The debate of streaming vs. cable TV is unlikely to end, at least until they are both are being used. We live in an era where it is nearly impossible to function without the internet. Whether you want to believe it or not, the internet has made our lives much easier.
You can now work from anywhere in the world, watch your favorite shows more than once, keep in touch with your loved ones all over the world, and whatnot, all thanks to the internet.
The internet introduced a whole new world of entertainment on the go through streaming platforms. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can stream your favorite shows from anywhere in the world. That said, if you don’t have one, you will be impressed by Xfinity Internet speed. Call Xfinity today to find out more.
However, cable TV is still striving, in its own way. For people who barely have access to a good internet provider in their area, cable TV is a viable option for them. If you are wondering whether you should ditch cable TV altogether, then you are at the right place.
In this article, we will be discussing some major differences between cable TV and streaming. We hope this will help you make a wise decision. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Accessibility
You need to physically connect coaxial cables to your TV for cable TV to function. Cable TV is not the most accessible option if you want to always access your favorite shows.
In comparison, streaming services have streamlined the process of finding and accessing that material. As long as you have access to the internet, you can watch all of your favorite shows and movies from any location.
If your TV has a cable box or a cable tuner, you can watch cable TV. Moreover, set-top boxes and digital video recorders (DVRs) usually come at an additional fee.
In addition to computers, game consoles, mobile devices, and tablets can all access and use streaming services. The vast majority of these services also have apps for smartphone devices
Pricing
The cost of a streaming service and cable TV subscription is the key difference between both options. Cable TV plans vary from one provider to another. It all depends on how many channels you subscribe to and if you want premium channels.
You might also need to rent equipment and pay more for premium channels. Streaming services, on the other hand, provide a variety of membership tiers, allowing you to find one that fits your financial needs. You can cancel or transfer plans whenever you like, and the prices are typically lower than those of cable providers.
Channels
Cable TV offers a wide range of channels, from regional news, to weather reports, to sports, and even kids-friendly channels. There are a wide variety of channels to choose from, and many of them feature live sports, breaking news, and award shows.
Unlike cable TV, most streaming services allow users to watch shows whenever they like. Moreover, some streaming services have started offering live TV as well that features sports and breaking news.
Even if there are fewer channels accessible than with cable, most streaming services still offer a large library of on-demand programming.
Commercials
With a streaming service, you can enjoy your favorite shows uninterrupted and reduce the amount of time spent viewing television. Nevertheless, if you go with cable TV, you will likely have to endure ads, but the additional savings may be worthwhile.
Because, unlike cable TV, streaming services necessitate a more expensive high-bandwidth internet subscription. It could be worthwhile, though, if it means never again being subjected to the same boring commercials over and over again.
User Experience
Cable TV is very easy to access and navigate. It is by far the best option for the older generation. They don’t have to worry about connecting their TVs to the internet, or the internet going down.
All one has to know when it comes to cable TV is how to use the remote controller, how to access the settings, and maybe changing the resolution. Whereas, streaming service needs you to be a little tech-savvy. You have to know how to connect your device to the internet, access your profile, and maybe even change your password if you forget your current one.
Quality
While streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video offer HD video quality up to 1080p and even 4K resolution, live TV streams are often only available in 720p. The actual frame rate may be lower than advertised and may even begin buffering if your internet connection or Wi-Fi signal is weak.
With very few exceptions, such as when the cable is far from the source or when the dish is in an unfavorable location due to bad weather, cable TV regularly produces 1080p and 4K picture definition. The difference between 720p and 1080p can be imperceptible to casual TV watchers, but it can cause agitation among pixel-peeved watchers.
All in All
Well, there you go!
There are a number of differences between streaming and cable TV, but we have shared the six key differences in this article. Ultimately, you don’t want to spend on something that you know won’t be fruitful in the future.
If you are someone who enjoys the traditional TV-watching experience, then cable TV is right for you. But, if you are more into accessible watching, then streaming service is for you. The decision depends on what your preferences and budget are!