Are you one the hundreds of thousands of Canadians that have cut the cord (and bill) on cable television? According to CBC, Canada’s major publicly-traded TV service providers lost a record number of subscribers in 2016. Those companies lost 202,000 TV subscribers in the past fiscal year, compared to 160,000 in 2015. What do you think the numbers will look like for 2017?
So what are people doing without cable?
Netflix
Netflix is an American entertainment company founded in August 1997. Specializing and providing on-demand online television shows and video, as of October 2017, Netflix had 109.25 million subscribers worldwide. That’s right, for $8.99 a month you have access to hundreds of movies and shows and has become the most popular option when it comes to cable alternatives.
Netflix also does more than just provide your favourite TV shows and movies, but it also started producing its own content in 2013, with its first series, House of Cards. From there, Netflix has only grown and now offers “Netflix Original” content through its online library of films and television. In 2016, Netflix released an estimated 126 original series or films which is more than any other network or cable channel.
Before becoming a global media company and coming to Canada in 2010, Netflix’s initial business model included DVD sales and rentals! Who would have thought!
What is an Android box and how do they work? Well, an Android box is simply a TV box that runs on the Android operating system. This would be the same operating system as the one running on your smartphone or tablet. And just like how you use your tablet or smartphone, you can run most (if not all) of those apps on your Android TV box. The best part about the Android box is there is so much content, and with so many options of streams to choose from.
While we’re talking about streaming, Google Chromecast has found a way to stream from any device to your TV. That’s right, for only $45, Chromecast is a media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. Simply use your mobile device and the TV that you already own to cast your favourite TV shows, movies, music, sports, games and more. The best part is that Chromecast works with all products, yes even Apple! And not only do they have one for TV, but there is one to stream your music too!
Have you cut the cable? If so, how do you watch your favourite shows? Let us know in the comments below!
