With the latest drop in price for Hulu Plus this month, I’m wondering if these online streaming services are getting to be the last straw for consumers to drop their cable subscription and use Internet streaming. So why hasn’t it already won the hearts of consumers? Here’s a few reasons:
Bundles – Most cable companies also provide internet access. Without paying for cable, the price of the internet climbs. This can really make paying for yet another subscription more expensive if you drop cable.
Viewing Device – Most TV’s don’t come pre-bundled with a way to view Netflix or Hulu built-in. Cable companies usually include a cheap digital box that provides lots more content that Internet streaming devices.
The Food Channel (and other cable-only channels) – I can’t find any other way of watching this channel except through getting a cable subscription. I really wish they offered an alternative method of watching their channel. Until they do, the wife (and I) will not spend money on Internet streaming.
Although there are these issues, Internet streaming is becoming more popular. Devices (like Google TV) are starting to roll out in TVs and external devices. Streaming is also getting cheaper, $8.99 for Netflix and $7.99 for Hulu (pick up a Hulu Plus referral code to get a few weeks free). Stay tuned, the cable companies better do something quick, or they are going to loose out to disruptive technology.