HOW DOES THIS WORK?

You are here: Home > How does this work? 

You are here by referral only. Not sure what to do or where to go? Contact the person who referred you, or reread the email we sent you.

Moving from cable or traditional TV? It feels a lot like TV, but a few things are different. Here is the short version.

You still sit down, pick up a remote, and pick a channel. What changes is how it gets to your TV. Instead of a cable box from the cable company, you use a small device you already own, or can buy once. There is no big monthly cable bill. That is why it costs much less.

This is a do-it-yourself setup, with us walking you through it. That is what keeps the cost low. Think of a laundromat, not a drop-off service. You do the steps. We guide you, by email, step by step.

Three things make it work. Think of a triangle with three corners.

1. Access. This is what we give you: your login to the channels.

2. Device. This is yours. See below for what works.

3. Internet. This is yours too. It needs to be steady, 25 Mbps or better.

 When all three corners are solid, it works well. We look after the access. We will show you what to look for on the other two.

Which device?

Easiest start: an iPhone or iPad. The app comes from the App Store, so there are fewer hiccups. Great if you also want to watch on the go.

Want it on your TV? Use a small plug-in streamer: a Fire Stick, a Fire TV Cube, a Google streamer or an Onn. One end plugs into your TV's HDMI port. The other end has a USB power cable. It comes with its own remote and is easy to move from room to room.

Not supported: smart TVs with Fire TV or Google TV built in. We only help with a device that plugs into the TV.

Showing your phone on the TV (casting or AirPlay) is a nice extra, but it can be hit and miss depending on your TV. We do not build on it.

One access can be on more than one device, but only one device watches at a time.

Not sure if a device will work? Send us a photo of the box before you buy it.

One login, more than one place

Many of our members like this part. One login can work on more than one device, as long as you are the one in control of them. Only one device can watch at a time.

Example: a home and a cottage. One device at home, one device at the cottage, one login. You take the login with you. Whichever place you are in, you watch there.

Tech tip: put a smart plug at each place. Plug the streamer or box into the smart plug, then plug the smart plug into the wall. From your phone you can switch the power on or off, even when you are away. This helps make sure only one device is on at a time. Ask us if you want help picking one.

A set-top box: a gentle step up from cable

If you grew up with a cable box, a set-top box can feel like home. It is a box that sits in front of you, with a big, simple remote. For many parents, it is the perfect transition.

Set-top boxes can be very simple or more involved. It depends on how much help you want. Start simple. You can always add more later.

"Want to see them?

Pick the device that fits how you like to do things

Phone or tablet first: you carry it everywhere and already know how it works.

A small plug-in stick: easy to carry from room to room or to the cottage.

A set-top box with a big remote: familiar if you grew up with a cable box.

There is no wrong answer. Pick the one that feels comfortable. If it is not right, we will help you change.

Setting this up for your mom or dad?

You are not alone. Many of our members are adult children who want their parents happy and want less money stress for everyone. It costs far less than cable. You can do the setup together by email, step by step, and we will guide you both.

Let's find your best fit

Answer these in your reply to the email we sent you:

1. Where will you watch? Living room, bedroom, on your phone, or all of them?

2. What device do you have? A photo of the Settings > About screen works.

3. Do you live in a city or a rural area? Who is your internet with? Does it ever stall or buffer?

4. Is it just you, or does more than one person want to watch at the same time?

5. What are you picturing? Tell us what you like about your TV now, and what you would change.

We will reply with the best fit and your next steps. Replies are usually the same day, not instant.

Robert