1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,200 Hello, and welcome back to the Paddock Room. 2 00:00:15,200 --> 00:00:22,400 I'm Margo, here with Wayne, and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to 3 00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:29,040 discussing smartphones, smart homes, and everything in between. 4 00:00:29,040 --> 00:00:35,880 This show is a promise of information freely given to all that seek it, and that is a pact 5 00:00:35,880 --> 00:00:39,040 between us and all of you. 6 00:00:39,040 --> 00:00:47,840 Log into our website, www.talking-tech.org, and click the Join the Discussion button 7 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:50,800 to join the discussion. 8 00:00:50,800 --> 00:00:57,960 While there, check out TV shows, or click the Schedule A Call button to explore how 9 00:00:57,960 --> 00:01:03,560 to bring a Talking Tech discussion group to your local church or community center. 10 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:11,800 We also have a helpline where trained technicians are ready to answer your questions 24-7, and 11 00:01:11,800 --> 00:01:16,280 best of all, it's 100% free. 12 00:01:16,280 --> 00:01:21,000 That number is 215-406-HELP. 13 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:27,400 That's 215-406-4357. 14 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:33,080 Today we will be discussing a movement called cord cutting. 15 00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:34,840 Thanks for having me here. 16 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:40,160 I'm excited to talk about cord cutting and streaming with our lovely audience. 17 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:41,160 Fantastic! 18 00:01:41,160 --> 00:01:44,000 Let's jump right in. 19 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:50,440 So for those who might be new to the term, what exactly is cord cutting, and how does 20 00:01:50,440 --> 00:01:55,240 it differ from traditional cable TV? 21 00:01:55,240 --> 00:02:01,200 Cord cutting is a modern trend where viewers cancel their cable or satellite TV subscriptions 22 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:04,080 and switch to streaming services. 23 00:02:04,080 --> 00:02:09,880 Instead of relying on traditional cable boxes, cord cutters access their favorite shows, 24 00:02:09,880 --> 00:02:13,040 movies, and other content over the internet. 25 00:02:13,040 --> 00:02:20,680 It's like watching TV on demand, on various devices at your convenience. 26 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:23,880 That sounds convenient indeed. 27 00:02:23,880 --> 00:02:30,720 What are some of the key benefits of cord cutting that seniors might find appealing? 28 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:33,960 Seniors can enjoy several benefits with cord cutting. 29 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:40,560 Firstly, it often leads to significant cost settings. 30 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:46,400 Cable TV packages can be pricey, but streaming service offers more affordable options. 31 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:52,400 Secondly, cord cutting offers flexibility as you can watch what you want, when you want, 32 00:02:52,400 --> 00:02:55,640 without being tied to a fixed schedule. 33 00:02:55,640 --> 00:03:02,160 Plus an incredible range of content is available, from classic movies and TV shows to documentaries 34 00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:05,680 and even original series. 35 00:03:05,680 --> 00:03:07,760 That's fantastic. 36 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:14,360 Having more control over what to watch and saving money simultaneously sounds like a 37 00:03:14,360 --> 00:03:16,440 win-win. 38 00:03:16,440 --> 00:03:22,320 So with cord cutting, viewers switch to streaming services. 39 00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:29,760 But what exactly are the streaming services and what types of content do they offer? 40 00:03:29,760 --> 00:03:35,960 Streaming services provide a vast library of digital content accessible over the internet. 41 00:03:35,960 --> 00:03:44,600 Some popular ones include Netflix, Amazon Prime Vitego, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more. 42 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:51,600 Streaming service offers diverse content including movies, television shows, cartoons and documentaries, 43 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:54,160 and even educational programs. 44 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:59,160 It's like having a virtual library of entertainment at your fingertips. 45 00:03:59,160 --> 00:04:04,080 It sounds certainly like there's something for everyone. 