The world of entertainment has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, with the rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ challenging the traditional cable TV model. This transformation is not limited to the United States but has been felt across the world, including Australia. The availability of high-speed internet and the increasing demand for personalised content have made streaming services a popular choice for Australian consumers.
Some streaming services are not available in certain countries due to licensing agreements. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN), may be needed. For example, you may get best VPN for Peacock TV in Australia, if you want to access Peacock TV, which is only available in the United States. By using a VPN, you can bypass geographic restrictions and access content that may not be available in your region.
However, despite the convenience and popularity of streaming services, many Australians still rely on cable TV for their entertainment needs. Cable TV offers a wide variety of channels, including live sports and news, that may not be available on streaming services. In addition, cable TV packages often include internet and phone services, providing an all-in-one solution for consumers.
Streaming Services vs traditional TV
When it comes to choosing between streaming services and cable TV in Australia, there are several factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option, as well as their costs, channels provision, video quality and availability.
Streaming Services:
Pros:
- Affordable: Streaming services are typically more affordable than cable TV, with most services offering monthly subscriptions that start at $10 AUD.
- On-demand content: You can watch your favourite shows and movies on-demand, without the need for a cable subscription or a set-top box.
- No contract commitment: Streaming services don’t require a long-term contract commitment, giving you the flexibility to cancel or change services at any time.
- Personalised recommendations: Streaming services offer personalised recommendations based on your viewing history, making it easier to discover new content that you’ll love.
- Multi-device compatibility: Most streaming services can be accessed on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Cons:
- Internet speed: To stream high-quality video, you need a reliable internet connection with fast speeds. If your internet is slow, your video quality may suffer.
- Limited live TV: Streaming services may not offer live TV options, which can be a deal-breaker for sports fans and news junkies.
- Content restrictions: Some streaming services have content restrictions based on geographic location, making it difficult to access certain shows or movies in Australia.
Costs:
- Netflix: Monthly plans start at $10.99 AUD for a basic plan and go up to $19.99 AUD for a premium plan.
- Amazon Prime Video: Monthly plans start at $6.99 AUD, with an annual membership costing $59 AUD.
- Disney+: Monthly plans start at $11.99 AUD, with an annual membership costing $119.99 AUD.
- Stan: Monthly plans start at $10 AUD, with the most expensive plan costing $19 AUD.
- Binge: Monthly plans start at $10 AUD, with the most expensive plan costing $18 AUD.
Channels Provision:
Streaming services typically offer a wide variety of content, including TV shows, movies and documentaries. However, they may not offer the same breadth of live TV channels as cable TV.
Video Quality:
Streaming services offer a range of video quality options, including HD and 4K Ultra HD.
Availability:
Most streaming services are available in Australia, but some may have content restrictions based on geographic location.
Cable TV:
Pros:
- Wide range of channels: Cable TV offers a wide variety of channels, including local and international news, sports, and entertainment channels.
- Live TV options: Cable TV offers live TV options for sports and news, which may not be available on streaming services.
- Bundled services: Cable TV packages often include internet and phone services, providing an all-in-one solution for consumers.
Cons:
- Expensive: Cable TV can be more expensive than streaming services and often requires a contract commitment.
- Limited on-demand content: Cable TV doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility as streaming services, as you’ll need to tune in at a specific time to watch your favourite shows or record them using a set-top box.
- Limited multi-device compatibility: Cable TV may only be accessible through a set-top box, limiting your ability to watch on multiple devices.
Costs:
- Cable TV costs vary depending on the provider and package you choose. Most cable TV packages start at around $50 AUD per month.
Channels Provision:
- Cable TV typically offers a wider range of channels than streaming services, including local and international news, sports and entertainment channels.
Video Quality:
- Cable TV typically offers high-quality video, with most providers offering HD and 4K Ultra HD options
Streaming is often considered a better choice than cable TV in Australia due to several advantages it offers. Streaming services are more affordable, with no long-term contracts required. Also, they provide on-demand content and personalised recommendations, allowing users to watch their favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
Conclusion:
Choosing between streaming services and cable TV in Australia depends on various factors such as personal preferences, budget and viewing habits. While cable TV offers a wider range of Live channels and high-quality video, streaming services provide on-demand content, personalised recommendations, and multi-device compatibility. Additionally, streaming services are generally more affordable and do not require a long-term contract commitment. Though the streaming service offers more benefits than Cable TV, It has one disadvantage, that is, limited Live TV Channels.
