{"id":2214,"date":"2022-01-02T12:03:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-02T17:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/newsroom\/?p=2214"},"modified":"2024-06-04T17:18:40","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T22:18:40","slug":"cord-cutting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop Paying for BAD Cable TV: Best Way to Cut the Cord"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_24_1 counter-hierarchy counter-numeric\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#why_everyones_cutting_the_cord_in_2023\" title=\"Why Everyone\u2019s Cutting the Cord in 2023\">Why Everyone\u2019s Cutting the Cord in 2023<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#cord_cutting_canada_statistics\" title=\"Cord Cutting Canada Statistics\">Cord Cutting Canada Statistics<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#set_up_an_unlimited_data_high-speed_internet_plan\" title=\"Set Up An Unlimited Data, High-Speed Internet Plan\">Set Up An Unlimited Data, High-Speed Internet Plan<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#decide_which_shows_and_channels_are_must-haves\" title=\"Decide Which Shows and Channels Are Must-Haves\">Decide Which Shows and Channels Are Must-Haves<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#replace_your_cable_box_with_a_streaming_device\" title=\"Replace Your Cable Box With a Streaming Device\">Replace Your Cable Box With a Streaming Device<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#what_about_my_dvr\" title=\"What About My DVR?\">What About My DVR?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#what_about_the_local_channels\" title=\"What About the Local Channels?\">What About the Local Channels?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#do_a_trial_run_before_cutting_the_cord_for_good\" title=\"Do a Trial Run Before Cutting the Cord for Good\">Do a Trial Run Before Cutting the Cord for Good<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/cord-cutting\/#ready_to_make_the_switch\" title=\"Ready to Make the Switch?\">Ready to Make the Switch?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>It\u2019s time to stop paying for bad cable and kick your cable box to the curb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Thanks to all of the available streaming services, you no longer need satellite or cable to watch your favorite movies, TV shows, and news channels. All you really need to cut the cord is a stable internet connection, a subscription to your favorite streaming service, and a compatible streaming device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/newsroom\/canadian-cord-cutters-love-streaming-live-television-on-rivertv\/\"><strong>Canadian Cord Cutters Love RiverTV<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/checkout\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"488\" src=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-1024x488.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-1024x488.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-720x343.jpg 720w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-768x366.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-370x176.jpg 370w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-270x129.jpg 270w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-570x272.jpg 570w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-740x353.jpg 740w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-everyone-s-cutting-the-cord-in-2023\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_everyones_cutting_the_cord_in_2023\"><\/span>Why Everyone\u2019s Cutting the Cord in 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More people than ever are choosing to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/tonifitzgerald\/2021\/05\/27\/the-number-of-cord-cutters-and-cord-nevers-has-tripled-since-2014\/\" target=\"_blank\">cut the cable cord<\/a> in favor of subscribing to streaming on-demand services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. There\u2019s also a wide selection of streaming services that offer on-demand content as well as direct cable replacement\u2014like <a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/\">RiverTV<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These services not only have your favorite shows and movies available for you to stream anytime, but they also give you access to the channels you regularly watch on cable<\/strong>. And here\u2019s the kicker\u2014these services are much cheaper than traditional cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s your guide for the best way to cut the cord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"cord-cutting-canada-statistics\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cord_cutting_canada_statistics\"><\/span>Cord Cutting Canada Statistics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadian adults 18-44 are leading the cord cutting revolution! A recent report has revealed that more than 70% of this age group either have already cut their traditional cable and satellite services, reduced them, or plan to do so within the next year. It&#8217;s a great time for Canadians to explore options available in streaming video and other non-linear TV alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a recent study, there are stark differences between generations when it comes to opinions on technology and media consumption. The Trade Desk and YouGov delved into these trends with fascinating results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadians are embracing a new way of watching TV. A whopping 73% of adults aged 18-29 watch their favorite shows on their mobile phones and 66% utilize laptops instead. Plus, 63 % use a second screen to enhance the viewing experience; whether for online shopping or social media activities \u2013 it&#8217;s redefining how Canadians enjoy entertainment today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadians are tech-savvy and cost conscious when it comes to TV services &#8211; 40% prefer