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question:Write a detailed step-by-step guide, including screenshots and links, that shows how to cancel cable TV, choose a streaming service, and set up all necessary equipment (such as streaming sticks or smart TVs) for a smooth transition to streaming. Additionally, provide advice on selecting the best streaming plan for different viewerships and budgets, troubleshooting common technical issues, and adjusting to the differences between cable and streaming services, such as channel lineups and user interfaces.
answer:Step 1: Evaluate Your Cable TV Plan Review your current cable TV plan to determine what channels you watch and the cost of the plan. This will help you determine what streaming service to choose and which plan is best suited for you. You can use a cable TV cancellation calculator like this one from NerdWallet to calculate your monthly expenses. Step 2: Choose a Streaming Service There are many streaming services to choose from that offer a variety of channels at different price points. Here are some of the most popular services: - Netflix: Offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original programming. Plans start at 8.99/month and go up to 17.99/month for premium offerings. - Hulu: Provides access to live TV, on-demand programming, and original content. Plans start at 5.99/month and go up to 70.99/month for live TV and additional channels. - Disney+: Features a large library of Disney content, as well as films and shows from Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Plans start at 7.99/month or 79.99/year. - Amazon Prime Video: Includes access to a large selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming. Plans start at 8.99/month or 119/year for Amazon Prime membership, which includes other benefits like free shipping and access to Prime Music and Prime Reading. - HBO Max: Provides access to HBO content, as well as exclusive movies and shows, and content from other WarnerMedia networks like TNT and TBS. Plans start at 14.99/month. Step 3: Choose Equipment Once you have chosen a streaming service, you will need to select the appropriate equipment to stream it on. Some popular options include: - Amazon Fire Stick: Plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and connects to your Wi-Fi network to stream content. - Roku Streaming Stick: Connects directly to your TV and allows you to stream content over Wi-Fi. - Smart TV: Some TVs come with built-in streaming apps, so you may not need an additional device. Step 4: Sign Up and Set Up Your Account After selecting your streaming service and equipment, you will need to sign up for an account and set it up on your device. Here are the steps to follow: - Visit the website of your chosen streaming service (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, etc.). - Click on the “Sign Up” or “Join” button to create an account. - Enter your personal and payment information to start your subscription. - Follow the prompts to download and install the app on your chosen device. - Connect the device to your Wi-Fi network and sign in to your account on the app. Step 5: Choose a Plan and Customize Your Preferences Once you have signed up and set up your account, you can customize your preferences and select a plan that suits your needs. Here are some tips for doing so: - Choose a plan based on your budget and the channels you watch most frequently. - Use the app’s customization options to create profiles for different family members or viewing preferences. - Explore the app’s features, such as search options and recommendation engines, to find new and relevant content. Step 6: Troubleshoot Technical Issues While streaming services are generally reliable, you may encounter occasional technical issues. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems: - Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and make sure your device is connected to the right network. - Restart your device or reset it to factory settings if necessary. - Update your device’s operating system or the streaming service’s app software. - Contact customer support for your device or streaming service if problems persist. Step 7: Adjust to Differences Between Cable and Streaming Switching to streaming from cable may take some getting used to, particularly in terms of interface and channel lineups. Here are some tips for adjusting: - Create a watchlist of your favorite channels and shows to access them quickly. - Use the app’s features, such as search and recommendation engines, to discover new content. - Explore different genres and categories to expand your viewing options. - Give yourself time to get used to the new interface and features of the streaming service.
question:Can you please provide more information on how to select the best streaming plan for different viewerships and budgets? I'd like to know more about the differences between the plans and which one would be the most cost-effective for me.
answer:Sure, here's some additional information about choosing the best streaming plan for your needs: 1. Determine Your Budget: Streaming services offer a range of different plans, from basic to premium options. Determine how much you're willing to spend each month. 2. Consider Which Channels You Want to Watch: Streaming services offer different combinations of channels and programming. Make a list of the channels and shows you can't live without to ensure you choose a plan that covers them. 3. Evaluate the Number of Users: Some streaming services offer plans with multiple user profiles or simultaneous streams, which may be useful if you have a large household or family. 4. Look for Special Offers: Streaming services may offer special deals to new subscribers, such as free trials or discounted rates for a certain number of months. 5. Research the Price: Compare the costs of different streaming services and plans to determine which one offers the most value for your money. Here's an example comparison between plans from four popular streaming services, based on their pricing as of July 2021. Netflix: - Basic Plan: Includes standard definition streaming on one device. Costs 8.99/month. - Standard Plan: Includes high definition streaming on two devices at once. Costs 13.99/month. - Premium Plan: Includes 4K Ultra HD quality streaming on up to 4 devices at the same time. Costs 17.99/month. Hulu: - Basic Plan: Includes access to Hulu's library of on-demand TV shows and movies, but no live TV or premium channels. Costs 5.99/month (with ads) or 11.99/month (ad-free). - Hulu + Live TV Plan: Includes access to live TV channels as well as Hulu's on-demand library. Costs 64.99/month. Disney+: - Standard Plan: Includes access to Disney+'s library of TV shows, movies, and original programming. Costs 7.99/month. - Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+: Includes access to Disney+, Hulu's on-demand library, and live sports content from ESPN+. Costs 13.99/month. Amazon Prime Video: - Prime Video Only: Includes access to Prime Video's library of movies and TV shows, as well as select Amazon Originals. Costs 8.99/month. - Amazon Prime Membership: Includes free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and other benefits. Costs 12.99/month or 119/year. As you can see, plans vary greatly in price and content offerings. Take your time to evaluate your options and determine which plan aligns best with your viewing preferences and budget.
