Don’t Scream, Just Stream!
It’s no surprise that switching to streaming video has become a popular trend as more viewers seek flexibility, variety and cost-effectiveness in their entertainment options. With the rise of streaming services, consumers are no longer bound to traditional cable subscriptions or their ever-increasing rates. Here’s a comprehensive look at why switching your video watching habits to streaming could be beneficial. Also, some quick information about the top streaming services available in the video landscape today.
Why You Should Switch To Streaming
Many viewers out there have their own reasons for wanting to switch to streaming and that’s the beauty of the streaming market. It allows you to take total control of your viewing wants and needs. There are no longer a one-size fits all approach to video and we at HTC are aware of that fact. So much so, here are the top five reasons many viewers switch from traditional cable to streaming services.
Why Make the Switch?
- Personalized Viewing: Streaming services often provide personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. These personalized recommendations can lead you to new movies, documentaries, and TV shows that you may have never found on your own. There is always something new to discover.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Streaming services often offer lower monthly rates compared to traditional cable packages and you only pay for what you truly want to watch. These rates are also even discounted further through rebates or discounts from other businesses and services to which you already subscribe.
- Convenience: Streaming platforms allow you to watch your favorite shows and movies on-demand, anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices. No longer are you tied to a certain TV in a certain room of the house.
- Variety: There’s a vast selection of content available across different genres, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. With various streaming platforms specializing or producing their own specific content, the options are nearly endless and often there is something to watch for every member of the household.
- No Long-Term Commitments: Most streaming services operate on a month-to-month basis, so you’re not locked into a lengthy contract. Free trial periods also give you a great opportunity to “test-drive” a service before laying out any money to continue the subscription. If you find that you don’t like a service, just cancel your subscription and try something else.
Top Five Paid Streaming Services
If you are new to the world of streaming it can be a little overwhelming choosing a service. As we mentioned before, nearly all services offer some sort of free or discounted trial period. Also, many subscriptions are so much more affordable than traditional cable that you may even have the budget to subscribe to multiple services, which is quite common. Either way, HTC is here to help connect you with the latest services. You can check out our Streaming Recommendation Tool. In the meantime, here are the five most popular streaming services.
- Netflix: Known for its extensive library of original series, movies, and documentaries, Netflix remains a giant in the streaming world.
- Hulu: Offers a great selection of current TV shows, movies, and originals, with the option for live TV as well.
- Amazon Prime Video: Comes as a part of the Amazon Prime subscription and features a robust catalog of movies, TV shows, and Amazon originals.
- Disney+: The go-to service for family-friendly content, including Disney classics, Pixar films, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises.
- Max: Provides access to HBO’s premium content, Warner Bros. movies, and a range of original programming.
Top Three Free Streaming Platforms
Maybe you aren’t quite ready to jump into another paid video service just yet, and that is ok. The streaming marketplace has no shortage of FREE streaming services to offer. The free services generally have advertisements and commercials in exchange for the free viewing options they provide. If commercials don’t bother you then maybe you would enjoy these 3 most popular free streaming options!
- Freevee: Owned by Amazon, Freevee offers a mix of movies, TV shows, and original programming, accessible through Amazon devices and many other platforms as well.
- Roku Channel: Roku Channel is one the most popular free streaming services around. Roku Channel features a selection of free movies, TV shows, and the added bonus of original content. The Roku channel is available automatically on all Roku devices including streaming sticks, boxes, and even built right into Roku TVs.
- Pluto TV: Owned by CBS and best known for its free live TV service, Pluto TV also offers a variety of on-demand content. Pluto TV’s huge channel lineup of live programming is always being expanded and new on-demand content is added frequently.
Making the Switch Switching to streaming TV is relatively simple.
Steps to Getting Started
- Assess Your Viewing Habits: Determine what you like to watch and consider which services offer those options.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a reliable and fast internet connection to stream content without buffering.
- Choose Your Devices: Decide whether you’ll stream on a smart TV, gaming console, streaming stick, or mobile device.
- Sign Up for Services: Create accounts with the streaming services that fit your needs. Remember, you can start with free trials to test them out.
- Customize Your Experience: Set up profiles, parental controls, and start building your watchlist.
The recent shift to streaming video reflects the digital age’s demand for convenience and personalized content. With the array of paid and free services available, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a movie buff, a TV series enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a good documentary, streaming services offer a new world of entertainment that meets you wherever you want to watch. Switching to streaming TV is not just about following a trend; it’s about taking control of your entertainment experience and shaping it to you!
