Cord Cutting:

“Cord cutting” is the process of "cutting" expensive cable or satellite connections to low-cost or no-cost TV streaming subscriptions using the internet and/or free over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts with an antenna.

OTA TV and streaming are growing in popularity. Everyone wants to eliminate or reduce the monthly cost of their Cable TV bill without losing access to their favorite entertainment. Access to free OTA TV can be achieved by simply adding a UHF/VHF antenna. In Williamsburg, we happen to be between two markets, Richmond and Norfolk. Inexpensive window/wall mounted antennas are generally unacceptable in our area. The best user experience will utilize an antenna with a line amplifier with or without an OTA Digital Tuner / DVR. A DVR can be connected wirelessly to several TV's through streaming sticks. For optimum results, the antenna should be located either high in the attic or on the roof. 

Here is a cord cutting calculator to show the costs savings and return on investment (ROI) that are possible with an antenna and streaming compared with the cost of cable and satellite TV.

Streaming Devices:

Think of a Streaming Stick as a miniature cable box to access live streaming TV, shows and movies with a single remote. They stream content wirelessly to your TV from the Internet via your WiFi router. The sticks are designed to hide behind your TV and plug directly into any unused HDMI port. All sticks have remotes with TV volume, mute, power buttons and voice input to control most TVs, so you can ditch the remote that came with your TV. You can even take them with you on vacation!

While there is debate over which streaming device is "the best" it is generally agreed that the user interface offered by the major TV brands are not up to par compared with Roku TV, Fire TV, Google TV and Apple TV.

Roku uses an app-centric interface while Google TV, Fire TV and Apple TV offers a content-centric interface. As should be expected Google's user interface seems to be the best at "learning" what you like to watch. 

Subscription Streaming Services:

There is fierce competition between the more popular subscription streaming services. Searching on Google for the most popular subscription services will typically yield the following: YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV and Philo. How do you decide which is right for you? Generally, it comes down to the channels you want to watch and the monthly cost for the service. This live TV Streaming list is maintained by CNET and provides a simple comparison. 

Be aware when reviewing the list that Sling TV offers a free channel guide which integrates streaming and on demand subscription content along with free OTA, antenna based content through their partnership with AirTV digital tuner and DVR service. 

OTA Digital Tuner/DVRs:

The following Digital Tuner/DVR's have been tested by the Tech Club and determined to be acceptable. The Tablo Quad and the AirTV Anywhere both have 4 digital tuners and a built-in 1Tb DVR.

Tablo is one of several devices that can replace conventional cable on each HDTV with an OTA digital TV antenna. There are 2 and 4 tuner models that include either external or internal storage  which allow you to record shows for later viewing.

• Tablo Digital Tuner/DVR OTA Installation Support Document 

AirTV Anywhere (a.k.a AirTV-3) has 4 digital tuners along with a built-in 1Tb DVR.

AirTV has the unique feature of offering a unified user interface that integrates free OTA channels with subscription streaming and on-demand content along with both an integrated both a Cloud based and a physical 1Tb DVR. 

What you need for the best AirTV experience:

• OTA Antenna for local channels. We recommend an in-attic installation.

• External hard drive for DVR functionality (AirTV 2 only).

• HD 4K TV for the best picture quality.

• Broadband internet with 50Mbps (minimum).

• Supported devices: AirTV Player, AirTV Mini, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, Android, Android/Google TV, Amazon Fire TV.

• Download the FREE Sling app (No subscription needed for access to a local channel guide).

DroidTV PVR: 

DroidTV Primetime includes the best network primetime, Classic TV and select premium channel shows. Record and watch TV on your Android phone or tablet in full HD resolution with DroidTV. Cast shows wirelessly to your TV. Choose from 10s of thousands of episodes of the most popular shows from the major TV networks. Watch whenever you want, wherever you want, without any commercials. 

• DroidTV PVR Application Support

  • How to install DroidTV on an Android Device

Colonial Heritage on Nextdoor:

Colonial Heritage Nextdoor is hosted outside Colonial Heritage and is therefore independent of the HOA Management Company. All content is provided by Colonial Heritage residents and approved agencies, such as JCC Police, VDOT, Virginia Dept of Emergency Management and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. The site is used for informal information sharing within Colonial Heritage and selectively with surrounding communities. The more neighbors use this site, the better the quality of information shared. For example, we can share information on good deals, classified ads, recommendations on quality service providers, community events, community safety issues, etc. The site is what we make of it and will reflect the personality of the community. Please enjoy it!