Satellite TV is becoming a thing of the past, especially with its issues during bad weather and increasing price. Finding an alternative to satellite TV is becoming a necessity for many people, so here is a look at five alternatives that can replace your old satellite dish.
Cable
No matter where you live, cable services are always an option. Cable is a fantastic choice as you usually have service no matter the weather. Hard rain won’t keep you from watching your favorite show! Plus, the equipment is much cheaper compared to satellite—not to mention it doesn’t add an eye sore to your house or yard. The price varies depending on what type of package you want, but you can find local cable companies at AllConnect.
Online Streaming Services
Rather than paying for cable or satellite TV, many people are simply paying for Internet instead and using one of the many online streaming services now available to watch the TV shows and movies they care about. Some popular options include:
- Netflix: This is one of the most popular streaming services available. Streaming options include movies, television shows, kid’s shows, documentaries, and so much more. The catalog is updated daily, and there are plenty of categories to pick from no matter what you love to watch. The price for Netflix depends on various aspects, including whether or not you want to include DVDs, but it can be anywhere from $7.99 to $11.99 per month. The only downside to Netflix is that recent episodes from current seasons of TV shows will not be available as soon as they are aired. Instead, you will have to wait until the entire season is added to Netflix after it is over.
- Hulu: Hulu is another famous streaming service that allows you to watch movies and various television shows on demand. The upside of Hulu is that many shows are added within 24 hours after it airs, which is much faster than Netflix. Another great benefit of Hulu is that you can download the app using Roku or a Smart TV for easy access. Hulu allows you to try their services for free so you have the chance to judge if it’s worth the $7.99 monthly rate before you subscribe.
- Amazon Prime: Amazon Prime not only gives you two-day shipping on most items on their website, but you also have access to hundreds of movies and television shows. For many high-rating shows, you can watch the episodes soon after they air. The upfront $99 annual price turns some people away, but if you break it down per month, you’re actually paying less than $10 per month.
- Sling TV: This streaming service can give you your favorite television channels without the use of a satellite dish. AMC, ESPN, TNT, and more are available using Sling TV. It’s only $20 per month, but there are options to increase your channel count by adding more channels. Why pay hundreds of dollars per month for HBO? You can get the HBO add-on to your Sling TV for only $15 extra per month. The only downside is that you need a device to access this service, but with a subscription, you can get a Roku 2 device free.
Streaming Devices
If you use online streaming services and don’t own a smart TV, you can either connect your computer to your television using an HDMI cable, or purchase one of the many streaming devices that are now on the market and designed for this very purpose. Some popular options include:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: If you are a subscriber to Amazon Prime, the Amazon Fire TV stick connects right to your television and allows you to access all of your favorite TV shows and movies with ease.
- Chromecast: The top search engine now has fantastic streaming service that is accessible by anyone—Chromecast. If your television has an HDMI port, you can access Chromecast. You’ll have access to your favorite broadcasting stations including BBC, MLB.TV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and so much more. Like the browser, you include “add-ons” to your device that allow you to access various TV channels, streaming apps, and more with the click of a button. If you already have Netflix or Hulu, you can also access these services right through Chromecast. The cost of the device is $35, and the price from there depends on how many add-ons or services you want to use.
- Apple TV: This device is everything you’d expect from an Apple product and more. Of course, you have access to Netflix and Hulu, but you can also watch HBO NOW, WatchESPN, and use iTunes. Plus, Siri is there to help guide you if you aren’t sure what you want to watch, or if you’re simply too lazy to look for the remote.
- Roku: Roku is implemented in many Smart TVs, but if you don’t own one, don’t worry! You can also purchase this device through their website or at your local Best Buy. Using Roku, you can access nearly all streaming apps as well as your cable channels. If you have cable, you can connect it to your Roku and have everything accessible from one place.
