Step By Step Getting Started Guide

Here are the steps you should follow to create an effective streaming setup in your home:

• Make sure your high-speed internet access is up to speed (pun intended).  ;)  Streaming services these days are optimized to allow smooth streaming at relatively low high-speed access levels.  That said, more bandwidth is always better, especially if you're going to be streaming to multiple TV's and devices around the home.  For one TV, I recommend high-speed internet in the 5mbps to 10mbps range, with higher always being better.  For multiple, I recommend 25 to 50 mbps. Usually, your provider will supply you with the necessary modem for your chosen service level.
• Purchase a med/high-end wireless router.  You can find some great prices on routers, but I can't stress enough that you get what you pay for in the router category.  If you don't want to be going down all the time and having to cycle your modem and router (the whole "unplug it and plug it back in" thing), spend the somewhat higher price to get a top-end device.  Here are some of the best out there (according to CNET reviews):
• Purchase an awesome streaming device.  There are several out there, but a few stand out from the rest.  Don't skimp here and end up with something that sub-optimizes your viewing experience.  Remember, you want this to be trouble-free - it should just work when you turn it on, just like TV/Cable.  Otherwise, you'll get frustrated and disillusioned with the entire cord-cutting concept.  Here are my suggestions:


1. For the TV-lover: The Roku 3 Streaming Player - a great, simple, no-hassle device with an elegant, highly usable design.  Great for all ages and very unobtrusive: Roku 3 Streaming Player - $98.00
2. For the budget-conscious: The Roku LT Streaming Player - very inexpensive at only $40-$50, and almost identical in functionality to its big brother, the Roku 3: Roku LT Streaming Player - $40.00
3. For the gamer/cord-cutter: PlayStation 4 - This one is obvious - if you're a gamer and a TV lover, this is the device for you (PlayStation 3 is great as well!): PlayStation 4 (PS4): Standard Edition - $399.99 or Sony Playstation 3 Slim 160GB - $309.00
4. Also for the gamer/cord-cutter: Xbox 360 and Xbox One - As an all-in-one gaming and media center, the Xbox 360 and Xbox One should not be ignored.  Even though I prefer the PS3 and PS4, Xbox is preferred by many, and is an awesome machine in its own right.  The Xbox One can even be controlled by your voice, transforming your living room into a futuristic multimedia entertainment center!: Xbox One Console - $499.00 or Xbox 360 E 250GB Holiday Value Bundle - $250 (Thanks to Adam Hamilla for reminding me that my preference isn't the only preference!)
5. For the movie-lover/cord-cutter: PlayStation 4 again!  One of the best Blu-ray players out there on top of everything else it does, not to mention apps for the best movie streaming services like Vudu, Epix, Crackle, and Cinema Now: PlayStation 4 (PS4): Standard Edition - $399.99 or Sony Playstation 3 Slim 160GB - $309.00
6. For the kids' room: Nintendo Wii - awesome, active games for the kids plus an excellent, simple streaming device.  Kill two birds with one stone!: Wii - $149.99
7. For the football/sports fans out there: PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 3 - DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket is available to PS4/3 owners for $299.95.  You can cut the cord and still have access to ALL of your Sunday NFL football games.  Hallelujah! (PS3 also offers apps for MLB, College Football, NHL, and general College Sports) :  PlayStation 4 (PS4): Standard Edition - $399.99 or Sony Playstation 3 Slim 160GB - $309.00
• UPDATE!: Apparently Sony and the NFL will not be renewing their agreement to carry Sunday Ticket on PlayStation this year.  Definitely bad news, but don't despair - there are other options!  Here's what I'm going to do:
• I'm going to order Madden NFL 25th Anniversary Edition, which comes with a free year of Sunday Ticket if you're not a DirecTV subscriber (and of course, I'm not) on your tablet, phone, or computer.
Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition with NFL Sunday Ticket: $99.99
• I'm going to purchase another HDMI cable to connect my laptop to my TV - I figure a 15' cord will work well for my living room.
• Voila!  NFL Sunday Ticket on the TV! :)

And of course, for the Apple fan: Apple TV - Great device if you're an Apple fan, especially if you have several iOS devices.  Lots of cool interaction and streaming between. You can't go wrong with this cool little box: Apple TV - $94.99

Decide on your streaming service(s): Once again, there are several choices, and all have their pros and cons.  The good news is that you can just say "to heck with it!" and get all of them for a fraction of the cost of cable or satellite.  That's the route I took, and I haven't had any issues with not having enough to watch, that's for sure!  Here's my top 5:

