Q: Why would I want to cut the cord?
The cost of cable & satellite service continues to rise, the packages provide you with only a few channels you enjoy and watch, and they typically hold you in contract for 24 months. Streaming devices allow you to watch what you want, when you want, and services like HuluPlus and Netflix are beginning to produce their own award-winning shows following in the footsteps of HBO. Both cost less than $10 a month with limited commercials. Other free channels offer quality programs, such as PBS which streams without any commercial interruptions. If you're tired of reality TV and junk TV, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the content available for adults and children alike - games included.
Q: What is a streaming device?
A streaming device allows you to "stream" content rather than download allowing the viewer to watch what they want, when they want on their televisions with a high speed internet connection. Besides the Roku devices, AppleTV, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony Playstation 3, Wii U are a few of the more popular devices. Some, including the Roku players, are priced under $100.
Q: What is an HDMI cable?
An audio and video cable that connects to your devices and transmits data in high definition for HDTVs. It replaced the old analog transmission with a single cable rather than the red/yellow/white cables. They cost about $10 and up
Q: What is an OTA (Over the Air Antenna)?
Q: What is an OTA (Over the Air Antenna)?
An antenna used to view free, local TV signals broadcasted by the major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW, etc). Many of the indoor antennas have small, sleek designs. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have created a color-coded labeling standard to classify the antenna types, and AntennaWeb.org can assist you in determing what antenna is needed according to your zip code or street address calculating the signal strength that can be received.
Q: How much internet speed do I need to stream programs?
A broadband connection with a speed of at least 1.5 Mbps. To play High Definition or HDTV of 720p resolution video it is recommended that you have 2.5 to 4.5 Mbps, and for the highest 1080p, 4.5 to 9 Mbps. Rural communities, such as ourselves, may only receive about 2.5, yet we have rented HD movies at 720p that look great without buffering. Sites such as Vudu also allow you to test which stream you can view without issue before purchasing. If you live in a larger city, your internet speed far surpass the minimum required and may range between 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps or even higher.
Q: Can you explain High Definition in regard to streaming?
High Definition refers to having at least 720 lines of pixels on the screen from top to bottom, the higher end being 1,080 lines or 1080. The more pixels, the more detailed the picture. The speed at which the picture moves affects the quality. The incoming data, for instance, on an HD screen capable of refreshing at 60 times per second, is cached with the video frames in queue allowing smooth playback. The higher the speed, the smoother the playback.