46 00:04:04,080 --> 00:04:11,080 Now, for seniors who might not be as tech savvy, can you explain how they can access 47 00:04:11,080 --> 00:04:13,560 these streaming services? 48 00:04:13,560 --> 00:04:16,640 Do they need special equipment? 49 00:04:16,640 --> 00:04:20,440 Accessing streaming services is easier than you might think. 50 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:25,360 Most modern TVs come with built-in streaming apps, making watching content directly from 51 00:04:25,360 --> 00:04:27,480 your TV simple. 52 00:04:27,480 --> 00:04:32,440 If you don't have a smart TV, you can use a streaming stick or a media player like a 53 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:39,040 Roku or an Apple TV to connect to your TV and access streaming apps. 54 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:40,040 And don't worry. 55 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:45,840 We'll discuss more about streaming devices and how to use them in upcoming segments. 56 00:04:45,840 --> 00:04:53,040 That's reassuring to know that you don't need to be a tech wizard to enjoy streaming. 57 00:04:53,040 --> 00:05:00,240 So Wayne, can you break down the concept of cord cutting a bit more for our audience? 58 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:01,880 Of course. 59 00:05:01,880 --> 00:05:07,240 Cord cutting means freeing yourself from the additional cable or satellite TV services 60 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:11,040 and switching to streaming services for entertainment. 61 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:18,120 It's like saying goodbye to the physical cords used to connect your TV to cable boxes. 62 00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:24,160 That sounds liberating, but I imagine some seniors might hesitate to let go of their 63 00:05:24,160 --> 00:05:27,560 familiar cable TV setup. 64 00:05:27,560 --> 00:05:31,960 Can you explain why cord cutting might be worth considering? 65 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:34,120 Absolutely. 66 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:39,520 Cord cutting has become increasingly popular because it offers several advantages. 67 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:43,920 First and foremost, it gives you the freedom to choose what you want to watch, when you 68 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:47,840 want to watch it, and even what device you want to watch it on. 69 00:05:47,840 --> 00:05:53,040 You are no longer limited to predefined schedules set by cable companies. 70 00:05:53,040 --> 00:05:58,320 With streaming services, you can watch your favorite show or movies on demand at your 71 00:05:58,320 --> 00:06:00,400 convenience. 72 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:02,440 That sounds fantastic. 73 00:06:02,440 --> 00:06:09,280 So with cord cutting, viewers essentially get to customize their TV experience, correct? 74 00:06:09,280 --> 00:06:10,880 Exactly. 75 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:15,680 Cord cutters can access various streaming platforms catering to different interests 76 00:06:15,680 --> 00:06:17,200 and preferences. 77 00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:25,920 Whether you enjoy classic movies, been watching, TV series, or discovering new documentaries, 78 00:06:25,920 --> 00:06:29,240 there's a streaming service tailored to your taste. 79 00:06:29,240 --> 00:06:33,160 It's great to know that cord cutting provides such variety. 80 00:06:33,160 --> 00:06:39,800 Now, when we talk about streaming services, are these platforms easy for seniors who might 81 00:06:39,800 --> 00:06:42,800 need to be more tech savvy? 82 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:48,000 Most streaming services are designed to be user-friendly and come with simple interfaces 83 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:50,960 that make navigation easy. 84 00:06:50,960 --> 00:06:57,320 Many platforms have categories and recommendations that help you discover content effortlessly. 85 00:06:57,320 --> 00:07:02,200 And once you get the hang of it, you'll find it's quite intuitive. 86 00:07:02,200 --> 00:07:04,280 That's reassuring to hear. 87 00:07:04,280 --> 00:07:11,480 So just to clarify, when we say streaming, what exactly does that mean? 88 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:17,800 Streaming refers to the delivery of digital content like TV shows and movies over the 89 00:07:17,800 --> 00:07:19,480 internet. 90 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:24,640 Streaming allows you to watch content in real time instead of downloading a file and saving 91 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:26,320 it to your device. 