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Index

4K TVs, 101–102 installing, 70–73 8K TVs, 101 line-of-sight between transmission towers and, 49 multidirectional, 66–67 A multiple, 171 ABC, 42, 146 outdoor, 63–64, 71–73 access point (AP), 120–122 outdoor antennas, 71–73 adapters, 109 over-the-air (OTA), 49 aerial. See antenna overview, 46 AirPlay, 106 range, 49, 63, 69 AirTV Player, 89, 93 reception, 79–80 a la carte TV, 172 saving money on, 170–171 Alexa, 107 signal amplifier, 171 Amazon Fire TV, 27, 104, 105, 107, 109, 111 unidirectional, 49, 66–67 VHF/UHF support, 67–68 a la carte plan, 172 AntennaWeb, 56 bandwidth usage, 124 Apple Card, 177 features, 152–153 Apple TV, 107 original programming, 17 Apple TV+ subscription rates, 152 a la carte plan, 172 Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, 177 features, 153 American Customer Satisfaction Index for original programming, 17 Subscription Television Services, 12 subscription rate, 153 American Express Blue Cash Preferred apps, 181–182 Card, 177 AT&T TV , 94 amplifiers, 64–65, 80, 171 ATSC 3.0 (Advanced Television Systems Android TV, 104, 111 Committee), 44 antenna audio output jack, 107 amplifiers, 64–65, 80 automatic downloads, disabling, 125–126 bogus/exaggerated claims, 68–69 automatic playback, disabling, 125 coaxial cables, 171 combiner, 67COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL connecting, 73–79 B connector, 84 baby monitors, 189 coupler, 67 bandwidth direction, 49 cap, 123 form factors, 62–63 checking, 172 gain, 65 defined, 122 HDTV, 27, 59, 84 history, checking, 33 indoor, 63–64, 70–71 reducing usage, 124–126

Index 203

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 203 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM bandwidth (continued) getting ready mentally, 34 saving money, 171 overview, 32–33 unlimited, 15–16 process in, 34–36 usage, 123–124 returning all equipment, 36 using more, 15 canceling subscriptions, 174 BBC, 42, 146 cash back, 177 Bluetooth, 106 CBC, 42 broadcast TV, 40 CBS, 42, 146 buffering, 127–129 channel guides, 43 built-in amplifier, 65 channels bundles, 9–10, 14, 172–173 in cable packages, 9 over-the-air (OTA) TV, 42, 48, 80–81, 86–87 C real versus virtual, 54–56 cable outlets, 18–19 scanning for, 80–81 cable-replacement services. See also paid surfing, 86–87 streaming services Channels Plus, 90 described, 151 Channels software, 90 fuboTV, 160–161 Chromecast, 105, 107, 109 + Live TV, 161–162 Go, 165 overview, 29 ClearStream TV, 93 Sling TV, 161–162 coaxial cables YouTube TV, 163–164 for antennas, 61–62, 171 cable TV doing away with, 18–19 bundles, 9–10, 14 lengthening, 80 canceling, 32–36 replacing, 80 channels, 9 shortening, 79 commercials, 9, 14 coaxial cable splitter, 61 contracts, 13 coaxial connections, 73–74 costs of, 8–9 coaxial splitter, 75–76 customer service, 12 commercials, 9, 14, 43, 150 disadvantages of, 8–13 component connector, 84 hidden fees and surcharges, 10–11 composite connector, 84 higher prices to long-term subscribers, computers 10 connecting antenna to, 77 lack of competition, 11 connectors, 84 live TV on, 40 for over-the-air (OTA) TV, 58 pass-through fees, 11 connecting antenna simplicity of, 15 coaxial, 73–74 subscription prices, 10 to computer, 77 technical support, 12–13 to mobile devices, 78 canceling cable TV to multiple TVs, checking bandwidth history, 33 75–76 checking contract, 33 to one TV, 74–75 gathering everything before calling the to Wi-Fi network, 78–79 company, 33–34

