⚡ Knowledge Base

Streaming & Cord-Cutting FAQ

Rick Baron

Owner, SWAT A/V · 28 years residential AV install

Real questions from real readers — answered by a 28-year residential AV installer. Type any question below and the list filters as you type.

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Live TV Streaming What streaming services actually work in my ZIP code?

Every national live-TV streamer (YouTube TV, Hulu+Live, Fubo, Sling, DirecTV Stream, Philo, Frndly TV) works in every US ZIP — the question is which local CBS/NBC/FOX/ABC affiliate each one carries in your specific market. YouTube TV has the broadest local-affiliate coverage in 2026, followed by Hulu+Live.
Pricing & Math How much can I really save switching from cable in my area?

Most US households save $50–$80 per month switching from cable to streaming. The average 2026 cable+internet bundle is $190/month; the average cord-cutter spend is $80–$110. In the DC/Maryland/Virginia area where Verizon Fios and Xfinity dominate, savings tend to run higher — $60–$100/month is typical.
Antenna / Free TV Do I still need an antenna if I go all streaming?

Not required, but recommended. A $25–$50 indoor antenna gives you free, lifetime access to CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and PBS — including 75% of NFL games, all major awards shows, local news, weather, and emergency alerts. It's the cheapest insurance policy in the entire cord-cutting stack.
Streaming Devices Which device is easiest for my elderly parents to use?

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K. Cleanest home screen, biggest icons, simplest 8-button remote, and no aggressive advertising. Apple TV is great for Apple-only households but the remote frustrates seniors. Fire TV pushes Prime content too hard. For every senior client we install, it's Roku.
Sports Rights Can I watch my local sports teams without cable?

Yes for most leagues — though MLB/NBA/NHL get tricky. NFL: antenna covers 75% of local-team games. MLB/NBA/NHL: depends on your Regional Sports Network (MASN, MSG, NESN, Bally, etc.) — some are now on streaming, some still cable-locked. WNBA/MLS/NWSL/college: fully streamable.
Antenna / Free TV What's the cheapest way to get local news and CBS in my town?

An indoor HD antenna — $25–$50 one-time, then free forever. It pulls your local CBS affiliate (and NBC/FOX/ABC/PBS) directly over the air with no subscription. If antenna reception fails at your address, Paramount+ Premium ($12.99/mo) streams your local CBS in most major markets.
Live TV Streaming Should I get YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Fubo for my family?

YouTube TV is the default — broadest local channels, unlimited DVR, 3 simultaneous streams, $82.99/mo. Hulu+Live ($82.99) wins if your family wants Disney+ or ESPN+ (those are bundled, saving ~$25/mo vs standalone). Fubo ($84.99) wins for international soccer or pure sports households.
Streaming Devices Is Roku really better than Fire Stick for regular people?

Yes for most households. Roku's home screen is neutral — your apps in a grid, no algorithm. Fire TV aggressively pushes Prime Video, Freevee, and Amazon shopping content first. For non-Amazon-loyal homes, Roku wins on simplicity. For Prime Video households, Fire TV's tighter Prime integration makes it the right pick.
Sports Rights How do I get all the college football games in my area?

You need three things in 2026: an antenna (Big Noon Saturday on FOX, CBS afternoon games), ESPN+ or YouTube TV/Hulu+Live (full SEC + ACC, most Saturday afternoon games on ESPN/ESPN2), and Peacock ($10.99/mo) for Big Ten Saturday Night plus Notre Dame home games.
Live TV Streaming What streaming setup works best for a household with kids?

Hulu + Live TV ($82.99 base, $95.99 4K plan). It bundles Disney+ and ESPN+, includes the full Hulu on-demand library with cartoons, kids profiles with PIN protection, and unlimited DVR. The 4K plan adds NFL RedZone and unlimited home screens. Add Netflix for variety.
Antenna / Free TV Will I lose my local channels if I cancel cable?

No — you can replace them three ways. Cheapest: a $25–$50 antenna gets CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and PBS for free, forever. Easiest: YouTube TV ($82.99) or Hulu+Live ($82.99) both carry your local affiliates in 95%+ of US markets. Free apps like Pluto and Tubi don't carry true local broadcast.
Internet & Wi-Fi How much internet speed do I need for smooth 4K streaming?

25 Mbps per simultaneous 4K stream. For a typical household: 50 Mbps minimum (2 people, 1 4K + 1 HD), 100 Mbps comfortable for a family of 4, 200–500 Mbps overspecced unless you have multiple WFH adults plus heavy streamers. 1 Gbps is rarely needed for streaming alone.
Streaming Devices Is it worth buying the Roku Streaming Stick 4K?

Yes — the best $40 in cord-cutting. 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, fast UI, and a clean voice remote. Replaces older streaming sticks instantly. We install 100+ of these per year for DMV clients. Skip the Roku Express (1080p, slower) and skip the Ultra unless you need an Ethernet port.
Sports Rights What's the best plan for someone who only watches sports?

Sports-only stack for 2026: DirecTV Stream Choice ($89.99 — most RSNs included) OR YouTube TV ($82.99) plus NFL Sunday Ticket ($240/yr new user). Add ESPN+ ($12) for SEC/ACC/extra college football, Peacock ($10.99) for Sunday Night Football + Premier League, Prime Video ($14.99) for TNF and the new NBA deal.
Spanish-Language Can Spanish-speaking households get good local channels?

Yes. Univision and Telemundo broadcast free over the air in most US markets — an antenna gets both. YouTube TV and Hulu+Live carry both via paid streaming. ViX ($6.99/mo Premium) has the deepest Spanish-language on-demand library, and Fubo Latino ($35/mo) is the sports-focused Spanish bundle.

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