Cutting the cable cord | What the Tech?

Jamey Tucker | KOB

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WHAT THE TECH?) — Over the past few years, more than half of all Americans have cut the cable cord, switching to streaming only.

Most do it to save money but it might not be for everyone.

You might save money by cutting cable or satellite TV and going the YouTube TV or Hulu route. But cutting the cord is not for everyone. In fact, some people will absolutely hate it for these reasons.

  • The remote and menu are nothing like cable

You can control the channels with your smart TV remote, or the remote that comes with a Roku, FireStick, or Chromecast.

Notice anything? They’re a lot smaller than cable remotes with fewer buttons. There’s no “previous” or “last” button.

Changing channels requires going back to the menu and finding the other channel. That’s a big deal for sports fans switching between games, it’s not nearly as fast.

  • There are no channel numbers on YouTube TV or Hulu

You can set up the menu to place your favorite channels near the top. Or else, you’ll need to scroll, and scroll, and scroll to find the one you’re looking for.

  • Startup is slower

Turning on a cable-connected TV is instant. Streaming must load, connect to the internet and then display the menu.

  • You might need to upgrade your WiFi router and your internet plan

This makes sense if you have multiple TVs streaming in 4K.

  • You might not save as much money as you think

In the past couple of years, YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV have raised prices.

Over the past few years, more than half of all Americans have cut the cable cord, switching to streaming only but it may not be for everyone.

The Hulu Plus Live TV is raising its subscription rate to $77 a month. Meanwhile, YouTube TV has raised prices to $73 a month.

Most people have adjusted to the changes. If you’re a creature of habit who hates change, you should take advantage of free trials before you actually cut the cable cord.

The FCC is now considering a requirement that would regulate streaming services, just like they regulate cable companies. That could also force YouTube TV, Hulu and others to raise prices, again.

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