There is an awful lot of noise coming out about how the way we consume television is changing. Traditional TV, they insist, is a dying breed. And with a lot of options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Thanks to the digital changeover, there have never been more ways to watch TV than there is now. Here are a few of the most reliable methods.
Conventional
While trends are undoubtedly evolving, the conventional way to watch television is not yet redundant. There is still a demand for live TV, and so providers keep their cable services running. Simultaneously, they offer other methods, but a normal TV package could be your best bit if you’re a regular watcher.
The prices can rack up, but by and large, it’s worth the investment. You’ll obviously need your standard hardware, such as your HD television and cable box. On top of that, you’ll need a TV aerial installation and TV license.
On Demand
Many of the biggest channels are now seeing the value in On Demand services. The vast majority of them offer this kind of service alongside their regular programming. It is not yet a replacement for conventional TV, but rather a supplement. It was born out of the idea of “catch-up TV,” when you could revisit a show you’d missed when it originally aired.
Most On Demand services are free provided you have a television license, and can be accessed through your TV or computer. The biggest benefit of this method is that you get to pick and choose what and when you want to watch from a vast library of shows. A good idea if you aren’t prepared to commit to a strict schedule.
Streaming
This has taken on a life of its own in recent years, thanks to the offerings of the likes of Netflix and Hulu+. With thousands of movies and TV shows in their libraries, it’s a fantastic way to find new things to watch. They’re relatively inexpensive to sign up for. You just need a monthly subscription to the platform of your choice.
A massive benefit of streaming services is that you can browse for new things to watch via categories. Or even receive recommendations based on your viewing habits. It shows just how far modern technology has come. Most people have a Netflix subscription, for example, in addition to their regular TV package.
Apps
You’ve heard that old expression, right? There’s an app for that. And it’s true. There are apps for almost anything you could possibly imagine. Now, that includes television. The new Smart TVs are thought to be the future of our viewing habits. They’re going to change the way we think about television forever.
Much like the smartphone has dominated our culture over the last decade, it’s maybe a good idea to jump on this bandwagon now. These applications give you total control over how, what, and when you watch. They include a wide range of services; mostly a combination of all of the above. Perhaps the priciest inclusion on this list, but one that may be worth the investment if you’re a TV enthusiast.