Is Cable Even Worth It Anymore? - BBallcoach's Blog

BBallcoach's Blog

Is Cable Even Worth It Anymore?

Posted on February 19, 2013 at 02:24 AM.

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I haven't had cable for over 2 years now and I don't miss it. It all started with a conversation with a comcast representative about just wanting to have HD channels. Just to get HD at the time (and last time I checked it's still this way) I had to pay for 200+ channels I didn't want. I told the rep "look I just want HD why can't I just pay for what I want to use?". Of course being a customer service rep he didn't have the answers, nor did I fault him, how was he suppose to know? It was then when apps started appearing on xbox and ps3 to stream netflix and a newer service called hulu. I cancelled my cable right then. There was one thing missing. Sports.

Recently I bought a 42" Vizio LED smart tv (man it's great, looks amazing and I like having the apps on the tv and not having to worry about over-working the consoles.) and with all the streaming services I don't see how cable will eventually survive. I recently (like as of 30 min ago) signed up for amazon prime, I also have hulu and netflix as well that I pay for. The total for the year is $270. My average cable bill to have the sports channels (MLB network, NFL network and NBA TV) was over $120/month. I've saved over $2,300 in the past two years alone not having cable alone. But like I said I was missing one thing, live sports.

I resorted to streaming websites (which I will not publish) that works but it's not beautiful HD (quality is getting better, though). Until last year when I could get all 4 major sports through a combo of my xbox and ps3 by purchasing the season tickets for each sport. NFL season ticket on the PS3 was $349 (how they get away with it, I don't know) NBA League Pass broadband is $125 for the season, MLB.tv broadband is $125 for the season and the NHL is $50 for broadband (I think due to the lockout and the broadband is for internet stream only, thus letting you use your console). That's $650 this year extra for sports (didn't get any so far). So add the other apps ($270) that is $920/ year (average that over the two years when I saved $2300 and you'd still save $500 not having cable) or $76/month.. I don't watch hockey and I can watch the NFL on regular tv with my digital antenna and drop that price even lower.

Now I will say I do have a loop hole I currently use. I love HBO shows and I have hbogo on my xbox. I still have a comcast email on my parents' account from years ago (this also allows me to use watchespn on xbox too, to watch sportscenter), which enables me to use HBOgo and Comcast Xfinity on the xbox. But with that said, I could easily download those HBO shows (legally or illegally) and still be cheaper than cable. The only thing missing is sportscenter, but I can watch highlight on the ESPN app on xbox and not miss anything (that's not having linked to a cable email either).

I see these services to start affecting cable costs with in the next 2-3 years. Plenty of my friends and family only have internet and watch shows through amazon, netflix and hulu. With people doing that it will have to start making a dent. Plus with Netflix now making (great) original series why not use the service?

With the internet becoming more and more the leading way people get their everyday news, shop for grocery and non grocery items, connect with loved ones and now watching shows I don't see how cable and satellite companies can keep the old structures and still keep profiting.

But what does this mean for the sports leagues? How about this idea. Keep their networks and offer a digital subscription. I personally would pay $7.99-$9.99/month for NFL network, MLB network and NBA tv (those plus on demand features in the app) each, to watch on my xbox, ps3 or smart tv. And that's on top of my amazon, hulu and netflix. Give me the options and flexibility to watch what I want and I'll gladly pay for it and still not have to rely on cable and all those ads.

As always what do you guys think? Continue the conversation in the comments.