Streaming TV support

Live streaming 101
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What is live streaming?

Streaming TV is watching television shows, movies or Live TV over the internet rather than relying on traditional cable or satellite providers. Instead of receiving a signal through a cable or dish, you can access your favorite content through online streaming services right on your TV. 

While most people think of streaming as a place to watch general entertainment on demand (like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video) there are actually services that have the same exact channels you want, including your local news and sports! These platforms offer vast libraries of content, including original shows, movies, documentaries and yes, Live TV. 

Live streaming 101

The basics

Nope! With streaming, all you need is a Smart TV or Streaming Device like a Roku or Fire TV, and setting them up is a super easy process.

Streaming starts with a strong internet connection. Once connected, Streaming is usually done on an app.  An app is an application or program that can be downloaded onto a device like your TV or phone. After deciding what Live TV service is right for you, getting started is nice and easy:

Step 1
Set up an online account with the streaming service using an email address and memorable password

Step 2
Enter credit card details to pay for your subscription

Step 3
Download your app on your TV or streaming device

Step 4
Sit back and relax with your favorite TV shows or movies!

Getting set up

Step 1 – Connect to Wi-Fi
Your Smart TV needs to be plugged in and connected to your internet. Most TVs will guide you through the Wi-Fi setup process during the initial setup process or within the settings Menu.

Step 2 – Apps
Many Smart TVs come with pre-installed apps for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. If an app isn’t pre-installed, no worries! You’ll be able to download the apps you are looking for.

Step 3 – Start Watching
Now that the apps are downloaded on your TV, create an account or log in to them using your username and password.

Step 1 – Purchase a device
Unlike cable set-top boxes, you can purchase a streaming device for one low price without having to deal with monthly rental prices. And they can cost as little as $40 to $60.

Step 2 – Power up your device
Like your Smart TV, the device needs to be plugged into a power cord or directly into the TV’s HDMI port. Find an unused HDMI port on your TV and connect the HDMI cable that came with your device. Once the device is connected to the power and HDMI, turn on your TV.

Step 4 – Apps
Like Smart Ts, these devices come pre-loaded with many popular apps. Head over to the app store and download additional apps for the services you want or need.

Step 5 – Sign in and stream away
Once downloaded, log into the streaming apps and you are ready to watch!

What streaming service is right for me?

Best for: replacing the Cable TV experience
Whether you’re watching less Live TV than you used to, or simply don’t need the hundreds of channels included at a high price, it’s time for a change.

These services range from 30-200 channels; some include local broadcast channels, news, and regional sports networks while others are “skinny” and only offer purely cable networks. And when we say local broadcast, we don’t just mean the national feeds of ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC, we mean the local and national content in your market.

Examples:
YouTube TV, Hulu Live, DirecTV Streaming, Sling, Fubo, Philo, and Frndly TV

Best for: choosing what you want to watch and when
On-demand movie and TV show services have massive libraries of content available to watch, which often includes original shows and movies produced by the service.

Commercials are present, but vary by service. Some have ad-supported tiers with commercials while others offer ad-free plans for a higher monthly fee.

Examples:
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and 100’s more.

Need help finding the right Live TV streaming service?

Take the Find My Bundle quiz to get a recommendation to perfectly fit your needs.

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Start the switch!

Visit our streaming marketplace to check out our list of favorite TV streaming services. 

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CommandIQ® 3.0

CommandIQ® 3.0 is the latest version of the easy-to-use mobile app designed to help you take full control of your home Wi-Fi experience. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, CommandIQ puts powerful tools at your fingertips to manage, personalize, and secure your network.

Need help? Visit the Help Center in the app or contact DFT Support directly for personalized assistance.

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