204 Cord Cutting For Dummies

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 204 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM content cost, 8–9 choosing streaming service for, 25 hidden fees and surcharges, 10–11 deciding on, 24–25 higher prices to long-term subscribers, contracts 10 checking, 33 lack of customer service, 12 cons of cable TV, 13 lack of technical support, 12–13 cord avoiders, 7 near-monopoly of cable companies, 11 cord cutters, 7 unwatchable channels, 9 cord cutting discount, 31 cons of, 13–17 Disney+, 165 overview, 1 distribution amplifier, 65, 76 pros of, 17–20 dongle streamers, 105 reasons for, 7–13 download speed steps to, 23–36 checking, 180–183 cord haters, 7 enough, 171 cordless phones, 189 glitch tolerance, 131 cord nevers, 7 importance of, 129–130 cord shavers, 7 live versus on-demand TV, 130 cord trimmers, 7 and number of devices, 131 , 138 overview, 129 Crave, 160 problems, 129–130 credit card cash back, 177 and stream video quality, 16, 130 CTV, 42 testing, 131–133 customer service, 12 DTV Reception Maps tool, 50–52 CVC, 146 The CW, 42, 146 CW Seed, 146 E electromagnetic interferences, 79 , 165 D equipment dead zones, 121 figuring out needed, 26–27 digital cliff, 50 HDTV antenna, 27 digital converter box, 89 Internet modem, 26–27 digital TV tuner, 58 streaming devices, 27 digital video recorder (DVR) television, 26 recording for , 88–89 Wi-Fi router, 26–27 subscription-based, 89–91 Ethernet Tablo, 90–91 adapters, 109, 120 tuner in, 48, 58 defined, 120 directional antenna, 66–67 port, 107, 109 disadvantages of cable TV ports, 120 bundles, 9–10 extension nodes, 122 commercials, 9 external amplifier, 65 contracts, 13 external HDTV tuner, 77

Index 205

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 204 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM 20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 205 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM Haystack News, 139 F HBO Max, 165 factory default, 185 HDHomeRun, 93 F connectors, 74 HDHomeRun tuners, 59 Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 50 HDMI Fire TV Recast, 88, 93 cables, 103 firmware, updating, 188 connectors, 84 flat antennas, 62 ports, 102–103 Fox, 42, 146 HDTV antenna, 27, 59 free streaming services. See also paid HDTV tuner, 77 streaming services hidden fees, 10–11 Crackle, 138 high-definition (HD) format, 46, 47, features, 137 101–102 Haystack News, 139 high dynamic range (HDR), 107 Hoopla, 139–141 high perceived value, 18 IMDb TV, 141–142 Hisense, 111 , 141 Home Shopping Network, 42 for kids, 145–146 Hoopla, 139–141 overview, 21, 135–136 horizontal resolution, 47 PBS Video, 142 Hulu Peacock, 142–143 add-ons, 156 Channel Store, 143–144 bandwidth usage, 124 on smart TVs, 147 features, 155–156 truth about, 136 original programming, 17 TV, 144 subscription plans, 155 , 145 Hulu + Live TV, 95, 161–162 free trials, 29–30, 151, 173–174 Freeview, 50 I fuboTV, 95, 160–161 IMDb TV, 141–142 full-power station, 46 independent stations, 46 indoor antennas, 70–71 G appearance, 64 gain, 65 cost of, 64 Google Assistant, 107–108 ease of installation, 64 Google Chromecast, 105, installing, 70–71 107, 109 versus outdoor antennas, 63–64 Google Maps, 53 range, 64 Google TV, 109 input ports, 107 gray (signal strength color code), 54 input source, changing, 84 green (signal strength color code), 54 Insignia, 111 intelligent band steering, 119 interference, 189 H interferences, 79 HappyKids.tv, 145 intermittent Internet connection, HAUPPAUGE WinTV-DualHD tuner, 89 troubleshooting, 181

