SHARK BITES – Alternative Measures to Cable Gouging
I have a question for all of you? How many of you like saving money? Silly question, I know… Well, have you ever felt like you were being “taken” by cable company prices that seem to get higher and higher and higher??!! When is paying too much for cable enough? I, like many consumers, are a bit “over it”, with these price packages, fees, and additional fees. It seems like we get taxed for everything under the sky! To top it off— we also get stuck in 2-year contracts. If we manage to make it to the end of a 2-year contract, we may have the option to start the cycle all over again. Lucky us! Not! If you decide to go a “No Contract” route at the end of the contract, you may be charged up to $20 or more just for not wanting to be in a contract. Now is that fair? You gave your cable provider (albeit kicking and screaming) 2 years of your hard earned money, and now you’re being told you can break away— for a fee. Can you say “strong arm” anyone?
I’ve been doing a little researching on alternative ways to view television and cable shows, rather than view from the traditional cable companies and satellite TV way. Hulu/Hulu Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Sling TV just may be the way to go. If you’re like me— you’ll be saying “hello savings” and “goodbye contracts”!! You will find informative options to weigh against your current cable subscriptions as follows:
Hulu: Cost—- Free Subscription with Ads
Type: Online Video Service Subscription
Offers: Create an account at Hulu.com. Selection of TV Shows, Clips, Full episodes, Movies and More for subscribers
How It Works: Instantly stream current and in-season episodes of primetime television shows
Availability: Only to users in the United States and its overseas territories
Formats: Video in Flash Video format, including many films and shows that are available in 288p, 360p, 480p, and in some cases, 720p or 1080p HD.
Hulu Plus: Cost— $7.99 with Minimal Ads; 1-Week Free Trial
Type: Online Video Service Subscription
Offers: Create an account at: Hulu.com/Plus for PREMIUM PROGRAMMING accessibility anytime.
Billing: According to Hulu’s Terms of Use— “By providing a credit card or other payment method accepted by Hulu (“Payment Method”) for your Hulu Plus subscription, you are expressly agreeing that we are authorized to charge you a monthly subscription fee, any other fees for additional services you may purchase, and any applicable taxes in connection with your use of Hulu Plus to the Payment Method.” Note: You are automatically billed each month on the calendar day corresponding to the commencement of your subscription (each such month, a “Monthly Period”)
Streaming: On internet-connected TVs, set top boxes game consoles, smartphones, and additional devices in HD (when available)
Filters: Currently On Air; Captions; HD
Devices: You can find a host of compatible devices here.
*Disclaimer: Hulu Plus currently doesn’t have the rights to make all shows on Hulu.com available on all devices and are working hard to continue clearing shows for TV and mobile accessibility
Netflix: Cost— Plans Start at $7.99; Free 1 Month Trial w/ Cancellation at the End of the Month—Credit/Debit Card Required)
Type: On-Demand Internet Streaming
Offers: Create an account at Netflix.com. Subscribers stream media over the Internet to any items accepting a Netflix app, such as your Computer, TV or Internet Connected Blu-ray Players, iOS Devices – iPhone/iPad, Cell Phone, HDTV, Home Theater System, MAC, Mobile, PS3, Set-Top Box, Tablet, Wii, and Xbox 360;
DVD Options: Receive DVDs by mail for $9.99 a month by selecting movies and TV episodes you want to receive. This will be considered your queue. Once you return your DVD, the next DVD on your queue will be mailed. Shipping is included both ways. You can watch your DVD for as long as you like. There are no late fees.
Billing: You will be billed once per month on the date that you originally signed up
Perks: There are thousands of movies and television show episodes that are available with NO COMMERCIALS, and many with HD streaming. Plus, you can watch, pause, rewind, fast forward or re-watch your shows as often as you like. Depending on your membership plan will decipher the number of devices that you may be allowed to instantly watch simultaneously
Speed: 0.5 megabits per second is the minimum requirement. However, a faster connection will improve video quality
Cancellation: Subscribers can cancel online anytime; No commitments Note: Memberships AUTOMATICALLY RENEW if you do not take any action to cancel.
Amazon Prime – Free with Prime Subscription
If you are an Amazon Prime Member, make sure to to take advantage of Amazon Prime Instant Video, which is very similar to Netflix! There is no additional cost to you to use it if you are a Prime member!
Sling TV— $20.00 a Month; 1-Week Free Trial
Type: Live TV without a cable company. You can watch news, sports, weather, and much more live on your television, tablet, computer, or phone. Plus, you can watch the best new releases, classics and blockbuster movies on demand.
Offers: Create an account at Sling.com.
Billing: Sling TV customers are billed monthly in advance at the beginning of your 30-day service period. Automatic payment deductions from any valid debit or credit card on a monthly basis.
Devices: Supports Android tablets and phones; Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick; Google Nexus Player; iOS Devices – iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch; PC and Mac; Roku players and Streaming Stick; Roku TV models; and Xbox One Note: You must download the Sling TV app to watch on your MAC. Also, it must have OSX Snow Leopard (10.6) or newer.
Speed: A streaming video player or downloaded the Sling TV App on your computer tablet or phone will give you the best way to watch on your Sling TV.
Sling International: Available international using the DishWorld App
Perks: There are no limits to the number of devices you can stream on with Sling TV. Although you are able to stream on all these devices abovementioned, you may only stream Sling TV on one device at a time. Note: When you add HBO® to your subscription you can stream HBO® content on 3 devices simultaneously; Sling International customers have the option to stream international content on up to three devices at a time at an additional cost. Sling TV is available to people residing in apartment complexes, high-rise buildings, condominiums, or homes, and works anywhere with a high-speed internet connection.
Cancellation: Subscribers can cancel online anytime; No commitments Note: Memberships AUTOMATICALLY RENEW if you do not take any action to cancel.
All the above companies have a variety of entertainment platforms that are sure to please you, your family, and friends. Whichever you choose, I believe you’ll be truly satisfied, and your budget will be happy with you, as well.
Sharky wants to know:
- What is the highest cable bill you have ever paid?
- Do prefer 2-YEAR CONTRACTS or NO CONTRACT deals?
- Did you find this information to be helpful in making a decision to keep or leave your current cable plan?
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
