How to watch TV online and Save money

Note: Please read important disclaimer information at the bottom of this page. More info: write to feedback @okcable.com.

 

Do you want to watch TV programs at your own schedule and save the monthly expense of cable or satellite TV?

If yes, you are in luck. Now that broadband internet is available everywhere, you can get local, national and international programs for no or low monthly cost. It is a fact that Cable or satellite TV has become expensive and paying $75 to $150 per month for the few hours you are at home is expensive for many people. Of course, for many, Cable TV is still the best solution.

How do I view my programs?

  • Watch directly on any computer, laptop, iPad, smart phones or other tablets with Wi-Fi or mobile internet connectivity from AT&T, Verizon or other service providers.

  • To watch on television, you will need

    • high speed internet from;

    • Television that can directly connect to Internet Content Providers

    • OR Blu-Ray or DVD player that can connect directly to Internet Content Providers

    • OR Roku - a setup box that connects to many internet content providers

Who are the content providers?

Many online content providers offer free access while others offer low monthly subscriptions offer. Here are a few free and paid content providers;

 

If you still want to go with cable, satellite or fiber, click on one of these;

Cable TV              Satellite TV         FiOS 

Compare Cable TV, Satellite TV, FiOS and IPTV

Note: Please read important disclaimer information at the bottom of this page. More info: write to feedback @okcable.com.

Cable TV:

The Good:           Easy and generally free installation, often with with 30 day money back guarantee, good signal strength, extensive local channels, bundled high-speed Internet and Phone service available, Video on Demand service, local offices, quicker repairs.

The Bad:              Expensive after the promotional pricing, limited International channels (selection varies by the market), may have to pay rent and programming fee for each set-top box to watch some digital, HDTV, Video on Demand (VoD) or Pay per View (PPV)

Cable TV is one of the most popular TV sources used in the United States. It is easily available and most houses are already wired for cable TV service. Set-top boxes are required to view Video on Demand, Digital channels, HDTV channels and Pay per View. Many cable companies now offer Video on Demand service that lets you catch up with past episodes of your favorite TV programs and movies.

Where to Buy:   Time Warner, Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Cable, Charter Communications, Mediacom Cable

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Satellite TV:

The Good:           Cheaper pricing, free installation, widely available, Good US and International channel selection, low set-top box charge

The Bad:              Contract longer than promo pricing, Hefty service cancellation fees, No 30 day money back guarantee, Ugly satellite antenna/s installed on roof or on the side of the house, limited local channels, signal strength / picture quality can vary depending upon climatic conditions and solar interference, Need a phone line to use interactive features.

Satellite TV services offer cost effective alternative to Cable TV service with wider availability as it is delivered from satellite. Up to 2 TVs are covered by the first free set-top box that deliver plenty of HDTV channels. Extensive sports and International channels are available making it attractive to Sport fans and International channel viewers.

Where to Buy:   Direct TV, Dish Network

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FiOS (Fiber on Site):

The Good:           Free installation, 30 day money back guarantee may be available, good signal strength, extensive local channels, bundled high-speed Internet and Phone service available, Video on Demand service, local offices, quicker repairs.

The Bad:              limited availability, longer onsite installation time, limited International channels

As the name suggests, the service is delivered to your home thru an optic fiber. This technology offers much wider bandwidth to deliver services like TV, Internet and Phone. Most offers are similar to that of the Cable TV.

Where to Buy: Verizon FiOS

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Compare Cable TV, Satellite TV, FiOS and IPTV:

Feature Cable TV Satellite TV FiOS IPTV
Availability Good Excellent Limited Depends upon the speed of your Internet connection
Pricing Expensive after promotional pricing Moderate Expensive after promotional pricing Moderate
Local Channels Very Good Limited Very Good None
International Channels Limited to local offers Good Limited to local offers Excellent
Bundled Services Bundled fast internet and phone services available None Bundled fast internet and phone services available None
Quality of Service TV picture quality generally excellent because of strong signal Picture quality depends upon antenna location,  weather and solar activity TV picture quality generally excellent because of strong signal Very good internet required for the best picture quality though the quality of overall service is improving.

Common terms / features:

Triple play:       bundled cable, internet and phone service priced at discount

Double Play:       any two of cable, internet and / or phone service offered at discounted price

Digital TV:            Digital TVs accept digital signal. They do not work with old Analog signals. In US TV stations topped analog TV signal transmission in 2009.

HDTV:                   high definition TV service with high resolution

Disclaimer: This page is work in progress (and it will remain that way until these services evolve or eternity whichever comes first :) ). Though we are trying to give you as much unbiased information as possible, we make no guarantees and claims of the accuracy of information on this page. Any trademarks mentioned on this page are the property of respective entity. For comments, suggestions, contributions, write to feedback @okcable.com. Any information that is not copyrighted may be used by us without any credits.