STREAMING VIDEO OPTIONS

GUIDANCE FOR TOWN OF MILTON CCT VIDEO CUSTOMERS PREPARED BY THE MILTON TOWN CLERK

*Disclaimer: Provided for information only; not intended to endorse any specific product or service WHAT IS STREAMING? Streaming is the way audio (sound) or video (picture) content is delivered over the . Using streaming technology, you do not need to download content onto your device or computer in order to play it--it plays right from the internet location where it is stored. Streaming typically requires a relatively fast internet connection, like . • Examples of audio streaming are Spotify or Apple Music. • An example of audio and video streaming would be a recorded YouTube or a movie. WHAT IS LIVE STREAMING? Live streaming is the same as regular streaming, except that it is used for internet content that is delivered as it is happening—in real-time. Live streaming is used for live shows like news reports, sporting events and other events that are broadcast as they are happening. • Examples of companies that offer live stream television shows include AT&T TV, YouTubeTV, Live+, Sling and fubo TV WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIVE STREAMING AND THE CURRENT CCT-PROVIDED TELEVISION? • Content: The content of the CCT-Provided Television and what is available through the live streaming services can be similar, depending upon the live stream package(s) you choose. • How it Works: • The CCT television service require you to have special boxes which are wired into your broadband in order to play the content. You are not able to watch CCT television on other devices, like your phone or your computer. • services require a SmartTV or a streaming device (like a Fire TV Stick or ) to allow your television to stream the content. Most and computers have the ability to livestream without other special equipment by using apps (applications). Most livestream services use passwords and are portable, which means that you can watch them on multiple devices and even when you are away from home. • Cost: The cost of a streaming service can be more or less than CCT, depending on how many and the type of subscription you buy. WHAT KIND OF TV DO I NEED?

SmartTV: A is a regular tv that can access the internet via Wi-Fi, which means that it can stream music and videos, view photos and browse the internet. If you have a SmartTV, you don’t need to have a special device (like a Fire TV Stick or Roku player) to access streaming content.

OR

Regular TV with a Streaming Device: You can convert a regular (non-smart tv) into a streaming tv by purchasing a streaming device. You would typically need to have a tv with an HDMI port, because that is what most streaming devices plug into. WHAT ARE SOME STREAMING DEVICES?

Two of the most popular streaming devices are the Fire TV Stick and the Roku device. Both work the same way. You plug them into your HDMI TV via USB port and they connect via Wi-Fi. They convert your tv to a smart tv because they allow you to stream contact through the device. (Think of them as the equivalent of a cable tv convertor box). Both come with remote controls which allow you to access channels. Both are also portable, meaning that you can move them from device to device. There are several different variations of each device. COST OF BASIC STREAMING DEVICES? REVIEW OF DEVICES NEEDED

SMART TV (with built in HDMI TV + streaming streaming) + WI-FI device + WI-FI

OR I HAVE WI-FI AND THE RIGHT DEVICES, WHAT ELSE DO I NEED?

Once you have the proper equipment to stream video, you need to choose the provider and package which provides you with the channels that you want to watch. There are many different options available, including ways to purchase specific channels. Some of the providers offer free trials, so you can try before you buy. Most do not require any long-term commitment, so you can easily switch or cancel. There are also many free channels available. Below are some of the more popular live-streaming options. The website mybundle.tv is one place to start to explore the options. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE STREAMING SUBSCRIPTIONS? The cost of the streaming package you purchase will depend upon the provider and the type of package. Below is an example of pricing from .com, which also has a comparison of channels. Click here to see the article. Most of the providers allow you to be logged into a certain number of at a time, so that is a factor to consider also. WHEN DO I NEED TO “CUT THE CORD”?

“Cutting the cord” means making the switch from television which is hard wired to your television (with cables) to which is done over the wi-fi. CCT will be discontinuing its television service as of June 30, 2021, so if you want to continue video (television) services using your broadband connection, you need to “cut the cord” by that time. This means that you need to have the proper devices (smart TV or HDMI TV with a streaming device), a wi-fi connection and one or more video subscriptions. Although this is a change, this may be a better and cheaper option for many people, because it allows you more options and portability.