TIRED OF LIMITATIONS? FORGET VIEWING RESTRICTIONS!

     So you have cut the cable cord, you have a Hulu Plus account and you sit down on your couch and you decide to watch 30 Rock or the Discovery Channels show Hooked to only get the message that Hulu does not have the right to stream to your TV.  Are you kidding me?  Do they [the networks] not already understand that we can just plug in a DVI cable into our computer and watch whatever we want?!  I guess the entertainment industry enjoys pissing off the consumer.

     As you may have learned already, I am about finding solutions and alternatives- solutions to saving money and enjoying what I desire in my viewing entertainment.  In my quest to find alternatives, I have come across a Nettop (Walmart.com) that is not much bigger then a typical router, but is a full blown computer, with Windows 7 and has a HDMI output on board.  Some of the NetTops even come with a Remote Control, allowing easy control of your Windows Media Software.  I have seen the NetTops for sale from $189.00 to $489.00.  Walmart today has the one in the photo on this post for $379.00.

     A Full PC with Windows 7 that will provide full high definition viewing in 1080p.  You can then view Hulu and Hulu Plus on your big screen television in your living room without getting a message that you can not view it.  Of course that can be a bit of a large expense to go to in order to obtain just Hulu Plus.  If you were to only consider Hulu, then the cost would be a bit stretched for some- however- toss in NFL Network, then maybe.

     Again, the problem is the NFL Network does allow you to view online in the United States, Canada or US Territories.  There is a way around this, which requires a VPN with a IP address in another country- but most people will not run out and get a VPN.

     There are alternatives for streaming- Roku, NetTop Devices, Boxee, Apple TV, Google TV.  Whatever your choice, you WILL SAVE MONEY but cutting cable television.  

YOUR OWN HBO/SHO/MAX ON THE GO

     When speaking about Internet streaming, those of that are currently streaming their entertainment know that there is some big players that would tip the scales and have yet to come on board.  The National Football League Season Ticket is only available on Direct TV and Sony PlayStation.  Showtime and Cinemax are complete holdouts.  HBO has come out with HBO GO, but unless you have a current subscription with a HBO Cable Provider, you will be out of luck.

     As cord cutting is picking up momentum as seen on a twitter hash tags #cordcutting and #cutcable it would only seem logical that the individual networks are going to be loosing money due to the loss in revenue coming in from the cable companies.  It would seem that we will be seeing more Ala' Cart options becoming more available from individual providers in the very near future.  The ability to stream their programming to your Roku device while you pay a small subscription fee for being able to watch their channel is what will come next.

     Glenn Beck created his own TV programming station that offers Ala' Cart programming for 4.95 per month.   According to the Wall Street Journal, and BTIG analyst Rich Greenfield estimates(registration required) that Beck could generate $27 million in subscription revenue within a year.

Forbes writer Jeff Bercovici even thinks Beck is on track to “become a $100 million man.” Subscription revenue could eventually reach $135 million, estimates Bercovici. Combined with sponsorships, radio deals and merchandise, Beck “is on course to break the $100 million barrier sooner than later,” writes Bercovici. 

     So, the question is- how do I still get the content that I desire without the high monthly cable cost?  Well, I have found one way so far.  A Slingbox is a device that allows a individual to hook up their existing cable to the 'Slingbox' and then if you are Internet Tech savy, you can then stream the live feed over the Internet.  You are probably reading this and saying, 'wait, I am trying to cut cable TV, no continue to keep it!'  I totally agree with you as I have also cut my cable.  But what would prevent you from putting the Slingbox one of your family member's home that desires to keep their cable TV subscription?  If they have HBO,SHO, MAX, you would have HBO,SHO,MAX. You could offer to pay a small fee to assist with the subscription costs.  I am sure that the cable company and individual providers would currently be reading this article and would be up in arms screaming breech o f contract and copyright laws.  While the networks scramble to hold onto every penny in profit- the people will continue to seek ways to reduce their costs while still being able to enjoy their viewing entertainment.

     As technology changes, the cable industry is going to be forced to change- they will have to change their entire business model.  No longer are they the only option that can hold all the cards and charge extremely high prices.  The Cable Companies are bleeding from loss of revenue, which in turn will mean that the individual networks will loose money as well.  The networks will be forced to break away from the traditional ways of making money of the past and will need to look to making money without the need for having to use the conduit of the cable industry to depend on their earnings.

     The tables have already turned- just the cable company does not desire to admit it nor do they want the people to know they have a choice.  The people have options- viable options- and it does not mean moving from Cable to Satellite- it means actual monthly savings that does not involve a 6 month 'special' to entice you to come over them and stay.