92 00:07:26,320 --> 00:07:32,200 It's like watching a video on YouTube or listening to music on Spotify where the data 93 00:07:32,200 --> 00:07:38,480 is delivered to your device as you watch or listen without storing it permanently. 94 00:07:38,480 --> 00:07:39,800 I see. 95 00:07:39,800 --> 00:07:47,400 So with cord cutting, we're shifting from traditional cable TV to online content. 96 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:53,000 That certainly sounds like a modern and flexible way to enjoy entertainment. 97 00:07:53,000 --> 00:07:55,200 Thank you for clarifying that. 98 00:07:55,200 --> 00:08:02,560 Wayne, could you tell us more about the various streaming services available to seniors? 99 00:08:02,560 --> 00:08:03,560 Of course. 100 00:08:03,560 --> 00:08:10,360 A vast array of streaming services are out there, each offering a unique library of content. 101 00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:16,000 One of the most popular streaming platforms is Netflix, which features many movies, TV 102 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:19,040 shows and original series. 103 00:08:19,040 --> 00:08:24,520 It covers almost every genre you can think of, from classic movies to the latest blockbuster 104 00:08:24,520 --> 00:08:26,000 hits. 105 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:29,720 Netflix has certainly become a household name. 106 00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:33,120 What about other streaming services? 107 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:39,560 Well we also have Amazon Prime Video, which offers a rich selection of TV shows and movies 108 00:08:39,560 --> 00:08:45,080 and includes additional perks like free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members. 109 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:50,640 It's an excellent option for seniors who frequently shop on Amazon. 110 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:52,240 That's a great bonus. 111 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:58,160 What about those who love family-friendly content like Disney movies? 112 00:08:58,160 --> 00:08:59,560 Absolutely. 113 00:08:59,560 --> 00:09:04,400 For fans of Disney classics or new releases, there's Disney Plus. 114 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:11,600 A treasure trove of animated films but love series and exclusive content from Disney, Pixar, 115 00:09:11,600 --> 00:09:13,920 Marvel and Star Wars. 116 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:18,920 It's perfect for grandparents who want to spend some quality time with their grandchildren. 117 00:09:18,920 --> 00:09:23,480 Wow, it sounds like there's something for everyone. 118 00:09:23,480 --> 00:09:31,520 And what about those who have specific interests like nature documentaries or foreign films? 119 00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:34,960 Streaming services also have you covered there too. 120 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:41,920 For nature enthusiasts, there's National Geographic and Disney and Discovery Plus with an impressive 121 00:09:41,920 --> 00:09:44,040 collection of documentaries. 122 00:09:44,040 --> 00:09:52,120 And for foreign films and TV shows, platforms like Hulu and HBO Max offer a diverse range 123 00:09:52,120 --> 00:09:54,960 of international content. 124 00:09:54,960 --> 00:09:56,800 That's fantastic. 125 00:09:56,800 --> 00:10:02,720 So streaming services cater to various tastes and preferences. 126 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:11,240 Can viewers access all this content or their TVs or do they need special equipment? 127 00:10:11,240 --> 00:10:16,440 Most modern TVs have built-in streaming capabilities, which means you can access these services 128 00:10:16,440 --> 00:10:19,840 directly through your TV smart features. 129 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:27,320 However, using external devices like streaming sticks or set-top boxes such as Rukku, Amazon 130 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:32,720 Fire TV or Apple TV is preferable to a smart TV. 131 00:10:32,720 --> 00:10:35,080 More on that shortly. 132 00:10:35,080 --> 00:10:36,440 That's good to know. 133 00:10:36,440 --> 00:10:42,880 So seniors don't need to worry about investing in new TVs just to start streaming. 134 00:10:42,880 --> 00:10:45,960 Thank you for sharing these insights. 135 00:10:45,960 --> 00:10:52,640 Now that we know about the exciting range of content available, Wayne, could you guide 136 00:10:52,640 --> 00:10:57,080 our audience on navigating streaming devices? 137 00:10:57,080 --> 00:10:58,800 Certainly. 138 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:03,400 Streaming devices are the key to accessing all your favorite shows and movies on your 139 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:04,840 TV. 140 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:10,880 There are advantages to a streaming device over a TV directly connected to the Internet. 