Although streaming services are gaining much popularity over
traditional cable television, yet there are people who still prefer cable TV
due to its distinguished features. Cable television has a high channel line-up
and better video quality than live streaming, but it requires yearly contracts
and less flexibility when compared to streaming services. Live streaming
mediums are less expensive and highly customizable. Therefore, consumers who
prefer a personalized service may order Spectrum TV and
other such services for an enhanced experience.
Cable TV Streaming Services
The advantages and disadvantages of both the services are
discussed in detail below.
Cost
The subscription fee of streaming networks is considerably less compared to cable TV. Though the gap is decreasing with the continuous rise in the fee of streaming platforms, they still have an edge over cable television. It is also important to consider the annual increase in prices of both networks. Cable television bound their users through a yearly contract whereas streaming channels provide short-term subscriptions. People dissatisfied with the services or unwilling to pay higher rates can cancel their accounts at any time. Some streaming services, like FreeCast, offer a free account to access hundreds of live channels and more than 500k on-demand titles so users don’t have to be burdened with a monthly subscription fee.
Channel Count
There is a wide difference in the channel count of both
platforms. Streaming television hardly offers up to 100 channels whereas cable
and satellite tv provide a wider range of options including up to 200-300
channels. Though the quantity of channels is impressive, they lack relevancy.
For example, out of 30 music channels only two or three channels provide
quality entertainment and are popular among the audience, the rest have either
language restrictions or lack in the quality of the content. However, streaming
tv has its own limitations. Its channel count is limited, and it sometimes
fails to include popular channels. For example, Hulu does not host NBA TV and
the NHL network is missing on YouTube TV.
Video Quality
Cable television offers a higher video quality in 4K
technology with a 1080-pixel count. This is considerably low in streaming
television with the total pixel limited to 720 p. Weak signals or disruptions
in internet connection can further lower the quality.
The picture quality of cable television is also dependent on
factors such as the distance between the source and the cable while dish tv is
affected by weather conditions which influence the picture quality but It
overall maintains its high definition. However, certain streaming networks like
Netflix and Prime Video also offer HD picture quality with 4K technology.
Choice
Streaming television is way ahead of cable or satellite tv
with the range of options it provides. Cable and satellite tv offer one live TV
option whereas streaming TV lets you choose a bundle of live TV channels. You
can also make changes in your portfolio at a later stage and try new
channels.
Cable television users flip through the same 100-300
channels whereas streaming television has changed the patterns of content
consumption with the wide range of variety it provides. Roku television alone
provides hundreds of apps and videos across all genres, and most of them can be
accessed without any additional charges.
Contract
Cable and satellite tv providers operate contractually and
make users sign a contract for a period of one or two years. The increase in
prices in these years also affects the existing contracts. They do not provide
the flexibility of cancelling the contract before the set period ends.
This drawback of cable/satellite tv gives its competitors an edge for their
flexibility. Streaming services attract people who are not prepared to enter a
long-term contract for its various consequences including a high fee that
restricts them to a single service.
Conclusion
While some people argue that cable television has now become
obsolete and streaming platforms are the future of entertainment. It is
important to note that effective streaming requires a high-speed and reliable
internet connection. In the absence of such connectivity, the services will
suffer and may not be able to perform according to expectations. Therefore, in
areas that lack good internet service providers, cable and satellite television
are still the preferred choices. Though they are expensive, they provide a
high-quality picture with continuous service.