I like the streaming product
I like streaming and it’s convenient.
Just found this info. I am definitely interested and will look into it further, will call for help.
Thank You……
Due to financial reasons I love streaming for free…I can stop it and watch later…there are plenty movies…old and new ,I so enjoy watching…
Yes!! Spot on
Love it!!
I would never switch back to cable or the other satellite companies. Streaming is the way!
i use the streaming channels all the time. Works for me.
Prefer streaming but need better option like last channel viewed and better guide option
Each streaming service has their own way of searching and showing what’s available. A voice-activated remote can help you find content by platform.
I enjoy streaming and saving money
I have streaming
I like streaming it’s more fun and better.
I like streaming because there are more options.
Cool streaming
Threw away all the cables and change the outlet covers to blanks. Love all the options with streaming HTC Max
We are still learning how to use HTC Max and Netflix and Parmount too.
Because I have limited income being able to access free programs is a life saver. Is there a way to stream any free local channels or networks free and live?
With an OTA (over the air) antenna you can watch local channels at no charge (other than the cost of the antenna). Visit https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps to see what channels are available in your area.
We have some problems, specially with Sling TV. We lose connection many times.
If you’re using a FireStick, it may just need a cache clearing. Visit https://www.htcinc.net/support/video/htc-tv-max/amazon-fire-devices/clearing-cache/ to learn more.
Great shows better prices
Love to save all the money I can.
Cable is way to expensive. Love my Tubi and Pluto TV. Keep up the good work
Streaming is enjoyable, especially when you finally find the time to binge watch to catch up!!!
Streaming offers better options than traditional cord cable due to the bloat of useless channels.
Even streaming apps have their share of “bloat”, but with the variety of options, one certainly has endless options.
I like steaming because most of the time there are no ads.
I
Like a lot of the old movie from back in the day
I enjoy the old programs from the 90.
We love streaming tv, lots of extra tv shows.
Great shows!
I like new horror movies
Streaming allows my elderly mother with dementia to be able to go straight to shows that she likes and remembers!!
Love streaming a lot of options and it’s free
I love steaming. I’d give something I’d really want to watch. Get interrupted, miss half the movie and never see the end. I can stop, start, rewind. I love it.
Love it. You are in control. Never miss what you want to see. Get tied up. Come back to it. Remember those old VHS tapes we could rewind. Streaming is the ultimate.
Great movies
I love new movies
I enjoy watching free tv such as Tubi, Angel, freevee K-Love on Demand & other paid for such as, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Hulu, tv max. There are always great shows to watch. Old & new shows.
Too many streaming services
Lots of choices can be daunting. Visit our recommendations tool to help you identify the right options for your viewing preferences. https://www.htcinc.net/full-stream-ahead/
if you watch a lot of TV this is benefical!!!
I love streaming – so much of a variety and less ads!
Streaming is the way
You should get the Discount program back, some people are on Fixed Income!!!
N/A
I like streaming however we just switched from the HTC DVR boxes to HTC MAX and there were several things I liked better with the boxes. I liked the guide much better. The writing on the HTC MAX is too small? I like a remote with a light. Some channels like FOX cannot be rewinded past the current show you are watching. But I do like saving money and being able to go back 3 days to watch a program without recording it. I do like all the extra recording space etc
We are always looking for ways to improve, so we appreciate your feedback. Due to contractual obligations, some channels do not allow the rewind/replay option, but they can be recorded. Glad you’re enjoying HTC TV Max!
Love my Brazil tv box
Love the shows!
I use a fire stick on tv in guest room when my husband is watching the same stuff over and over in family room. Streaming gives me a lot to choose from and go back to if I get interrupted while watching.
Good morning and thank you for your business
Thank you for being an HTC member!!! We appreciate you.
I have roku, hulu, disney, hbo max, pluto, and Peacock. Streaming when I want makes it convenient because not everybody can watch TV right when it airs live.
Streaming is convenient
Stream is in cable TV is out.
Like Netflix
I did away with traditional cable years ago! Streaming is the way to go!
Not sure which station is which. Too many to choose from
Love the movies
I like Netflix
HTC requires accounts to log in through their home internet. I use ROKU while traveling.
I prefer streaming. Roku Ultra is our main device. We can choose free streaming and/or add premium streaming channels. We are glad HTC make this possible with great internet services.
Hulu is great! Wish I still had Netflix. I use Roku for streaming and antenna for network channels.