Thinking of ditching cable? We invite you to explore our cord cutting guide to ensure that your Internet connection provides you with the best experience. Our experienced support team has also provided information on hardware, direct peering, streaming services and other things to consider when preparing to cut the cord.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you cut the cord.
Select a question to view our recommendations.
You will want to make sure your Internet service’s speed is sufficient for the amount of streaming you will be doing. If you’re planning on doing any 4K/Ultra HD streaming, you’ll want as fast a connection as possible. Netflix recommends a speed of 25 MBPS or higher for Ultra HD streaming.
You will also want to check to see if your Internet service provider puts a cap on your data usage. Netflix estimates that Ultra HD streaming can use up to 7 GB of data per hour!
How good is your Internet service provider’s customer service? If you’re relying on your Internet connection for all of your home entertainment, be sure your provider’s support can answer questions and provide service quickly.
Have you been a longtime fan of a cable TV show or two? You’ll want to consider these shows when determining which streaming service(s) you user. Different services provide different shows and channels for streaming.
Sports fans can be hesitant to ditch cable because of all of the sports they watch on cable TV. Determine which sports and teams you watch regularly, then choose a streaming service that will allow you to watch them.
If you only watch TV in one room at home, cutting the cable cord is pretty easy. If you watch TV in multiple rooms, you’ll want to decide which TVs need a streaming device.
Streaming services like Netflix have different plans depending on how many devices you want to stream on at once. If your family will be watching shows in different rooms, you might want to consider a plan upgrade to accommodate everyone.
A lot of cable packages include DVR services. If you frequently use the DVR, keep that in mind when choosing your primary streaming service. YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage. Other streaming providers provide DVR options as well.
SilverIP has special arrangements with Netflix, Amazon and many other popular streaming services. This means that you get priority access to their content.
It’s like your own personal VIP pass to your favorite online entertainment.
You can still watch all of your favorite live broadcast TV shows without cable!
You just need an antenna. Click here for a popular HDTV antenna on Amazon.
Select a station below to view their shows available without cable.
You’ll need a great streaming device or Smart TV to enjoy the best TV experience without cable.
Below are some popular options.
Fire TV Cube is the first hands-free streaming media player with Alexa, delivering an all-in-one entertainment experience. From across the room just say, “Alexa, play Billions” and Fire TV Cube turns on your TV and starts playing the SHOWTIME drama, allowing you to control your entertainment with voice commands. Watch as thousands of movies and TV episodes come to life with vibrant colors and detailed contrast in 4K Ultra HD and HDR.
The advanced wireless receiver gives you 4X the range and a stronger signal for streaming. Stream in brilliant 4K, HDR and HD. Experience the visual rush of 4K and vibrant HDR picture quality with the powerful and portable Roku Streaming Stick+. Plus, no more juggling remotes. A voice remote with buttons for TV power and volume control makes it easy to control both your TV and Roku player.
From TV shows to movies to games, it’s all available on Apple TV. Enjoy content from iTunes and apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN — or use the Siri Remote to find just what you want. And you can even use the Siri Remote as a controller for the Apple TV games available on the App Store.
Instant access to popular apps right on the TV using the included remote or the VIZIO SmartCast Mobile app – stream high-quality 4K Ultra HD and HDR from apps like Netflix. Plus, over 100 live and Internet streaming channels absolutely free – live news, movies, movies, sports, comedy, music and more. No fees, subscriptions or logins.
The 4-Series 4K TCL Roku TV delivers all your favorite content with over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, accessible through a simple, intuitive interface in a sleek, modern design. Pairs 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR) for the most lifelike picture.
The Samsung UHD Smart TV’s Universal Guide brings your favorite content from multiple devices and apps together in one easy-to-browse menu. It recommends popular shows and can even make custom recommendations tailored just for you. Get 4X the resolution of Full HD, plus non-4K TV content is upscaled to 4K via a powerful UHD engine. With PurColor enjoy millions of shades of color, fine tuned to create an incredibly vibrant picture.
Streaming services have become the premier mode of television watching. As more networks follow suit with industry giants like Netflix, new subscription options have become available, making it difficult to choose. Since certain services offer specific exclusive content, it’s harder to get all your favorite television shows and movies in one package deal. Here are some of the best and most affordable streaming services to choose from if you want to replace your cable.
