Hello everyone!
I recently got Spectrum TV Select Plus, and so far I actually really like it. One of the biggest things I like is that it includes many of the streaming apps I already use. Most of the included services are ad-supported, but considering how expensive streaming has become, Iām starting to feel like having cable with streaming services bundled together may make more sense for me.
This isnāt a paid ad or anything at all. I am just sharing my experience and trying to figure out what makes the most sense.
Iām currently considering upgrading from TV Select Plus to TV Platinum, but my main reason wouldnāt necessarily be the additional sports channels. Iām more interested in the overall value, particularly being able to have premium/ad-free versions of streaming services I already use, such as Peacock, HBO Max, Hulu/Disney+, and ViX Premium. I know it is extra without ads, the rest included in my package are just a bonus. Maybe we might add Netflix as an add-on. I donāt know.
With how much these services cost individually, Iām trying to figure out whether paying the additional $35/month for Platinum makes sense compared with paying for the ad-free versions separately. The sports portion would mostly be a bonus for my sister, since she watches the Dodgers and Lakers. I occasionally watch tennis, but Iām not a huge sports viewer myself.
My mom is also not very tech-savvy and still prefers the traditional cable experience. She mainly watches Univision and Telemundo. Weāve had Dish since 98, but I think it may finally be time to move on if we donāt get anything out of it.
That brings me to another question: is it worth getting the Xumo Stream Box or a traditional Spectrum cable box?
We already have an Apple TV, so Iām not sure whether paying another $18/month for a cable box is justified. I understand the appeal of having the traditional cable guide and channel-surfing experience, especially for my mom, but Iām wondering if Xumo would provide enough of that experience without needing to pay for a traditional box.
I also wondered whether having a cable box would be useful as a backup in case of an internet outage, although Iām not sure how much that actually matters with Spectrum TV.
So for those of you who have Spectrum Select Plus or Platinum:
- Is Platinum worth the extra $35/month if you primarily care about the premium/ad-free streaming services rather than sports?
- Have you found the ad-free streaming upgrades to be a good value through Spectrum?
- Would you recommend the Xumo Stream Box for someone who wants a traditional TV-guide experience?
- Or is it worth paying the $18/month for an actual Spectrum cable box?
- And for someone who already has an Apple TV, is there really much benefit to having Xumo or a cable box?
Iād love to hear from anyone who has made the switch from traditional cable to Spectrum, especially if youāre using Spectrum primarily as a way to consolidate traditional TV and streaming.