206 Cord Cutting For Dummies

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 206 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM Internet described, 40 bandwidth, 15–16, 122–126 Internet speed for, 131 intermittent connection, troubleshooting, signal types, 40 181 streaming, 93–95 monthly bills, 16 watching with streaming devices, 21 monthly budget for, 27–28 watching with streaming services, 21 overview, 117–118 local area network (LAN), 120 plans, choosing, 172 , 95 routers, 118–119 low perceived value, 18 saving money on, 171–172 low-power station, 46 Internet modem, 26–27 LTE filter, 50, 60–61, 79, 170 Internet service provider (ISP) monthly bandwidth, 15 unlimited bandwidth, 15–16 M Internet speed Mbps (megabits per second), 16 enough, 171 member stations, 46 glitch tolerance, 131 mesh network, 122 importance of, 129–130 MeTV, 42 live versus on-demand TV, 130 mobile devices and number of devices, 131 connecting antenna to, 78 overview, 129 tuners in, 59 slow, 180 multidirectional antenna, 66–67 streaming media problems, 129–130 multipath distortion, 67 stream video quality, 130 multiple antennas, 171 testing, 131–133 Murdock, Iris, 173 Internet TV, 40 “must see” TV shows, 24–25 ION Television, 42 N K NBC, 42, 146 Kanopy, 142 NBC Universal, 143 KiddZtube TV, 145 Kidoodle.TV, 145 bandwidth usage, 124 KidsFlix TV, 145 features, 156–157 Kids Movies by Fawesome.tv, 145 original programming, 17 subscription plans, 156 network affiliates, 46 L network feed, 46 Lego TV, 145 newscasts, 42 LG, 111 new shows LG Channels, 147 never seeing some of, 17 linear TV, 41 waiting time for, 17 line-of-sight, 49 Next Gen TV, 44 Live Channels, 88–89 NoCable, 87 live TV non-linear TV, 41

Index 207

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 206 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM 20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 207 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM over-the-top (OTT) TV, 41 O owned and operated (O&O) stations, 46 omnidirectional antenna, 66–67 on-demand streaming services. See also paid streaming services P Amazon Prime Video, 152–153 paid streaming services. See also free Apple TV+, 153–154 streaming services described, 151 add-ons, 151 Hulu, 155–156 availability, 150–151 Netflix, 156–157 cable-replacement services, 151, Paramount Plus, 157–158 160–164 Peacock, 158–159 combining, 25 on-demand TV, 40, 131 commercials, 150 On TV Tonight, 87 free trials, 151 original programming, 17 on-demand, 151–159 outdoor antennas overview, 21, 149–150 appearance, 64 premium channels, 152, 164–165 cost of, 64 simultaneous streaming, 151 ease of installation, 64 types of, 151–152 versus indoor antennas, 63–64 Paramount Plus, 95, 157–158 installing, 71–73 pass-through fees, 11 range, 64 PBS, 42 overdriving, 59 PBS Kids, 145 over-the-air (OTA) TV PBS Video, 142 antenna, 20, 46–48, 62–80 Peacock, 142–143, 158–159 changing TV input source, 84–86 perceived values, 18 channels, 42, 43, 48, 80, 86–87 , 95 defined, 40–41 physical interferences, 79 DVR setups, 88–89 pixels, 47 equipment, 58–62 , 90, 146 live TV, 26 Pluto TV, 95, 147 overview, 20, 39–40 Pocket.Watch, 145 pros and cons of, 42–43 Pocoyo Kids TV, 145 recording for free, 88–89 Kids, 145 recording with subscription, power over coax device, 76 89–90 premium channels. See also paid signal strength, 49–50 streaming services television stations, 45–46 checking out, 164–165 transmission tower, 46 Cinemax Go, 165 tuner, 46–48 described, 152 TV guide, 87 Disney+, 165 watching, 86 Epix, 165 watching with regular TV, 80–91 HBO Max, 165 watching with smart TV, 91–92 Showtime, 165 watching with streaming devices, 93 , 165

