With the current state of the economy and people losing their jobs, keeping up with the latest shows on TV can be an additional financial burden. With monthly Cable TV bills ranging from $150 and up, depending if you have Internet and phone services added to your bill. I recently took advantage of its offers while saving up for my wedding last year and have not looked back.
Many people on the Internet have been talking about cord-cutting for a while now as many have yet to take the plunge. With the rise of streaming sites/services, only 4.5% of US households have actually cut their Cable TV cords that number is slowly growing according to the stats from Nielsen. While I am not trying to take $$$ out of the Cable TV and satellite providers but for those consumers looking to save some $$$, this is an option you may want to explore. Details on everything that is needed lies below.
You will require is what is referred to as a set-top device or gaming consoles with the ability to streaming content from the various subscription services. Some of these you may already own and some you may still need to purchase. The hardware list is as follows:
Apple TV– Apple’s set-top box streams your iTunes along with iPhone/iPad media to your TV in HD. Also adds content of YouTube, Vimeo, Netflix, Flickr, WSJ Live, NBA.com, MLB.tv, and NHL Game Center. Priced at $99, it is ideal for those who purchase or have a big iTunes media library and subscriptions to the fore-mentioned services.
Chromecast– After Google’s unsuccessful Q device, this HDMI dongle definitely paved the way for inexpensive streaming/cord-cutting. It started off slow as it now has support from damn-near every sort of streaming service available (from Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, Epix, Crackle, and much, much more) as well as ‘casting’ local content from your phone & computer to your HDTV. Its priced at only $35, its hard not to pick one of these up.
Roku– One of the more popular streaming boxes that offers a bit more variety that than the others at lower price point. The Roku boxes come in a variety of models depending on your specific needs. Supported services include Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Epix, Cnet, AOL HD, NBC News, UFC, Disney, CNBC, NHL GameCenter, MLS, NBA GameTime and more. Also games like Angry Birds, Pac-Man, Jeopardy, Galaga and more. With pricing ranging from $49.99 to $99.99, Roku covers all bases.
Nowadays, many HDTVs come equipped built-in Wi-Fi to tap into your home’s Internet service. These Wi-Fi HDTVs give users access to streaming content without the need of a set-top box. There are several manufacturers who are making great Smart TVs like LG, Samsung, Vizio, Insignia, Panasonic’s VIERA, & Sony’s Bravia Internet. Pricing will vary depending on their size. 
Popular gaming consoles like the PlayStation 3, Wii, and the Xbox 360 all offer apps of streaming content as well.
- The Nintendo Wii U offers the least amount of services with only Netflix and Hulu Plus w/ pricing starting at $299.99.
- Sony’s PS3 comes in second offering Netflix, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Vudu, NHL GameCenter, MLB.tv, and recently added Amazon Instant Video. Added bonus for PS3 for also having a built-in Blu-Ray player w/ a $149.99 price tag. The next-gen console from Sony is the PS4 and offers about the same services for $399.99.
- Leaving the Xbox 360 as having the most available streaming content among its competitors. The 360 supports Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, Comcast XFINITY, CinemaNow, Crackle, Dailymotion, Epix, ESPN, iHeartRadio, Last.fm, MLB.tv, MSN w/ MSNBC.com, Syfy, TMZ, The TODAY Show, UFC, Verizon FiOS, VEVO, Vudu, YouYube, and still growing. The smallest Xbox 360 bundle will set you $199.99 and the next-gen console from Microsoft is the Xbox One and offers all of that a more features on the way for $349.99. An Xbox LIVE Gold subscription is required to access these apps.
The same applies to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well. If you already have own one of these, all you have to do is sign up for your choice of subscription(s) to get started.
