Want to get started with TV and video streaming but not sure where to begin? You’re in the right place. Even though it feels like getting started might be a complicated process, it doesn’t have to be.
Streaming continues to prove popular with new users. Not only can it open up more choices, but it can also help to save money when done right.
That’s where this beginner’s guide comes in, as it has been put it together specifically for those completely new to streaming in the hope they can hit the road running.
Getting Started With Streaming
Video Streaming and How it Works
TV and video streaming refers to accessing video content over the internet. While homes had to make use of specific equipment to access video content in the past, that’s no longer the case, thanks to the expansion of the internet and the connected home.
Even though some equipment is still needed to stream video, the choice and variety has never been greater. What’s more, many people will already have access to devices that they can use to stream on right now.
The only integral element that every home will need is access to the internet. This is an important aspect and the strength of the internet connection can directly impact on the quality and reliability of the streaming experience. More on that later.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Streaming (Compared to Cable)
Is streaming better than cable?
This is a question that comes up a lot, and the simple answer is, it depends.
What’s best for an individual home depends on a number of factors, and those factors differ from person to person and home to home.
One of the general benefits of streaming services is that they are available in app form. This makes it easy to access a service on different devices and in different places.
Another general benefit is that streaming services tend to be free of any major commitments. As streaming services typically operate on a month-to-month basis, subscribers usuually only pay for the current month and retain the ability to cancel at any time.
As there’s only usually an app involved, this also means there’s usually no equipment to return, or complicated setups to untangle.
The main disadvantage with streaming is fragmentation. Not only are there tons of devices to choose between, but there are even more streaming services to choose between, and some of them offer more than one plan.
All of which can make navigating the streaming world more complicated than it probably should be.
In comparison, cable companies have traditionally offered packages that take much of the thought process out of the equation. You get a device, a live TV package, maybe some additional features, and pay the one price.
Basically, cable was, and still is, simpler.
Due to this, and in spite of the benefits, streaming might not be the best option for everyone, and especially as cable has evolved over the years to be more of a one-stop solution.
More importantly, it might already be in your living room.
If you are happy with your existing setup, and don’t feel much of a need to switch to streaming, then there’s probably not much reason to switch to streaming.
Although you may need to eventually make the switch, due to the direction of the industry in general, that’s not something you necessarily need to do today.
For those that have decided to switch, the first thing to be aware of is the different types of streaming services, and what actually makes them different to each other.
Different Video Streaming Service Types
When talking about TV and video streaming services, it is important to differentiate between two main types — video on-demand and live TV.
Video On-Demand Services
On-demand services are the ones that most people will already be familiar with. Think Netflix and Disney+.
Although video streaming services are not new in general, there are plenty of new ones launching every year. These services typically offer access to a large catalog of TV shows and movies that are available to watch at any time.
These services also tend not to require much beyond a connected TV, set-top box, or smartphone, and generally don’t require the user to sign up to a lengthy contract.
They also don’t tend to be too expensive either.
One of the more recent changes with video streaming services is their tendency to offer some form of live content.
Unlike traditional live TV plans and channels, these live channels are often curated and focused on a specific theme, genre, or show.
Many streaming services also now tend to focus heavily on their own programming, often referred to as originals. These are usually titles that have been purchased outright or exclusively licensed.
Basically, they are videos that you are unlikely to find on another streaming service at the same time.
Video on-demand services also vary in the way that they make money. While the most common monetization method is a subscription, there are others, and some services sometimes blur the lines.
Welcome to the world of SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD.
The one thing all of these acronyms have in common is VOD (video on-demand). The other letter(s) simply refer to how the service primarily monetizes its customers. In this case, you.
What Are SVOD Services?
SVOD is short for subscription video on-demand and this generally covers the streaming services consumers are already familiar with.
Put simply, an SVOD service charges a flat subscription fee each month and provides unlimited access to a library of content in return.
SVOD is currently one of the most popular monetization strategies by services. They are the easiest to implement and the simplest for users to understand and agree to.
