How do I use the internet to get TV?
The delivery of TV service is changing rapidly nationally - and more and more television is moving to the internet. In the early days, all TV came through the airwaves, at no charge. Then cable companies (Charter, Comcast, Time Warner, et al.) came along and distributed TV at a fee on cables that they owned and maintained. To compete with that, and for those of us without cable, TV was then offered from (expensive) satellite delivery, through companies like DirecTV and Dish.
As a result of the wide availability of broadband internet, media companies are now choosing the internet as their preferred delivery vehicle. Instead of scrolling through channels and watching TV when it is broadcast live, consumers have the ability to choose what they want to watch and when they want to watch it.
Additionally, the internet allows the possibility of unbundling - a la carte options where you can just choose the specific channels you want OR even just buy the individual TV shows you want. Generally this is a better option for most people and can save you money.
It can be overwhelming to think of all the options so a good way to go about deciding is to make a list of the shows you like to watch and the networks that host those shows. Ask all the members in your household what they want; then you can all work together to choose well.
1. Streaming Services
- Netflix: Offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content.
- Hulu: Provides a combination of current TV shows, movies, and original content.
- Amazon Prime Video: Includes a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals.
- Disney+: Focuses on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
- HBO Max: Features a vast library of HBO content, including original series and movies.
2. Live TV Streaming Services
- Sling TV: Offers live TV channels, on-demand content, and customizable channel packages.
- YouTube TV: Provides live TV streaming with a range of channels, including local networks.
- Hulu + Live TV: Combines Hulu's on-demand library with live TV channels.
- fuboTV: Primarily focused on sports, but also includes a variety of other channels.
3. Network-Specific Apps
- Many TV networks have their own apps that allow you to watch content online. Examples include ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
4. Free Streaming Platforms
- Pluto TV: Offers a variety of live TV channels for free.
- Tubi: Provides a collection of movies and TV shows for free with ads.
- Crackle: Features a selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming.
5. Sports Streaming Services
- Specific services like ESPN+, NBA League Pass, or NFL Game Pass provide live sports streaming.
6. On-Demand Rentals/Purchases
- Platforms like Google Play Movies & TV, iTunes, and Vudu allow you to rent or purchase individual movies or TV show episodes.
7. Social Media Platforms
- Some content, especially live events, may be streamed on platforms like YouTube or Facebook.
If none of this makes sense to you, and you don't know where to get started to convert your existing satellite TV connection to use the internet instead, you may want to ask a trusted friend or family member for help. There are also lots of good articles online that explain how to get television programs delivered over the internet.
How can I get rid of my old electronics I no longer need like computers, routers, TVs and satellite dishes?
The office store Staples in Hadley takes old routers/modems and other electronics for recycling or disposal for free. If you are DirectTV customer you can get a prepaid mailer box to return your DVR box to them. Ask for the mailer over the phone when you cancel the service.
Otherwise the only other option for recycling is the Leverett Transfer Station (LTS). To use the LTS, you must have a sticker which costs $20 and can be obtained at the Shutesbury Town Hall. Then you pay per item for electronics disposal between $5 for small items like laptops and printers, $10 for regular TVs and up to $20 for TV’s larger than 25”. Complete item lists and updated pricing is available HERE
For even more information and hours of operation, please visit the Leverett Transfer Station website.
Unfortunately, if Shutesbury collected and held on to everything for Bulky Waste Day next June, it would cost even more to dispose of it. Gold Circuit E-cycling charges more than the LTS. (Thanks to the Shutesbury Recycling Committee for this information.)
Can I instead use my own router?
Yes, you can install your own router if you wish and decline the router offered on installation day. This will not reduce the installation cost.
How do I turn off the wireless network in my home?
By default your wireless network is on all the time. If you want to shut off your network you have three options:
1) Turn off the power switch on the router. When you want it activated again, it will take 2-5 minutes to re-establish connections with all internet devices once it is turned back on. Turning off the router will not interrupt your phone service. Please do not turn off the ONT.
2) Use the router’s Wireless Scheduler feature to turn your router on and off automatically during specific times during each day or week. The Wireless Scheduler is located in the WiFi Settings menu. See the router manual link below for more information.
3) Hardwire all devices in your home so you’re not using the wireless signal at all for your home network. Do this by connecting all devices using Ethernet cables to the four ports available in the back of your router. If you have more than four devices, you can add more ports with adapters. Then, turn off the wireless signal in your router.
a) Open up a web browser on your device (computer, phone, tablet, etc)
b) Enter the address 192.168.1.1 in the address bar
c) Under Access Router enter the password admin and click Sign In
d) Click WiFi setup icon.
e) Move the two sliders beside the 2.4 and 5 Ghz bands to the OFF position.
f) Click the Apply button. Confirm your choice.
g) Click OK and then the router will disable both WiFi band signals.
How can I allow access to certain devices only during specific times in my household?
Your router comes with “parental controls” which allows you to restrict access to the internet during specific time periods. To set this up, open a web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 into the URL address bar. Password is “admin” for most routers. Enter the router interface and click Parental Controls.
First, change the router's password administrator password (see below) to something only the parents know.
Turn the Enable parental controls to ON. Select the device/s for which you want to restrict access. Choose Specific Times and click Edit. Select the blocks of time to restrict access, such as between 10PM and 7AM for school nights. See the router manual link below for more information.
Hint: If you find yourself staying up too late using the internet you can also set these controls for your own computer or TV!
How do I see which devices are connected to my home network?
1) Open up a web browser on your device (computer, phone, tablet, etc)
2) Enter the address 192.168.1.1 in the address bar
3) Under Access Router enter the password “admin” and click Sign In
4) Click Network Map in the left navigation menu
5) The screen will show all currently connected devices by name. Note there are two tabs at the top. One for My Network and one for Guest Network.
How do I change my router network password?
1) Open up a web browser on your device (computer, phone, tablet, etc)
2) Enter the address 192.168.1.1 in the address bar
3) Under Access Router enter the password admin and click Sign In
4) Click WiFi Settings in the left navigation menu
5) In the Wi-Fi password field, enter your preferred password. You can
also change the Wi-Fi network name if you choose.
6) Click Apply
7) Click Ok
How do I change my router ADMIN password?
These are instructions to change the access to the router itself. If instead you're looking to change the password you use when getting on to the internet, use the instructions above.
1) Open up a web browser on your device (computer, phone, tablet, etc)
2) Enter the address 192.168.1.1 in the address bar
3) Under Access Router enter the password admin and click Sign In
4) Click Connectivity in the left navigation menu
5) Under the Basic tab, click Edit next to Router Password
6) Type in the new password and Click Apply. Recommended not to use the Hint reminder if you're also setting up parental controls because the hint can make guessing the password easier for those you are trying to restrict access.
7) Click Ok and Apply.
Customer Service: 855-415-7592