Streaming vs Standard vs Cable TV

[thomaswdonovanjr]

Hello, Recently I joined a movement to do what is called 'Unplugging' from my cable/set-top box TV provider.  What makes this interesting is not much long after this, the FCC had a ruling to force the providers like Comcast, Time Warner, and VerizonFios to open up their set-top boxes to allow development of custom apps for their set-top boxes and with this innovation will now make streaming more available and maybe possible to purchase Comcast and similar cable providers through a streaming app. 

Well, to get to my story, I looked at, can consulted some of my people.  I came to the decision to go with Sony Playstation Vue TV (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/network/vue/).  After this decision, have to plan the deployment.  Here are somethings to remember when deciding to move to a streaming TV service.

First, make sure your internet service can handle the streaming content.  The last thing you want is a lot of choppy pix-elated picture and buffering.
I recommend that you go with at least an internet service of 25mb download/ 25mb upload.  This will allow for decent streaming.  I personally went with 100mb/100mb from VerizonFios.

Second, find a device that is compatible with the service you decide to go with.  For me, choosing Sony PlaystationVue Tv, I decided to go with a Roku 3 media streaming device.  The services will have a list of compatible devices that will run their service.
another decent service is Sling TV.  Make sure to do your home work and check out the channel listings and plan costs.

Third, make sure you have a plan for all the services that are provided by your current provider.  For us, we decided to drop our land line phone from Verizon and use Google Voice.  Google Voice gives you a phone number, that allows you Domestic calls for no cost.
Long distance, voicemail and standard phone service from any device that works with Google Voice.  To use your existing cordless phones in the house you will need to purchase something like this device: OBi200 VoIP Phone Adapter: (https://www.amazon.com/OBi200-VoIP-Phone-Adapter-T-38/dp/B00BUV7C9A).  What this device does, allows you to tie your google voice number and account to a physical connection.  Its really simple to setup and use. 
     Optionally, you may want to keep your existing phone # from your current provider.  Well this is tricky, and I decided it was to much trouble, but if interested please feel free to refer to this: https://support.google.com/voice/answer/1065667?hl=en
      I warn you its not an easy proposition. And if you are really not married to your phone number, just go with a new number.

Now by planning out, how you will receive your services, you can now make sure you are ready, in your house or office.  This includes cabling, and locations of devices.  Any questions are welcome, and I am sure there will be a lot. 

After getting setup, you will notice that services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon prime, and Google Play are available on most of the devices, particularly the device I went with Roku 3, has all these and a lot more you can download and add to the device.
One thing to note about these services, they require a service fee and will ask you to create an account with them for billing. 

[thomaswdonovanjr]

A follow up the previous.  I want to express, that using the Roku and the apps, is like using a Android mobile device.  so some of the apps have interesting affects on viewing.  I welcome view points and observations.