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Streaming has become one of the only ways to watch our favourite TV shows, films, and documentaries, so much so that it has eclipsed traditional television. This shift is clear for anyone to see; promoted with all the original content produced by Netflix, Prime Video and Disney +, we are truly in the golden age of content.
Lately, there has been a noticeable shift in how we use streaming services. As an expert in cheap smart TVs, which offer all your favourite apps at the tap of a button, we will look at the transformative nature of this industry and delve into the key factors driving this change in basic assumptions.
Popular Streaming Services in 2023
In the latest Ofcom report, one in five households has subscriptions to all three of the most popular streaming platforms. They have also highlighted the age gap in those that use streaming services, with young adults aged 18-24 years old preferring to watch streaming platforms instead of broadcast TV. But what are the reasons behind this change?
Netflix
Netflix has become the main figurehead of the online streaming service revolution. Developing from a DVD-by-mail service in 1997 into a streaming giant, Netflix has been ahead of the game. One of the first streaming services to create original content, such as ‘Stranger Things,’ and ‘The Crown,’ and exclusive documentaries like ‘The Staircase.’ Netflix is the world’s most popular streaming service, with over 231 million subscribers as of the second quarter of 2023.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime is another prevalent channel, gaining more popularity with Prime Video Original films such as Anything’s Possible (2022). It offers thousands of TV shows, documentaries, and films. This service provides a subscription to channels such as Discovery+, which helps to reduce the need for a full TV subscription package like Sky or Virgin Media. Unlike other subscription services, you can also find a small collection of 4K films included in the standard packages. However, to truly get the most out of the 4K films, you will need a TV offering 4K capabilities. These TVs can often be expensive, but with the likes of our 4K TV deals, you can pick one up for cheaper than you think.
Disney +
A streaming service which is perfect for the Disney lover in your life. Disney + is the largest collection of all of Disney’s intellectual properties, from Disney classics like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty to originals like The Mandalorian and Marvel’s What If. However, whilst this platform offers Disney exclusives, it provides a range of other content from the likes of the world’s longest-running series Grey’s Anatomy. There is genuinely something for everyone on Disney+, so whether you are looking for a creepy horror with friends or a feel-good comedy series, you will find something to entertain you.
BritBox
Launched in November 2019, BritBox was claimed to be the “biggest collection of British content on any streaming service.” Shows that are included are Broadchurch, Downton Abbey, Only Fools and Horses, and many more. The roster includes British classics, such as the Carry-On films, and the entire Doctor Who series starting in 1963.
This service costs £5.99 per month, and like most other streaming services you can take part in a 7-day trial period for free before any payments are made.
ITV Hub
Similar to BritBox, ITV Hub is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of content from ITV’s channels. From ITV to ITV4 and CITV for children, you can watch live TV, catch up on missed episodes, and a library’s worth of on-demand content.
ITV Hub is available on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and gaming consoles. The unique part of ITV Hub is that it provides a free service as well as a subscription, the latter includes features such as ad-free viewing and the ability to download content for offline viewing.
Switching Services
With there being increasingly streaming services jumping onto the entertainment scene. People can swap and change to new services if they are no longer satisfied with the current services that they are with. There are many reasons why someone would change their preferred streaming platform.
- Rising Cost – The subscription price can be a significant factor in your decision to switch. Your current service could have increased the monthly price, making it out of your budget.
- Content Library – One of the primary reasons a person might switch streaming services is the desire for more diverse content.
- Original Programming – You might no longer be interested in the original programming the service provides.
- User Experience and Interface – A streaming service’s user experience and interface can influence user happiness. Suppose a platform’s UI is cumbersome, difficult to understand, or missing important functionality elements. You might seek out alternatives that offer a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
- Streaming Quality and Performance – If a streaming service routinely suffers from buffering issues, bad video quality or technical glitches, you might change to another service.
How Can a Smart TV Help Access Them with Ease?
As of 2023, streaming services are a common staple in homes. Smart TVs have jumped on the streaming service bandwagon, transforming the way that we consume content. By delivering a streamlined and user-friendly experience, Smart TVs are more popular than ever.
Built-In Streaming Apps
One of the most significant advantages of a smart TV is the direct integration of popular streaming apps into the device’s operating system. Leading manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and others include pre-installed apps for all the popular streaming services. These apps eliminate the need for external devices or additional installations, allowing instant access to any type of content you could want.
User-Friendly Interface
Smart TVs have user-friendly interfaces that make navigation and content discovery easier. Most devices have simple menus and well-organised layouts, making launching your preferred streaming service easier. Interfaces can include features such as personalised suggestions to help you find something new to watch.
Voice Controls
Providing you with a hands-free approach makes accessing your favourite shows easier. Several smart TVs have voice control and built-in smart assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Voice controls eliminate the need for endless scrolling and searching. It makes the entire process much more seamless.
As streaming services allow you to watch whatever you like and whenever you want, a device which offers quick access to these is ideal. Whereas you could choose to access them on various dongles or portable devices, they can become a little overwhelming and make it difficult for modern families looking for that clean aesthetic. Luckily, we have an excellent collection of cheap TVs, with many offering the latest smart technology to make accessing these much more straightforward and save your extra HMDI and USB ports for more important things.
Look at what we offer with our online today and find the perfect next upgrade for your home, with the likes of our cheap QLED TVs at a price you just can’t say no to.
