Streaming subscriptions are the dominant method of media delivery we enjoy today, and with good reason. When they work, they’re cheaper than methods like cable, they offer on-demand viewing, and their selection puts broadcast systems to shame. They also exist in a complicated market of competition and compromises, and this can hurt our experiences.
Taking a step back, we want to explore the alternative options we have to the now-traditional streaming status quo. What advantages do these have, and why might they be superior options to protect your entertainment enjoyment in the future?
Source: Pixabay
Setting Bad Precedents
When it works, there’s no doubting how amazing streaming can be. This was perfectly encapsulated by the early years of Netflix streaming, where the company concentrated a huge range of shows and movies into one space. Without real competition, Netflix set the world on fire, but this wouldn’t last. Over time, competitors would arrive to claim pieces of Netflix’s pie, while also slowly raising prices for users trying to avoid ads.
There are also potential issues from streaming platforms from the removal of directly purchased content. Sony only recently avoided wiping thousands of ‘purchased’ shows and movies from user devices after a last-minute deal, and even now their fix is only temporary. Given this history, it’s natural to be wary.
Choosing Downloadable Services
One way to avoid the cycle of shows being taken offline is to go with streaming services which allow you to download shows to devices like external hard drives. This way it doesn’t matter if a streaming service phases the show out, if you still have a copy, you can still watch it. This will require the investment of storage hardware, but it beats chasing shows down on different streaming services, or a show disappearing completely and not being picked up again.
You might also choose services that offer direct purchases for engagement, rather than ongoing subscriptions. These tend to have more robust rules about access, as illustrated in the related realm of online casino entertainment. With iGaming, a service like an NJ online casino charges a direct payment for each round you play in titles like slots, roulette, or poker. After starting with deposit matches and free spins you know exactly what you’re getting at the point of payment, and this approach in streaming helps eliminate ambiguity and gain user confidence.
Embracing Physical Media
The extreme end of the spectrum can be found in accepting the inherently unreliable nature of video streaming services and working around it. If there are shows or movies you love above all others, look for the box sets for DVDs or Blu-ray releases. These will be more expensive, but they also help show your dedication to a show, support the creatives directly, and eliminate the risk of a title ever being taken offline.
Source: Pixabay
There are always options to avoid going the traditional streaming route, but like streaming itself, none of these are perfect solutions. There are always going to be challenges in the way of being able to always get what you want when you want it, and the best we can do is to reduce the odds of eventual disappointment. Plan ahead, learn from past experiences, and you’ll hopefully find a way to never be left in the digital dark.
