I Need A Primer On Streaming - Help!!! [View all]

[global1]

I currently have Direct TV (dish) and have a plan that satisfies my programming needs. I also pay a little more for HBO & Showtime - as they have programs that I've come to enjoy and look forward to new seasons of these programs.

But now I'm seeing all of these streaming services being offered and really don't know anything about streaming. I would appreciate it if someone could educate me on the positives and negatives of streaming.

I see Discovery +, Disney +, HBO Max, etc. Most of these streaming services advertise exclusive programming not available on my Direct TV channels and I'm noticing on award shows (like the Emmy's) many programs and stars getting awards and I know nothing about any of the shows they appear in.

In some ways - I feel I'm missing out - yet - there's not enough time in the day to watch all the programs I'm already addicted to on Direct TV.

I find myself DVRing programs and watching them late into the night so I don't miss out. I can't imagine now having to do the same with any of these streaming services.

Is streaming only available on the internet? They say download their app but I'm not even sure where to go to download and not sure if I have to download it to my phone, TV or what? How do I get these services to appear on the TV in my TV room?

Could I watch these programs on the same TV I watch Direct TV stations?
Could I record a streaming program for viewing at a later day or time? Could you fast forward, reverse or stop a streaming show?

Bottom line I have no idea how streaming works and would appreciate it if any of you that read this post - point me to where I could learn 'the art of streaming'.

Can one get by only by streaming or do I have to subscribe to streaming services and still maintain my Direct TV service? How expensive will this get for me?

Is cable and dish TV going to be phasing out and is streaming going to be the new future of TV? Have they found new ways to get into my pocketbook going forward? If it's like when pay TV started out and they advertised - no commercials - and now we even are subjected to commercials and ads on these cable, dish and pay TV services. They pull you in on promises and freebies and then once your hooked they begin raising the pricing.

I'm retired and on fixed income and watch every penny that I spend. I can't be sucked in on streaming and even spend more money.

Any help that anyone can give me on this would be appreciated.