question:Here is a piece of text: HONG KONG: A group of Hong Kong democracy leaders were found guilty on Tuesday for their involvement in mass rallies at a trial that sparked renewed alarm over shrinking political freedoms under an assertive China. Nine activists were all convicted of at least one charge in a prosecution that deployed rarely-used colonial-era public nuisance laws over their participation in the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, which called for free elections for the city's leader. Among the most prominent members of the group on trial were sociology professor Chan Kin-man, 60, law professor Benny Tai, 54, and Baptist minister Chu Yiu-ming, 75. The trio founded the pro-democracy "Occupy Central" movement in 2013, which joined the student-led Umbrella Movement a year later that brought parts of the city to a standstill for months. All three were found guilty of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. Tai and Chan were also convicted of incitement to commit public nuisance although all three were acquitted of incitement to incite public nuisance. Of the remaining six defendants -- a group of younger protest leaders, including two sitting lawmakers -- five were convicted of two public nuisance charges while one was convicted of the sole charge he faced. Prosecutors opted to try the group under Hong Kong's common law system, which carries a steeper sentence than statutory public nuisance laws -- meaning each protest leader now faces a maximum penalty of up to seven years in jail. In his verdict, Judge Johnny Chan ruled that the 2014 protests, which took over key intersections of the city for many weeks, were not protected by Hong Kong's free speech laws. "The unreasonableness of the obstruction was such that the significant and protected right to demonstrate should be displaced," he said. "The act was one not warranted by law." After the verdicts were read out, the court was adjourned until the afternoon. It is not yet clear when the group will be sentenced. Human rights groups and critics hit out at the convictions, saying the use of vaguely worded public nuisance laws against protesters would have a chilling effect on free speech in Hong Kong. Before their conviction the nine defendants struck a note of defiance as they greeted a large crowd of supporters outside the courthouse in Hong Kong's Kowloon district on Tuesday morning. "No matter what happens today, I have the confidence many people today will be together and continue to strive for Hong Kong democracy. We will persist on and do not give up," Tai told media and supporters. "I still believe in the power of love and peace. I have no regret for what I have done," Chan Kin-man added. The city enjoys rights unseen on the Chinese mainland, which are protected by the 50-year handover agreement between Britain and China, but fears are growing that those liberties are being eroded as Beijing flexes its muscles. At the trial, prosecutors argued that the mass protests had caused a "common injury done to the public", who had been affected by the blockage of major roads, and that the leaders of the movement deserved to be punished. "It cannot be reasonably argued that a charge of conspiracy to cause public nuisance would generate a chilling effect in society," he wrote. The Occupy movement highlighted widespread frustration, especially among the young, over Hong Kong's direction but failed to win any reforms or concessions from Beijing. Since then, many activists have been prosecuted, with some jailed, while a string of pro-democracy lawmakers have been barred. Based on the text material above, generate the response to the following quesion or instruction: Can you summarize the charges and convictions that nine Hong Kong democracy leaders faced in relation to the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests?
answer:Nine Hong Kong democracy leaders, including sociology professor Chan Kin-man, law professor Benny Tai, and Baptist minister Chu Yiu-ming, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit public nuisance for their involvement in the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests that called for free elections for the city's leader. Tai and Chan were also convicted of incitement to commit public nuisance, while all three founders of the pro-democracy "Occupy Central" movement were acquitted of incitement to incite public nuisance. Additionally, five of the remaining six defendants were convicted of two public nuisance charges, while one was convicted of the sole charge he faced. The use of colonial-era public nuisance laws, which carry a steeper sentence than statutory public nuisance laws, has raised concerns about shrinking political freedoms under an assertive China.
question:Can you tell me more about the sentencing that the group of democracy leaders could face?
answer:Each of the nine democracy leaders now face a maximum penalty of up to seven years in jail. However, it is not yet clear when the group will be sentenced. The prosecution opted to try the group under Hong Kong's common law system, which has steeper sentences than statutory public nuisance laws. The steep sentences in addition to the use of vaguely worded public nuisance laws against protesters have raised concerns about shrinking political freedoms and human rights violations in Hong Kong.