You probably have cable TV. We get it, it's the norm. Unfortunately, it's also terrible. Most of the content sucks, it's full of ads, and most importantly, it's incredibly expensive. That's why you're probably considering canceling your cable right now.
You're certainly not alone in considering cutting the cord. Everyone else is cutting the cord, so why aren't they? Everyone else is cutting the cord, so why isn't it you? I cut the cord in 2013 and more and more people are following suit, ditching their cable service altogether. But not everyone is cutting the cord, and we decided to find out why... Read More According to a report by Leichtman Research, the 11 largest cable providers in the US lost 665,000 subscribers in just one quarter in 2016. And estimates suggest their revenue will shrink by $2.7 billion over the next decade. .
However, it is important to remember that lace cutting is not right for everyone. Because, like it or not, there are some downsides.
Here are 10 things to consider before you cancel your cable TV subscription.
If you're downloading cable, you'll be totally dependent on the Internet for your entertainment needs. Therefore, you need a fast and reliable connection.
Netflix requires a minimum speed of 0.5 Mb/s to connect to their service. Which doesn't sound like much, but Netflix actually recommends 3.0 Mb/s for SD quality. Unless you're happy to see highly pixelated content, you should consider their recommendation the bare minimum. If you want to enjoy glorious ultra-high definition content on your new 70-inch TV, you need at least 25 Mb/s. Which is a lot.
In the United States, only 25 percent of users have an average speed of more than 15 Mb/s. So be sure to check your internet speed before taking the plunge.
Want to save even more money? Share a single login between your family or friends.
Or don't. It's a bad idea. Almost all providers prohibit the practice in their terms of service. Here is a quote from the HBO GO Terms and Conditions:
Providers can track multiple logins and reserve the right to terminate your service if you breach their terms. This has happened to people. So don't get caught.
This may seem like an obvious point, but it's a topic that many people don't consider. Will your favorite content be available through your chosen video-on-demand providers, Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Amazon Prime:Which One Should You Choose? Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Amazon Prime:Which one should you choose? It's been years since we've compared the big-hit streaming services Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. And with changes in pricing, content, quality, and interface, we thought it was time to take a fresh look. Read more ?
Netflix and Amazon are downsizing their licensed content to make their own shows, and other providers are beginning to follow suit.
You should check which providers have your favorite shows. Can I Stream It and Just Watch are two of the most trusted services to help you do that. Using them you can search for content on Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, Crackle, YouTube, HBO Now, Showtime, Starz, iTunes, Google Play and more.
If you're serious about cutting the cord, you need to make sacrifices. Losing access to one of your favorite shows could be one of them.
Cord cutting isn't just about subscribing to a few online services. There is also a significant initial cost. You must purchase equipment that allows you to view their services on your television. Because cramming the whole family around a laptop for movie night isn't very appealing.
Sure, you can buy an HDMI cable, but it's not practical to move your computer every time you want to watch TV.
There are many different devices available. And we have discussed the best media streaming devices What is the best media streaming device? What is the best media streaming device? Looking for the best streaming device? We've covered four different types of streaming devices:Budget, Mid-Range, High-End, and DIY. Read more above. As a general rule, don't buy a cheap model like the Chromecast or the Roku stick. They're a great way to supplement a cable subscription, but they're not powerful enough to handle all your TV needs. Instead, spend a little more on a Roku Box 4 ($83) or Apple TV (starting at $149).
And therein lies the problem. How many TVs will you need to buy a device for? If you have five (for example, one in the living room, one in the kitchen, one in your bedroom, one in your son's bedroom, and one in your daughter's bedroom), that amounts to spending a lot of money up front.
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Net neutrality is a long-standing Internet concept. A simple explanation of what net neutrality is. A simple explanation of net neutrality. Net neutrality is a complex topic, but this website does an excellent job of explaining it in understandable terms. Read More It is the principle that all web traffic should be treated the same, regardless of user, content, website, platform or application.
In the United States, providers like Comcast and AT&T have been fighting legal battles in an attempt to change the law. They want to prioritize traffic, arguing that it will lead to more investment in infrastructure.
The ISPs lost the legal battle in June 2016. The court ruled that broadband access is a utility rather than a luxury. The ISPs have promised to appeal to the Supreme Court.
But what does this mean to you, a potential cord cutter?
Opponents argue that a loss of net neutrality would allow ISPs to act as gatekeepers. They could cripple services like Netflix and Hulu by limiting their speeds, while at the same time allowing traffic from their own services to travel at high speeds. Since many Internet Service Providers double as cable providers, it's a very real threat.
Most streaming services don't offer the latest shows on the same day they are shown on TV. You can wait days, weeks or even months before they are available.
That gives you plenty of time to inadvertently spoil the plot for you. Maybe someone posts something to your Facebook feed or a journalist references it in an unrelated article.