If you’re looking for a cost-efficient cable replacement, Sling TV is one of the best on the market. A new update to the device has made it a television powerhouse and compatible with many devices like Fire TV and Roku.
Sling TV has one of the best monthly subscription deals, starting at $35. Currently, the first month is half off, allowing you to test the waters without spending an excessive amount of your money. The company currently offers two different types of plans: Orange and Blue. Sling Orange is more sports-focused, with free, live sports channels like ESPN. Sling Blue has Fox and NBC, as well as other news programs.
Alongside its ample live channels, Sling TV also provides a cloud DVR for recording. With the DVR function, you can record up to 50 hours of television and movies to watch back later. You’ll also be able to rewind shows in real-time and watch past programs on a live channel’s schedule.
Many who use streaming services are familiar with Hulu and what it has to offer. Hulu has an impressive collection of TV shows, from anime to docuseries to oddball comedies. But with the Live TV addition, you’ll have a streaming service that cable cannot contend with.
The Live TV package starts at $70 per month, which is more expensive than Sling but includes plenty of impressive qualities. The package contains all of Hulu’s streaming catalog and 60+ channels for live viewing. Hulu also consolidates its subscription with two other streaming services: Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. Having many streaming services available in one place and with one payment is a major plus for the streaming company.
Like most live television, Hulu’s available channels will come with standard advertisements. For $10 more monthly, you can eliminate all commercials while live streaming.
People weren’t expecting YouTube to be the streaming app to rival cable companies. With packages starting at $65 a month, YouTube’s over 85 live channels are being received well by television aficionados nationwide.
One of the best parts of YouTube TV’s streaming package is that its cloud DVR records unlimited hours of television. Other subscription services usually have a capacity for DVR, which YouTube has surpassed with its mighty storage space. On top of that, the video service has more than 85 channels to choose from, including news, sports, and nature programming.
Many view Youtube TV as the best subscription for streaming efficiency. Other live TV services, like Hulu and Sling, experience lag time and interruptions problems, while YouTube users have consistently seen the shortest lag times.
Philo is the cheapest live streaming service on the list. For only $20 a month, you’ll be able to access more than 60 channels, including HGTV, MTV, and the Hallmark channel.
Though Philo has unlimited DVR and is highly economical, the streaming service doesn’t support huge networks like NBC, FOX, and ABC. But for those who watch cooking, lifestyle, and entertainment shows, Philo has more than enough networks to accommodate that need. Though sports programming isn’t included, add-ons are available for a slightly higher price. Even with added channels, Philo is the most affordable streaming option.
The live streaming service has a 7-day trial period if you decide that Philo isn’t the package for you. No cancellation fees or contracts are involved with the service, making it low-risk and accessible.
For many, watching TV has become a different experience than it was ten years ago. Streaming services are now the go-to option for live television, making cable subscriptions more irrelevant than ever. As new streaming services pop up, it’s crucial to figure out which ones include the best package for your needs. These four streaming services all have a range of prices, add-ons, and advantages that give cable companies a run for their money.
Unless you’re satisfied with basic cable and some free streaming options, you’re going to want at least one streaming service. Below are our favorites.
With a great collection of classic and new movies, TV shows and kids program, Netflix has earned its reputation as the leader in streaming services. If you’re a fan of Netflix shows like Stranger Things, having a subscription to their service is the only way to watch them.
If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is included in your membership. If not, consider a membership just for their streaming service. It includes many great TVs and movies, as well as some newer releases that you can rent and stream instantly.
YouTube recently entered the streaming TV channel market with YouTube TV. It offers 85+ live cable channels for $64.99/month, as well as unlimited cloud DVR. If you’re still a fan of live cable TV, but don’t want a longterm contract, YouTube TV is a great option.
DirecTV Stream offers over 140 channels for streaming, including many popular sports and movie channels. DirecTV Stream also offers international packages, with Vietnamese and Brazilian channels available for $20-30. You can add Spanish-language channels to existing DirecTV packages for just $15/mo. You can stream to three different devices at once with DirecTV Stream.
With prices starting as low as $6.99/month, Hulu is another popular streaming service. Live TV stations are available with their higher priced option. Hulu may be the perfect streaming service for you depending on the live TV and streaming content you are interested in.