208 Cord Cutting For Dummies

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 208 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM premium plan, giving up, 177–178 pros of cutting cord S Samsung, 111 being in control, 18 Samsung TV Plus, 147 freedom from cables, 19 satellites (extension nodes), 122 high perceived value, 18 satellite TV, 40 saving money, 18 saving money unshackling the TV, 18–19 in cord cutting, 13–14, 18 public access channels, 42 credit card cash back, 177 free trials, 173–174 R getting the smallest OTA antenna possible, range 170–171 bogus/exaggerated claims, 69 giving up premium plan, checking, 189 177–178 determining, 63 on Internet, 171–172 extending, 122 overview, 169–170, 174 indoor versus outdoor antennas, 64 skinny bundles, 172–173 RCA, 111 on sports streaming services, 178 reception, improving, 79–80 by subscribing and canceling, 174 red (signal strength color code), 54 subscribing strategically, 175 resetting streaming devices, 185 Sceptre, 111 resolution, 47, 101–102 screen size, 100–101 restarting streaming device, 184 self-oscillation, 65 RF channels, 54, 60 set-top box streamers Roku connecting, 111–113 Channel Store, 143–144 connecting to TV, Premium Subscription, 172 112–113 Streambar, 108 described, 104 streaming player, 27, 105 versus dongle streamers, 105–106 TV, 111 positioning, 112 Ultra, 108 Showtime, 165 Voice, 108 signal amplifier, 59, 171 routers signal attenuator, 60 bands, 119 SiliconDust, 59 buying, 118 simplicity of cable TV, 15 defined, 120 simultaneous streaming, 151 intelligent band steering, 119 Siri, 107 interferences, checking, 189 skinny bundles, quality of service, 119 172–173 resetting, 188 Sling Free, 147 speeds, 119 Sling TV tri-band, 119 bandwidth usage, 124 updating firmware, 188 features, 162–163 upgrading, 122 packages, 95 Wi-Fi 6, 119 subscription plans, 162 Rushdie, Salman, 1

Index 209

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 208 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM 20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 209 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM slow Internet connection, setting download speed, 181 troubleshooting, 180 set-top box, 104–106 smart TVs, 91–92, 109–111, 147 troubleshooting, 189–190 , 111 unresponsive, 189–190 splitter, 75–76 updating, 184 sports channels, 25, 42, 178 voice control, 107–108 standard-definition (SD) format, 46, 47 watching live TV with, 21 Starz, 165 watching over-the-air TV with, 93 steps to cord cutting Web browser, 182 budget for streaming services, 27–28 streaming hardware canceling cable TV, 32–33 dongle streamers, 105–106, 113–114 deciding on content to watch, 24–25 overview, 99–100 figuring out needed equipment, 26–27 setting up, 111–115 free trials of streaming services, 29–30 set-top box streamers, 104–106, 111–113 overview, 23 smart TVs, 109–111 subscribing to streaming services, 30–31 television, 100–103 test drive, 31–32 upgrading, 191 stick, 105–106 streaming media, 20 streaming streaming services buffering, 127–129 bandwidth usage, 124 live TV, 93–95 budget for, 27–28 problems, 129–130 cable-like, 29 process, 126–127 choosing, 25 wired, 108–109 combining, 25 streaming devices configuring to use less data, 124–125 4K support, 106 costs of, 25 AirPlay support, 106 disabling automatic download, 125–126 apps for, 181–182 disabling automatic playback, 125 audio output jack, 107 free, 21 Bluetooth support, 106 free trials, 29–30 checking download speed, 180–183 original programming, 17 compatibility with existing stuff, 106–107 paid, 21 configuring, 115 subscribing to, 30–31 connection speed, 181 watching live TV with, 21 dongles, 104–106 streaming stick, 105, 113–114 Ethernet port, 107 streaming video, quality of, 16, 130–131 factory default, 185 subscriptions features to consider in, 106–108 canceling, 174 high dynamic range (HDR), 107 combining, 25 input ports, 107 credit card cash back, 177 overview, 27 discount, 31 remote features, 107 overview, 30–31 resetting, 185, 190 premium plan, giving up, 177–178 restarting, 184, 190 saving money on, 175–176

