It used to be that the only way to get cable was through a cable company or satellite dish. Now, as long as you have access to high-speed Internet service, you can stream movies, TV shows, and sports directly to your TV. Many people choose this option in addition to their cable subscription. But can you replace the cable completely?
First of all, it depends on the type of TV you have. Any new digital TV can be connected directly to your laptop with the correct cables. Then you can stream movies, music, TV, whatever you want, from your computer to your TV. Some newer TVs come with certain built-in apps, like Netflix and Pandora.
If you have an older TV that doesn’t have a digital input and output, there are other devices you can use to stream to your TV. Roku is a little black box that exists only for streaming to televisions. It has a simple interface and can stream a variety of TV shows, movies, and sports channels. Game consoles, such as Xbox, also offer you the ability to stream certain applications online on your television.
As for the price, there are two things that you should keep in mind. First, how much will it cost to prepare your computer for streaming. This will be the cost of the cables for a digital TV or a Roku or a game console for your old TV. In some cases it can be a matter of a few dollars, but in others it can cost hundreds. Remember that some streaming devices, such as game consoles, will provide more entertainment than just TV.
Next, you need to consider the current price. Netflix isn’t free, and Hulu only offers certain shows for free before you need to upgrade to Hulu Plus. If you subscribe to multiple streaming services, they may end up costing more than your cable subscription. However, keep in mind that these streaming options give you the opportunity to watch shows at any time after they air. Although, in most cases, you can’t see them live.
Lastly, think about how convenient it will be for you to stream directly to your TV. For example, if you plan to stream from your laptop to your TV, this will mean that every time you want to watch something on TV, you won’t be able to use your laptop. A person who normally multitasks and wants to chat with friends online while watching TV would not benefit the most from this.
The truth is, while high-speed Internet service gives us access to these transmission options, they are not always the best way to completely replace cable. On the other hand, someone who is only interested in a few TV shows or channels may find it to be a much more affordable option. The bottom line is that it’s up to you to assess your personal needs, setup costs, and the monthly fees you’ll end up paying.
