Streaming Essay

952 Words2 Pages

Streaming video content over the internet continues to grow in popularity with consumers for a variety of reasons, including the widespread availability of high speed internet, attractive video content, easy to use video streaming devices and the rising cost of cable television service. Some consumers use streaming video to enhance or supplement the typical offerings available from their local cable provider. Others take a more extreme approach and use streaming video as a means to eliminate the need for a cable television subscription altogether. Presently consumers cancelling their cable TV subscriptions are still considered a minority of all subscribers; nevertheless their steadily increasing numbers have earned the moniker of “cord cutters.” …show more content…

Some are dedicated boxes that connect to your television such as the Apple TV or Roku set top boxes. The primary purpose of this type of device is delivering digital content and they are as simple to use as your television or Digital Video Recorder. Gamers are also in luck, since game consoles such as the Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Wii support video streaming as a secondary role. The list of video capable devices goes on to include smart televisions, computers, DVRs, Blu-ray players, iPads, Android tablets and smart phones. In reality, most viewers may already own several devices suitable for their streaming entertainment needs. For viewers new to streaming video deciding which device is the best choice for them will be determined by price, features and the availability of their desired …show more content…

The Digital Video Recorder used in modern entertainment systems can now be replaced with an easy to use streaming video devices. As the online video libraries grow to include more content, eventually streaming set top boxes will provide this functionality, without the need to schedule recordings or manage space used by previous recordings. One additional advantage, often referred to as TV Anywhere, allows viewing of online content from a variety of devices, as long as an Internet connection is available.
Now the real motivation that drives many Americans to consider these alternative options is money. According to the Federal Communications Commission, expanded basic cable rates have increased at a rate of approximately 6% per year since 1995. This is double the Consumer Price Index of 2.9%, and does not include charges for equipment, fees and taxes. Therefore, if cable prices continue to rise at double the rate of other consumer goods, it stands to reason that more shoppers will consider alternative sources for their video entertainment. ("REPORT ON CABLE INDUSTRY PRICES"

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