You pay for access, and that’s it.
What Are AVOD Services?
AVOD refers to advertising or ad-based video on-demand. Unlike SVOD, AVOD usually involves the viewer having to sit through some form of ads.
These commercials are used to generate revenue and that revenue can help to lower the cost to the user.
Strictly speaking, a true AVOD service doesn’t charge the consumer anything. Instead, all of their income is generated through the use of ads.
However, many services blur the AVOD and SVOD line by utilizing a hybrid approach. As an example, a service that not only charges a subscription fee, but also uses ads. These are commonly referred to as With Ads plans.
Hulu is a prime example of a company that uses a hybrid approach. Hulu’s No Ads plan costs $18.99 a month and is a true SVOD service.
However, Hulu also offers a With Ads plan. Priced at $11.99 a month, the With Ads plan combines the AVOD and SVOD methods, resulting in a win-win scenario for everyone involved — the company makes money by generating additional revenue and consumers pay less for their subscription.
What Are TVOD services?
TVOD stands for transaction video on-demand and is best explained as a service that you rent or buy content from.
Instead of paying for a monthly or annual subscription, consumers pay a fee relative to the content. Whether that’s an episode, a movie or an entire series, the fees are usually much lower and one-off costs.
Again, there are services that blur the TVOD line and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) is a good example.
Fandango at Home is primarily a TVOD service, as you pay for access to specific content. At the same time, Fandango at Home also offers access to select shows and movies for free.
This is another example of the AVOD approach in effect, as consumers encounter ads instead of paying for content.
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV services have steadily become an increasingly important part of the streaming industry.
As more people move away from traditional cable and satellite packages, live TV streaming services offer a way to access live channels and content, including local and national news, sports, and weather.
With TV channels and content now available to stream over the internet, homes have more choice than ever before and are no longer resigned to only the companies that operate locally.
There are also no cables or dishes involved, with most services providing access to live TV through a living room or mobile app.
While the selection of live TV streaming services isn’t nowhere near as varied as the selection of video on-demand services, they still differ from each other in a number of ways, and any one could make or break the experience for an individual or home.
Some of the main differences to be aware of include the price, the selection of channels, and the features on offer. Again, more on this later.
Streaming Services
Choosing a Streaming Service
With so many streaming services available, there’s pretty much a service to suit the needs and viewing tastes of just about every home.
Top Video Streaming Services
If you are new to streaming, here’s a roundup of some of the most popular video streaming services, and how much they currently cost.
- Disney
- Star Wars
- Marvel
From $11.99/mo
Bundle with Hulu from $13
All of the services listed above typically charge a monthly subscription cost. In some cases, multiple tiers will be available, differing in their use of ads or access to additional features.
Top Live TV Streaming Services
Just like video streaming services, the best live TV service is a hugely debatable topic. While every live TV streaming service offers access to live TV, they are very different from each other.
Below is a summary of the most popular live TV streaming services right now, and how much they currently cost)
Factors to Consider When Comparing Services
While the price of a service might seem right to you, it can be easy to sign up without knowing which features are missing.
Some of the main features to be on the lookout for when shopping for a streaming service include device support and the number of streams.
If it is a live TV service, shoppers might also want to take note of the channel selection, including locals, and any DVR limitations.
Compare Device Support
Device support is a very important area to consider. Generally speaking, newer smartphones are usually guaranteed to be supported, with all of the major services offering an app to watch on a mobile device.
However, the same isn’t necessarily the case with other streaming devices.
While smart TVs are a very common piece of equipment in the home, they are not always automatically supported.
After all, there are multiple different TV brands and models available these days, all running on different operating systems, and services just haven’t got around to supporting them all yet.
While it is natural to assume a smart TV will be supported without the need for any additional equipment, and especially newer TVs, it is always recommended to check support before signing up.
The same is true for Fire TV devices, Roku devices, game consoles, smart displays, and any other device you are likely to watch on.
