Streaming TV Services
Streaming TV: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Streaming services have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and ease of use. They have disrupted traditional media industries, such as cable TV and physical media sales, because they offer a more affordable and customizable alternative to conventional distribution channels.
Streaming Services in a Nutshell
Streaming services are online platforms that provide users the chance to enjoy a wide range of digital media content, such as movies and TV shows, over the internet. These services offer users the convenience of watching or listening to their favorite content from any device with an internet connection without having to download or store entire files locally.
There are several types of streaming services available, including:
- Subscription-based services – These services require users to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to access their content library.
- Ad-supported services – Such services offer free access to content, but advertisements appear as users watch or listen.
- Pay-per-view services – With this service type, users can rent or purchase specific content for a one-time fee.
- Live streaming services – These services provide live streaming of events such as sports games, concerts, and news broadcasts.
How Streaming Services Work
Streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume media by offering a vast library of content that users can access anytime, anywhere, on any device with an internet connection. The content includes movies and TV shows, and more. Here's how these services typically work:
- Streaming services acquire the rights to stream or license content from studios, labels, production houses, and independent creators.
- The acquired content is then digitized and encoded into various formats suitable for streaming.
- The encoded content goes onto cloud servers or data centers, usually distributed across multiple geographic locations for faster access and higher availability.
- Users create accounts and authenticate their credentials to access content on a streaming service. They will pay subscription fees to continue enjoying the service.
- When a user requests to watch or listen to a particular title, the streaming service sends relevant chunks of encoded content to the user's device in real-time, utilizing adaptive streaming technology to optimize quality and minimize buffering.
- Users enjoy personalized content recommendations according to their viewing history and search queries.
Streamable Programming
Streamable programming refers to digital media content users can stream online through a service or platform. Here's an explanation of two broad categories of shows you will enjoy when you contract a streaming service:
Live Content
Many streaming services provide television programming as companies are broadcasting them in real time. Therefore, viewers can watch live shows during the production and airing without experiencing delays. Live TV programming can include news, sports events, concerts, talk shows, and other programs broadcast at a specific time. Streaming services often offer access to live TV channels from a variety of networks, including major broadcast networks, cable channels, and sports networks.
The availability of live TV through streaming services has disrupted traditional cable and satellite TV models, offering viewers more flexibility and choice in how they access and consume TV programming. Live TV streaming services also often include features such as cloud DVR, which allows users to record live TV programming for later viewing.
On-Demand Content
On-demand content is available for users to access and watch at any time they choose, rather than at a specific time. It includes TV shows and movies accessible through streaming services. On-demand content rests on servers and travels over the internet to users' devices when they request it. Therefore, viewers can watch their favorite titles at their convenience. They do not have to wait for a specific broadcast time or purchase physical media.
One of the advantages of on-demand content is that it is highly customizable and flexible. Users can absorb TV shows and movies on a variety of devices, pause, rewind, or fast-forward as needed, and even download content for offline enjoyment.
On-demand content has given rise to a new era of digital media consumption. With the latest abundance of streaming services, users now have access to a vast library of content tailored to their individual tastes and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Streaming Services
Streaming services have become incredibly popular. However, like any technology or service, they have both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Wide Content Selection – On streaming services, you can enjoy a vast selection of TV shows, movies, music, and other content live or on demand.
- Convenience – Unlike traditional cable TV, you can watch content on your own schedule. You don't have to stick to your TV, either. Streaming services cover a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- No Interruptions – Many streaming services offer ad-free content, or at the very least, the option to watch without ad interruptions.
- Affordable Pricing – Streaming services don't come with high monthly bills and installation fees. They are generally more affordable than traditional cable or satellite TV options.
Cons
- Internet Requirement – To stream videos, you need a reliable and fast internet connection. You won't enjoy streaming if you live with slow or spotty internet service.
- Subscription Fees – While streaming services are generally more affordable than traditional TV packages, you still need to pay for them.