210 Cord Cutting For Dummies

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 210 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM surcharges, 10–11 resetting streaming device, 185 S-video connector, 84 restarting streaming device, 184 streaming devices, 189–190 streaming device’s download speed, T 180–183 tabletop antennas, 62 updating streaming device, 184 Tablo, 88, 89–91, 93 upgrading hardware, 191 TCL, 111 Wi-Fi connection speed, technical support, 12–13, 43 186–187 television Tubi TV, 144 4K, 101–102 tuners, 46–48 8K, 101–102 TV Fool, 25, 26, 52–56, 67, 170 blank screen, troubleshooting, 190–191 TV guide, 87 connecting antenna to, 74–76 TV Passport, 87 connecting set-top box streamer to, TV Signal Locator tool, 52–56 105–106 HD, 101–102 HDMI ports, 102–103 U input source, 84–86 UHF band, 67 multiple, connecting antenna to, 75–76 UHF radio frequencies, 60 for over-the-air (OTA) TV, 26, 58 ultra-high definition (UHD) format, 46, 47, 101 resolution, 101–102 ultra high frequency (UHF), 60 screen size, 100–101 unidirectional antenna, 49, 66–67 troubleshooting, 190–191 Univision, 42 unshackling, 18–19 unshackling television shows, “must see”, 24–25 oneself, 19 television stations television, 18–19 external content, 46 updating streaming devices, 184 independent, 46 upgrading hardware, 191 internal content, 45 US Bank Cash Plus Visa Signature, 177 member, 46 network affiliates, 46 owned and operated, 46 V types, 45 variable amplifier, 65 terrestrial TV, 41 vertical resolution, 47 TitanTV, 87 very high frequency (VHF), 60 Tizen operating system, 111 VHF band, 67 Toshiba, 111 VHF radio frequencies, 60 transmission tower, 46, 49 video quality, and Internet speed, 16, transmit channels, 54, 60 130–131 trial period, 29–30 virtual channels, 54–56 tri-band, 119 Visio Watch Free, 147 troubleshooting voice control, blank TV screen, 190–191 107–108 overview, 179–180 , 147

Index 211

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 210 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM 20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 211 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM TitanTV, 87 W Tubi TV, 144 weather, 50 TV Fool, 26, 52, 67, 170 Web browser, 182 TV Passport, 87 web OS operating system, 111 Vudu, 147 web server, 127 Xumo, 145 websites YouTube TV, 95, 163 Amazon Prime Video, 152 Wi-Fi network AntennaWeb, 56 adjustments, 188–189 Apple TV+, 153 channels, 122 AT&T TV Now, 94 connecting antenna to, 78–79 Cinemax Go, 165 connection speed, 181, 186–187 Crackle, 138 dead zones, 121 Crave, 160 extending, 121–122 Disney+, 165 interference, 189 DTV Reception Maps, 51 mesh network, 122 Epix, 165 range, checking, 189 Freeview, 50 range extender, 122 fuboTV, 95, 160 resetting router, 188 Google Maps, 53 restarting hardware, 188 Haystack News, 139 routers, 119 HBO Max, 165 shutting down other wireless devices, Hoopla, 139–141 189 Hulu, 155 updating firmware, 188 Hulu + Live TV, 95, 161 Wi-Fi router, 26–27 IMDb TV, 141–142 wired streaming, 108–109 Kanopy, 142 wireless access point, 120 Locast, 95 Netflix, 156 NoCable, 87 X On TV Tonight, 87 Xumo, 145 Paramount Plus, 95, 157 PBS Video, 142 Peacock, 142–143 Y Philo, 95 yellow (signal strength color code), 54 Plex, 146 YouTube Kids, 145–146 Pluto TV, 95 YouTube TV Roku Channel Store, 143–144 bandwidth usage, 124 Showtime, 165 features, 163–164 Sling TV, 95, 162 subscription rates, 95, 163 Starz, 165

212 Cord Cutting For Dummies

20_9781119800934-bindex.indd 212 Trim size: 6 in × 9 in April 19, 2021 3:57 PM