Streaming-Cable Bundles Are Bringing Back Cable TV
Today, the number of streaming platforms available can easily overwhelm consumers. Look closely, and you will realize that the streaming business has almost started to replicate the cable TV scene a decade ago.
You might have chanced upon some apparent improvements. For instance, you have the option to watch on-demand content and cancel your subscription when you want to. Programming today has become global, and the user interface is getting better. The best part is that you don’t need to sit through ads, even if you don’t wish to.
However, it was sometime back that the streaming domain had positioned itself as a user-friendly alternative for the cable bundle. Maybe streaming has mirrored ideas central to the cable domain. Even with every bit of innovation that Netflix brought to Hollywood, it ended up making movies and TV shows much like everyone else.
The major difference between streaming and cable TV is that most streaming services aren’t profitable. Even Netflix had spent several years talking about its growth trajectory, and skeptics believed that the brand would lose out on money. Today, the company is searching for investors who will look into their bottom line.
In this article, we will shed light on how, keeping in mind the current state of affairs with the streaming industry, the cable option seems to be the best.
Streaming Services Are No More Expanding in the US
According to recent updates, Netflix has lost its subscribers in Canada and the United States and has very few domestic customers today compared to a year ago. Even Disney+ managed to bag close to 100,000 customers in Canada and the United States, which isn’t considered growth if the base is close to 45 million.
According to Moffett-Nathanson, a research firm, crucial streaming services could add 2.7 million customers in the United States in the last quarter, with the majority of them sourced from Paramount+. Nathanson states that it marks the lowest single quarterly rise after 2020, thereby giving an obvious hint that streaming wars have started to highlight the financial market’s reality.
The Relevance of Streaming Cable Bundles
Streaming cable bundles are packages offered by service providers that blend streaming services with traditional cable television. Bundles offer customers an all-inclusive entertainment solution that comprises on-demand content and live TV from multiple streaming platforms.
According to a CNBC news report in December 2023, the era of cable bundles is giving shape to a new form of bundle that can help both cable providers and streamers move ahead in a better way. Media executives shared with the news channel that 2024 might just prove to be the year when media companies can start looking at the bundle rather seriously.
Regardless of the streaming bundle demand, the leading players have always been slightly apprehensive about arriving at a deal. The companies must understand the concepts of ARPU (average revenue per user) and subscriber growth while providing all their services at a good discount.
There is a chance that a discounted bundle might reduce ARPU. However, if the subscriber base increases manifold owing to this bundle, the loss can be counterbalanced. The media companies that house cable networks might think that the streaming bundle can affect their cable plans.
But some of the leading streaming platforms have made big moves last year. For instance, Disney had agreed to purchase Comcast’s remaining one-third stake in Hulu. Additionally, Disney has been rolling out its Disney+ and Hulu platforms as well, and the complete release will take place in March 2024. The company provides a three-way bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+.
Streaming cable bundles provide a host of advantages other than cost savings that are attractive to users. They have a user-friendly interface that integrates streaming and cable services into one platform so that users can explore and choose the content they like. The bundles might also provide features such as DVR capabilities, which enable users to record their favorite live TV shows and watch them later. They can even record the streaming services with premium or ad-free content.
Cable TV is Beneficial: The Crucial Reasons to Consider
Today, you will come across several streaming services available, and it’s challenging to stay updated with all. It is worth finding out the reason people keep on shelling out cash for this as well as the subscription.
However, currently, you are witnessing high prices of streaming services, and it is increasing with every passing day. It’s one of the major reasons why customers would want to opt for cable TV. Getting a subscription for streaming TV services was the best solution for people who aimed to save money on their entertainment choices.
Unfortunately, things have changed, and cable TV is making a comeback. Are you in two minds about opting for the good, old, and humble cable option? If so, here are a few reasons that can help you decide better and smarter.
Cable TV Plans Are More Affordable Compared to Streaming
Sometime back, streaming services were popular because they ensured that you saved money compared to a cable TV package. The per-month cost for YouTube TV was approximately $35 during its launch in the first half of 2018.
Today, live TV streaming services are charging steep prices because of the increasing expenses of programming, for instance, TBS, CNN, and Disney Channel. As a result, the cost appears to be much like cable television.
No Issues Concerning Wi-Fi Reliability
Often, people think that they need to worry about a consistent Wi-Fi connection if they get back to cable TV. The answer is that there is nothing to worry about in terms of the internet lag while watching the NBA Playoffs.
Since it’s 2024, chances are you have to choose an internet bundle and a TV. You can have access to a YouTube TV plan that offers you an internet connection with a download speed of 400 Mbps. You might need to pay $50 or slightly more for this in case you just order a TV for the initial year. And when you don’t require internet access and Wi-Fi, it indicates greater savings for a brand new 4K TV with a big screen.
WOW! Business states that when it comes to YouTube TV, there isn’t any need for complicated cable box installations. Therefore, it takes a few minutes to set up and allows you to keep watching the content. All that you will require is a stable internet connection with a stable speed and a supported device to use the app.
Cable TV Has More Channels Compared to Streaming
The number of channels provided by cable TV is visibly higher compared to live TV streaming. However, the shortcoming of having access to close to 400+ channels with Optimum TV and Verizon Fios TV is that it’s not available all through the United States. For instance, if you stay on the West Coast, you might have access to either of the services.
Hence, it is always better to double-check at the time of checkout whether you can check the kids’ programs, news and sports updates, entertainment, and movies that cable providers offer.
To sum up, the revival of streaming cable bundles is bringing about a change in the entire entertainment landscape. Considering the streaming scenario, consumers are finding it easy to choose a cable TV provider for their entertainment. Other than providing you with engaging content across various channels, it also helps you save cash. You do not need a smart TV or a device, and there is no need to fret about internet hassles.
