your internet connection is the backbone of your streaming experience.

Speed Matters: For smooth, buffer-free streaming, especially in HD or 4K, you'll need a reliable and fast internet connection. Generally, 25-50 Mbps is a good starting point for a single streamer, but for multiple users or 4K content, aim for 100 Mbps or higher.
Provider Review: If your current internet isn't up to par, it might be time to consider upgrading your plan or even switching providers.

Step 2: Identify Your Must-Have Content

Before you subscribe to anything, think about what you actually watch.

Live TV? Do you need local news, sports, or specific live channels? Services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV offer live channel bundles that mimic cable, but often at a lower price.
Specific Shows/Movies? Is there a particular series or movie library you can't live without? This will help you decide between services like Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Paramount+, etc.
Niche Interests? There are also specialized streaming services for anime, horror, documentaries, and more.

Step 3: Choose Your Streaming Devices

You'll need a way to get those streaming services onto your TV. Popular options include:

Smart TVs: Many newer TVs have streaming apps built right in.
Streaming Sticks/Boxes: Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV plug into your TV's HDMI port and provide access to a wide array of apps.
Gaming Consoles: PlayStation and Xbox consoles also support many popular streaming apps.

Step 4: Explore Your Streaming Service Options

This is where the fun begins! Research different services based on your content needs and budget. Many offer free trials, so take advantage of them to test the waters before committing.

Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD): Netflix, Max, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount+ are common examples.
Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST): Services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee offer thousands of movies and TV shows for free, supported by ads.
Live TV Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream are great if you need live channels.

Step 5: Consider an Antenna for Local Channels

If you only need local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS), a one-time purchase of an over-the-air (OTA) antenna can provide them in high definition for free, forever!

Geeks On The Go: Your Local Cord-Cutting Experts

Cutting the cord can be a liberating experience, giving you more control over your entertainment and your budget. However, if the thought of setting up your new streaming ecosystem feels like a tangled mess of wires and logins, that's where Geeks On The Go comes in.

From optimizing your home Wi-Fi for streaming to setting up your new devices, configuring smart TVs, and even helping you choose the right services for your family or business, our experienced technicians are here to make your transition seamless.

Ready to say goodbye to costly cable and hello to a world of streaming possibilities? Contact Geeks On The Go today for personalized advice and expert setup!