TV Options Still Limited … Change May Be Coming

Whenever the local cable company makes a change or raises monthly rates, many look at their monthly bill and ask if there is a less expensive alternative.  We hear about other people “cutting the cord” and opting for a combination of receiving local channels via an antenna and using one of the many internet-based streaming services for the other channels.  Like so many purchase decisions, there is no one right answer.

As long as there is a single cable provider in our area and only two satellite services available your choices remain limited.  Both the cable and satellite companies force you into bundles of channels.  So if you want to watch some of the most popular channels like ESPN, History, DIY, etc. you are required to purchase a bundle of hundreds of other channels that you will most likely seldom watch.  For example those who are not avid sports fans are irritated that they pay about $5.00 per month for ESPN even if they never watch it because it is part of the “bundle.”

Before you decide to cut your cable you should do an inventory over a two or three week period.  Write down what you actually watch.  Once you have that list you can check if these programs are available using some other service.  For example, Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon TV offer many of the same programs found on cable.  Services like the History Channel, Smithsonian Channel and HGTV offer some complete episodes of series on their respective webpages.

Once you do the research you need to then do the math.  Right now you can’t cut the cord completely.  You still need to have a robust internet connection and install a TV antenna to get local stations.  The former will come with a monthly fee and the cost of the antenna will depend on where you live.  Some can use simple rabbit ears while others with require a more expensive outside-mounted antenna.

The streaming services like Netflix and Hulu Plus have monthly fees.  These fees need to be added to the cost of your internet connection.  Once you add up all these costs you will be able to make an informed decision if cutting the cord will save money and if it is for you.

Looking ahead, services like MyTV from Cincinnati Bell are beginning to offer ala carte channels, promising that you will only pay for the channels you watch.  Since this service is not yet available in most of the local area, it is too early to say if it will save significant money.  For sure, if MyTV becomes an option look for the Time Warner to begin to offer an ala carte service to compete.

Google’s Chromecast Worth a Look

 Many of us still look at Google as the de facto search engine allowing us to find information about just about any topic at any time.  The word “Google” has joined the likes of “Kleenex”, “Frigidaire” and “Jell-O.”   All of these brands have become collective words for an entire genre of products.    Of course Google is more than a search engine; their maps, translation services, email and now even self-driving cars make up only a few of their myriad products and services.  One product, Chromecast, is a relatively new offering that is worth your attention if you want an inexpensive way to expand the viewing options on your HDTVset.

I have written extensively about the various TV services available both free or with subscription on the internet.  Hulu, Hulu Plus, Netflix, AmazonTV all provide movies, network TV series, documentaries and special programming on demand and with a video quality that rivals cable, satellite and broadcast transmission.  In order to access this programming you must have an internet enabled TV or some add-on device.  Most of the devices to date have had a price of between $75 and $100.  Roku and Apple TV are among the most popular.  Some Blu Ray players and some game consoles can provide this access as well.

The Google Chromecast has a $35 price tag and can be a great inexpensive way to begin watching some internet delivered TV content on your regular TV.  A little larger than a standard thumb drive, Chromecast plugs into an open HDMI port on your TV.  Most new TVs have two or more HDMI ports but look and make sure you have one available since your cable box or satellite receiver also needs one.

Unlike the Roku or Apple TV devices, Chromecast does NOT come with a remote control.  You must have an iPhone or Android smartphone, a tablet such as the iPad, or use a laptop computer to control the Chromecast. Set up is easy.  Once connected to the TV a small power supply is plugged in the wall and the device will search for your home wifi.  There is no hard wire option for connecting to the internet so wifi is required.

Besides having access to one or more subscription TV services, you can display on your large screen TV YouTube videos and other content that you access through your smartphone, tablet or lap top.

For the price the Chromecast is worth a look.  I personally like the AppleTV as it is easier to set up and use but it does cost more than twice that of Chromecast.  You can get Chromecast at most big box stores and, of course, on line at Amazon and many other electronics websites.  It would make a great stocking stuffer.