Cord-Cutting Terms Defined: Your Video Streaming Glossary

Gone are the days of bundling cable with a phone and internet package from your local provider. In 2020, you can more easily stream your favorite shows – and for a fraction of the price of subscribing to that provider’s cable plan. To do so, however, you’ll need to know your cord-cutting terms!

Cord-Cutting

Let’s start with cord-cutting: the practice of dropping traditional (cable, satellite, or fiber-optic) TV service and instead streaming all your favorite shows, news, and sports, over the internet.

Streaming Services

These are the services that actually bring the video content to your screen. Popular streaming services include:

• Netflix – one of the most well-known streaming services, allowing you to stream on-demand shows, movies, and documentaries.
• Hulu – Hulu’s fast-growing library features current programs, with a streamlined advertising model.
• Amazon Prime – This streaming service has grown in recent years, offering its library of movies, TV shows, and original programs.
• HBO Max– HBO Max provides its vast library of classic HBO content, as well as Warner Bros. movies.
• Disney+ – Disney+ launched in November 2019, featuring classics from the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars universes.

OTT Devices

These are the pieces of equipment you’ll need to access the content streamed over the internet. Popular OTT
(over-the-top) devices used to stream your favorite shows to the TV include:

• Roku – multiple models are available, from budget-friendly boxes to high-end streaming sticks.
• Apple TV – this streaming device is perfect for users with iOS devices, as it’s compatible with Apple’s AirPlay.
• Chromecast – this device plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and allows you to “cast” content to the TV from your smartphone or laptop.
• Amazon Fire Stick – the Fire Stick is small and easily plugs into any TV’s HDMI port.

Binge-Watching

Ah, the most popular activity of cord-cutters. Binge-watching is the practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV show in a row (usually over a short timespan). It has become more popular in the age of streaming, as so many services release whole seasons at once (or even entire series).

That’s a Wrap!

Well, friends, you’re now ready to traverse the wild world of cord-cutting. If you’ve got your streaming service and OTT device set up, grab some popcorn, settle in for a great binge-sesh and enjoy your newfound freedom from cable bills!