I’ve recently spent a lot of time downloading and watching pretty much every one of the pay multichannel streaming services. I’m talking about the ones who offer a multitude of channels that used to only be available on good old Cable or Satellite TV. Not to dive too deep into the streaming waters, but each is known as a "Virtual Multi Channel Video Programming Distributor” or vMVPD. That’s opposed to Cable or Satellite TV which removes the small "v” from the acronym. The virtual part basically means your picture is delivered over the internet as opposed to a coaxial cable connected to a box on your TV.
The major TV streaming services include DirecTV, Frndly TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV and YouTube TV. As of this writing Vidgo, another streaming service, is offline. Some don’t offer many channels but are very low-priced. Others offer a wide variety of channels including locals and regional sports networks. Each has its own user interface (which I will get into below), simultaneous screen viewing rules and the amount of video space that you can save for later viewing. Some offer add-on packages for even more channels (and money) as well as premium channels such as Max and Showtime. Others are pretty basic and you get what you get. The thing to remember is that not all vMVPDs are created equal. It’s vital that you choose the service that offers the channels, DVR space, number of screens and user interface that works for your family.
Speaking of interfaces, this is where some people throw their hands in the air and stick with more expensive Cable TV. That’s because there is a bit of a learning curve with using these services. It’s not hard, but there are those who don’t think that the savings are worth the small time it takes to learn a new interface. One of the major concerns I run into is that many like to speak into their remote in order to change channels. They are willing to pay ten dollars per month for each TV box that allows them to say, “ESPN” on their remote and have the TV change to that channel. Let’s say you have four TV’s. That’s $480 a year for the privilege and that doesn’t include local, regional sports and franchise fees - the so-called "hidden fees”. This can add another over $500 per year. The good news for people in the talk into remote camp is that there are streaming services which allow you to do just that. It works just like the cable company whose name rhymes with “Bombast”.
There is no doubt that each of these services can save you hundreds of dollars per year compared to Cable or Satellite TV. I’ve seen bills drop from over $150 to $75 a month with no loss of any of the channels that were important to that household. And that is not atypical of potential savings. The most important thing is to find the service that has the channels that you need. Then, look at the user interface (which I can teach you to use in your home) and decide if it works for your household.
Lower Tech Bills, offers a no cost or obligation Tech Check which goes through your monthly Cellular, Internet and TV costs. I will then give you my recommendations on how you can save hundreds to even thousands of dollars per year on your bills. I’ll even give you free, in-home training, should you want it. In no time, your family will be saving a lot of money every month while still watching the channels that you want. By the way, there may also be big savings on your Internet, depending on where you live.
Since I retired from Radio, I've spent my time researching Cellular, Internet and Cable/Satellite/Streaming TV costs. Armed with that knowledge, I've saved households from hundreds to even thousands of dollars per year. Please visit www.lowertechbills.com or email hmwellsradio@gmail.com for more information because you may not have time to find all the savings, but I do.
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