By: The BitMar Team.
Image Source: Gemini.
Many people view streaming services as an affordable alternative to traditional cable television. While the monthly subscription fees may seem straightforward, there are several other factors that may increase the total cost of your entertainment. These less-obvious expenses come from your Internet service and the hardware in your home.
The amount of data that streaming consumes is a significant consideration. The quality of the video stream directly impacts data usage. For example, streaming in standard definition uses approximately one gigabyte of data per hour. High-definition streaming consumes up to three gigabytes per hour, and 4K Ultra HD streaming may use as much as seven gigabytes per hour, and sometimes more, according to Panda Security. For households with multiple users or for individuals who watch many hours of content, this data usage may accumulate quickly.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often place data caps on their plans. These caps can be as low as 400 gigabytes or as high as 1.2 terabytes, as CNET explains. Exceeding your monthly data allowance may result in additional fees or reduced Internet speeds, a practice known as throttling. With the average household consuming more data each year, these limits are becoming a more frequent issue for consumers. Therefore, you may need to upgrade to a more expensive, unlimited data plan to avoid these penalties.
To enjoy high-quality streaming, you need the right hardware. A 4K television is necessary to view content in 4K resolution. In addition to the television, a stable and fast Internet connection of at least 25 to 50 megabits per second is recommended for an uninterrupted experience, as detailed by Anker. A slow or unstable connection may cause buffering and a lower-quality image.
Even if you have a smart television, you may need additional hardware. The built-in applications on some smart televisions may not be updated regularly, or the television’s processor may not be fast enough to provide a smooth user experience. In these cases, a separate streaming device, such as a Roku or Apple TV, may be a necessary purchase. These devices often offer a wider selection of applications and a more responsive interface, according to Best Buy.
Ultimately, the true cost of streaming extends beyond the monthly subscription. When you consider the potential for increased Internet bills due to data overages and the necessity of modern hardware, the total expense may be much higher than you initially anticipated. A comprehensive evaluation of your current Internet plan and home entertainment setup is a wise step to fully understand these variables.
Next-generation streaming platforms – like: BitMar – may provide you the most affordable form of on-demand streaming entertainment. BitMar provides all-in-one streaming service, for life, for a one-time payment. It can connect you to millions of on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs (from many different sources on the Web), on the screens that you already own. In fact, BitMar provides access to more movies, and TV shows, than: Cable, Satellite, Netflix, Disney Plus, Max/HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Hulu – combined – and more songs, than: Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, and Apple Music—combined. You may learn more, at: BitMar.com/.