Even if the risk of spoilers doesn't bother you, are you happy to wait a long time to watch the latest hit TV show? When you finally see it, all the initial hype will be gone. If you're the kind of person who enjoys the collective social media experience of watching new TV shows and movies, this factor could be a deal breaker.
Using cable TV is easy. A charming technician comes over to his house, sets up all the equipment, and leaves him with a remote. You're up and running in minutes.
Getting started with cutting the cord is not that simple.
There are hundreds of options available (Kodi or Plex? Android TV or Apple TV? Netflix or Hulu? Roku or Amazon Fire?) and all the apps and devices have different interfaces. How will you make your decision? And once you've done that, can you figure out what to do?
If you really want to maximize your cord-cutting experience, you should play around with the advanced settings on your chosen device. 12 ways to make Kodi the best media player for you 12 ways to make Kodi the best media player for you. This article explores the best ways to customize Kodi to make it the best media player for you personally. Turn it from being just good to shameless. Read More It is not a process for beginners..
And that's before you go through the completely frustrating process of canceling your cable subscription. I can tell you from personal experience that cable companies will try every trick in the book to keep you as a customer.
Too many people think that they will automatically save money by cutting the cord. But this is not necessarily true. It depends on what devices you buy, what services you subscribe to, and how many TVs you're working with.
We have already discussed equipment costs. But what about services? The average American spends $103.10 per month on cable television. That's a lot of money. While a Netflix subscription is only $8 per month, then you're bound to save money, right?
Well maybe.
Netflix is only $8 a month if you're happy to stream SD-quality content to one screen at a time. A full subscription, which allows you to use the service on four screens and stream in Ultra HD, costs $12 per month.
And what if you need more than one subscription to get all the series you want? Add Hulu and Amazon Prime and you'll quickly see yourself shelling out over $30 each month.
If You Also Want Live Content Cut The Cord Forever With These 15 Streaming TV Channels Cut The Cord Forever With These 15 Streaming Cable TV Channels Cable TV is on the decline as the internet offers cheap, on-demand entertainment . Here are 15 of the best streaming TV services to help you cut the cord. Read More Sling TV, which includes ESPN, AMC, TNT, CNN, History, HGTV, and the Disney Channel, will set you back $20 for the basic package and $40 for the main package. Its closest competitor, DirecTV, has a $35 minimum.
Perhaps the biggest point of contention is sports coverage. MLB.TV Premium is $25 per month, NFL Game Rewind is $70 per season, NBA League Pass is $170 per season, and NHL GameCenter Live is $50 per season. And if you're a fan of the English Premier League, forget it. There is no equivalent service..
Use Slate.com's excellent cord cutting calculator to find out what all this means for your wallet.
I'm not sure why people channel surfing. A short attention span? A shortage of quality programming? Multiple sports games happening at the same time? Endless ads?
If you're the type of person whose finger is always searching for the "Next Channel" button on the remote, cutting the cord will be a serious blow. Channel surfing is difficult, if not impossible, on streaming services.
The likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon have no channels at all. But even services like Sling and DirecTV won't give you a seamless experience. Channels take time to buffer, TV guides won't necessarily be accurate, and the number of channels you can scroll through will be greatly reduced.
Which means cable is the best option for those with a penchant for channel surfing.
I'm no expert, but clearly some of the best private channels on Roku. 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Right Now. 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Right Now. The best private Roku channels you can install right now. Read More
If you know where to look, you can find everything from HD-quality sports games to 24-hour news channels, all available completely free.
While the chances of the police showing up on your doorstep if you use these apps and channels are slim, this gray area of legality raises ethical questions that some users might not feel comfortable with. It can often be difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate service like FilmOn and one built on a less solid legal foundation.
Even if legal issues don't bother you, you can't fully trust channels, apps, and services that flirt with the law. They are susceptible to being disconnected without warning, especially in the middle of big sporting events.
We hope these 10 questions help clarify issues to be aware of before calling your cable company.
We're not trying to convince anyone to make the jump. If done correctly, lace cutting can save you a lot of money and give you a much richer viewing experience. However, there are many failures to cut the cord. 7 Cord Cutting Hazards to Consider First. 7 Cord Cutting Mistakes You Should Consider First. Before you cut the cord to save money, there are a few things to keep in mind. aware of. Read More
Ultimately, lace cutting is not for everyone. No two people have the same viewing habits or want to see the same content. Take the time to consider all of your options and do your research before you cut the cord. Should you cut the cord or keep your cable TV? Should you cut the cord or keep your cable TV? If you're still stuck with your cable subscription, but are debating whether it's time to make a switch, we're here to help. This guide will help you decide. Read more . Only then can you be sure that you are making the right decision.
Considering canceling your cable? What do you care about? What excites you? What channels or shows are keeping you from cutting the cord? Which streaming services do you think are worth replacing? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
