You FINALLY have REAL internet. How do you ditch cable or satellite service and start streaming?
Some people tell me, "No, I'm NOT going to do this streaming thing."
Whether you've been using an outdoor antenna, cable television, satellite television, or DVDs, you're already "streaming" in one way or another. You use your television set, likely a remote control, and you change channels or discs to watch different programs. The programs come to you one second at a time, in a "stream". With "streaming", you'll use that remote control to load an "app" then select the "channel" you want to watch. Sounds a lot like what you've been doing, and a lot like your cell phone, doesn't it? Within a few days, you'll be a master of streaming. So, don't let the concept of "streaming" stop you from enjoying one of the most popular benefits of REAL internet.
If you have a "smart tv" (a television set that supports "apps"), and haven't already done so, go to the setup and connect the TV to your WiFi.
If you do not have a "smart tv", do you have a high-definition television that accepts HDMI inputs?
If there are no HDMI jacks, go purchase a new smart television set. If you have REAL internet, it's also time to get a REAL television set! Which one to buy? Go to a reputable store and tell someone you are new to this and ask them to help you select. They should ask questions about your room size and how far you sit from the screen (because that determines screen size), how you thing you're going to use it, what quality sound you want, what quality level you want (that's measured like 1080p, 4k, etc), and how much you want to spend. Ask them to show you the set, how it works, and let you play with it for a few minutes.
If your TV accepts HDMI devices, you need to get a "streaming box". Prices start around $20. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of boxes available and only "geeks" need the specialized boxes (and they are not reading this page, anyway). Most people choose a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire, or Roku. Be sure to consider the "store" used by the box, because that determines which apps you can download. Some boxes won't let you use some apps because there's a feud going on. I use Roku and I use the Roku Ultra (about $100) even with a good smart tv because the built-in version of one of my apps is only 720p instead of 4k.
Now that you can "stream", check out the apps that came with the TV or your "streaming box". Most of them are free programming. News? Sports? Movies? Cooking? House remodeling? Other languages? Some apps require you set up an account to use and some don't. If the app wants a $ubscription, hold off on that until you've completed your exploration stage.
The "free" programs give some people everything they want. I know at least one family that uses nothing but the free programs.
If you want over-the-air broadcast channels from Little Rock or Shreveport, there are only 4 services that provide them. These services provide several dozen channels and have essentially the same experience you've been getting with your satellite TV or your cable TV. I've listed each of these in the table below, along with pricing and "local" channels for 71857-Nevada as of January 7, 2024.
I use and recommend YouTubeTV. If you follow that link you get a discount and I get a commission. If you currently pay for Hulu, Disney+ or ESPN+, the Hulu+ option may be better for you.
| YouTubeTV | Hulu + Live TV | DirectTV Stream | Fubo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly | $72.99 | $76.99 | $69.99 | $74.99 |
| PBS | 2 KETN | 2 KETN | 2 KETN | |
| NBC | 4 KARK | 4 KARK | 4 KARK | 6 KTAL |
| ABC | 7 KATV | 7 KATV | 7 KATV | 3 KTBS |
| CBS | 11 KTHV | 11 KTHV | 11 KTHV | 12 KSLA |
| FOX | 16 KLTR | 16 KLTR | 16 KLTR | 16 KLTR? |
| CW | 38 KASN | 38 KASN | ||
| MyNetwork | 42 KARZ | 42 KARZ | 42 KARZ | |
| Hulu | ||||
| Disney+ | ||||
| ESPN+ | ||||
| Lots more | Lots more | Lots more | Lots more |
Notes:
DirecTV's web site indicates the price is the same whether delivery is by internet or by satellite.
Fubo's web site indicates Little Rock stations are not available in 71857-Nevada except perhaps FOX 16 Little Rock instead of FOX 33 Shreveport.
Explore! Try stuff, especially if it's free or a low price. Add and delete services at your pleasure. Nothing requires a commitmenet longer than one month (double-check that before buying). I bought one service for one month for about $6 just so I could watch one program. Things won't always be the same. Things will never be the same.