Whether we’d like to admit it or not, cable TV has always been a top priority in our lives. Having something interesting or exciting to discuss while filling the coffee mug or hustling the water cooler is still a big deal. However, how much are we willing to pay for the privilege?
If the past means anything, Cable TV was easily the tippy top priority on household budgets for years and we paid for it. Many a phone bill went overdue to the drug of Silver Spoons, Full House, or Mr. Belvedere. The TV and cable box were your entertainment mobsters and it felt like they were destined to be a part of our lives together and not to be separated. Then the internet became a thing.
All of sudden, Netflix opened up the flood gates to binge watching and enjoying TV on a personal schedule. They initially rolled the dice on the exact cost for the service and it paid off big time. It has been a very proven and profitable business model. Netflix earnings are climbing and their influence on pop culture can’t be denied. You just can’t escape the impact of the network with their original shows like Strange Things, etc. $10 a month is completely fair for what you get.
Just like that, all the networks wants to be seen eating with Netflix at the lunch table. Cable service seems to have lost its stranglehold on the American public and has become the new Kodak. So, is everyone jumping on the cord cutting and taking out their cable boxes? Is this now a world ruled by the Roku, Apple TV, or Fire stick? Or is it smoke and mirrors?
The cable networks are committed to restructuring things across the board and the cable box is surely on it’s way out. All of a sudden, options are endless for online cable television, regional sports and watching network TV anywhere. The only necessity you need now is a solid internet connection. Here are some essential options that are making a run at the cord cutter market:
SlingTV. Starting at $25 per month, Sling TV offers dozens of cable and broadcast channels with no long-term contracts, hidden fees or rental equipment.
DirectNow. Best channel selection and packages start around $40. Lots of perks and incentives for AT&T mobile packages. No long-term commitment.
You Tube TV. Google’s entry into the highly competitive marketplace. $40 a month gets you started. Everybody in the household get their own account with an unlimited cloud DVR or all sorts of live TV recording goodness. No commitment.
HBO Now (Premium). $14.99 a month with no commitment and there are no cable tv agreements necessary. You can now enjoy their premium service anywhere.
Change is inevitable and it’s worked out great for us when it comes to TV. Whatever your passions are, you can now be entertained better than ever.
– Clay Darland,
Chief Tech Guru
