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.
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 60+ live cable channels for $40/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 Now offers over 125 channels for streaming, including many popular sports and movie channels. DirecTV Now also offers international packages, with Vietnamese and Brazilian channels available for $20-25. You can add Spanish-language channels to existing DirecTV packages for just $5/mo. You can stream to two different devices at once with DirecTV Now, and add a third device for just $5/mo.
With prices starting as low as $5.99/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 $25/each. If there are channels you want to stream on one channel. You can also purchase both plans together for $40. Extras like DVR, kids channels, sports channels, news channels and other add-on packages start at an additional $5/mo.
Please use this form to request service or ask a question. You can also call us at 312.600.3800 or email us at help@silverip.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
We’re a high speed Internet company serving multi-unit buildings in Chicago and Milwaukee. We’d love to hear from you.
2241 S Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
