Know More About Streaming TV - A Beginners Guide

Know More About Streaming TV

Whether it's the latest season of Stranger Things or a control cable bill, there are many reasons to add some streaming to your TV diet.

In fact, it can be difficult to watch TV without streaming. 2018 marked the first year that streaming services have more scripted original TV shows than streaming and basic cable. A recent Deloitte study found that more American consumers now subscribe to the streaming service than traditional paid TV subscriptions.

If you're not already on the streaming bandwagon, the choice may seem a bit too much. (In some cases, there are over 200 streaming services to choose from in the US.) In some cases, you may also be asked what streaming is. Here is what you need to know.

Everything you need to start streaming

Although streaming TV may seem like a complicated endeavor, you may already have everything you need in your home. Even if you don't, you don't have to spend more than $ 50 to set.

Fast Internet

A delightful streaming experience begins with your internet connection. In our guide to Internet speed, we offer some different minimums for different types of streaming:

• For streaming video in standard definition (SD), at least 3 Mbps is recommended.

• For streaming video in High Definition (HD), at least 5 Mbps is recommended.

• For streaming video in HDR or 4K, at least 25 Mbps is recommended.

Not sure what kind of streaming you are? There is a good chance this is HD

Standard-definition resolution is dinosaur at this point. The last time a TV show was on SD was in 2014, and when the FCC said that all TV signals were to be digitally transmitted, in 2009 most of the TVs were made in HD instead of SD.

Today, SD TVs are not produced, and Netflix is ​​the only major streaming service that offers the SD plan - mostly as a way to increase its initial launch price.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are 4K TVs: they produce the best picture money you can afford, and they put a lot of pressure on your internet connection.

Currently most TVs are in HD category. You should aim for a download speed of at least 5 Mbps, but that number will only increase when you connect more than one device at a time.

What internet speed do I need?

Streaming device, smart TV or gaming console

Once you have a fast internet connection, you need a way to access streaming services on your TV. There are three simple ways to do this:

Streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV cost about $ 40, plug your TV's HDMI port, and give every streaming service the ining power. The main draw is the breadth of available streaming apps; Your smart TV may not have a built-in HBO now, for example, every major streaming device does. They also provide an easy to navigate interface and the ability to search for titles on every streaming service. For more information on choosing the right equipment, see our guide here.

Smart TV is the most popular way for Americans to access streaming services, using this method over 27%. If you've bought a TV in the last 10 years, it's likely to be considered "smart" - that is, it's connected to the Internet and has built-in streaming apps. Unfortunately, it may not be every app you want and there is no way to add new ones.

Gaming consoles are another popular method of streaming, but it is actually a secondary use. If you don't already have one, it's not worth spending $ 300 + to stream the video.

Should I get a streaming device if I already have a smart TV?

There are two main advantages of using a streaming device over the built-in options on your smart TV: you get access to more streaming services and a more user-friendly interface and search system.

Most smart TVs come with pre-installed streaming apps and you can't add anything else. If you want to get a grip on the last season of Game of Thrones, say no, but HBO Now isn't on your TV, you're out of luck.

Streaming devices also provide a good ecosystem for all your streaming applications. They make it easy to navigate back and forth between services and allow you to search the titles of each app available on the device.

If you search for Jaws on a streaming device, for example, it will show you that it's free of charge with the Fubo or Starz membership, but also for rent through apps like Amazon Video and Vudu. This saves you a lot of time to search through different apps, as well as the money you spend on renting a movie that is already included in your subscription.

You can still stream to an old TV without an HDMI port

If you have an old SD TV without an HDMI port, you can still stream it with the right device. Roku is the only streaming device manufacturer to produce a device (Roku Express +) with red, yellow and white composite jacks found on older TVs.

Additionally, you can also buy HDMI to RCA adapters to convert your TV. It lets you use any streaming device you want, but there are complaints that it doesn't work well with streaming services. If you have old TV, we recommend going with Roku.

How to Start Streaming

1. Plug in your streaming device

If you are going to use a smart TV, you can go to the two steps below. Almost all streaming devices plug into your TV's HDMI port - and usually the power outlet. The first thing you need to do is plug in the device, turn your TV to the HDMI input you are using, and start following the on-screen instructions.

2. Connect to the Internet

Once you've plugged in your streaming device, you'll need to sign in to your home Wi-Fi network. Some devices, such as Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Google's Chromecast Ultra, also have the ability to connect directly to your Internet modem using an Ethernet cable. This usually provides a more reliable connection, so you may experience less buffering in your streams.

3. Sign in to streaming apps

Popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu can be downloaded before your smart TV or streaming device, but if you want to see a more niche service like Shadder or The Christian Channel, you need to download it yourself.

Find something to watch

When it comes to streaming TV, there are two main types of services available: live and on demand. Live TV streaming services are like cable replacements. They air the same channels, have the same commercials and you pay a premium compared to other streaming services. On-demand streaming services like Hulu and Netflix don’t have any live content — you can watch their shows and movies whenever you want.

On-demand streaming services

These are the most popular category of streaming services by far. They generally cost around $10/mo., come with a seven-day free trial and give you access to thousands of TV shows and movies. We recommend checking out our full guide to these streaming services, but here are some of the most popular ones.

Search to see something

When it comes to streaming TV, there are two main types of services available: live and on demand. Live TV streaming services like cable re-establishment. They broadcast the same channel, have the same ads and you pay a premium compared to other streaming services. On-demand streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix do not have direct content - you can watch their shows and movies whenever you want.

On-demand streaming services

These are by far the most popular category of streaming services. These usually cost mo 10 / mo. , Comes with a seven-day free trial and gives you access to thousands of TV programs and movies. We recommend checking out our full guide to these streaming services, but here are some of the most popular.