1. Amazon Prime: Tons of great content for the low cost of $79 per year, and you can easily pay for the content that's not (i.e.: certain series, some movies, etc.).  That makes Amazon an excellent one-stop-shop hybrid for those who prefer not to switch around to different services.  Plus, as a prime member, you get FREE 2nd-day shipping on all Prime-eligible purchases on Amazon.  It's the membership that keeps on giving - nobody who enjoys shopping online or TV/movies should be without it! Trial memberships available here: Join Amazon Prime - Watch Over 40,000 Movies and TV Shows - Join Now!
2. Netflix: An excellent streaming service with a seemingly endless selection of TV Shows, Movies, Documentaries, and kids' shows.  You'll never be wanting for something to watch with Netflix around!  One of my favorite things about Netflix: Watching an entire series front-to-back without waiting between episodes.  This is by FAR my favorite way to watch a series.  Never got into Breaking Bad or The Walking Dead?  No worries - queue it up and watch it the entire way through! If there is a downside to Netflix, it's the lack of current shows.  Generally, they carry all episodes through the LAST season of your shows.  Great for repeats - not so great for keeping up to date so you can participate in those water-cooler discussions at work. Other than this small downside, Netflix is the gold standard for streaming, and will only run you about $7/month.  You can get a free trial here.
3. Hulu Plus: Great streaming service that includes current shows 24 hours after they air!  You will have to put up with a small amount of commercials, but its worth it to keep up with your favorites.  We watch the Gordon Ramsey shows (Hell's Kitchen, MasterChef, Kitchen Nightmares), The Middle, Raising Hope, The Booth at the End, Grimm, and some others here.  Besides TV, Hulu Plus carries an excellent selection of movies, clips, trailers, documentaries, and a lot more, all at about $8.00/month.  Get your trial membership here.
4. iTunes: Excellent streaming for the Apple fans out there, especially those with Apple TV.  Stream movies, TV shows, music, and just about anything else directly to your TV through Apple's cool technology. Not a lot of free stuff, but there is some out there.  Combined with one of these other services, iTunes is an excellent source for that premium programming you can't find anywhere else.  See what's available below:

5. PlayOn: This is a combination service/application you can download for your connected home computer.  Once you download and install, PlayOn provides a plethora of scripts through which you can access streaming content.  In addition, you can download additional user-created scripts that expand the amount and types of content you can acquire and stream to your TV.  For more detail on this awesome combo, take a look at PlayOn's "What's PlayOn?" page, here.  Stronger home computers with wired connections to your broadband are best for this option, but for me it has filled in the "gaps" that the other services have left admirably.  My advice: Get it - you won't be sorry.  Try it out risk-free here:  Buy PlayOn Here - 30-Day Money Back Guarantee, or get a lifetime license with a FREE ROKU player here: For a limited time, get a free Roku when you purchase a Lifetime PlayOn License. No risk, 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.

• Need a new PC?  An older computer might sub-optimize your viewing experience if you decide on PlayOn as one of your main entertainment sources.  Amazon has some great deals on new desktops if you think you need to take the plunge and get a new machine before cutting the cord:

• And finally, hook it all together!  This step can be confusing for some, but the devices listed above generally come with some pretty simple instructions, and the broadband company you chose should hook up your home network.  My advice: 
1. If you're looking for HD video, remember to keep a stock of HDMI cords around.  You can never have enough of them.  But remember, contrary to what certain companies will tell you, an HDMI cord is an HDMI cord.  There isn't really much difference between the $50-$60 cords you can find and the $3-$5 cords.  It's all marketing.  The cords pretty much work the same. It's not just me that preaches this - here's what CNET had to say on the subject.  Spend your hard-earned money on your devices, and not on cords.  Here are my recommendations:
1. AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters) - Supports Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return [Newest Standard]: $5.79
2. HDMI Cable Category 2(Full 1080P Capable)(Compatible with Xbox 360 PS3) (10 Feet): $3.66
3. DVI Gear HDMI Cable 2M 6 feet: $3.70
2. Remember to get some network cords in case you want wired connections (faster) rather than relying fully on wi-fi.  It's also good to have a few of these around.  Again, my recommendations:
1. Belkin 7-Foot RJ45 CAT 5e Snagless Molded Patch Cable: (Gray): $2.45
2. AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable (14 Feet/4.2 Meters: $5.49
3. Mediabridge Networking Cat5e Patch Cable - (15 Feet) - Red RJ45 Computer Patch Cord: $5.99
3. With lots of plugs to manage, you'll need a good powerstrip/surge protector.  It's always good to have one of these in the mix with computers and TV's anyway - these items are expensive and it makes no sense to let a power surge destroy your equipment.  Here are a few good ones to consider:
1. Belkin Pivot-Plug Surge Protector: $24.84
2. Tripp Lite TLP606 Surge Protector Strip 120V 6 Outlet 6ft Cord 790 Joule: $9.99
3. Monster MP AV 750 Audio Video PowerCenter: $34.99
4. Of course, the item that brings it all together: A good universal remote control!  It's really good to have one of these around - trust me.  Having to manage a bunch of remotes is never fun, and takes away from the "low maintenance" feeling of your setup.  If you opted for a PlayStation 3/4, you should get an SMK Blu-Link Remote - it's awesome since the PlayStation is Bluetooth-only and your other devices will be RF or infrared.  I've had it for over a year and it's been great: SMK-Link PS3 Blu-Link Universal Remote Control: $29.36.  If you chose something besides PlayStation, here are CNET's favorite universal remotes:
1. Logitech Harmony 900 Rechargeable Remote with Color Touch Screen: $328.66
2. Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote: $314.99
3. Logitech Harmony 650 Remote Control (Silver): $70.86
5. And, lastly, you'll want to purchase an indoor multi-directional HD antenna to capture those over-the-air (OTA) signals the cable companies don't want you to know about!  These are clear, crisp HD signals that you simply need to capture and send to your TV.  This is also a very inexpensive way to fill in some of those gaps, and to watch sporting events aired on the networks (I use mine to watch Dallas Cowboy games that are blacked out or not carried on Sunday Ticket).  Here are my favorites:
1. Mohu Leaf Paper-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna - Made in USA: $38.35
2. RCA ANT1650R Flat Digital Amplified Indoor TV Antenna: $44.38
3. HomeWorx HDTV Digital Flat Antenna UHF / VHF (HW110AN): $9.79

• The final step is to call your cable/satellite company and shut off your service!  Tell them to come and get their expensive equipment, and begin to enjoy life without that big monthly bill.  You won't regret it!