My Ultimate Cord Cutting Setup – Devices I Personally Use


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Cutting the cable connection to coax connector illustrating retired people cancelling cable TV service

Cutting the cable connection to coax connector illustrating retired people cancelling cable TV serviceI am often asked what my personal at home cord cutting setup is, so I decided to break down what I use.

Keep in mind that I own more than 80 cord cutting devices: every Roku sold since 2011, every Fire TV/Fire Stick ever made, both first and second generation Nvidia Shields, Apple TV 4th Gen, and probably 50 android-based streaming players. Add in over a dozen antennas and other peripherals and more. You get the picture.

So this is not a post listing what I own, but a break down of the devices I use to be a cord cutter. Look for an article coming in the future about the streaming services I use.

Disclaimer. This setup worked for my family. There is no one perfect device or setup for everyone. Get the devices you like.

Antenna

I moved a little over a year ago to a place where an indoor antenna is not a bad option. Although an indoor antenna is not a bad idea, I still like the performance an outdoor antenna offers. Right now I am using an Antenna Direct 4v antenna.

Remember: Antennas are not one-size-fits-all, so buy the antenna that is right for where you live.

DVR

A DVR for over-the-air TV is an awesome cord cutting tool that too many overlook. I ended up going with the Tablo DVR for two reasons. First, I love the ability to have one DVR that all my TVs can access in my house without the need to buy a second device. Second, I love the ability to access my DVR when I travel.

I almost went with the Channel Master DVR, but the two reasons listed above pushed me to the Tablo. Both DVRs are great, and the Channel Master has its benefits.

Streaming Players

In my house every day I use two types of streaming players: the Fire TV and Roku players. The device I use first most often is the Roku. Why Roku first? Several reasons. First, it is so simple to use, my 5-year-old daughter can watch what she wants when she wants it.

Second, I like my TCL Roku TVs so much that I have two of them—one in the living room and one in my bedroom. Late last year as a Christmas present I picked up a Roku 4K HDR TV P-series from TCL on sale for the bedroom.

I also have a Roku Premiere in the kid’s room and a Roku Stick+ for travel. (I travel a lot for work.) The Fire TV has been used in the past for the few apps Roku didn’t have, but with YouTube TV being removed I find that Roku is the device I use most of the time.

I really like the huge library of Roku channels and, more importantly, streaming stores to pick from, but in the end I love how easy the Roku is to use. My parents can use it, and my 5-year-old daughter can use it.

I do have to tip my hat to the Nvidia Shield. If I still had time to game it would be my #1 streaming player, because it is by far the fastest streaming player I have ever tested.

Other Cord Cutting Tools

The Sideclick is a universal remote that I have loved from the first day I got it. It is a universal remote that clips onto your streaming player’s remote. I love the fact that I can use the default Roku remote but also control my TV from one remote.

I also appreciate being able to mount my Roku behind the TV to hide the Roku. This Roku mount makes it easy to hide the Roku, making the living room look clean.

Finally, with all these devices I need more HDMI ports. I use the Kinivo K500 5 port high speed 4K switcher. It works well and makes it easy to have all my devices connected to one TV.

That is my setup, but you need to do what is right for you. All of the devices out there offer something for someone. Check back in the days to come for a post about what services I use.

What do you use? Leave us a comment and let us know what devices you love.

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