As cable TV continues to lose subscribers, the rise of streaming services like Netflix has brought a whole new way to watch your favorite shows and movies to the forefront. In fact, the major cable TV companies now face a direct challenge from the live TV streaming services that are offering lower prices and fewer restrictions in terms of contracts, installation fees and other add-ons. This article will explore what the best way to catch all the action on TV is, whether you still want to pay for cable or prefer to cut the cord altogether.
Streaming services are a relatively recent format that offer access to a wide selection of shows, movies and Sunday night football on a variety of devices from smart TVs to mobile phones and tablets. They often offer higher quality, including 4K, and some even provide high dynamic range content. These services also typically don’t require a monthly contract and can be easily cancelled, so you’re in control of your viewing experience.
Some of the popular streaming services include Hulu, Sling TV and Philo. These services offer a variety of channels including local and regional TV stations, ABC, CBS and FOX along with many of the top cable channels. Some services also include premium channels such as HBO, Showtime and AMC.
Cable offers a more reliable experience because it is broadcast over dedicated networks, which means that unless there’s a power outage, you can expect to see the show or movie you want to watch. However, a drawback to cable is that it can be expensive, especially if you have a premium experience with lots of extra channels and add-ons.
A lot of people cut the cord to save money and some are finding that they’re paying more for streaming services, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Another concern is that some of the streaming services might not be available in your area or that they can have a limited selection of local programming, so you’ll need to do your research before making the final decision.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some streaming services can have a muddy picture that makes it difficult to understand what’s being said. This is because they compress the image to make it look sharper, which can take away from the clarity and brightness of the picture. You may also find that your streaming service doesn’t have as many audio channels, which can be an issue if you enjoy watching shows with multiple voices. Finally, some streaming services can have low-quality video that can cause lagging and other issues. The good news is that you can avoid some of these problems by choosing a service with high-quality video and by purchasing a streaming device with a better screen. For example, you can buy an Android-based streaming player from AT&T that supports 4K and has a built-in voice remote for the Google Assistant.