Cable TVs have been around since the 90s.
And I wouldn’t be surprised if almost all of us wanted an upgrade.
So, you might be wondering…
“Can Chromecast replace cable TVs?”
Lucky you, I have the answer.
Keep on reading to find out:
- 3 steps to download apps on Chromecast.
- The price range of cable TV monthly plans.
- 5 key differences between cable TV and Chromecast.
- And much, much more…
Can Chromecast replace cable TV?
Chromecast can replace cable TV because it has all shows and apps. Including those that cable TV doesn’t have. You can also save more on Chromecast since you only have to pay for it one time. Unlike cable TV where you have to pay monthly.
Differences between cable TV and Chromecast
#1: Popularity
As you know, cable TV has existed for decades now.
Almost as long as TVs themselves.
But just a fun fact…
The reason why cable TVs were invented is that…
People living in mountains or remote areas in the US have poor reception.
So companies wanted to produce something that’ll help enhance their signal.
Thus, Cable TVs were born.
It actually became available in the United States in 1948.
Then by 1968, an average of 6.4% of US households had cable TV subscriptions.
So, it makes you wonder…
What’s so special about Cable TV?
For one, it’s a video delivery service. Which is provided by a cable operator to subscribers. All through a coaxial cable or fiber optics.
Think of it simply as a wire that connects your TV to the main source of the signal.
Then this signal allows you to watch a seamless flow of your favorite TV shows.
After that, you can watch good-quality channels on your TV.
On the other hand…
Chromecast is a streaming media device made by Google.
In a nutshell, it’s an adapter you connect to your non-smart TV to give it smart features.
Moreover, it lets you play online content such as videos and music.
“So it’s like an external device?”
You’re right.
If your keyboard lets you type on your PC…
Chromecast lets you stream on your TV.
So the things you can do in Chromecast are…
Casting movies, TV shows, and photos from cast-enabled apps on your device.
However, unlike cable TVs, Chromecast is quite unexplored.
It was only launched in 2013.
In a latest survey, 9% of US respondents claimed that they’re familiar with Google Chromecast.
This means that the product is still very new, and so awareness is still growing.
#2: Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Chromecast is a better option than Cable TV.
Why?
With Chromecast, you don’t have to pay any subscription fees to use it.
“You gotta be joking…”
Well, you’ll just have to pay for online services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Here’s a rundown of monthly subscriptions to these apps…
Netflix monthly plan:
| Plan | Monthly cost |
| Basic | 9.99 dollars |
| Standard | 15.49 dollars |
| Premium | 19.99 dollars |
Amazon Prime monthly membership:
| Plan | Monthly cost |
| Prime Video | 8.99 dollars |
| Prime Student | 7.49 dollars |
Hulu monthly plan:
| Plan | Monthly cost |
| With ads | 6.99 dollar |
| Without ads | 12.99 dollars |
On the other hand, a subscription to cable TV will cost you a hundred dollars every year.
For starter plans, it’ll cost you approximately 60 dollars per month.
However, it’ll still depend on the cable company and the type of package you want to avail.
Here’s the price range for cable TV plans:
| Plan | Monthly cost |
| Starter cable | 44.99–74.99 dollars |
| Mid-level cable | 69.99–84.99 dollars |
| Premium cable | 79.99–134.99 dollars |
You see, it’s important to know about the prices. In doing so, you won’t have to worry monthly about the fees.
That said, choosing the best entertainment also means choosing your budget.
#3: Apps/shows offered
As good shows continue to release each day, you need to have a reliable streaming companion.
“What will I get from the 2?”
Good question.
This is where the gap between cable TV and Chromecast becomes wider.
In cable TV, you’re only limited to the channels that your cable provider gives you.
Note: The quantity of channels also depends on the plan you availed from them.
For example, AT&T offers 160 channels that cost about 74.99 dollars per month.
Here are some of the channels you can watch on the AT&T package:
- HBO.
- STARZ.
- Outdoor.
- Cinemax.
- Showtime.
- Golf Channel.
- NFL Redzone.
- The Tennis Channels.
- World Fishing Network.
On the other hand, Chromecast doesn’t have a channel.
What it has are downloadable apps.
These apps give you a variety of options.
And downloading them can expand your device’s wireless sharing capabilities.
You don’t have to worry about the number of apps you want to download.
Just as long as it’s available in the Google play store.
Here are some of the apps you can download on Chromecast:
- Nick.
- Hulu.
- Plex.
- MTV.
- Disney.
- Netflix.
- Youtube.
- Yupp TV.
- Sling TV.
- HBO Max.
- Crunchyroll.
- Prime Video.
- Red Bull TV.