lower prices over subscription fees, with almost half willing to accept ads in exchange for cheaper streaming options. On average, they&#8217;re open to spending up to CA$30 a month on the technology that best fits their lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadians aged 18-29 are driving the interactive ad market, with a preference for more engaging options like shoppable ads. 87% of viewers prefer targeted ads and 89% favour short ones &#8211; proving that tailored content is key to effective streaming advertising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re experiencing a once-in-a-generation shift in how we watch television, and Connected TV is unlocking more ways for consumers to have the best possible viewing experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This presents advertisers with a massive opportunity to break away from the traditional advertising norms and reach consumers through an omnichannel marketing approach that applies data to their TV advertising campaigns.\u201d &#8211; \u200b\u200bTim Sims, CRO @ The Trade Desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the rise of on-demand streaming services, many Canadians are still clinging to their cable subscriptions &#8211; largely due to a desire for access to live TV content like news and sports. But this is slowly changing; as 31% of viewers shift away from traditional means towards other platforms when it comes time watch sporting events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/cutting-a-cord-with-wire-cutters-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Cutting a cord with wire cutters\" \/><figcaption>Cutting a cord with wire cutters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"set-up-an-unlimited-data-high-speed-internet-plan\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"set_up_an_unlimited_data_high-speed_internet_plan\"><\/span>Set Up An Unlimited Data, High-Speed Internet Plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you decide to cut your cable TV plan, you\u2019ll still need a strong home internet connection to use for streaming. Often, your cable company also provides your internet service, and you can either keep that plan or shop around with other internet providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is typically also a cost-saving step\u2014for example, if you pay 150 CAD for cable each month but can cancel it and pay only 75 CAD for internet, you\u2019re already cutting your monthly costs by 50%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The most important things to look for in a home internet plan are unlimited data and high speeds.<\/strong> Streaming can <a href=\"https:\/\/kommandotech.com\/guides\/how-much-data-does-streaming-use\/\">go through data quickly<\/a>, and you don\u2019t want any surprises when you get your internet bill. As for speed, the more people there are streaming at the same time in your home, the faster speed you\u2019ll want to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"decide-which-shows-and-channels-are-must-haves\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"decide_which_shows_and_channels_are_must-haves\"><\/span>Decide Which Shows and Channels Are Must-Haves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When cutting the cable and switching to a streaming service, the first thing you\u2019ll likely want to do is think about which of your favorite TV shows and channels you can\u2019t live without. Then, look into different streaming services to see if they can provide the entertainment you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best way to directly replace your cable box is with a service that offers live TV streaming along with its on-demand content.<\/strong> For example, RiverTV offers <a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/channels\">35+ of the top channels<\/a> in addition to its 1000\u2019s of hours of on-demand content that you can watch anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the best part about switching to a streaming service? Unlike cable, you\u2019re free to cancel or switch providers at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/streaming-shows-to-living-room-tv-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"streaming service\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"replace-your-cable-box-with-a-streaming-device\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"replace_your_cable_box_with_a_streaming_device\"><\/span>Replace Your Cable Box With a Streaming Device<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After you kick your cable box to the curb, you\u2019ll still need some sort of <a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/devices\">streaming device<\/a> to utilize your new service. This includes <strong>smart TV apps, standalone streaming devices like Roku, and even a simple web browser<\/strong> open on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to purchase a streaming device, there\u2019s good news\u2014they\u2019re quite inexpensive. You can get a device capable of streaming the top service like Hulu, Netflix, RiverTV, etc. for as little as around 25 CAD. And with most services, you can stream directly from most of your internet-connected devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/newsroom\/roku-rivertv-promo\/\"><strong>The Roku &amp; RiverTV Promo Is Ending Soon!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-about-my-dvr\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_about_my_dvr\"><\/span>What About My DVR?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re someone who uses their cable box\u2019s DVR all the time, there are some Live TV options that offer cloud DVR services. However, they do have some limitations compared to traditional DVRs from your cable company, like storage limits, show expiration dates, and limitations on what channels you can record.