Usually you get 1 set top box included in your plan and a limit on how many devices can stream via the cable app at once (cable is all streaming now in most places, and even many small cable companies have Android and iOS apps to stream for their subscribers). You cannot usually watch cable directly with even a very new TV and coax alone, because its just video streaming over Cable Internet now. Then you pay a rental fee per box for any extra TVs, or if you need to stream to more than the included limit of 3-5 you have to upgrade your plan/package.
Last I checked (which admittedly was the better part of a decade ago), Comcast claimed the first basic set-top box was “free,” but gave you a couple bucks of refund each month if you demanded a CableCard instead.
I pay for YouTubeTV, and to be honest it’s basically Cable, expect it’s over the internet, I don’t need a set top box, and I can watch it on my TV/Phone/Laptop, whatever.
So when I hear people say “cable”, I really think YouTubeT, Live Hulu, or other similar services…
With cable do you still lease set top boxes? Or do they give those away for free now? Couldn’t tell if that was factored into the cost.
Usually you get 1 set top box included in your plan and a limit on how many devices can stream via the cable app at once (cable is all streaming now in most places, and even many small cable companies have Android and iOS apps to stream for their subscribers). You cannot usually watch cable directly with even a very new TV and coax alone, because its just video streaming over Cable Internet now. Then you pay a rental fee per box for any extra TVs, or if you need to stream to more than the included limit of 3-5 you have to upgrade your plan/package.
Last I checked (which admittedly was the better part of a decade ago), Comcast claimed the first basic set-top box was “free,” but gave you a couple bucks of refund each month if you demanded a CableCard instead.
In other words, it’s not free and they’re liars.
I pay for YouTubeTV, and to be honest it’s basically Cable, expect it’s over the internet, I don’t need a set top box, and I can watch it on my TV/Phone/Laptop, whatever.
So when I hear people say “cable”, I really think YouTubeT, Live Hulu, or other similar services…