I designed my current home (in CT), as well as the media plan and cable/fiber and CAT 6 drops. And we just purchased a home in TV. WRT media platforms, I suggest thinking of the whole system as if it were a transportation system Interstate, MTA or other NY Subway.
Think of the fiber as a high speed interstate, that is, a toll road (internet access fee), it provides access to the region with few interruptions, stoplights etc. So compared to the legacy cable systems we were familiar with, you have more options. The cable system was akin to a train or bus line where you could only access or exit at scheduled stops/locations. You really didn’t have a lot of choices, it was public transport.
Now with fiber, you have full access to the interstate, and you decide what vehicle to drive, P/U, Sedan, SUV. You can add a ROKU, Apple TV, Peacock, Freevee, Cheddar, Pluto or other platform. Some streaming services charge a fee, some are for free and some are free with commercials and pay for none.
Also, now that your TV’s are in fact computers, they come with built in content platforms, e.g., LG has a suite of content as do other manufactures, take your choice. You can also add an OTA (over the air digital) antenna and pay nothing! If like me you want or mix it up however it depends on your TV and aptitude and depending on the vintage of your TV (smart or dum). So, really, no need for any cable box, or paid content (other than the internet access) unless you want it and - - - again after the initial access to the internet (modem/router) you are in control.
Now many of us really don’t want to go the hassle, or have the interest in figuring this all out, so the cable/internet providers offer to make it easy for us. Many packages of content are available (for a fee), or we can subscribe to paid streaming content (for a fee e.g., YouTubeTV, etc.). So, what I’m saying is, that it’s up to each of us to decide, do we want to stay in our comfort zone, take the train or buss and pay the conductor for a ‘ticket’. No fuss no muss easy, and what were used to for so many years. On the other hand just be aware that we have a range of options. No right or wrong simply different approaches. It’s not a pure DIY activity, however does require doing some research and being willing to move out of our comfort zone.
To each their own, just understand that there are options and it’s a decision for each to make.
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