Cord Cutting: Is Buying Episodes Online Cheaper Than Cable?
The Declining Relevance of Traditional Cable Television
The traditional model of cable TV is increasingly becoming obsolete. Monthly costs continue to rise, yet a significant portion of the offered channels remain unwatched by the average subscriber.
Furthermore, viewing preferences are often dictated by the established broadcast schedule, or require the use of a dedicated DVR for time-shifted viewing.
Exploring Alternatives to Cable
Purchasing individual episodes or utilizing online streaming TV services can frequently represent a more economical alternative to a comprehensive cable package.
The overall cost-effectiveness, however, is contingent upon specific viewing habits and the current expense of your existing cable subscription.
A thorough evaluation of your entertainment needs is essential to determine the most financially prudent approach.
- Consider the number of shows you actively watch.
- Compare the cost of individual episodes versus monthly cable fees.
- Investigate the availability of desired content on various streaming platforms.
We will provide a detailed overview of the factors to consider when making this decision.
The Rising Cost of Cable Television
Determining the precise expense of cable television requires a detailed examination of your individual billing statement. The total cost of cable services is subject to fluctuation, influenced by factors such as the number of channels subscribed to, the presence of bundled services like internet and phone, your chosen provider, and your geographical location.
Because of these variables, each subscriber's bill will differ. A clear understanding of your own expenses is crucial for accurately assessing the financial impact of your cable subscription.
Average Cable TV Costs in the United States
Data from The NPD Group indicates that the average monthly expenditure on pay-TV services in the United States was $86 in 2011. This figure represents a historical benchmark for comparison.
NPD Group forecasts suggest a continuing upward trend in pricing. They predicted an average monthly bill of $123 by 2015 and a substantial increase to $200 per month by the year 2020. This demonstrates a consistent escalation in the cost of cable TV over time.
Consequently, cable television is becoming increasingly expensive for consumers nationwide.
Understanding these cost projections can help individuals evaluate their entertainment options and make informed decisions regarding their pay-TV subscriptions.
Options for Accessing Television Content
Let's explore the various methods for watching television over the internet. Several distinct types of TV streaming services are currently available to consumers.
- Purchasing Episodes and Seasons: Individual TV episodes can be acquired through platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. Alternatively, complete seasons are available for purchase, often at a reduced rate. Generally, standard definition (SD) video quality is less expensive than high-definition (HD). A key benefit is immediate access to episodes following their initial broadcast, and purchased content is permanently owned.
However, this approach typically proves more costly than subscribing to an all-you-can-watch streaming service.
- Subscription-Based Streaming: Services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video, and Hulu Plus operate on a subscription model. For a fixed monthly fee – for instance, $8 with Netflix – users gain unlimited access to a vast library of TV shows and movies.
Consider the example of Breaking Bad: watching all five seasons via Netflix for a month would cost $8, compared to approximately $145 for purchasing all episodes on iTunes. Even over a year, the total cost for Netflix ($96) remains lower, while also providing access to additional content.
Amazon Prime offers a similar service, though with a smaller selection. Hulu Plus, conversely, incorporates advertising despite the monthly subscription fee.
- Free Streaming with Commercials: Certain TV shows are made available for online streaming shortly after their initial airing, at no cost to the viewer. The trade-off is the inclusion of commercial breaks.
Hulu provides some free content with advertisements. Additionally, full episodes of programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report can be found on their respective official websites, as well as on the websites of various television networks.
Episode Costs: A Breakdown
When purchasing through iTunes, anticipate spending approximately $2.99 to $3.49 for an episode in HD quality. Standard Definition episodes typically range from $1.99 to $2.49.
A more economical option is to acquire a season pass, granting access to an entire season at a reduced cost. The exact price of a season pass fluctuates based on the number of episodes included.
Availability and Purchase Options
Certain television series remain exclusively available for individual episode purchases, even after considerable time has passed. This means streaming access may not be possible.
As an illustration, older seasons of the acclaimed show Game of Thrones are not currently offered on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
However, all episodes of Game of Thrones can still be purchased individually through the iTunes store.
Purchasing vs. Streaming
The availability of shows often dictates whether purchasing episodes is the only viable method of access. Streaming services may not always hold the rights to distribute specific content.
Therefore, platforms like iTunes provide a consistent avenue for obtaining desired episodes, regardless of streaming limitations.
Cost Comparison: Cable vs. Streaming
Determining whether alternatives are more affordable than traditional cable television is contingent upon viewing habits and the timeliness of desired content. Individuals who prioritize watching new television programs as they premiere may find cable to be the more economical option.
Conversely, those whose entertainment consists primarily of older shows accessible through platforms like Netflix stand to realize significant savings by foregoing cable in favor of streaming services. A limited annual viewing schedule could also be satisfied by purchasing individual shows or accessing them via streaming, further reducing expenses.
The precise point at which streaming becomes cheaper is unique to each household, influenced by cable bill costs, the quantity of shows watched, and the availability of those shows on various platforms. A comprehensive list of desired programs, coupled with research into their accessibility and associated costs, is recommended.
Combining episodic purchases with subscriptions to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime often proves to be a more cost-effective strategy than relying solely on platforms like iTunes. This blended approach can maximize savings.
For instance, consider a monthly cable bill of $86. Purchasing two television show seasons at $40 each per month – with some seasons potentially costing less – would still leave funds available for a Netflix subscription. However, this is a simplified illustration; a personalized analysis based on actual viewing preferences is essential.
Locating Streaming and Purchase Options for Shows
Related: The Limitations of Smart TVs: Why a Dedicated Streaming Device May Be Preferable
JustWatch is a platform that enables users to locate TV series and films and determine where they can be streamed or digitally purchased. Utilizing a site like this streamlines the process considerably, proving more efficient than individually checking each streaming service.
Roku streaming devices also incorporate a universal search function. This feature permits searching across all channels available on the Roku device to identify content availability for a specific show or movie. However, it's important to note that iTunes support is absent, meaning not all services will be reflected in the search results.
Currently, this functionality is restricted to Roku users within the United States and is not accessible in Canada.
We extend our gratitude to wilsontp on the forums for the inspiration behind this piece. It is our intention that the information provided will empower you to evaluate the financial implications of transitioning away from traditional cable television.
Image Source: Alyssa & Colin on Flickr