Now that we got the hardware part out of the way, now we can focus on the streaming services available for you once you have one of more the previously mentioned devices. Some are free while other require a monthly subscription for full or premium access. Let us start off the services with:
Aereo– This has done an overall great job in providing the missing link between on-demand TV and live TV. Aereo provides it users with access to a remote antenna and DVR cloud storage (up to 40 hours of content) that streams all of the local networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, The CW, PBS, MyNetworkTV, ION TV, Cosi TV, HSN/HSN2, Telemundo, Univision, and Bloomberg TV. This new service can replace the need of an TV antenna.- Netflix– One of the first companies to offer streaming along with DVD-by-mail rentals, Netflix has been at the staple for cord cutters. Offering classic & current TVs along with documentaries and movies to choose from. Streaming prices start at $7.99 per month, 1 DVD rental-at-a-time costs you $7.99, and for both services start at $15.98. Equipped with unlimited streaming, Netflix provides a partial substitute.
- Hulu– This service covers one area where Netflix falls short in, up-to-date TV episodes. Available only in the US, Hulu provides access to new shows 24-hours after airing on broadcast TV along with some movies too. Some may not like the brief commercials but they are short a few in anything. Hulu Plus services takes its content to streaming consoles for a $7.99 monthly fee.
- Sling TV– This is a new service from the folks over at Dish Network. This would be the in-between solution to having Netflix & Hulu. Content from ESPN/ESPN2, Disney Channel, ABC Family, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, TNT, CNN, TBS, Cartoon Network & Adult Swim. For $5 extra, you can get Disney Jr/XD, Boomerang, Baby TV, Duck TV, HLN, Coking Channel, DIY, Bloomberg, and video-on-demand rentals. Sling asks for $20 per month that you can cancel at anytime and a free trial for those of you interested.
- iTunes– Offering more than just music and apps, Apple’s iTunes Store provides current TV shows and movies as well. With TV shows starting at $1.99 per episode and movies can be either purchased (for $15) or rented (for $3, $4 in HD). This can be a pricey option but if you subscribe to discounted season passes or buy iTunes gift card frequently, this avenue might be more of your speed.
- Amazon Instant Video– Similar to iTunes, Amazon’s Instant Video service offers newer TV shows and movies for purchase or rentals. Streaming is free for Amazon Prime member which require a $79.99 fee for access but adds the perks of free shipping on all Amazon purchases as well.
- YouTube– The popular video uploading site can be accessed on many streaming devices. You can keep up with music videos, goofy antics, some current TV content, or your favorite website’s videos on a bigger display.
- HBO Go– The most popular premium cable channel offers all of its original content along with popular blockbuster movies. The problem is HBO Go requires you to have an HBO subscription but if you know someone with it, you can borrow their credentials to use it. Having access to this service is imperative for cord cutters to keep up with Game Of Thrones or enjoying classic Sopranos & Entourage episodes.
- MLB.tv– For you fans of the Diamondback, MLB.tv offers users access to all Spring Training games, watch every out-of-market game live or in the game archives, game recaps, as well as a mini guide to keep up with all of the scores at the bottom of the screen. MLB.tv comes with a price tag of $19.99 monthly or $109.99 annually.
- NHL Game Center– Hockey fans will appreciate the NHL Game Center app available for select consoles. The Game Center provide up to 40 live hockey games including the Stanley Cup playoffs w/ HD streaming & DVR functionality to relive those great moments. Pricing starts at $169 per season and $20.99.
- NBA Game Time– Fans of the battles played on the Hardwood will enjoy this app to let them keep up with the NBA’s latest on a few select devices. Game Time offers scores, stats, news, highlights, and combined with your NBA League Pass subscription – you can catch up to 40 live out-market games along with older games on demand. The League Pass comes in two tiers: Premium which gives users access to 30 teams for $89 per season and Choice which gives you access to 5 teams for $59 per season.
Now you have all of tools laid out for you to take the plunge into cable-free TV life. It is best that you find the right combination of products and services that offer the best of your entertainment needs. Whether you pick up an Apple TV and sign up for Hulu & Netflix or pick up an Xbox and use HBO Go, MLB.tv, & YouTube, you have a variety of inexpensive ways to continue watching your favorite shows minus the huge bill. Enjoy!