Compare the Number of Streams
The number of streams is another important aspect to compare, as this directly impacts how many people in the same home can watch at the same time.
As streaming provides access to live TV over the internet, there’s no longer a need for everyone to be huddled around the living room TV.
If someone wants to watch the latest episode of their favorite series in the bedroom while someone else watches a movie in the living room, they can. In this example, two simultaneous streams would be in use.
The problem is many streaming services place a cap on how many streams can be active at the same time.
To give you an example of how much this can vary between services, while DirecTV offers unlimited streams, Hulu Live TV limits base plan subscribers to just two devices at the same time.
Likewise, Netflix offers as many as four streams at the same time, but only for those signed up to its most expensive monthly plan.
The number of streams might not be a problem for all homes but it could be a major hurdle for busier households where multiple family members are likely to watch at the same time.
Compare the DVR — If a Live TV Service
Unlike the DVR associated with traditional live TV services, cloud DVR is an online-based video recorder.
There are many benefits to a cloud DVR over traditional DVR, including the ability to store an unlimited number of videos, record an unlimited number of channels at the same time, and access recordings on an unlimited number of devices.
In spite of the general unlimited nature of a cloud-based DVR, some live TV services still limit the recording experience.
In some cases, live TV services limit the number of recording hours that a subscriber has access to. In other cases, a live TV service might limit how many videos can be stored at one time, and/or for how long they remain recorded for.
Some services may even limit the devices a subscriber can watch recordings on.
Knowing the type of cloud DVR experience a service offers before signing up is as important as any other aspect, including the price.
Compare Channels — If a Live TV Service
One way live TV services manage to cut costs is by skipping certain channels and this can result in different services prioritizing different networks.
As an example, Fubo places a greater emphasis on sports. While you do still get plenty of news and entertainment channels with Fubo, some channels are skipped in order to maintain the current sports-focused channel lineup at the current price.
In contrast, Sling TV is primarily focused on being an affordable service, and this means it is less likely to be a good option for local channels or live sports.
While live TV services are very quick to advertise the price, and especially if they are cheaper than the competition, the channel lineup might not be what you are currently looking for.
Regardless of the channels included with a specific package, most services tend to offer the option to increase the channel lineup through add-ons.
While this can be a good way to add missing channels, it can also greatly increase the overall monthly price.
Streaming Service FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common and frequently asked questions we get on streaming services.
How Much Does Live TV Cost?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer here.
The general consensus is that live TV streaming is cheaper than cable and satellite, as there are few additional fees on top of the cost of the subscription.
However, the cost of live TV streaming has steadily increased over the years, and it is no longer as cheap as it once was.
While services have looked to undercut each other to attract new customers, this race to the bottom has come at a time when the same services are being charged more each year to carry channels and networks.
Those increased costs are eventually passed to the consumer in the form of price increases.
For those looking to sign up to a live TV streaming service today, they can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $90 per month.
It is also worth noting that the price advertised might not actually be the total. Similar to traditional live TV plans, live TV streaming has started to encounter hidden costs.
For example, Sling TV charges an ‘ABC fee’ in certain areas and Fubo charges a regional sports fee in most locations.
Live TV shoppers will often find that these additional monthly charges only become apparent after confirming a location, and choosing a package.
Are There Any Cheap Live TV Streaming Services?
While some pay $90 or more each month to stream live TV, there are cheaper options available.
For example, Sling TV currently charges $46 for its Orange and Blue live TV packages. Even cheaper is Philo, with a subscription starting at just $28 per month.
And with plans starting at just $9 per month, Frndly TV is one of the cheapest options around.
Are There Any Free Live TV Streaming Services?
Yes, there are some live TV services that charge absolutely nothing. However, these tend not to be direct replacements for traditional live TV packages.
As is the case with AVOD video services in general, there are some live TV services that generate revenue solely through the use of ads.
The more users they can attract by charging nothing, the more eyes they get on ads, making the sale of those ads to advertisers and brands easier and more profitable.