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But thanks to on-demand streaming, you might not miss your DVR too much<\/strong>\u2014or at all. Many streaming services let you watch the shows you\u2019re already using your DVR to record whenever you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-about-the-local-channels\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_about_the_local_channels\"><\/span>What About the Local Channels?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With some streaming services, adding on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iphoneincanada.ca\/news\/rivertv-streaming-service-adds-cbc-channels-to-core-tv-package\/\">local networks<\/a> to your subscription can be costly. There is a way around that, however\u2014<strong>with an inexpensive TV antenna<\/strong>. Your television has a built-in over-the-air tuner that you can plug an antenna into, giving you the ability to watch local broadcast networks for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But reception varies depending on where you live, and unless you spend more for an antenna DVR, you\u2019ll be restricted to live viewing only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/streaming-remote-zoomed-in-on-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"on-demand shows and movies\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"do-a-trial-run-before-cutting-the-cord-for-good\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do_a_trial_run_before_cutting_the_cord_for_good\"><\/span>Do a Trial Run Before Cutting the Cord for Good<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cutting the cord on cable can save you a lot in the long run, but you\u2019ll want to do some planning to ensure the transition goes smoothly. It pays to get your streaming setup ready before making the final decision to call your cable provider and cancel your service for good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go through the points we mentioned above and figure out which service (or services) you want to subscribe to, and ensure that you have the devices you\u2019ll need to stream your favorite shows. <strong>Set everything up on your TV (most streaming services offer free trials\u2014you don\u2019t have to commit yet), unplug that cable box, and start getting used to streaming instead.<\/strong> Familiarize yourself and your other household members with how everything works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might experience some issues along the way. Each streaming service uses different menu systems, the remotes for different devices operate in different ways, and you\u2019ll have to learn how to navigate the channels for each service. However, give it time and some patience, and you\u2019ll have it down in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/checkout\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"488\" src=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-1024x488.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-1024x488.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-720x343.jpg 720w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-768x366.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-370x176.jpg 370w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-270x129.jpg 270w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-570x272.jpg 570w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand-740x353.jpg 740w, https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/blog-cta-river-tv-on-demand.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"ready-to-make-the-switch\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ready_to_make_the_switch\"><\/span>Ready to Make the Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cutting cable is easy once you find the right streaming service for you. <strong>Other than the cost savings, you gain the freedom of picking what services you want and changing freely between subscriptions.<\/strong> Cutting the cord is all about getting the right setup and choosing the right live TV and on-demand service\u2014and if you do it right, you won\u2019t miss that old cable box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RiverTV is a <a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/about\">live TV and on-demand streaming platform<\/a> that includes 40+ of the most popular networks along with 1,000\u2019s of hours of on-demand shows and movies. It\u2019s an affordable cable-free option that\u2019s easy to set up and has no contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>And the best part is it\u2019s only $16.99 per month\u2014<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/\"><strong><em>start your free trial<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> today!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/newsroom\/rivertv-announces-exclusive-one-month-free-offer\/\"><strong>RiverTV Exclusive<em>\u2014<\/em>One Month Free!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Why Everyone\u2019s Cutting the Cord in 2023Cord Cutting Canada StatisticsSet Up An Unlimited Data, High-Speed Internet PlanDecide Which Shows and Channels Are Must-HavesReplace Your Cable Box With a Streaming DeviceWhat About My DVR?What About the Local Channels?Do a Trial Run Before Cutting the Cord for GoodReady to Make the Switch? It\u2019s time [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":2294,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":""},"categories":[1,144],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[616,602,609,610,612,613,164,174,618,614,548,233,615,230,585,617,611,214],"modified_by":"Scott W","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2214"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2214"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3194,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2214\/revisions\/3194"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2214"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2214"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivertv.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=2214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}