Are you considering cutting the cord from cable, but not sure where to start? Streaming unlocks the doors to vast options for content, but with all the streaming services available, finding your favorite shows can also feel a little overwhelming. HomeWorks Connect has created this handy guide to streaming, so you can feel empowered to cut the cord, cut your costs, and stream all the content you desire.
What is Streaming?
Before we dig into how fiber broadband empowers seamless streaming experiences, let’s take a step back and review what streaming is. Streaming is the delivery of digital content over the internet. Streaming differs from cable in that it is data being distributed through a broadband network straight to your devices, including smart TVs, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Cable is distributed through a physical cable network connected to your TV. There are both on-demand and live streaming services to choose from.
How to Stream
In order to stream, you’ll need a device that will allow you to access streaming services. Common streaming devices include Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV stick, AppleTV, and SmartTVs.
Best Streaming Services
Streaming gives you access to every type of content—movies, TV shows, sports channels and live TV, but it does take a bit of sleuthing to nail down the bundle of services that works best for you and your family. HomeWorks partnered with MyBundle TV, a service that helps you bundle streaming services to make it easy for you to navigate bundling and billing. Sports networks are notoriously challenging to stream, so we created an in-depth guide to streaming all your favorite Michigan sports.
Streaming Local TV
Access to localTV stations is often a reason people feel nervous to switch from cable. More and more, you can access local TV via streaming platforms. Many services will allow you to input your zip code to search which TV stations are available in your area. YouTube TV, Direct TV Stream and Tubi are just a few services that provide local TV streaming to many designated market areas (DMAs).
Streaming vs. Cable Pros and Cons
Are you still trying to figure out whether streaming or cable is a better option for your household? Here are the pros and cons of streaming and cable.
Streaming
Pros
- Access to more content than cable.
- Fewer commercials.
- More control over what you get to watch.
- Access content from anywhere.
- Often less expensive than cable.
Cons
- If you don’t have HomeWorks Connect, you may have slow internet and might experience buffering, lag, and pixelation.
- Can be difficult to navigate which services are right for you (that’s why we work with MyBundleTV).
Cable
Pros
- Doesn’t require internet connection.
- Simple access to local news.
- Less susceptible to video quality issues.
Cons
- Limited viewing options.
- Limited control over what you watch.
- Bills are often higher.
Why Fiber Internet is the Best Choice for Streaming
If you’ve read all of this and decided that the offerings and flexibility provided by streaming are for you, then it’s crucial that you have a strong, reliable internet connection – like HomeWorks Connect – to ensure you’re watching all your favorite shows with as little interruption as possible.
- High-Speed Internet: With speeds up to 1 Gig and symmetrical upload and download speeds, fiber broadband allows you to say goodbye to buffering.
- Reliability and Consistency: Fiber broadband networks are more reliable than cable and DSL connections, meaning less outage time and more streaming time.
- Increased Bandwidth: Fiber broadband has the bandwidth to support seamless streaming on multiple devices without interruption.
Ready for high-quality, buffer-free streaming? Learn more about HomeWorks internet packages