All about steaming TV, Movies, Music, and more!
12/26/2025
Streaming has become the modern way to watch TV, movies, music, and live content—and for many people, it’s a better and more affordable alternative to traditional cable, satellite TV, or even off-air antennas. With a reliable internet connection like Starlink, cable, fixed wireless, or other broadband options, streaming delivers excellent picture quality, fast performance, and far more flexibility than traditional TV services.
Streaming Devices: What You Need
You can stream using an internet-connected Smart TV, but we strongly recommend using a dedicated streaming device for better performance, more app options, and easier upgrades over time.
Popular streaming devices include:
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Roku Sticks – Simple, affordable, and easy to use
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Apple TV – High-quality experience with solid content options
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Google TV / Chromecast – Great Google Home integration and customization
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Amazon Fire TV Sticks & Cubes – Works well with Alexa and includes Prime Video
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NVIDIA Shield – Powerful and flexible for advanced users
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Other Generic Devices – Many options exist at various price points
👉 You’ll need one streaming device per TV. Setup is simple: plug the device into an HDMI port, connect it to your WiFi network, and start streaming.
Free Streaming Services
There are many free streaming platforms that offer movies, TV shows, live channels, and on-demand content (usually ad-supported), including:
Free services are a great way to reduce costs while still enjoying plenty of entertainment.
Paid Streaming Services
Paid streaming services provide premium content, including live TV, local channels, sports, and exclusive shows not available on free platforms.
Popular paid options include:
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Netflix – Large library of movies, series, and originals
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Amazon Prime Video – Included with Prime membership
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Disney+ – Family-friendly content, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic
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Hulu – Live TV and on-demand, great for local channels
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Max (HBO) – HBO originals and Warner Bros. content
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Paramount+ – Sports, news, and exclusive programming
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Apple TV+ – Apple Originals
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Peacock – NBC content, movies, and live sports
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ESPN+ – Sports-focused content
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Starz – Movies and original series
- YouTube TV - A streaming platform from YouTube similar to Hulu
- Sling TV - A streaming platform from DISH Network offering similar features as Hulu
Services like Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and similar platforms often bundle content from Disney, ESPN, Paramount, HBO, and others into a single subscription—making them a popular replacement for traditional cable TV.
A Few Things to Know About Streaming
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Streaming apps will often show content you don’t subscribe to yet—prompting you to upgrade or rent.
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Many platforms allow you to rent or buy new-release movies, sometimes while they’re still in theaters.
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Most services include features like DVR, favorites, watchlists, and profiles for a better viewing experience.
Our Recommendation
We do not recommend using Smart TV’s built-in apps. TV manufacturers often limit available services or updates based on brand agreements. Using a Roku, Fire TV, or similar device gives you more flexibility, better performance, and future-proofing.
Need Help Getting Set Up?
If you have questions about streaming, internet requirements, device selection, or setup—or want help choosing the best option for your home or location—contact Lone Pine Technology. We’re happy to help you get it done right the first time.