CUTTING THE CORD or CUTTING THE TV CABLE CORD is becoming a universal term define as the disconnection of regular cable TV service and relaying on the internet to provide your entertainment needs. To achieve this a Network Media Streamers (or Media Steamers) is installed. A network media streamer has the ability to stream across either a wired or wireless network video images onto a standard TV screen.  It further allows the sharing of content with others for portable collaboration.  These device are called IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).  It is a small computer that provides two-way communication on an IP (internet providers) Network and decodes the streaming media. It can hand both audio and video streaming.  These devices can be either external (i.e. top-set boxes) or internal (i.e. smart TV).  They provide a network interface that allows either or both wired and wireless connection to your existing local area network.

CCC - Streaming Top-Set-Boxes vs. Smart TVs

ADVANTAGES

	You do not need a Smart TV to get video streaming
	Processing Power
	Expandability
	Support format decoder (Video, Media, Music, & Audio)
	Storage expansion (via USB and/or microSD ports) for additional apps includes games, video/audio files and TV recording capture
	Top-Set Boxes have more availability of apps (Smart TVs are restricted by the manufacture as there is no standard operating system or interface.)
	Additional Network Capabilities in both Wired & Wireless
	The ability to share media files across other devices using (DLNA)
	Often times buying a set-top box is cheaper than buying a Smart TV with the same and if not more features.
	Smart TVs manufacture tend not to update as much (except for fixing the occasional bug. Some even remove apps from the list.

DISADVANTAGES

	Adds an extra layer of complexity
	Additional Set-up time (programming & wiring the device)
	External Power Source is required
	Space -- an area to either mount or place the device near the TV

The leading manufactures include: Amazon, Apple, Google Chromecast, Nvida Shield TV, and, Roku. An alternative to these devices is a smart TV or could be an older computer system that can be adapted as a Media Center.

So.. You may be ASKING, WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THIS?

ANYONE WHO IS

	Tired of the programming and lack of control in WHEN and WHAT they are viewing on TV
	Tired of the FRANCHISE fees and TAXES associated with the cable services
	The increasing COST in equipment rental fees

ADVANTAGES

	The convinces of watching movies and tv shows
	Larger Selection of movies & TV shows to choose from
	The ability to preview a trailer along with a description of the movies or tv show
	The ability to pause, rewind, fast forward, recall, and continue playing the movie
	The devices expendability

DISAVANTAGES

	There is a learning CURVE for those that are use to channel surfing and simply selecting whatever is on television.  Using this type of device requires an app design for that specific device and from a selection of available programming.  This usually consist of either live streaming or prerecorded programs. Chooses either live program.  You select the programming via a series of boxes arranged in a tile format.
	Upfront COST of equipment (This includes but not limited to the device itself and methods used to interface with it). In some cases it can be cheaper than a smart TV.
	On-Line Subscription service must be activated.
	The installation and set-up of apps used by the device, may be necessary.
	A broadband internet access is recommended if multiple devices are going to be used.

Internet Security Concerns
For those clients wanting more anonymity when accessing the internet a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can be installed.

**Note: Some Internet Service Providers may be able to accommodate a single user access with a minimum amount of traffic being used on the area network. It is when additional devices are used to access multimedia streams that the network becomes overload. Other factors such as if accessing wired or wireless network will have an effect on performance.

CCC - FYI, uses Nvida Shield TV Pro w/VPN service for it entertainment needs.

CCC will assist our clients in determining the best devices to suit their needs.  This can include the purchasing of the device, the installation, and setup to your smart TV and other smart devices.  Either as a stand-alone or part of a wireless or network systems.  Examples of such device include but no limited to following type: Roku, Android Shield TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, Airplay, X-Box, Win, Play Station and etc.  Some are combination of audio, video, and game streaming devices whiles others just stream video and audio.

CCC - Client’s Initial Evaluation includes

	Budget (The allocation of funds) that you are willing to set aside. This will be based how you respond to the following questions
	Determine what Channels are important to you and assure that they are available
	Evaluate the client’s present capabilities (as it relates to the existence of any local area network and any internet providers as it relates speeds.  Also, if any use of exterior antennas
	What types of devices will be accessing the device.
	How many device will be accessing the service at any given time?
	What type of operating system will be required and the application need to run it.

CCC recommends and encourage all clients considering these options listed and to have their top-set box or smart TV to be wired into the network instead of using Wi-Fi.

TWO Categories of Service

Basic Service – Includes Setup of the initial device. This includes wiring of the device to a smart TV and the connection to a local area network, if applicable.  The installation of two video streaming services of our client’s choosing (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Sting, and etc.) and the testing of the unit.  If multiple TV set-ups are involved, (more than 1) each additional setup will include the basic services package at a reduced rate.

Advance Service – This Includes the Basic Services with added services, if applicable.  This service can be used as a separate service as well.  This involves the set-up of other network devices you plan to interface with your multimedia network device (either a set-top box, or Smart TV). This includes the installation and set-up of two additional devices either a computer (laptop, Desktop) or smart device (smartphones and smart tablets).  Any additional devices there is an additional fee.

Other Services - May include installation of additional applications and repositories associated with the device. Also the set-up of a media server which utilizes client and service environments such as Plex and Kodi to stream stored media files.

**Note:  All services include the testing of the device(s) and applying any firmware updates available from the manufacture prior to completion of an installation.

Optional Install: Installation & Setup of video repositories.

Commercial Streaming Web Sites Links                              Set-Top Boxes

Netflix                                                                                       Nvida Shield TV
Hulu                                                                                          Amazon Fire TV
Sling                                                                                         Ruku
Crackle                                                                                     Apple TV
Amazon Prime                                                                         Chrome Cast

CCC - Final Observation (Future Outlook)

CCC - Service Time
60 minutes increments are assigned to this service. The equipment and set-up will depend on an approximate time of completion.

CCC - To Schedule a Service (Select the appropriate ICON from the sidebar)

Last Updated: 01/11/2016 14:10