Speed vs. Cost

If you truly want to take advantage of the ever-expanding world of streaming video, you will need to pay for at least a mid-level internet connection from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

For DSL, that will typically be a download speed of 3.0 Mbps (megabytes per second) to 6.0 Mbps. Depending on the DSL providers in your area, the cost for these speeds will be around $30 to $40 per month once any teaser rate period ends. If you have the option for higher speeds and it doesn’t bust your budget (after all, our goal is to get the most bang for your home entertainment dollar!), by all means go for the higher tier speeds. You’ll be able to view shows in HD quality with little concern for buffering issues. At the mid and lower tier speeds you just won’t get the best streaming video quality, although it certainly is acceptable.

My personal favorite provider is DSL Extreme. I have used them for the majority of the last 15 years, although at my current location their service is not available. They offer excellent deals on their internet access plans and the customer service is quite good. Plus, their tech support is based in the USA, which helps avoid any language barriers when you call.

Cable internet or digital ‘fiber’ internet services such as AT&T U-verse or Verizon FiOs are more expensive but will usually give you significantly higher speeds than DSL can offer. Plan to pay $50 to $65 per month for these services once promotional rates end. Personally, I pay $63 for Comcast (aka Xfinity) internet and use my own modem (purchased on eBay for about $25) so I’m not paying an additional $7 per month in perpetuity for using a Comcast supplied modem. I get crazy fast download speeds, often approaching 30 Mbps – well above the advertised speed for my package. It helps that I’m very close to the main Comcast facility in my town and don’t live on a heavily populated street where the neighbors might also be on Comcast and therefore sharing bandwith during peak hours. The end result is terrific HD quality when watching streaming video on my 47-inch television!

 

 

 Sneaky Tip: If you have internet through your local cable company, you likely have a “live” TV line as well. You can try using a splitter and run one to the cable modem and the other to your TV. Chances are you will be able to pick up their basic package of channels, which would be any that don’t require a receiver box. It’s worth trying, particularly if you aren’t in a good spot to pick up over-the-air channels.

If you have an internet connection, you should have a wireless router as well. In many cases, if you go with the modem provided by the ISP, it will be an “all in one” with a wireless router built in. If not, all the big box electronics stores carry wireless routers that will fit your needs, or you can purchase one on eBay (only buy from highly rated sellers!). Just be sure you purchase one that uses the current Wireless-N standard.