It seems like these days that more Canadians seem to be abandoning traditional cable TV services and opting for streaming their content online from their computers, tablets, and phones. Content provider Netflix seems to be the trend setter here in Canada bringing streaming content to anyone willing to pay 8.99 per month.
It really seems like more people these days are opting to stream content like Netflix rather than channel surfing. Because of the evolution in Internet speeds and the availability of mobile devices, our way of consuming content has changed. Other than the DVR, many people would rather watch a show when it is convenient for them and from any device or place they see fit.
Gone are the days when we all gather together at a certain time of the day to watch a TV program or movie. It is estimated that from 2011 – 2013 458,00 households relied solely on Netflix and other non-traditional TV services compounded to the fact that in 2014 approx 32,000 less Canadians were willing to pay for cable services. So with this changing trend many cable companies are looking to alternative ways to provide content to the masses.
Just recently Rogers and Shaw Communications have partnered together to offer an Netflix-style online streaming service called “Shomi” (spelled SHOMI) set to launch the first week of November at a cost of $8.99 per month. It will offer on-demand access to past seasons of as many as 340 different TV shows, including the likes of Modern Family, Sons of Anarchy, and many more. If you want to find out more about this service you can visit their website at : www. shomi.com
Initially, this service will not be available to everyone. It will first be available to Rogers and Shaw cable TV or Internet customers, where access will be via the company’s own set-top boxes as well as Apple’s iOS devices, Android devices and the Xbox 360 game console. Over time, other devices will be supported, and other interested cable and Internet providers brought on board.
With that in mind, Bell Media is also reportedly working on it’s own streaming service. Code- named “Project Latte”, it looks like they will feature a similar Netflix-style online streaming service featuring shows from HBO, including The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, and Sex and the City.
So, with all of these new streaming media services coming down the pipe, people should be aware of the following:
Yes. Most importantly that watching these services will use up your Internet bandwidth. If you are someone who watches Netflix frequently or streams audio and video from other Internet sources, you will want to keep a close eye on your bandwidth consumption. For instance, watching Netflix uses about 1 GB of data per hour for each stream of standard definition video, and up to 3 GB per hour for each stream of High Def video. Going into your Netflix account settings you can adjust your playback quality to fit your bandwidth limits , also too,logging into your account under your Internet service providers website should show you how much bandwidth you have used per month. Going over your allotted bandwidth can get costly, especially if it is unexpected.
