● How does streaming television work?
● Can I save money and keep local channels?
● What streaming service(s) should I buy?
● How do I find the channels I want?
● How do I use my SmartTV?
● What do I need to get started?
Streaming has officially become bigger than traditional TV
• In May 2025, streaming accounted for 44.8% of all TV viewing in the United States, surpassing the combined viewing of both broadcast and cable television for the first time in history. Nielsen called it a "historic milestone."
For the first time ever, Americans now spend more time watching streaming services than watching traditional cable and broadcast TV combined.
Older adults are adopting streaming quickly, too
• AARP's latest technology research found that 8 in 10 adults age 50+ stream video every week.
• Bain & Company reported the share of older Americans subscribing to live-streaming services grew by 60% in a single year.
Streaming isn't just for younger generations anymore—most adults
over 50 are already using it regularly.
● Streaming is using the internet to deliver content (including Live TV) directly to your screen.
● Streaming is the answer to “how do I get whatever is out there in the world that I might want to see when I want to see it on my television, iPhone, Tablet, Computer, or other device?” (MP)
● Streaming has quickly become the fastest (and can be the cheapest) way to watch everything you want.
Streaming
TV, movies, and shows delivered over your internet connection.
A small program on your TV. Each service (Netflix, Hulu, Channel 9 News, YouTubeTV, etc.) has its own app. 3 Smart TV
App
A television that connects to Wi‑Fi and can download apps. (But, almost any TV with an HDMI port can become “Smart!”)
Buffering
Live TV
The spinning pause when video is waiting for more internet data. If you have Centranet and Buffering, something is not right!!
Channels you watch in real time –OKC Thunder BB, FoxNews, Channel9 Weather.
The average Live TV streaming bundle is 50% less than your old cable TV.
Waste less
Stop getting charged for channels you never watch.
Watch anywhere
Watch from all your devices at home and on the go.
Eliminate fees
What you see is what you pay for. No hidden, extra fees your cable company loves.
No contracts
Nearly all streaming services have no contracts. Cancel anytime with monthly billing.
Dump the big box
Watch directly through your Smart TV or Streaming devices.
Pro tip: “Pick one remote and learn it well.”
Simple home screen
Good beginner choice
TV Stick
Low cost Works with Alexa voice
● Devices cost about $30 - $100
Premium device
Good for Apple users
No extra box May vary by TV brand
● For the best experience, use the same device on all the TVs in your home
Step 4
Set up an online account with the streaming service(s) you want using an email address and memorable password
Enter credit card details to pay for your subscription
Step 6
Step 5 Download apps on your TV or streaming device
Streaming Live TV allows you to select services with the channels you want. Rather than being charged for hundreds of preselected TV channels.
Offers a cheaper alternative to view great content. Check out the MyBundle search tool to see where your favorite TV shows and movies are!
Sports: Catch up via Key Plays!
Free video app
Creator videos, clips, tutorials
Not a cable replacement by itself
Paid live TV service
Channels, local stations, DVR
A cable-like streaming option
Same company name different app and different purpose.
You have to get used to no numbers! It doesn’t take long…
Voice search
Press the microphone and say the show name.
Favorites
Save channels or shows you watch often.
Use one place to see where shows live.
● Whether local/network channels are important to you or not, we can help!
● Many Live TV streaming services offer the major local network stations, some of them only offer one or two and others none at all.
● Centranet has partnered with MyBundle to provide a FREE streaming recommendation tool.
We can help you pick the streaming service that is right for you and your family. Centranet has partnered with MyBundle to offer you a personalized streaming recommendation.
Many of these services offer a free trial period so you can try before you buy. If you find it’s not your cup of tea, simply cancel. Affordable pricing and monthly contracts make it easy to switch services whenever you want.
1. Answer a few questions that help to determine what streaming services are best for you
2. Select the channels (and search for shows) that you watch
3. Get your results & sign up!
Some streaming services let you legally share the cost with someone in another home. These are usually called “extra member” or “family sharing” options.
● Apple TV+ may be the simplest money-saving option if family members already use Apple devices. One Apple TV+ subscription can be shared through Apple Family Sharing.
● Netflix has the most flexible paid sharing option. Depending on the plan, you can add one or two people outside your home for an extra monthly fee.
● HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu also offer paid sharing options, but they usually allow only one extra person outside your home.
● YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video are not good choices for sharing across different homes. Their family-sharing rules are generally meant for people living in the same household.
streaming?
The MyBundle mobile app allows gives you on easy place to track all of your favorite shows and movies
● Find where to watch content
● Add new shows and movies to your Watchlist
● Share with friends and family
● Keep track of your apps
Wait 30 seconds Sometimes the app catches up.
Back out and reopen Use Home, then open the app again.
Restart deviceUnplug power for 10 seconds.
Check Wi‑Fi
Make sure internet is working. 5 Call for help Centranet can help troubleshoot internet issues.
These details matter because most streaming services are online subscriptions.
✓ Use one email address Make it easy to remember which account owns each app.
✓ Write passwords safely Keep a simple list in a secure place.
✓ Monthly billing Most services let you cancel month-to-month.
✓ Free trials Set a reminder before the trial ends.
Plain-language reminder: subscribing is easy — canceling requires knowing your login.
Q & A
