When it comes to television, nothing beats the big screen, with surround sound and a clear picture. But even if you’re not quite as high-tech, there are some serious benefits to premium TV channels that might make them worth considering when shopping for TV service in your area.
Pro 1: Better TV Guide Options
One of the benefits of subscribing to premium television is that you’re getting more channels, which means more options. The TV guide options are better, too. With all those extra choices, it’s easy to find what you want to watch and see when it airs. You can even plan ahead.
Pro 2: Multiple Channels Under One Subscription
Subscribing to premium television channels can be a great decision for you because it allows you to watch multiple channels at once. You can watch different channels on different devices and even on your phone or tablet.
This is a wonderful way to make sure that you’re getting more value out of the money spent on these subscriptions, as well as adding some variety to your viewing experience.
Pro 3: Watch on Multiple Devices
Another advantage of subscribing to premium television channels is that you can watch the content on multiple devices. If you have a TV, computer, tablet and/or phone, you are able to watch your favorite shows anywhere at any time. You can even go on vacation and still watch your favorite shows while sitting by the pool or walking around with friends visiting different places.
Con 1: More Expensive Than Basic Cable
The first con is that premium cable channels are significantly more expensive than basic cable and can be as much as five times more expensive. For example, HBO costs about $15 a month, while The History Channel costs about $10. Netflix is around $9-$13 per month on average, so if you subscribe to both Netflix and HBO, you would be paying over twice as much for the two services combined than if you had just subscribed to basic cable instead of premium channels.
Con 2: You Need a Special Decoder
The second con is that you need a special decoder, which will be provided by your cable company. They are easy to install and use, so this shouldn’t be a problem. You can purchase them from your cable provider or order one online if they don’t offer it free of charge.
Con 3: Variable Signal Strength and Quality
You may also have trouble with your premium cable channels if your signal strength is too low or too high. If you have a weak signal, it can be difficult to watch the channels because they may not come in at all. As per the experts at DIRECTV, “If you have a strong signal, it can be even more difficult to watch these channels because they will come in loud and clear—which could be annoying if you’re trying to watch something on another channel at the same time.”
So, what’s the verdict? Is a premium subscription worth it? It depends. If you want to watch your favorite shows on-demand and don’t mind paying for the privilege, premium channels are probably a good fit for you. If not, there are other options available at every price point—including free ones!
