A Guide to Cord Cutting
What is cord cutting? Cord cutting means discontinuing TV service with a cable or satellite provider, and instead relying exclusively on internet-based streaming video services.
Why should I cut the cord?
Performance: cable boxes cannot offer the audio and video quality of Roku and AppleTV media players, such as high-resolution HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio.
Reliability: cable boxes frequently freeze up, generate a lot of heat, respond unpredictably to fluctuations in the incoming cable signal, and have limited controls such that it is difficult to even make sure they are turned on when needed.
Serviceability: cable boxes require bulky and interference-prone coaxial cable to work, while Roku and AppleTV only require a wired or wireless internet connection. Issues with cable service almost always require scheduling a cable company technician to visit, while network issues can usually be resolved quickly and remotely.
Simplicity: The Roku and AppleTV menus and user experience are identical no matter your ZIP code. They can also easily be tucked behind a TV without complicated AV switching and extending devices.
Long-Term Cost: While the overall monthly cost of streaming services vs. traditional cable service is similar, cable boxes must be individually leased every month, and there is a higher cost associated with replacing and troubleshooting the numerous accessories associated with cable boxes over time.
How do I get the channels I’m used to on cable?
While there are dozens of streaming services that cater to every imaginable interest, here are a few of our favorites for watching live TV content:
DirecTV Stream – top recommendation: nearly identical channel lineup as traditional DirecTV satellite service, and offers enhanced features for finding and viewing live sports
Hulu+
YouTube TV
FuboTV
What about sports?
Each of the live TV services listed above has access to in-market games that are broadcast on local network channels, as well as sports-focused channels such as ESPN and Fox Sports.
On-demand and out-of-market games can be streamed via the app for that sport.
NFL Sunday Ticket
NBA TV League Pass
MLB.TV
ESPN+ (includes NHL, UFC, and many more)
I’ve got a lot of TVs. Will I run into any issues?
Not with live streaming, but you will encounter issues with some on-demand content and out-of-market sports. Nearly all streaming services have a limit to how many streams can be active at once, typically less than 5. DirecTV, Hulu, and YouTube support up to 20 simultaneous streams if all the devices are connected to the home network – so you could have 20 players each watching a different DirecTV channel at the same time in a large home.
The sports apps in particular are very restrictive, allowing 1-2 simultaneous streams. If a low stream limit is problematic, the best option is to include a video distribution system in the home, which can send the single AppleTV or Roku video output to multiple TVs at the same time.
Internet bandwidth considerations: a single stream requires an average 8 Mbps download speed – 20 active streams would consume on average a sustained 160 Mbps download speed, in addition to the other network endpoints in a home such as laptops and tablets. 4K streams, where available, can consume 25 Mbps each.
Roku or AppleTV?
For most people, Roku
It has a nearly identical feature set to AppleTV, including access to the Apple TV+ streaming service and can be configured as an Airplay endpoint
Reliable control with 2-way feedback via the network
Discrete commands for launching apps from the home automation system. For example the “Cable TV” button on your remote can launch directly into the DirecTV Stream app, instead of the main home screen menu that shows all of the apps. This is a more familiar experience to people who are accustomed to cable boxes
The primary reason to go with an AppleTV player is if you are already using the advanced Siri and Homekit features that are exclusive to Apple