Some of the streaming services offering access to free live TV include:
Again, that these free services don’t tend to offer the variety of live TV channels that paid live TV plans do. Instead, they are often curated channels focused on a specific theme, genre or topic.
Streaming Players
Quick Links
Different Video Streaming Platform Types
Streaming devices are just glorified media players. Unlike some traditional set-top boxes and players, however, streaming devices primarily deliver content over the internet.
As they are connected devices they tend to focus less on inputs and outputs, drives, or any other hardware element that requires the user to interact with.
In some cases, they are not much more than a black box.
Some of the device types most commonly used for streaming today include:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming players
- Set-top boxes
- Game consoles
- Blu-ray players
- Soundbars
Top Streaming Platforms
There are many different brands making a variety of different streaming devices. Due to this, even when you narrow down the type of device you are looking for, you’re still likely to need to make the choice of what platform you want to use for streaming.
Some of the most popular streaming platforms today include:
Getting Started With Apple TV
Apple TV is, as the name suggests, Apple’s take on TV. While the platform is called tvOS, most people will recognize it as Apple TV.
Either way, it is the ideal platform for anyone already invested in Apple’s iPhone, iPad, or Mac ecosystems. They will get access to a familiar user experience and features, including Siri.
Compared to other platforms, one of the downsides of Apple TV the general lack of device options. Apple only offers one device these days, Apple TV 4K, and it can be purchased either with or without Ethernet.
Apps for Apple TV players are downloaded directly from the App Store.
Getting Started With Fire TV
Fire TV is Amazon’s homegrown TV platform and extends well beyond the actual TV.
As this is an Amazon ecosystem, it comes heavily tied to Amazon’s other services, including Alexa.
With a TV powered by Fire TV, Alexa voice support provides users with the option to control other Alexa-compatible products, and get feedback to questions asked.
Whether looking for a streaming player or a smart TV, Amazon sells plenty of first party options.
There are also a number of third-party TVs and devices that are powered by Amazon’s TV platform and these tend to be referred to as “Fire TV Edition” devices.
Regardless of whether a first or third-party device, Fire TV apps are available to download directly from the Amazon App Store.
Getting started With Google TV
Similar to how Fire TV is Amazon’s TV platform, Google TV is Google’s TV solution. Google TV is a customized version of Android for use with living room devices, and an evolution of Android TV.
One of the benefits of an Android-based approach to streaming is the app support, as Google TV users get their apps from the Google Play Store.
While Google itself doesn’t offer any TVs that are powered by Google TV, it does offer the Google TV Streamer.
There are also plenty of third-party smart TVs running on Google TV, and from the likes of Sony, Sharp, and Hisense. This is in addition to streaming players from various brands, including Onn.
In fact, Google’s TV platform is so prevalent that many operators also use a customized version for their own devices.
Getting started With Roku
Roku is one of the biggest players in the streaming world, and there is a good chance that if you buy a streaming device tomorrow, it will be powered by Roku.
If buying directly from Roku, the company sells a variety of streaming players and at varying price points. In recent years, the company has also started selling its own Roku TVs as well.
Like Amazon and Google’s platforms, Roku OS is also available on a variety of third-party devices.
Over the years, Roku has partnered with multiple TV brands to offer a version of Roku built-in to TV sets.
Regardless of whether you opt for a Roku TV or a Roku player, Roku OS comes with wide streaming service support.
While Roku technically refers to apps as channels, there’s no actual difference from the user perspective.
All Roku apps (channels) are downloaded from the Roku Store.
Getting started With Samsung Tizen
Tizen is Samsung’s own operating system and can be found on smart TVs sold by the company.
As this is the operating system that comes preloaded on Samsung smart TVs, and due to the number of TVs Samsung sells each year, this is likely to be the first and primary streaming option for many TV owners.
It is also likely to be a good option for anyone already invested in Samsung’s wider ecosystem.
