Streaming video has been with us for a decade, but for a lot of people it is still a fairly new technology. It’s probably not on the radar for a lot of seniors. In fact, most seniors I’ve talked to don’t really understand why they would want it. A streaming TV device doesn’t show them what they want, they don’t understand the on-demand nature of streaming, and one senior told me it “just doesn’t seem like TV.”
Yet, seniors are becoming increasingly smarter about how to spend their fixed incomes. With cable subscriptions far over $100 a month once the “teaser” period is over, it’s hard to justify. Yet, seniors remain wedded to live TV far more than any other group, and they’re looking for options.
Back to basics: the antenna
More and more seniors have discovered that the way they grew up watching TV is still an option. For these folks, they may have moved over to cable or satellite a generation (or more) ago but there’s still a fondness for the old days of watching dad adjust the aerial so you could get the latest shows.
Flash forward to the 2010s, though. Antennas are smarter, TV is digital, and it’s easier than ever to get great, free TV. Where you might have needed a big rooftop antenna to get three channels as a kid, today you can get 30 channels with a much smaller antenna that might even fit behind the TV. It’s a big improvement.
The best part of antenna TV for seniors: no monthly fee. Put up an antenna and you can watch TV as much as you want, for years at a time, without writing a single check to the cable company. Antenna TV is full of the programming seniors want, from old TV shows to daytime talk and news. It’s hard to know why you’d want anything more.
Which antenna to choose? I like Televes’ Bexia. It is 100% not the cheapest antenna you’re ever going to find. But it is so sensitive and works so well, you’ll be glad you spent the extra money. It’s easy to install and can hide practically anywhere.
If you miss “the other stuff”
Now, today’s seniors aren’t just old fogeys. They’ve grown up with technology and for decades, they’ve gotten used to DVRs, cable channels, and lots of choice. For someone who doesn’t want to give up all of that, an antenna might not quite scratch the itch.
You might want a selection of those cable channels if you’re home all day or if you’re looking for a way to relax after a hard day of volunteer work. You might miss the idea of a DVR full of stuff you want to watch.
You might have thought that you just couldn’t afford the luxury of those things.
Enter Gemini Air, the best value for seniors
The Gemini Air is a different kind of streaming box. I’ve been testing this device for a while and I have to say, it’s really great for seniors. Take a look at these features:
- Easy to use remote with clear buttons
- Friendly design and shape
- Quick and easy setup
- Remote finder function
The Gemini fits in with your life. It gives you all the power of any other streaming box, so if you are interested in Hulu, Netflix, HBO, or any other service, you’ll find them. More importantly, it gives you something practically no other streaming box gives you, at any price:
It’s a real cable-like experience.
The Gemini Air will start up and bring you straight to live TV. There’s no confusing grid of apps where you have to choose one in order to get live TV. There’s also no problem turning it off and walking away. With some live streaming devices, you have to remember to specifically turn it off or else it will keep sucking bandwidth. With a Gemini Air, once you press the OFF button, it’s off.
You can also choose between two different live TV plans. If you want the best price, you can opt for a traditional model where you have a two-year contract. Or, you can go month-to-month if you’d prefer. You’ll pay a little more but you have the flexibility to turn off service if you’re not going to be using it.
You have all the power in this relationship.
Extra added bonus: take it with you
Going to visit the grandkids for a while? Don’t want to miss your shows but hate watching on a tiny phone screen? No problem! Disconnect the Gemini Air from your TV. Take the power adapter, Gemini Air, and remote in your suitcase. Then just connect them when you’re at the kids’ house! They’ll probably do it for you if you ask them. Bingo- the shows you want to watch, and the remote you like.
I don’t know about you, but that seems like a really awesome deal to me. If you don’t believe me, call the folks at Solid Signal. We’ll explain all about Gemini Air and all your other options for live TV. We’ll give you the old-fashioned customer service you deserve. It starts with a phone call — that’s right, a business that actually answers the phone! Call us at 888-233-7563 and we’ll take great care of you. If it’s after East Coast business hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get right back to you.