- Paramount +.
- Showtime Anytime.
- Google Play Movies.
And if you think that that’s everything.
That’s where you’re wrong…
Because you can also download music streaming and gaming apps.
Here are some of the downloadable music apps and video games:
- Tidal.
- Chess.
- Spotify.
- Audacy.
- Castpad.
- Pandora.
- Wordcast.
- Bingo Set.
- Pictoparty.
- Musixmatch.
- Soundcloud.
- iHeartRadio.
- Apple Music.
- Mystic 8 Ball.
- Youtube Music.
- Just Dance Now.
- Wheel of Fortune.
“How can I download them?”
To download these apps on your Chromecast device, follow these 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Go to the Google Play store.
Note: If you’re using a Web browser on your computer, go to the Google Play website. If you’re on an Android device, select the “Google Play” icon on the home screen.
Step 2: Then browse for the app you want to download.
Note: Apps that are Chromecast-compatible have a Cast icon. It’s represented by a rectangle with a Wi-Fi bars icon in the lower-left corner.
Step 3: When you see the app you want to download, tap “Install“.
From here, you can see that cable TV only gives you limited shows. It won’t also allow you to download apps, unlike Chromecast.
You might also be interested in: Can a Chromecast Work on Multiple Wi-Fi Networks? The Truth
#4: Performance
Stability and reliable viewing experience are also one to consider.
With Chromecast, its performance is affected because it’s internet dependent.
As you know, streaming sites greatly rely on internet strength.
So on occasions when the signal is weak…
For example, when it’s raining, you’d really experience buffering and lags.
This means that its performance can be weak when the internet is weak too.
Yet, cable TV has an edge on that.
How can I say this?
Well, to tell you, Cable TV has no such limitation when it comes to watching a cable TV program.
Even though there’s weather disruption…
Such as rain, severe storms, hurricanes, and sudden gusts of wind.
You’ll still be able to watch a seamless flow of your favorite TV shows.
And you won’t need to worry about lags and buffers because there’s no such thing as that in cable TVs.
But, there’s one thing you should look out for.
And that’s a broken cable or malfunctioning router.
Here’s what you do to repair a broken coaxial cable:
- Check if the insulation is damaged and if the line is intact.
- Paint on liquid electrical tape.
- Using a slack wire to pull, cut the damaged area of the wire out.
- Twist the new ends onto each end.
- Remove half of the outer black insulation. It’ll reveal the silver braided wire, which you should then fold over and twist.
- Remove half of the inner insulation to reveal the copper wire in the center.
- Turn the ends counterclockwise to screw them on.
You can also watch this video to guide you:
But if you encounter problems such as sudden stoppage, slow connection, and non-responsiveness…
Then the problem is a malfunctioning router.
What you can do to fix that is to restart your device. Just unplug the router or gateway. Then wait for a minute, and plug it back in.
Note: It’ll take several minutes to reboot.
After that, if it still doesn’t work, call the customer service of your cable TV provider. They’ll help you fix the problem.
#5: Advertisements
Did you know TVs run because of ads?
Brands pay a lot to broadcasting companies just to promote their product or services.
And that’s how they work together.
You probably see ads almost every day.
And I know it gets annoying sometimes.
And cable TVs aren’t an exception.
As well as online streaming apps in Chromecast.
That said, in terms of ads, both cable TV and Chromecast have it.
However, with Chromecast, you can avail a monthly plan that’s ad-free.
This means you have an option. Whether you want to remove the ads or let it be.
But with Cable TV, you can’t remove ads.
According to a survey from Statistica, 33% of US respondents said that ads on Cable TVs are disturbing.
That said, you’re more likely to stream smoothly with Chromecast ad-free apps.
Can you watch cable TV on Chromecast?
You can watch cable TV on Chromecast by downloading the shows you want.
You see, Chromecast is compatible with many online services.
And that includes channels from popular local and international live TV streaming apps.
As you may know now, they offer a sheer number of shows.
If your kids want Disney movies, Chromecast has it.
If you want a daily news report, Chromecast also has it.
What you just need to do is download these shows.
To find out how, scroll up to “Apps/shows offered”. There, you can see 3 easy steps you can follow.
Now, you’re good to go.
Is It worth getting a Chromecast If I have a Smart TV?
If you have a Smart TV, getting a Chromecast isn’t worth it.
Why?
This is because Chromecast is designed to give your regular TV smart features.
Including the ability to connect to the internet and download apps.
As well as watching online TV shows, browsing the web, and listening to music.
You see, Chromecast is just a Smart TV alternative.
And so, if you already have a Smart TV.
Then buying a Chromecast would be pointless.