141 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:18,040 According to most studies, TVs are among the most insecure devices on the Internet. 142 00:11:18,040 --> 00:11:20,200 That sounds convenient. 143 00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:24,240 But what if someone has an older TV? 144 00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:25,400 Not to worry. 145 00:11:25,400 --> 00:11:30,360 There are many affordable solutions to upgrade any TV. 146 00:11:30,360 --> 00:11:37,040 Streaming sticks like Rukku or Amazon Fire TV stick are small devices that plug into 147 00:11:37,040 --> 00:11:40,000 the TV's HDMI port. 148 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:46,320 They connect to your home Wi-Fi network and give you access to various streaming apps. 149 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:53,600 So streaming sticks act as a bridge between the TV and the Internet? 150 00:11:53,600 --> 00:11:54,840 Exactly. 151 00:11:54,840 --> 00:12:00,200 And because they are regularly updated, they offer superior security over a smart TV directly 152 00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:02,360 connected to the Internet. 153 00:12:02,360 --> 00:12:07,720 They also provide a user-friendly interface for browsing through different streaming platforms 154 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:11,760 and watch the content you love. 155 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:16,760 And what about other streaming devices? 156 00:12:16,760 --> 00:12:21,800 Media players like Apple TV or Nvidia Shield are another option. 157 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:28,120 These devices offer more advanced features and higher resolution options, making them 158 00:12:28,120 --> 00:12:35,400 perfect for the tech-savvy seniors who want the best streaming experience. 159 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:36,960 That's good to know. 160 00:12:36,960 --> 00:12:42,600 So seniors have choices depending on their preferences and budget. 161 00:12:42,600 --> 00:12:47,400 But how easy is it to set up these streaming devices, Wayne? 162 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:50,640 Setting up streaming devices is surprisingly simple. 163 00:12:50,640 --> 00:12:54,280 Most of them come with clear instructions and you'll typically need to connect the 164 00:12:54,280 --> 00:12:58,480 device to your TV and the Wi-Fi network. 165 00:12:58,480 --> 00:13:03,520 Once you've done that, file the on-screen prompts to link your streaming accounts or 166 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:06,640 create new ones if needed. 167 00:13:06,640 --> 00:13:11,120 That sounds straight forward and user-friendly. 168 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:13,640 What about using the remote controls? 169 00:13:13,640 --> 00:13:16,640 Are they easy to operate? 170 00:13:16,640 --> 00:13:22,400 Streaming device remotes are designed to be intuitive with user-friendly buttons and navigation. 171 00:13:22,400 --> 00:13:29,560 They often have dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, allowing you to launch 172 00:13:29,560 --> 00:13:32,840 your favorite app with just a click. 173 00:13:32,840 --> 00:13:34,340 That's convenient. 174 00:13:34,340 --> 00:13:39,200 So no need to fumble around with complicated menus. 175 00:13:39,200 --> 00:13:43,320 Thank you for walking us through the basics of streaming devices. 176 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:47,960 Wayne, will you come back to finish this discussion? 177 00:13:47,960 --> 00:13:49,480 Of course. 178 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:50,760 Great. 179 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:57,080 As with all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles, log into 180 00:13:57,080 --> 00:14:05,160 our website, www.talking-tech.org, or call our helpline. 181 00:14:05,160 --> 00:14:09,560 And that number is 215-406-HELP. 182 00:14:09,560 --> 00:14:14,240 That's 215-406-4357. 183 00:14:14,240 --> 00:14:18,640 Well, I see that's all the time I have for today. 184 00:14:18,640 --> 00:14:23,640 It has been my pleasure to be here, and I look forward to the next time we can do it 185 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:24,640 again. 186 00:14:24,640 --> 00:14:28,560 I wish you all a farewell. 187 00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:35,040 Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo 188 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:38,040 Jones and Wayne Hunter. 189 00:14:38,040 --> 00:14:49,400 It was Transparser Blue Jazz by Stefan Cartonberg.