Posted on by wwducat

OMG! Just saw two ads for streaming TV

Hulu, has a “New” package which includes news and local channels that costs ~$89 a month, and DirecTV is offering a better priced package, but it’s still not al la carte.

The DirecTV option is actually better, but DAMN! They’re charging what they once charged for the basics where you had a dish on your roof and they provided the DVR. Hulus pricing is obscene. Spectrum cable provided all the channels + internet service for about that same amount just 3 years ago.

The difference? Now you’re paying for the internet service separately + their streaming fees.

Meaning that you’re still paying about the same price for channels that you don’t really want to, or never watch. “BET”? When was the last time you even noticed what they were running? I guess some households watch it, but really? Most channels in their “Lineup” aren’t that interesting.

I think the streaming companies and cable companies really aren’t getting it. If a household only watches 5 or 10 channels, it’s not worth it. Especially if that same household can get those channels via streaming or over the air for free.

What these folks need to do, is say, “For $30 you can pick 10 channels.” I’d probably go for it since I’m in a blind area and can’t see Mt Wilson. Let me pick the local channels, that’s like 5, then let me pick other channels that I’d be interested in.”

That’s value!

Instead it’s another bait and switch that has you paying over a $100 per month just to get the 10 channels of 500 that you actually watch. Only now, all they have to do is connect their output to the internet and verify you’re a subscriber. They don’t provide anything in the way of hardware, or cabling.

Sadly, there will be people that pay the fees thinking they’re cutting the cable & going to save a few bucks.

I suppose if you already have internet that you’re paying for, and you’ve got a DirecTV box or two, you might save a few dollars but honestly is it worth it?

If I lived on the other side of the mountain, I’d be getting what little TV I watch using an antenna. As it stands right now, If there’s breaking news, I can use one of the local stations free streaming app.

During the hurricanes last year, I was streaming a live news feed out of a TV station in Florida via their app. Their coverage was much better than the LA coverage, and surprisingly the live coverage out of a Lexington, KY TV station was even better. Both those options were free.