TV’s come a long way in the last decade. The supersonic rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, and ever-growing availability of fast, reliable broadband, has spawned a new golden age of television, convincing many consumers to cut the cord for good. At the same time, viewing behavior has fundamentally changed, with more and more people watching TV both on their phones and on demand. In other words, at their own pace and on their own schedules.
But what if satellite TV or cable is still your only realistic option? Or you’re crazy about sports? You’ll be glad to know that traditional TV providers have also kept up the pace, ordering plenty of value for those without access to affordable, “stream-worthy” internet. Or die-hard fans who simply must have their NFL RedZone or NBA Team Pass. Here are the top things to look for when choosing your next TV provider:
Voice Control That’s Seriously Smart
Modern TV should be easy. Voice control makes getting to your favorite shows, or the big game on TV, a total cakewalk. Some providers even offer fully-fledged Smart Home integration from their remotes, so you can turn your thermostat up to toasty or check the front door from your TV.
Live TV from Anywhere — Including Overseas.
Nowadays, you should never be far from your favorite live news, sports and must-have entertainment. Look for providers who offer phone and tablet apps that give you the freedom to watch TV at home, or during overseas deployments, anywhere with an internet connection.
Built-in Netflix and Other Popular Streaming Services
The streaming goodness doesn’t end there. The best experiences give you the simplicity of your favorite streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, built right in to your TV guide. Think integrated search across live TV, On Demand, your DVR recordings and your subscribed streaming services. Talk about simple.
The Power to Save Time and Skip Commercials
One leading provider has even found a way to make cable TV ad-free. Their AutoHop® feature automatically skips commercials on select primetime shows on the major networks. So, you can spend more time enjoying the good stuff.
Don’t Blame the Dog for Running Off with The Remote
Last but not least, we’re big fans of anything that makes TV frustration-free. That’s why we love nifty features like the Remote Finder, which saves you plenty of time and aggravation, keeping you out of the doghouse. Simply push a button on your DVR and your remote will beep and blink to help you find it.
When it Comes to TV, the Customer is Always Right
In an industry with few barriers to switching, customer service should be paramount. Above all else, make sure you’re dealing with a company who puts you first and has the stats to prove it. Paying attention to customer satisfaction awards such as J.D. Power, which bases its ratings on real, impartial consumer reviews, is a great way to separate the wheat from the chaff.
At DISH Network, our mission is to make TV easy, no matter where, when or how you watch it. That’s why we give you America’s best value, service and technology, backed by our Two-Year TV Price Guarantee, nationwide coverage with 99 percent signal reliability and award-winning customer service. DISH is ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power and our customers for the third year in a row.
DISH Network received the highest score in the Nation in the J.D. Power 2018-2020 (tied in 2020) U.S. Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies of customers’ satisfaction with their current television provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards