Last updated on March 22, 2021
A common question from potential subscribers is “Will you be offering TV?”. Whip City Fiber does not provide television programming but many customers will subscribe to one or more streaming services (YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.) for watching TV, movies, and sports over a broadband internet connection. Broadband Committee member, Mary Ellen Banks, follows developments in the streaming television space and has written this overview to help subscribers understand these offerings.
Once high-speed Internet is available, you will be able to watch TV and Digital programming using a streaming interface device (e.g. AMAZON FIRE, ROKU, APPLE TV, or Google CHROMCAST). Many newer TVs are Smart TVs that include internet capabilities. There are several brands that market TVs with Amazon Fire or ROKU built-in. Streaming services are more flexible and allow you to a greater extent to customize your digital TV offerings to your viewing habits, most often at a lower cost than the traditional cable type packages. Additionally, many standalone products such as Netflix and Amazon Prime now carry many of the highly-rated TV shows and series that aren’t available on traditional TV networks.
Many have heard the term “Cutting the Cord”. In the past has meant switching from cable to TV and digital content that is streamed over the internet. Digital content that is available via the internet is growing by leaps and bounds. In addition to the streaming services such as Sling or Hulu that provide programming similar to the familiar cable packages, in the last year, several “branded” products have been introduced and more are in the pipeline. Examples of these products include DISNEY+ and NBC/Universal’s PEACOCK. These apps provide not only current programming but extensive libraries of past programs, and in addition, will offer special events and broadcasts. Others, such as CBS All Access and ABC have apps with more limited content, mainly current series and past programming, that can be downloaded onto your streaming device.
Many computer-related and consumer magazines, media related websites, and newsletters, such as PC Magazine, CNET, and Cord Cutters Weekly, publish reviews and Industry related news. These articles are extremely helpful and informative. This industry is evolving so fast that it is recommended that you always check the product’s website for the latest information before deciding to subscribe/buy. Most of the streaming services offer a free trial period.
Recently, CNET has published two articles that give an excellent overview and comparison of TV streaming services:
Best TV Streaming Service for Cord Cutters – Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling-TV and More Compared
LOCAL CHANNELS
One question that often pops up is the availability of local network channels. Due to the geography of this area, only a very few are able to take advantage of digital antennas to receive TV signals.
Most streaming services provide local content. What is available locally is determined by market area. Charlemont is located at the intersection of two television markets with the 01339 zip code designated as being in the Albany NY area and the 01370 and 01367 zip codes designated as being in the Springfield MA area. Some of the services allow you to pick what market you want for your package. The others predetermine it. To find out the latest information, please check each product’s website.
Featured Image: “365:32 – Television” by .reid. is licensed under CC BY 2.0