Sling TV offers two separate plans for only $35/each. If there are channels you want to stream on one channel. You can also purchase both plans together for $50. Extras like DVR, kids channels, sports channels, news channels and other add-on packages start at an additional $5/mo.
Installing an HD antenna, also known as a digital antenna, is a reasonably simple task. It may seem daunting, but installing the device will be a piece of cake once you get the necessary instructions. Here are some things to know about your digital antenna before setting it up.
While rabbit ear antennas feel incredibly antiquated in this day and age, antennas are still surprisingly practical. Today, digital antennas and over-the-air antennas can quickly pick up signals, making your TV’s audio and video quality top-notch.
Simply put, a TV antenna is a device made up of wires that can pick up broadcast signals from television networks. With digital antennas, wires are replaced by electromagnetic materials, transforming electric currents into video and audio displays.
With a digital antenna, you won’t need to pay for cable. All you need is a high-definition television and these updated antennas to gain access to every desirable station.
Placing the antenna is essential to receive an optimal signal. Locating your HD TV and then figuring out where to place the antenna near the TV is your best bet.
If the TV is placed close to a window, you already have a head start. Mounting your antenna indoors but near the window will help the TV pick up the signal efficiently. But window location isn’t the only factor in getting great reception. Studies have shown that specific devices need to be pointing towards directional towers to get the best, highest-quality signal.
Besides placing the antenna near a window, the best piece of advice is to mount the antenna high up on a wall. If you position the antenna too low to the ground, it’ll be more challenging to access available signals. Attach the device as high as possible on a wall near the TV; it’ll have premium access to signals coming through the air.
Before purchasing a digital antenna, you’ll have to figure out what the device will be attached to. One of the most important questions is if the antenna will be connected to your TV or an outdoor tuner box. Once you figure that out, you’ll decide if you’re placing the antenna outside or indoors. An antenna will work best when it has a direct pathway to the sky, so having an outdoor antenna is the best for uninterrupted reception. But as long as you position the antenna high up and near a window, the signal should be able to reach your antenna perfectly.
The next step is plugging the antenna into the tuner box or television. If you’re plugging the antenna into your TV, the antenna should be mounted in a way that’ll be able to reach the TV by a standard cable. If not, reposition the digital antenna closer to your television. Then, you’ll take the cable and plug it into the VHF/UHF input. For most HD televisions, this input will be located on the back of the TV.
Now that you’ve decided to purchase a digital antenna, you’ll notice there are many different products to choose from. Here are some ideal, versatile antennas that’ll pick up an excellent signal for your HD TV.
The antenna DirectStream Flex is a great, flexible option for most housing situations nationally. Its flat and rectangular shape makes it an easy device to mount on your wall. Its reversible nature, painted black on one side and white on the other, helps the device blend in with any interior color scheme. The antenna has two ports available, a USB and a standard detachable cable, to eliminate connectivity issues.
Another solid contender is the RCA ANT3ME1. It’s similar to the DirectStream Flex in its flat design, which allows the device to be mounted just about anywhere. It also has exceptionally efficient signal-grabbing capabilities. With its wider build, the RCA ANT3ME1 can pull in signals easily, even in harder-to-reach spots in your apartment. If you’re having trouble finding the optimal placement, the antenna comes with a built-in signal meter, indicating where the electromagnetic signal is strongest in the apartment.
Now that you know about digital antennas and what they can do for your television, it’s time for you to go out and purchase one. With these tips, mounting and plugging in an HD antenna will be a simple and efficient task.
A great, flexible option for most housing situations nationally. Its flat and rectangular shape makes it an easy device to mount on your wall. Its reversible nature, painted black on one side and white on the other, helps the device blend in with any interior color scheme. The antenna has two ports available, a USB and a standard detachable cable, to eliminate connectivity issues.
The Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital Antenna has a range of up to 200 miles and supports 4k and 1808p resolutions. The 18 foot coaxial cable allows you to mount it further away from the TV so it is less noticeable.
The U Must Have digital antenna supports HD, 4k and 8K resolutions. The antenna has a 250+ mile range as well, and has a long 18 foot coaxial cable. The U Must Have digital antenna comes in three colors, black, white, and gray, so you can find one that will look the best in your room.
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