- Limited (Latest) Content Access – Streaming services may not have access to the latest movies or TV shows.
- Content Overload – With so much content available on streaming services, it can be difficult to decide what to watch. You may spend more time browsing than actually consuming content.
Streaming TV: An Increasingly Popular Alternative to Traditional Media Channels
Streaming video has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional media channels such as cable and satellite TV. It allows viewers to access their favorite live TV shows and movies on-demand, anytime and anywhere, using a variety of devices such as smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
The popularity of streaming has led to a shift in the media industry, with many traditional media channels now offering their content through streaming services. Additionally, the rise of streaming TV has increased competition among streaming services, resulting in more options and better pricing for consumers.
Now, lets take a look into some of the Streaming TV options available.
DIRECTV Streaming, Xfinity Flex, Sling TV – Great Streaming Options
Nowadays, people are more and more prepared to cut the cord and move on from cable TV. It seems like a natural step in the evolution of how people consume content. That said, there’s been a lot of contention surrounding this issue. After all, streaming is still a relatively new phenomenon, and cable has been around for decades. Also, keep in mind that there is just a Streaming action, and Live TV Streaming. The first one can be streaming a movie from Netflix or some other on-demand library. But Live TV Streaming is as it says, LIVE programming.
Many companies are doing their best to make streaming the new norm for every household. Some of those are DIRECTV Streaming , Flex Streaming by Xfinity, and Sling TV. In the ever-growing streaming market in United States, these two providers are standing strong.
DIRECTV Streaming
DIRECTV Streaming is a streaming based TV service by DIRECTV. DIRECTV is a major contender when it comes to live TV and streaming.
This service offers a lot of channel options, and their packages, if on a pricier spectrum, are extensive and hard to compete with. They also provide a True Cloud DVR feature that lets subscribers record unlimited hours of live TV and watch it any time they want.
DIRECTV Streaming Plans
One of the great things about DIRECTV Streaming is that users can get access to the local channels depending on where they live. On their website you can search available local channels if you give them your zip code. But that’s just one of the benefits of using their services. So, what are their featured streaming plans and their prices?
The company advertises four of their most popular packages. But there are seven in total, including the plan with Spanish-speaking channels. The featured four plans are:
- ENTERTAINMENT
- CHOICE™
- ULTIMATE
- PREMIER
The Spanish package options are:
- DEPORTES
- ESPAÑOL
There are two more DIRECTV Streaming packages:
- Plus
- Max
They both include HBO, and the Max plan even includes Cinemax.
An important thing worth mentioning here is that pricing and programing are subject to change, and these are the prices listed at the time of this writing.
The HBO channel is included in all DIRECTV Streaming plans, but there are also exclusive channel add-ons subscribers can purchase in order to customize their plans.
- HBO – $16.99 per month
- Cinemax – $10.99 per month
- Showtime – $12.99 per month
- STARZ – $10.99 per month
- MGM+ – $6.99 per month
- Movies Extra pack – $4.99 per month
Supported Devices
When talking about streaming services, there’s always the question of how accessible they are across platforms. The good news is that DIRECTV Streaming is available pretty much on any device. You can watch it on Roku and Apple TV, for example. When it comes to Amazon Fire TV, the supported devices have to be from the second generation and above.
But one of the significant benefits of streaming is that you can do it from anywhere. So, naturally, DIRECTV Streaming is supported on most mobile devices. As far as iOS goes, it's supported from version 9 and above. And Android devices from version 4.4 and above are also supported, including Kindle Fire.
For the complete list visit the DIRECTV Streaming Equipment page.
Interface
Leaning about streaming plans, prices, and supported devices mean making an informed decision about whether to subscribe or not. But there’s another thing that could help potential subscribers make a decision. What kind of features and interface does DIRECTV Streaming have? The viewing experience is, ultimately, all about the quality.
The DIRECTV Streaming interface works really well on newer devices, and it's quite responsive. Sure, some smaller issues may occur with older devices, but that's to be expected. The image quality is clear and sharp, and there are no other major issues.
