Streaming TV vs. Cable: What You Need to Know
Streaming TV vs. Cable: What You Need to Know
What is right for you?
The many options
In the past, when looking at purchasing a new or existing home one of the major considerations was whether the home was prewired for cable TV. But do today’s home buyers have the same concerns and needs?
Unless you’ve been living under a proverbial rock, you will know that streaming is slowly, but surely overtaking cable. It’s not just that people are growing tired of the limitations of cable, but they are welcoming the seemingly superior streaming subscriptions.
Are you ready for the streaming takeover? Do you know how things work and what you can expect? Here is what you need to know about streaming TV and how it holds up against traditional cable.
Cable, a dying art
In the blue corner, we’ve got cable. As much as it accompanied us through dark times of extreme boredom and introduced us to our first R-rated movies and cool music videos, cable is becoming outdated, and fast. At least, in the Western world.
The problem with cable is that it clashes badly with our generation’s lack of patience and hunger for instant gratification. We always want more, and we want it now. Not when the broadcasters decide to show it to us.
Such is the downfall of traditional broadcasting – it’s simply too rigid and too limited for the way we’ve been accustomed to consuming media and entertainment.
Streaming, the new “watching TV”
In the red corner, we have streaming. Streaming is the (relatively) new kid on the block. At least, compared to cable. It’s made room for itself on the market mainly by getting us to get rid of our cable subscriptions.
Why? Because it offers a liberty and a flexibility that cable has never had, and probably never will. Not only does streaming put a huge library of content at your disposal, but it also enables you to watch it whenever you want, wherever you want.
That was enough to get millions to drop cable like a hot potato and enlist in the ranks of binge-watchers.
Advantages
But in order to properly understand the difference, we must look at the pros and cons of both. Let’s start by considering the positives of both cable and streaming.
Cable
- On the plus side, there’s little that can go wrong with cable; it’s pretty reliable. You basically plug and go, and you don’t need internet or anything else. If the connection goes down, it won’t mess with your viewing experience, which is what would happen with streaming. Everything you need is provided by the broadcaster. So, if you’re not keen on fiddling with accounts and stuff like that, you may very well prefer the option for cable.
- Something you may want to take into account is the fact that cable may actually provide some programs that you don’t actually have access to via streaming. You see, the content library on streaming platforms is dependent on the programs that are sold to them.
If the company is not willing to sell (and for a hefty price, at that), then platforms do not get the right to stream that program. Cable, however, may have constant reruns.
Streaming
- The main advantage, when it comes to streaming, is that you have a wide variety of content at your disposal. You are not limited by what the broadcaster is offering you, but instead, are able to pick and choose between your favorites.
Whether that’s movies, TV shows, or documentaries, there is always something for you to watch. Content libraries are always changing, too, so there’s no chance you’ll get bored of seeing the same old things on your feed day after day. Not to mention the original content that streaming services are producing, which are top-notch quality. - The other aspect that draws people in is the fact that you can stream anywhere, anytime. There is no schedule or limit to what where you choose to watch your shows. That is in direct contrast with cable, which is so static and rigid, by definition.
With wireless streaming, there are no unsightly cables or limitations on where you can place your TV.
Disadvantages
And if we’re looking at advantages, we also have to consider the negatives. What brings these options down?
Cable
- On the plus side, there’s little that can go wrong with cable; it’s pretty reliable. You basically plug and go, and you don’t need internet or anything else. If the connection goes down, it won’t mess with your viewing experience, which is what would happen with streaming. Everything you need is provided by the broadcaster. So, if you’re not keen on fiddling with accounts and stuff like that, you may very well prefer the option for cable.
- Something you may want to take into account is the fact that cable may actually provide some programs that you don’t actually have access to via streaming. You see, the content library on streaming platforms is dependent on the programs that are sold to them.
If the company is not willing to sell (and for a hefty price, at that), then platforms do not get the right to stream that program. Cable, however, may have constant reruns.
Streaming
- A lot of people rushed to subscribe to Netflix and similar platforms when they first appeared on the market. However, 40% of the respondents to a survey about streaming reported that they ended up unsubscribing.
That is because of the lack of quality service provided. Content libraries are thinning out, compared to when streaming first appeared on the market. Customers are less compelled to subscribe and continue to pay for less content. - To add insult to injury, streaming prices have only been rising with every passing year. Streaming services keep losing content to companies who decide to create their own competitor platforms, leaving behind a content library that is empty, expensive, and increasingly full with “original content”, which may not be what users subscribed for.
Concluding thoughts
While it may seem like cable is at a disadvantage in a comparison against streaming, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Streaming has the benefit of flexibility and portability but loses because of increasing costs and an increasingly empty library of content.
Cable, on the other hand, is great as a stand-alone service that doesn’t require internet or any other fiddling around. However, it is very much rigid and confines you to sitting in front of the TV at a specific time and place. It’s up to users to decide which option serves their needs better.
For the majority of homebuyers, ta home being prewired for cable TV is no longer a concern and will not be a factor in deciding to purchase a home. But just like everything, there are exceptions and it is up to the individual to decide between cable and streaming services.
Brought to You by OutFactors
This information is provided by a professional home service research, review and comparison organization and brought to you by OutFactors, a home cash buyer. At OutFactors, we buy houses as-is for the cash and close quickly – within just a few days. To get a great cash offer you just need to enter your address and answer a few simple questions about your home. The entire process only takes about 2 minutes and personal information is NOT required. Yes, that is correct. No registration, no telephone number, no email address – not even your name. So get your cash offer now!
OutFactors
539 West Commerce Street
Suite 1205
Dallas, Texas 75208
Contact@OutFactors.com
(800) 420-7030
Streaming TV vs. Cable: What You Need to Know | OutFactors – Dallas Fort Worth, Texas
