Community discussions

[Iona-D]

Here is some interesting and even uplifting news on the rapid growth and bright future of Streaming.  It's really no surprised at all!

https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/38-million-broadband-households-are-cord-cutters-industry-voices-e...

[Iona-D]

".......Cord-cutting has never been a magical way to watch absolutely everything you want at a fraction of what cable costs. Instead, it’s just a way to control your total TV spending in ways that cable doesn’t allow........'-https://www.techhive.com/article/3633649/seven-cord-cutting-misconceptions-cleared-up.html

A excellent goal a potential, new, or even experienced Streamer to have is to keep a more realistic attitude and approach to your Roku or any other sort of device purpose and usage. 

Some major  misunderstandings and/or misconceptions will be cleared up in this article.

Enjoy!

[DBDukes]

@Iona-D 

I continue to be amazed how many people think Roku or other streaming devices are magic boxes that let you watch everything for free. Why I'm amazed, I don't know, as I've seen it here on these boards for a decade.

Thanks for posting that link.

[Iona-D]

Thank you all!  I am not trying to discourage exploring alternatives to more traditional forms of recieving free or paid television in one's personal space.  I wanted people to simply be aware of not expecting features or content that is not available for this method.

Like I was always was reminded of when I was younger:  Get real.  That is the hidden underlying issue surrounding many of the complaints posted and discussed  here and elsewhere. 

[OwnerofDevices]

Cable where I live is really affordable if not cheap. The trick is to cut all, but one cord if you have more than one TV. Virtually, all channels that I get or want are free with a cable subscription on my Roku TVS. I do have antennas in my two TV also. So, my other 2 TVs I can watch ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, MASN, sports and CBS sports for free. I don't think that a lot of people realize that fact that there are free channels with a cable subscription for your TVs that are not connected to a cable box!

[streaming_fan]

38 million of us now?  Cool!  Thanks for sharing the update @Iona-D 

My favorite reasons for cutting the cord:

- More customization options - only add the specific services you want.  

- Large online library of shows/films

- Watching shows at time of my choice 

- Plenty of freebies

And my #1 favorite reason for cutting the cord is...

- Binge watching!

[MilesT]

Less of a thing here in the UK.  Fewer cable systems (one dominant player: Virgin Media O2, owned by liberty global) and one Satellite system (Sky, owned by Comcast). Both are also ISP (I have Sky ISP but not Satellite). Most of the UK has good subscription free digital TV access by antenna (Freeview basic, Freeview+ HD, and FreeSat as a fill in). Yes if you want sports, movies, premium services like Disney or Discovery or some niche channels then you have to pay, cable/Satellite, or streaming, all about the same.

The big thing in the UK is legally avoiding payment of TV license (£159 pa, can be paid monthly, funds the BBC and a few other things).  Streamers allow you to do that but have to use carefully to avoid watching stuff that needs license, and must not use Freeview/Freesat/cable/satellite/PVR, or BBC iPlayer on any device, or watching any streamed live shows from terrestrial channels.  And they nag a lot to try and request payment. Personally I do want BBC shows so I pay.  More info from Chilli Jon Carne on YouTube.

[Iona-D]

Nearly half of Americans plan to cancel subscriptions over rising cost.  Have you yet or rapidly being pushed to strongly consider to do it in the near future?

Summary:

https://www.studyfinds.org/?s=Streaming+Craze+Cooling+Off

Full Version:

https://www.studyfinds.org/americans-canceling-streaming-tv-cut-cord-rising-costs/

[Strega]

To me, the article describes a big uptick in spending over the previous year that was probably largely pandemic-related:  ie: 86% bought a new television over the past year, 64% bought items like furniture to improve their home theater, 80% bought at least one streaming device, 59% subscribe to more TV services than the year before.  63% say they have both cable and streaming. 78% say they subscribed to a streaming service for a single show. etc. etc.

So now, life is getting closer to normal and many are thinking of cutting back a bit on all those TV expenses?  Seems logical. 

[Iona-D]

Life for the masses are more closely resembling pre-pandemic norms- only somewhat, not completely, perhaps never wil be.  Only to a certain critical point. 

This article actually discussed in more focus the extreme inflation period that is happening right now even as I write this post.  Discretionary "fun" spending is usually  the first to see the ax in most of the population.  And a real red flag being hoisted up across the globe.

In my own life,  I already axed Peacock TV 🦚.  I will only keep just one, paid app Paramount Plus, and of course the assorted freebie apps for now.  I don't know if I can do the same in the following year (actually 2023-the 2022 annual bill has already has the fee set aside and accounted for) when Paramount Plus' annual payment comes due again.  Still continuing all along paying for the monthly AT&T Internet fee for just very basic DSL access.  Even if the inflation continues or my income continues to drop.  I think most people still make a priority for a roof over one's head and food on the table, tight money or not.  I know I sure do.

This is what one must do to adapt to rapidly rising prices with an income that will not go up as well.  I am aware that I am far from the  the only one adapting to probable soon-to-be hyperinflation. 

Sadly, far from it.