Is it time for you to cut the cord?
These include services likeSling,Hulu with Live TV, andYouTube TV.
Overall Findings
More expensive, but with more content.
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Provider selection limited by area.
Requires dedicated set-top boxes.
Broadcast content independent of Internet.
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Some discounts available with bundles.
Less expensive, but still provides must-have content.
Full selection of providers anywhere there’s Internet.
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Supported by a variety of different devices.
Dependent on a quality Internet connection.
Premium add-ons available for an additional cost.
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Cable providers broadcast video content along their dedicated networks, and have long-standing relationships with content providers.
The pay television industry was built on this structure, and the product you receive reflects that.
They aren’t bound to legacy infrastructure, which is both a blessing and a curse.
They typically offer cheaper plans, although they contain fewer channels.
Content Selection: Cable Has More, but Streaming Should Satisfy
Generally offers more channels.
Likely all channel variants are available.
Premium channels available for upcharge.
Premium music channels available.
Offers most of the major channels.
Main channel variants available.
Some premium channels may be available as add-ons.
But this is also why you pay so much for cable.
On the other hand, streaming services offer less in terms of overall number of channels.
However, they will likely include all the main channels most viewers will need.
For example, the Big 4 networks will all be present, as will popular cable channels.
In the above context,cable channelrefers to channels that are not broadcast over-the-air.
The original structure for the cable industry was that of a monopoly.
Changes in the industry since have allowed some competitive providers to compete (RCN Cable is an example).
But chances are the number of these competitors is small.
In contrast, streaming service providers offer service nationwide.
However, you may be limited in how many devices can stream from a particular service at a time.
Requires a set-top unit from the provider.
Video service may be available in the event of Internet outage.
Set-top devices can mimic on-demand features like pause/rewind.
Content is sent on-demand to each gear.
Usable on any supported Internet-connected gear.
Dependent on Internet to receive content.
Streaming video services do exactly what the name implies.
This brings a number of advantages.
Another is mobility, meaning you could watch anywhere you have Internet access.
It also means your experience is totally dependent on the quality of your Internet.
Cable is a broadcast medium, in the same way that local television systems send video over the airwaves.
Now, cable uses copper wire instead of signals, and has long since upgraded from analog to digital.
But the basic idea is still the same.
As a result, all content is effectively live.
But to what extent depends on the carrier, and this will reset if you change the channel.
Speaking of which, youll need a set-top box from your provider to use their service.
Multiple channel tiers and premium channels are available.
Additional costs may include advanced set-top boxes.
Discounts may be available by combining with Internet/phone service.
Typically requires a one-year contract, which may come with a discount.
Basic-level streaming service is cheaper, but provides fewer channels.
Most streaming services have fewer packages to select.
Premium channels may be available as add-ons.
To a certain extent you are getting what you pay for, in terms of more channels.
it’s possible for you to count on a much looser agreement with streaming providers though.
And as mentioned above, streaming providers dont typically have tiers as expensive as the ones from cable companies.
Just ensure all your must-have channels are available to stream.
The Final Verdict
There are a couple considerations when making this decision.
Technologically both are relatively equal.
But you really have little to lose by at least trying streaming first.
That said, there are two specific situations where you should take a hard look at cable.
