Watching Apple TV programming without subscription

Question

Level 1

56 points

Watching Apple TV programming without subscription

Hi All,

Maybe someone can help me understand why I should watch regular TV programming on Apply TV instead of my DirecTV. I was hoping that I can watch Discovery Channel, History Channel and others on Apple TV and eventually cancel my cable/satellite subscription. But it seems like I wouldn't be able to watch these channels and others on Apple TV if I would cancel my cable subscription. So, what is Apple TV good for if I still need my regular cable subscription anyways. And on cable, I can at least record the shows and skip the commercials, whereas I can't do that on Apple TV. So, what's the point on having Apple TV? I thought this is the future of television. So far, it's just another way to watch something I would be able to watch the "old fashioned way".

Posted on Dec 3, 2016 12:01 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 3, 2016 12:04 PM in response to Steffenu

It probably is a waste of time if all you want to do is watch something you already have. Is there any reason you don't want to watch any of the numerous alternatives that Apple TV provides.

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Answer 2

Dec 3, 2016 12:07 PM in response to Steffenu

Some providers will let you subscribe directly through an app (e.g. HBO). Others require a cable subscription. Whether not having a cable subscription would work for you or not, only you can answer. I haven't had cable in years. I subscribe to Netflix and Hulu (combined cheaper than cable). Every now and then, I buy/rent a Movie through iTunes. Some other apps have free content that I access.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous that all content providers don't offer a standalone subscription but, I believe they may have contracts with cable companies that prevent them from doing that.

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Answer 3

Steffenu Author

Level 1

56 points

Dec 3, 2016 12:52 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I have a Netflix subscription, but I cancelled Hulu+ because I don't see why I pay for that subscription and they still have commercials. The biggest drawback is that I can't forward through the commercials. Netflix is OK, but they don't have current shows right away. Plus I started watching a series on Netflix and they kicked out the older seasons while I was still in the middle of watching them. And another problem is that I can't just switch channels like I can using regular TV. And other issue is that frequent re-activation requirement. Another issue is that not all channels have Apple TV apps yet.

Maybe the new DirecTV Now will be a step in the right direction. At the moment Apple TV is an addition, but it is far away from replacing "normal" TV.

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Answer 4

Steffenu Author

Level 1

56 points

Dec 3, 2016 12:58 PM in response to Winston Churchill

I was not aware that I could watch current Discovery Channel shows elsewhere. I know that Netflix has some shows, and Hulu+ too, but they are not recent. I realize that cable has so many channels that I don't watch, never will, and that's why I wanted to see if I can individually subscribe to only the channels I do watch, but that is not the case yet. Maybe that will change. And as I stated in another reply, the frequent re-activation is a pain. I know there is an app coming out, but I haven't seen that one yet.

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Answer 5

Dec 3, 2016 12:59 PM in response to Steffenu

Steffenu wrote:

I have a Netflix subscription, but I cancelled Hulu+ because I don't see why I pay for that subscription and they still have commercials.

For a couple dollars more, you can get Hulu without ads. Well worth it.

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Watching Apple TV programming without subscription