Most of the cable TV packages are basic which allows the viewer to watch programs from the major network and some of the cable networks at an affordable fee as a monthly subscription. If you are considering subscribing to cable TV but with the hope of saving more on your monthly bill while still getting to watch your favorite programs, it will be helpful to know the channels that are normally offered in a basic cable package.
Major Broadcast Networks
The list of networks usually included in a basic cable package is ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS. This enables you to have access to several programs such as national/local news, favorite shows, PBS kids program, and sporting activities like NFL football & NCAA basketball among others. This is the case since you get the major broadcast networks implying that you can watch their primetime lineup, morning shows, and many other programs without having to buy an even bigger channel package.
News Channels
Some of the cable networks that can be bundled with the basic cable services include CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, C-SPAN, HLN, and CNBC. This enables one to follow the latest stories, view the financial channel, CNBC, and even get headlines on a twenty-four-hour basis. Given the intense demand for news, it is comforting to have a variety of leading news networks available in an affordable basic package.
Educational and Lifestyle Channels
Education, lifestyle, and trends are the most common genres of the basic cable where the majority of viewers expect to learn new things and also to be inspired. Some of the channels that are easily accessible are The Cooking Channel, Dish Network, FYI, Discovery Family Channel, Discovery Life, CRIME +INVESTIGATION, Science, Destination America, and others. This provides you with several programming types to use for informational content on cooking, home improvement, crime, science/nature, and travel.
Local Channels
It should also be noted that your basic cable package normally contains some of the local broadcast stations you receive over the air. ABC, CBS, NBC, and an affiliated FOX guarantee that you watch the programs of the corresponding network together with regional news, weather forecasts, and other local content. Local Public Broadcasting stations are usually also present for further variations of public television stations.
Home Shopping Channels
Most cable networks impose their fundamental tier service to include home shopping networks such as QVC and HSN. On these highly spirited interactive networks, you get to see demonstrations and buy anything from household items, clothing and accessories, electronics, and all sorts of things. Home shopping networks continue to be effective forms of entertainment and escapism for viewers channel hopping.
The basic cable packages also tend to be different in the various providers that are available in the market.
Most of these channels mentioned in the above list are many of the generic channels that are included in most of the basic cable TV packages across most of the cable companies. The exact channel is best described by package deals that are supposedly unique to the various national networks and your local service provider.
The most basic cable packages offer between twenty and sixty channels including major networks, news, academic channels, and home shopping. Next mid-networks are added to the basic networks along with extra sports, entertainment, movies, and children’s channels. Finally, ‘premium’ packages extend additional broad sports, Movie, and Specialty services.
Comparing Basic Cable Offerings
The basic channel packages are another area in which one should compare the offerings of different cable providers. Search for the desired favorite networks you wish to be able to tune into without switching to a paid lineup. Having this information enables you to know whether the basic package offered by the cable company is affordable based on the number of channels you want or whether you would have to upgrade to the next level to afford your preferred mix of channels.
Some key questions to ask:
- Which of the major broadcast networks in my area is available in the basic package?
- Is the list of my cable news channels sorted by those that I watch most often?
- What about regional sports networks to watch my local teams?
- Is there any provision for movie channels in the basic package offered by Mio TV?
- Are popular educational and lifestyle channels, which I might be interested in, included by default?
Given that each cable company offers a standard number of base channels and charges a different amount for various features, you can compare and identify the best basic cable TV offer to aid your buying decision. The top five terrestrial broadcasters, two international news networks, and a handful of other popular cable stations should be sufficient for your basic package. But for other sports, movies, entertainment, and more, you can always upgrade to a higher level after your basic subscription package expires in the future.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
