Cable TV has been a great entertainment resource until streaming services were not on the market. With increased awareness about the streaming services, people are becoming cord cutters but is it actually required or do you need streaming services over cable TV? Has cable TV become an obsolete technology? Many such questions must be roaming around in your mind, that is why you must have chosen to visit us for our opinion. Do not worry! In this blog, we will give you a comparative view between cable TV and streaming services.
People who are unaware, streaming services are an online entertainment technology for TV shows, movies and other streaming shows. It is a recent technology that is rapidly covering the cable TV and satellite TV market. To avail of these services, one needs to pay per view fee or monthly subscription fee to the vendor.
Do you know? 27% of the U.S. are already switched to streaming services and with increased awareness, it is expected to rise. Thus, there are some considerable reasons which set it apart from other TV entertainment sources.
Let’s have a look at why people are switching to streaming services, and is it worth switching?
When it comes to TV entertainment, price is an essential consideration. Let’s have TV streaming services prices vs cable TV prices. Streaming services are quite cheaper than cable TV. Most of the cable TV service providers charge you annually ($45-$135) on a contractual basis. If you opt for streaming services, you will be able to spend on a monthly basis ($20-$70 monthly) with no contract requirement. Moreover, cable TV providers charge some additional fees such as equipment rental, DVR charges, etc. On the other side, streaming service providers usually include everything in a subscription fee.
Thus, if you want to have the same or even better entertainment source at a lower cost, becoming a cable cutter would be the right decision.
Cable TV providers often give a wide range of channels out of which you select some. But in reality, you also know that you watch a specific set of channels that a provider puts in different bundles to let you subscribe for more. On the contrary, streaming services give you the flexibility to choose your channels on your own (no bundles system) that gives you control over your monthly bills.
Moreover, you can alter your channels on a monthly basis. For instance, if a football match series is around, you can add the sports channel for a particular month.
On cable TV, you can only see the shows the provider air. In streaming services, there are multiple OTTs that steam their premium shows. So if you have cable TV, you cannot access those OTT web shows. On the other hand, if you opt for streaming services, you can watch both catch Tv shows as well as OTT exclusives. Here as well, streaming services won the comparison.
Cable TV providers usually ask to sign a contract (minimum 1 year) for their services which if you breach, you will still have to pay for the remaining time.
Streaming services do not ask for such commitments, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
If your cable TV contract is about to finish and you plan to opt for streaming services. This is the right time. Call your local IT support to cut the cable cords and let you avail of streaming services.
Since cable TV is an old technology, all existing TVs are compatible to operate with it. However, you may require a streaming box or a stick to make your TV compatible with streaming devices.
Yet the good thing is, installation charges are a one-time investment which can be recovered as the monthly bills will be lesser than cable TV expenses.
Now, let’s see what things and equipment are required for a smooth streaming experience.
Since streaming devices work only on an internet connection. It is important to have good wi-fi for high video quality and a smoother experience.
Wi-fi router and modem both are the streaming essentials to handle the bandwidth requirement and allow you to stream on multiple devices. Also, there could be a possibility that the streaming devices do not have an ethernet port. In that case, you will have to connect them to the internet wirelessly.
The conclusion is as clear as crystal. In the battle of streaming vs. cable TV, streaming devices have defeated cable TV in all ways. It is the new-gen TV entertainment technology that is preferred by many U.S. and other country’s residents. Moreover, you never know when Cable TV will become obsolete and you will have to switch immediately. Thus, we would recommend you cut the cable cords and switch to streaming services.
I’m a Nerd and very proud of it! I love to write about anything Tech related. Subscribe to our blog for helpful tips, tricks & news.
