From the heavy bulky boxes in our living rooms to the sleek smart TV sets that now grace our walls, television has evolved and so has the way we consume content. The phrase ‘cutting the cord’ is a euphemism for unsubscribing to cable television. The term has gained momentum over the years with the popularity of streaming services.

Whether or not you want to cut the cord depends upon your entertainment needs. However, in this wave of streaming services, the thought has likely crossed your mind. Here is all you need to know about cutting the cord:

No More Ads

For years, we were made to believe that Ads were a part of the cable viewing experience. However, anad-free TV is becoming more and more commonplace thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. In addition to new services like NBC’s SeeSo and Turner’s Film Struck, Hulu offered a commercial-free option last year. A cord cutter can spend the entire day on the couch without seeing an advertisement, which serves as one of the biggest advantages of cutting the cord. You do not have to worry about annoying advertisements disrupting your movie experience.

Like advertisements, a bad internet connection can also ruin your viewing experience. To avoid this, invest in a reliable internet service provider like Wave Broadband. You can click here to learn more about them.

Going Wireless

With cable TV, the presence of cords and cables influences how your TV room or living area is set up to a certain extent. In addition, you will most likely have to wait for your cable company’s technician to install a TV for you while running that cable through the floor or the walls.

Satellite TV service is much worse because you have to install a dish on your roof and deal with reception issues during inclement weather. All you need to set up a streaming service is a smart TV, the right app, and an internet connection.

Better Content

One of the biggest factors that give streaming services a slight edge over traditional cable connections is content quality. The truth is there is in comparison to the content available on cable, streaming services offer a wider and better selection of movies, shows, and documentaries. Cable connections have a limited content lineup and it might vary according to your location.

Streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime offers foreign content that you would not have been able to find on cable. Not to forget, that you can use a VPN to change your location on a streaming app and watch content available in other countries as well!

No More Watching TV All the Time

Some people have the TV on all the time as background noise while they work or study. This not only increases your screen time but also reduces your ability to focus on the task. Streaming services reduce the chance of passive watching such as Netflix asking you after a certain time of inactivity if you are still watching. Watching content on streaming apps tend to require your full attention, which makes passive viewing difficult.

Costs

Streaming services are considerably cheaper than cable services In addition, they do not engage in the sneaky pricing strategies used by cable and satellite TV providers. There are no extra fees associated with streaming services, and you will always be aware of any fees that may apply.

In contrast, cable and satellite services are prone to price hikes and their contracts are riddled with hidden costs present in the fine print of the terms and conditions that most people skip over. If you are on a tight budget, streaming services are the better choice. With most streaming apps, you can get a month or two of free premium viewing experience just so you can test out the service before you pay for it. This also helps save a few bucks.

No Restrictions, Even While Traveling

A cable TV service is tied to your home’s address and even a particular space in your home. You will need to pay a sizable additional price on a room-by-room basis if you want the service accessible on additional screens around your house.

Although some cable firms are starting to offer a streaming option for their services, they frequently have glaring disadvantages. For instance, the apps are often incompatible with streaming boxes like the Nvidia Shield and Apple TV, and you will not be able to use an HDMI connection or Chromecast to transport the image from your computer to your TV.

Cutting the cord gives you more mobility because you can use your streaming applications anywhere in the country on your phone.

You will quickly realize what a huge benefit this is if you frequently travel for a job or pleasure. You do not have to watch foreign-language cable TV every night; you can just as easily binge-watch all of The Sopranos from the comfort of your couch.

This benefit is available across all live TV streaming services, not only those that offer video-on-demand. You can stream your movies and TV shows from a distance using an app like Plex or Emby if you choose to amass your content collection rather than a streaming service.

If you relocate to a new home, this advantage still holds. With cable, you will need to cancel your connection and get a new one installed in your new place however, this is not the case with streaming services. You can continue watching without a service break, contacting the cable company, or paying a reinstallation fee at your new residence.

Cutting the Cord

Providers employ different mechanisms and marketing tactics for keeping their TV plans. Long contracts, steep cancellation fees, and hidden expenses make getting rid of their cable services a nightmare. In some case scenarios, these strategies are proven effective. You can avoid this situation by reading the contract terms before committing to cable service. This way, you can ensure there are no hidden terms, taxes, or charges that will come and haunt you later.

With most streaming services, you are not required to sign a lengthy contract. Instead, you can cease using the service at any moment, and it will terminate after the current billing cycle. If you like there is an option for an annual payment, but only opt for it if you are happy with the service. Here are a few good options for streaming services that you can check out if you want to invest in one:

In Conclusion

Cutting the cord is the new norm. Most people find making the shift to streaming services more valuable and cost-effective. Keep the aforementioned factors and compare the pros and cons of each streaming experience to make the best decision for your home.

Do not forget to invest in a good internet service to enhance your viewing experience. For people on the West coast, Wave Broadband service is a great example. Reach out to Wave broadband customer service to learn more.