Tizen on TVs is similar to the other TV streaming platforms, as it comes with a main hub where the user can interact, change settings and access apps.
Unlike the other TV streaming platforms mentioned so far, however, Tizen is not quite as well-supported at the app level. While you shouldn’t find many issues when attempting to download apps for any of the most popular streaming services, app support is something to be aware of.
Apps are downloaded from the Samsung App Store.
Getting started with LG webOS
Similar to Tizen, webOS is yet another TV-specific operating system, albeit one owned and operated by LG.
Like when buying a Samsung TV, those opting for an LG smart TV are likely to find that the TV arrives running on webOS, providing them with a simple way to access streaming apps.
While webOS comes with good app support in general, homes may find that some of their favorite apps are currently unavailable on the platform.
webOS-powered TVs tend to come with good voice assistant support as well, including support for Amazon Alexa and Google Gemini, making them a good option for homes already invested in a smart home ecosystem.
While webOS is not quite as rich or fully-featured as Fire TV, Google TV, or Roku OS, it is rich enough to provide a good video streaming experience.
Apps are downloaded from the LG Content Store.
Getting started with Vizio SmartCast
Similar to Samsung and LG, Vizio also offers its own ‘SmartCast’ operating system which can be found on the TVs sold by the company.
SmartCast is a popular option for many homes in the US, and a platform that has been continuing expanding in terms of app and feature support in the past few years.
In spite of its advancements, and jut like Tizen and webOS, SmartCast doesn’t offer as wide app support as Fire TV, Google TV, or Roku OS.
While users will find apps for many of their favorite streaming services, they may also find some are missing.
One of the benefits of SmartCast is there are no apps to download on a Vizio TV. Instead, all currently available apps are located and accessible in the app row.
Choosing a Streaming Platform
For most people, the best streaming platform is likely to be the one they are already invested in or most familiar with.
For example, if you already have Amazon and Alexa devices, then Fire TV is probably going to be the best option for you. It is designed with those other devices in mind and will fit in perfectly, even adding an extra level of smart control to the home.
The same is true with Apple TV and Google TV. If you are already invested in iOS then Apple’s platform will be best for you, and if already invested in Android then Google’s platform is likely to be the most natural fit.
To a degree, the same is also true with Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s webOS. If you already have products by either of these companies then it can make sense to consider purchasing a TV or streaming player that plays nicely with those products.
However, it should be noted that choosing a platform can cause issues later on. For example, opting for SmartCast, Tizen, or webOS can lock the user in to the app experience offered by those operating systems.
As platforms like Fire TV and Google TV are available on a variety of first and third-party TVs and streaming devices, the same locked-in restriction is not usually as problematic.
If not currently invested in any major ecosystem, then Roku might be worth considering.
One of the big selling points with Roku is the ease of use of Roku OS. This coupled with the selection of apps and low price points make it a good option for homes looking for a cheap and simple streaming player.
Top Streaming Devices
With so many platforms available, it can be difficult to know which device to actually buy.
Below are some of the most popular streaming devices available to buy right now.
| Apple TV 4K | From $149 |
| Fire Stick 4K Select | $39.99 |
| Roku Streaming Stick Plus | $39.99 |
| Google TV Streamer | $99.99 |
| Roku Ultra | $99.99 |
| Nvidia Shield TV | From $149.99 |
Choosing a Streaming Device
An important part of the streaming chain is the device used to stream on. In the past, the TV was the TV, and other than aspects like resolution or size, the experience was mostly the same.
In the everything is connected age, that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, the type of device you use to stream on can determine a number of things, including the features and apps you have access to.
The good news is the streaming hardware market has never been richer. The bad news is with so many different devices available, choosing the right one can be complicated.
Choose wrong and it could prove costly as well.
Best Streaming Players
Streaming Device FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about streaming devices.
Do I Need a Streaming Player if I Have a Smart TV?
No. If you have a smart TV, by definition, you already have a streaming device as well. As long as the TV can connect to the internet then it is highly likely you already have the ability to download apps.
