Ever since the rise of the internet, how people access content has been rapidly transforming. Today, many advanced streaming devices like Roku have come up. Through them, accessing popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has become effortless. It also implies that you can get a range of content.
With these streaming devices, viewers can choose various app categories. These include on-demand streaming services and live TV channels. Contrarily, traditional TV streaming is regarded by many as cheaper than other streaming options.
So, which one should you choose? This article will look more closely at on-demand streaming versus traditional TV. By the end of it, you’ll find yourself better positioned to make the choice between the two.
1.Availability of Content
On-demand streaming services make available popular videos and other content at all times to the targeted viewers. The only requirement is a device having an internet connection that can use the streaming service’s website or app. Today, there are various free on-demand streaming services like BeeTV and Tubi that you can access completely for free.
On these services on your streaming device, you can access a range of content you cannot through traditional TV. For instance, when you know how to install BeeTV, you can access a huge catalog of movies and shows in HD and SD quality. BeeTV fetches numerous streaming links for the video you request, giving you various choices. The app’s easy-to-use interface makes your viewing experience more enjoyable.
Contrarily, with traditional TV, you do not have much choice regarding the content variety. It requires you to adhere to scheduled programming and restricted accessibility of content. Thus, you cannot exercise as much flexibility with regard to content consumption as with an on-demand streaming service.
2. Access to Content Without Ads
At first glance, it seems there isn’t much difference between on-demand streaming services and traditional TV regarding ads. There are many ad-supported on-demand services with ad breaks within movies and shows. These ads are there in exchange for offering free content. However, you can block ads on devices by choosing another DNS provider. There are also some apps that help you with this. Thus, you can enjoy ad-free entertainment.
In contrast, it is not possible to watch shows on traditional TV without ads. This is especially true for shows with a high TRP rating. These shows have ad breaks very frequently, which dampens the viewing experience.
3. Device Requirement
With on-demand streaming services, you aren’t restricted to a single device. This is unlike traditional TV. You can watch your favorite on-demand content on any device. So, whether you are at the gym with just a phone or on a commuting with a tablet in your hands, you can access the desired content. All you need is a device with a stable internet connection.
So, an on-demand service makes it easy to stream diverse content on an assortment of devices. This isn’t the case with traditional cable TV.
4. Cost of Accessing Content
Subscribing to on-demand streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix is cheaper than a cable TV package. In cases of streaming services with a higher subscription, the cost is outweighed by the variety of content. Moreover, an on-demand streaming service can also help you save money as you carefully assess what you pay for.
Moreover, many on-demand services like BeeTV, Crackle, and PlutoTV, among others, are fully free.
5. Presence of Contracts
Excluding DIRECTV stream, no other on-demand streaming service binds customers to an annual contract. You can pay monthly for accessing content. This is a huge relief for those who are unsure of their availability to access content throughout the year.
But this is not the case with traditional satellite and cable TV service. These services lock customers in a one or two-year contract. Some providers also increase their prices after the first few years of the contract.
Concluding Words
There are significant differences between on-demand streaming services and traditional TV. Both have their own customer base. However, with increasing digitalization and the emergence of on-demand services, people are inclining more toward the latter. Features like the accessibility of content on any device at any time and a more personalized viewing experience are mainly responsible for this shift.