(04-18-2019 01:36 PM)orangefan Wrote:  

(04-18-2019 08:54 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(04-17-2019 07:13 PM)Kit-Cat Wrote:  

(04-17-2019 09:32 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  Anyone who has left cable because of the constant price increases is IMO in for a rude surprise. The content has to be paid for some way, so you will cut the cord to get lower prices from streaming, only to see those prices rise as well.

Even if the price is comparable the streaming companies are SO much easier to deal with than cable who twists your arm into all kinds of different arrangements that are though to get out of.

I put Hulu on vacation for 2 months...no bill. Piece of cake.

We have different experiences. I've been a COX cable customer for 19 years. They just send me one bill that includes all my TV and internet, and I pay it. If it goes up and I don't like it, I call their retention department and they knock enough off to satisfy me. On the side, I get Netflix, and that's it.

In contrast, having to manage a cobbled-together menagerie of various streaming services, where I'm paying $5 for this one, $10 for that one, $15 for this one, each with a separate company, account name, passwords, etc. seems like a big chore to me.

For sure, having a cable-internet bundle requires paying only one bill. Having an internet provide and internet-based multichannel provider (like YouTube TV), requires you to pay two bills. A couple of thoughts though. First, my provider, Spectrum, does not discount with a call as quickly as it used to, so that benefit is not as attractive as it used to be for Spectrum customers anyway. Second, cable charges several surcharges on top of the stated price, including cable box rental, a local channels surcharge, and various taxes. All of that is included in the price of the internet based multichannel service. Third, most internet-based multichannel providers let you share your account, which provides a chance to split the cost. Finally, to replicate cable, you only need the internet-based multichannel provider. Other services, including Netflix, may in practice for some be replacements for cable, but they are really supplements if you are looking for live channels. As you point out, you have Netflix.

As the streaming industry develops, it will be interesting to see how things play out. One major game changer could be the launch of 5G, which may allow wireless carriers to cost effectively compete with cable to provide home internet service. Another trend is the proliferation of subscription video services. On top of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, we are seeing Disney launch Disney+ and ESPN+, CBS's CBS All Access, the launch of the DAZN sports oriented streaming service, and Apple, AT&T WarnerMedia and Comcast's announcements of subscription services. The programming that we want to view may require multiple subscriptions in the future, whether we like it or not, particularly if more of it migrates from traditional television and cable networks to subscription only platforms.

FWIW, even though I personally am not doing streaming right now (save for Netflix), i am glad it exists, because I do believe it is acting as a check of sorts on Cable prices, and because I am keeping an eye on it, as maybe the day will come when a streaming service emerges that will meet my needs moreso than cable.

So I am all in favor of streaming proliferation.

I just canceled YoutubeTV for the summer. I will resubscribe when college football starts.

I am in the Chicago area. I use Apple TV.

So-

Watch ATT for stations like HGTV, TruTV, CNN, AMC, and HBO GO
No extra charge on my $86 AT&T unlimited cell bill.

Netflix $12.99

Amazon Prime included with a yearly fee.

AMC Stubs A-List $20/month for 3 movies a week.

(04-11-2019 07:11 AM)orangefan Wrote:  Switching to PlayStation Vue when the price change goes into effect.

PlayStation Vue has dropped NESN, home of the Red Sox and Bruins. Going to keep YouTube TV for now. I need to drop YouTube TV from my Apple account, though, and buy a standalone subscription as those subscribing through Apple are going to be charged $54.99.