If it is an older TV, it is possible that some apps might not be supported anymore and then you may need to consider adding a streaming player to your setup.
For some people, a smart TV will be enough. For those users, there’s no need to invest in any additional hardware.
If you find that your smart TV is a little limited on app support, a cheap workaround can be casting. This refers to the ability to send videos from a smartphone (or a laptop) to a TV over the home Wi-Fi network.
With most streaming apps and services supporting smartphones, casting is a great and low-cost way to avoid additional hardware purchases.
While the downside of casting is you have to continually use the smartphone to navigate and select content, it is a viable solution for those looking for one.
Do I need a Streaming Player if I Have a Game Console?
It depends. If you have a connected game console then you may find that you don’t need to invest in any additional hardware.
This is particular true for newer game consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
However, game consoles can sometimes suffer in terms of app support so it is worth checking for specific apps before deciding whether you need an additional streaming player.
Do I Need a Streaming Device for Each TV?
It depends. Again, most newer TVs will come with some form of a streaming platform built-in, and those TVs won’t need any additional help.
If the TV is older, or you don’t like the operating system that is in use, a cheap streaming player can be a quick and affordable way to give the TV an extra streaming boost.
Optimizing the Streaming Experience
Choosing the right platform and device is important, but some homes may find they run into issues from time to time.
Some of these issues can be fixed easily while others might not have a solution.
Common Video Streaming Issues (and Fixes)
Video quality places a huge strain on internet connections and this is nearly always the cause when homes encounter streaming issues like a poor signal and/or buffering.
Check the Internet
Generally speaking, streaming in standard definition (SD) typically requires a minimum download speed of 3 Megabits per second (Mbps). Streaming in high definition (HD) ups the minimum download speed to 5 Mbps, and those looking to stream in Ultra HD (4K) will see the minimum requirement increase significantly – to around 25 Mbps.
Minimum Download Speeds
- Standard definition (SD): 3 Mbps+
- High definition (HD): 5 Mbps+
- Ultra HD (4K): 25 Mbps+
As these are minimums, homes should be looking to have an internet connection that easily handles higher than these speeds, and on a continuous basis.
Most homes will be able to check their theoretical maximum download speeds by contacting their provider, or checking the details of their internet package.
An alternate way to find out the actual download speed you are getting is by using a speed test site. We recommend Speedtest.net.
It is worth keeping in mind that the speed requirements mentioned above are related to a single stream. If a home plans to stream on different devices at the same time in the same household, those Mbps requirements will increase accordingly, based on each additional user.
For example, two SD streams at the same time will likely require a minimum of 6 Mbps.
Check the Device
In situations where a home encounters issues and the internet is not the root cause, it is possible that the device is the problem.
One way to quickly check if that is the case is to try and access the same streaming service on another device. If the streaming issues are not present on the new device, the old device might be the problem.
Technically, it might not be the device but the app installed on that device. This difference can also easily be verified by checking other apps on the same device. If those other apps work fine, then the case of the problem is likely to be the app.
Beginner’s Guide — Recap
As we’ve discussed, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to streaming. Yes, it can be a little confusing at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
The main things to keep in mind when getting started with streaming is:
- the platform you want to stream on
- the devices you want to stream on
- the apps you want to stream.
In reality, most decisions become much easier to make once the first one is made. For example, if you opt to use the streaming platform that your existing TV is running on, then you suddenly don’t have to worry about buying an additional device, the streaming platform, or the apps available.
If you choose to buy an additional device, and prefer to use either Fire TV or Roku, our recommendation would be to buy one of Amazon’s or Roku’s own devices instead of a third party device.
This limits the choices considerably, and with prices starting at $20, most homes will find one that suits their budget and their needs.
The same is true with apps. The majority of premium streaming apps will likely support all of the platforms mentioned here, and it is likely once you fire up the TV or streaming player for the first time, the interface will recommend some of the most well-known apps, making it very easy to install your favorites and start streaming.
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