What are the Challenges to Streaming Only?
While streaming only has the potential to save money on monthly bills, there are a few challenges that make it more difficult than the traditional Cable Bundle. Some of the more noteworthy challenges include:
Channel Surfing
Channel surfing and instantaneous switching is not the same with streaming services. While they do include a guide to view live channels, the switch between channels may buffer or be slower than cable. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but be prepared for your TV viewing habits to shift.
Live Sports and Local News
There are two large issues with watching sports on streaming services. First,
live sports are shown on a significant delay, so you’ll need to beware of spoilers. Secondly, sports availability differs drastically across services, meaning you’ll need to subscribe to a number of services to have complete sports coverage. On the same note, ensuring you get your favorite
local news is a challenge for all streaming services. You'll need to review the channel lists for each streaming service provider to see what is available in your area.
Streaming Gaps
As with live sports, it’s a challenge to completely replicate a traditional TV package with streaming options. Unless you purchase a number of different streaming services, you’ll end up with some gaps in channels, meaning you’ll miss out on some of your favorite entertainment.
Increasing Prices
Saving money is one of the main drivers for moving to streaming only, but with prices for individual services continuing to increase, the equation may not add up anymore.
More Bills
With a traditional cable bundle, you have a singular bill to pay and track. If you choose to shift to streaming services only, prepare to have a number of bills to monitor each month. Streaming only is a more difficult of an undertaking for the disorganized or forgetful.