► Learn more about DIRECTV STREAM
Xfinity Streaming
With the Xfinity Internet Service, the first Xfinity Flex streaming TV Box comes as an optional addition. To enjoy this TV streaming service, besides the Xfinity internet, you need a TV with an available HDMI port. Some of the features of this straeming service are:
- Get 15,000+ hours of hit movies, current shows, timeless films, and timely updates with Peacock Premium included for no additional cost.
- Brings together top apps and networks including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Max, Spotify and more.
- Get over 10,000 free movies and TV shows, including 200 channels from free apps like XUMO, Pluto and Tubi.
- It’s easier than ever to search across your apps, all in one place with the award-winning Xfinity Voice Remote.
- Easy set up. Just plug in and connect to your Xfinity Internet to start streaming in seconds.
- Access live sports and news through free apps like Cheddar News and ESPN3.
- Xfinity is constantly adding more apps to Xfinity Flex, so you’ll never run out of something to watch.
► Learn more about Xfinity TV services
Sling TV
Sling TV has the right to boast because it was the first live TV streaming service. The company, which is the subsidiary of DISH Network, was a sort of trailblazer when it started operating back in 2015. Sling TV is available on TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. They offer live TV and many On Demand channels.
Sling TV Streaming Plans
When it comes to streaming TV packages, Sling TV tends to keep things simple. They have two basic plans and a further combination of the two.
- Sling Orange – 33 channels for $30 per month (first month $20)
- Sling Blue – 48 channels $30 per month (first month $20)
- Orange + Blue – 51 channels for $35 per month (first month $35)
Clearly, Sling Orange and Sling Blue have the same price, so what’s the catch? Sling Blue doesn’t include ESPN and Disney. But it allows up to three streams at the same time. Sling Orange does have Disney and ESPN but allows for only one stream at a time.
Supported Devices
To use Sling TV, you first have to go to Sling TV and create an account. After that, users can install the Sling TV app and watch their content. When it comes to supported devices, things look pretty great. Subscribers can watch Sling TV on all Android mobile devices, and the same applies to iOS devices.
It’s also supported by Roku TV, Apple TV, LG TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TV. The only devices where Sling TV is unavailable are Xbox, PlayStation, and pre-2015 Apple TV.
Interface
Sling TV has a very intuitive and easy to navigate interface. It's not too different from Netflix. Looking for TV shows and movies are relatively easy using the search bar. You can choose the favorite shows and movies and also continue watching where you left off. Sling TV also offers 10 hours of DVR storage, but users can purchase extra 50 hours for $5. Also, Sling TV does have commercials that users can't skip or remove.
Is Streaming TV Better Than Cable TV?
Naturally, Cable TV and Streaming TV are in heavy competition. People who might be considering cutting the cord because it seems like an appealing idea might find themselves undecided. But what are the main advantages of streaming?
One of the major bonuses is that you can keep to your own schedules. Sure, cable providers offer DVR solutions and recording options, but sitting down and playing your favorite episode with just a few clicks, sounds pretty amazing.
Have you heard of "binge-watching"? Well, streaming services have made that into a daily reality for many people. On a cold winter’s night, going through an entire season of a brand-new show is one of the best ways to pass the time.
On a more serious note, unless you subscribe to every streaming provider on the market, watching stream TV is more affordable. People usually stick to one or two services that satisfy all their TV watching needs.
Choose Your Streaming TV Champion
It's impossible to consider Streaming TV without considering what DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV have to offer. Not only is their content available on almost every platform one can imagine, but they both also provide Cloud-based DVR services.
Sling TV is definitely a cheaper option, but DIRECTV STREAM comes packed with so many premium channels that subscribers are unlikely to miss anything in terms of content. So, when it comes to cutting the cord, these two providers are ready to jump in and fill the void.
For more Streaming TV providers, check our Live TV Streaming page. Also, here is the list with direct links for those provider's pages:
