Is there a tutorial about the various streaming devices somewhere in the Cord Cutting threads? I have several questions, and I would rather not repeat what has already been asked.
Neither my wife nor I have ever used any TV service other than from cable (coax) or fiber optic. Our house, purchased three years ago, was pre-wired for Cat6 in all of the rooms. Our two TVs are in the family room and master bedroom.
We've never used a Roku or Fire Stick or similar. My first thought was I would purchase and connect say a couple of Rokus to the Ethernet outlets next to our TVs. Our two TVs are connected via Ethernet (DVR and STB boxes), and our two PCs are also connected via Ethernet. It is a preference to avoid wireless whenever possible.
Of course, right off the bat I find out many of the streaming devices are wireless only. A few I have looked at, like the Roku Ultra LT, have an Ethernet connection, but they are limited to 10/100. Some articles have indicated you would be better off using the wireless connection than a 10/100 Ethernet hookup. It was at that point I gave up.
A couple of things... And before I start, if you jump in, we are more than happy to help here if you start into streaming. Don't worry about the repeat questions.
First, if you want to just dip your toes in the water, Amazon has the HD Firestick for sale through tomorrow for $19.99. This comes with a remote that can also control the TV and TV volume, which is a must in my book to make things usable. This is WiFi though, but may be OK for you to get a start before you buy a wired device.
If you are willing to possibly spend $20 on a chance and use WiFi, I'd start here. Worst case you are out $20. With the Firestick, there are plenty of streaming services we can point you to that are free (like PlutoTV). This way you can discover how it works, whether wireless is good enough for you, etc., all without paying any subscriptions. Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member, then you already have a service that will provide more content. There are plenty of people here willing to help get you started.
Don't fear Wifi. I didn't buy a house with wired ethernet,
I cut holes in my walls and installed it myself. Years later, I use very little of that infrastructure I sweated on for so many weekends. So it goes...
Second, your last paragraph may be the result of streaming geeks/snobs writing stuff. If you are not into 4k, then 10G/100G ethernet is fine. If you truly want to stay off WiFi, there are a few streamers that do it. But you'll pay more for the hardware, hence the suggestion to give the $20 device a try.
I have streamers doing both Wifi and wired. I don't do 4K. I have no problems with either on both Rokus, and Google Chromecast with GTV. BTW, if you buy the Google device (latest generation with the clunky name, $40), it is wireless, but you can buy an adapter later to make it wired ethernet.
Third: my take is start small. Try it out. Get used to it, then build out your network later when you can then fully cut the cord. I know I personally couldn't have cut all at once. It took me some time to feel comfortable.
I remember complaining on this thread -- I think to Midpack -- that I missed the "fast switch between channels" that cable provides. Midpack's answer was "I don't notice it anymore" or something like that. I thought: he's crazy, streaming stinks. Channel switching is so slow.
Flash forward to today. I can switch SERVICES like nobody's business. Fastest draw in the East. But it took familiarity. It was a bit of a process for me until I completely cut the cord.
