Looking back on recent history (my lifetime);
Advertising killed OTA tv for a while. The move to cable tv was "it's worth paying to not have so many commercials. "
Then cable fell out of favor for streaming plans because of limited or commercial free broadcasts on streaming.
The other day while going through my files, i ran across my membership cards to blockbuster and family video. I fondly remember when going to the video store (yes vhs video tapes) was a highlight of the week. The cost of 4 vhs tape rentals was about the same as 2 tickets to a movie theater. And yes, it was a big deal to make popcorn, snacks, and sandwiches for video nights. And yes, it was sometimes a get together with friends to watch movies.
I was a happy subscriber to Netflix early days of dialup. I would not so patiently wait for the DVD s to arrive in the mail. I worked going through the catalog to have a good waiting list so that my movies were uninterrupted by waiting for the ones i sent back to be logged in and my new ones sent. There were subscription tiers of 2, 4, 8 DVDs that you could have at one time. Somehow, even though i promised myself only one a night, i became a binge watcher decades ago.
I have subscriptions to 2 video streaming platforms. And both allow limited or no commercials and downloading of videos to watch later. I skipped right past the redbox DVD rentals.
Currently i have approximately 20 videos of 5 most favored shows on my phone. I enjoy being able to watch series from season 1 episode 1 to current.
There is a plethora of streaming services including many "cable channels." Most offer what hulu did in their early days. A selection of free content that anyone can watch. Even current shows are available. Some, the day after they air, some for a week only after airing, some the previous seasons only. Many offer login with your cable tv provider. Services vary, tiers of service vary.
I have a older flat screen LED non smart TV and a blu-ray DVD player in my van. I've yet to hook them up and use them for two reasons -- power consumption and i am content with watching things on my small screen.
My 4 laptops and netbooks sit up in over the front seats storage area unused for the most part. My Samsung phone can often do almost anything required. I no longer even own a tablet. I may pick up one that's offline mode only to watch things on a bigger screen.
I no longer own a hotspot wifi device. Again, my phone can share internet access through bluetooth or wifi connection. I can mirror (cast) onto a bigger screen if needed.
The beauty of my system is that even though I've just added a set of batteries and a 100 watt solar panel, my starter or house battery alone has kept up for years on charging up my electronics.
Have a happy weekend.
Good coffee to you,
Lou
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