Top Streaming TV Options

Saying Goodbye To Traditional TV

More people than ever are cutting the cord from the traditional TV programming that forces you to subscribe to hundreds of channels just to be able to watch three or four of your favorite shows. It is not only young people that want to choose their own lineup of programs; even baby boomers are becoming more finicky and streamlined. [caption id="attachment_4934" align="alignright" width="300"] Pexels / Pixabay[/caption] Not that long ago there was really only one online streaming option: Netflix. Today, though, there are a number of competitors that want your eyes on their programming, which is lowering the price and expanding viewers' choices. Not only are internet connections faster, but with all the video devices available and the growth of the mobile market, services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube TV are investing a lot of money in what they offer their subscribers. Some aspects to consider are:

It's more complicated now, with Netflix battling other well-known subscription services, such as Amazon Prime and Hulu, as well as with upstarts including Acorn, DirecTV Now, and Sling TV. If you only watch a few movies or shows each month, it probably makes more sense to opt for a pay-per-view service, such as Amazon Video, FandangoNow, or Vudu. But if you do watch a lot of programs or movies, or you're looking to cut back on—or cut off—your pay TV service, subscription services make the most sense. They offer up an all-you-can eat buffet of streaming content, often at a price well below what most of us spend each month for pay TV. Read the rest of the story here

So how do you decide which is best for your situation? Getting over-the-top internet television services is what most cord cutters are looking for.  Some offer DVR services, some offer more channels, and some lower prices, but how do you know which one is your dream stream? This video gives tips for their opinion of the top streaming TV options, and you might be surprised at their choice for the #1 alternative:

What is the big hubbub about PlayStation Vue?

As mentioned in the video, PlayStation Vue is an online video service from Sony that has over 400,000 subscribers to date.  With a monthly subscription, you get a load of live TV channels, including ESPN, ABC, and Fox along with DVR features and on-demand programming, all available on a variety of Internet-connected devices. With TV, sports, movies, and news live and on demand, some of PlayStation Vue's main features include:

• Cloud DVR with unlimited storage [caption id="attachment_4936" align="alignright" width="300"] WikimediaImages / Pixabay[/caption]
• No annual contracts or extra fees
• Stream on up to 5 supported devices at the same time
• No PlayStation console required
• Receive tailored recommendations
• Personal DVR on up to 10 profiles

The bottom line for many is "How much is it going to hurt my bank account?":

How much does it cost, and what’s included?

Pricing for PlayStation Vue depends on the availability of live local broadcasts, which in turn depends on where you live. In markets that include live feeds from most or all major networks—that is, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—service starts at $40 per month. Everywhere else, Sony offers “Slim” packages starting at $30 per month, with ABC, NBC, and Fox offering on-demand video. (Find out live local channel availability by plugging your zip code into the Vue website.) PlayStation Vue FAQ: Everything to know about Sony’s cable TV alternative

I love that PlayStation is morphing into the future, considering gaming consoles aren't as hot of an item as they used to be. There are so many great gaming apps available on mobile devices, so kudos to Sony PlayStation for "moving their cheese". Internet streaming services are substantially lower in price than the big cable providers and along with the capability to subscribe to your favorite shows, there's no doubt that traditional TV providers are concerned.  The ultimate decision on cable vs. streaming services doesn’t have to be black and white, but be sure to shop around and find a package that fits your specific needs.

Top Streaming TV Options is courtesy of S&S Pro Service Blog