Is Cutting the Cord All It’s Cracked up to Be?

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Is Cutting the Cord All It’s Cracked up to Be

The younger generations in their early twenties and thirties have been nicknamed “cable cutters,” meaning that the majority of Gen Y prefers Internet TV services rather than cable. As a generation that has predominantly grown up with cutting edge technology, using the Internet for practically everything, from research to communication to shopping to television, is normal.

When it comes to watching TV via streaming sites, is it in fact too good to be true? Can online Internet TV truly replace what cable and satellite companies have been offering for years? Although cutting the cord on cable results in less monthly expenses, online streaming has its own fair share of problems that do not appear to have any impending solutions.

Streaming, Cable, or Satellite?

Whereas cable and satellite TV provide live television, Internet streaming companies, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and primetime channel websites, air their TV shows anywhere from days to months after their original live TV airdate.

Cable and satellite offer packages, which can be purchased inexpensively through discount websites like http://www.tvproviders.com/comcast/, as well as the ability to view TV shows from remote locations without the need for wi-fi. Streaming sites, on the other hand, must be attached to a network in order for customers to view.

Price

Digital streaming companies have always maintained a low price point. Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu charge little in money for the ability to access a diverse media library. For the younger generation constantly on the move and lost without their technology devices, digital streaming prices seem reasonable in comparison to both cable and satellite options.

However, the small monetary price of streaming does in fact come at a large price in terms of a viewer’s options. Customers have little control over networking their digital streaming. Although they are paying for a service, that service is extremely limited. Not only are customers restricted from accessing certain shows after their release date, they are also restricted from fast-forwarding through commercials and restricted from certain channels that refuse to release their show’s rights.

For example, even though customers pay monthly for a Hulu+ subscription, they cannot access ABC shows until at least a week after their original air date, as ABC restricts streaming sites from the immediate release of their shows. In fact, for users to watch shows on ABC’s site, they need to have an account with a cable or satellite company, such as Time Warner, Comcast, DirecTV, or Verizon Fios. With cable or satellite, customers can DVR their favorite shows, being certain they will be able to watch them when they have the time, not when the service dictates the time.

Network

Lastly, unfortunately for Internet TV companies like Netflix, none of them have created a perfect network platform. Whereas cable and satellite offer practically flawless service apart from a power outage, Internet TV relies upon the strength of a customer’s Wi-Fi to work. Until Internet TV companies can work with Internet providers to supply viewers with smooth service, Internet TV will always be competing against itself.

If looking to join the “cable cutters,” beware that you get what you pay for.