“In the face of rising prices, poor customer service and ever more frequent blackouts over fee disputes, many consumers yearn for a way out of the grips of their cable TV subscription. Companies like Google, Intel, Sony and Apple are all working on Internet-delivery TV platforms, though none have yet to secure the content deals needed to launch a credible service,” Amadou Diallo writes for Forbes. “And while industry analysts point out that the number of cord cutters has yet to reach the critical mass needed to force changes to the cable TV business model, the fact is that today there are viable TV options to the triple digit cable bill.”
“They do require additional hardware, running extra cables from your TV and waiting at least a day to watch the newest episodes of cable network shows. And if you’re hoping to sever all ties with your cable provider, that’s not going to be an option in many regional markets, as you’ll still need them for the high speed Internet service that makes this all work,” Diallo writes. “But the cost savings of dropping the TV package can be very substantial and there have never been as many good choices available as there are today in both hardware and content.”
Diallo writes, “The major network channels are all broadcast in HD. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the quality of uncompressed HD video in an antenna feed is actually superior to what you’ve been getting with your cable box. Cable operators have to deliver hundreds of channels, plus broadband and phone service over a single connection to your home, so the TV signal is usually compressed to conserve bandwidth. Not so with your OTA feed. The difference is immediately noticeable. Outside of a Blu-ray movie, this is the best output I’ve ever seen on my TV. And did I mention the channels are free?”
“Apple TV, tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem, gives you access to content from iTunes as well as the ability to stream content from any iOS device to your TV,” Diallo writes. “If you’re in an Apple-centric household and want to add the customary ‘Designed in Cupertino’ fit and finish, there’s much to like with Apple TV.”
Read more in the full article here.