Aereo is also giving new customers one month free when they sign up, and since there aren’t any contracts or commitments to sign your life away, new users could basically use that first free month as a free trial if they’d like. This is certainly a smart move on the company’s end, as it gives potential users the opportunity to try out the service in depth without paying any money at first.

By moving down to just two plans, Aereo got rid of three of its previous options, including the one hour free trial, as well as the $1 per day plan and the $80 per year annual plan. The annual plan allowed to save more money by committing for a year, but the new plans give you more incentive to upgrade to the $12 per month plan, which offers 60 hours of DVR time, as opposed to just 40 hours.

The $8 per month plan stays the same, and you’ll get free month of service instead of just an hour of trial time. Overall, the plans are a lot more simplified, but they aren’t all that much better or cheaper. The only big difference is that the $12 plan gives you 20 hours more of DVR storage, which Aereo is hoping that most people will opt for. The new plans officially go into affect on May 15.

If you haven’t heard of Aereo before, or aren’t really sure what it’s all about, it’s essentially a service that brings live broadcast television to users over the internet by taking regular antenna signals and streaming them online for customers. The company has been in some heat with television networks, claiming that Aereo is taking away viewers illegally. However, Aereo remains to stay for now, and it’s continuing its expansion across the northeast US as well speak, just recently hitting Boston.

Users working with Google’s Play Movies service are already able to watch movies they’ve purchased through Google’s online store through YouTube while this week’s announcement has them considering a subscription service. Once a user purchases or rents a movie through Google Play, they can play that movie through a web browser using Google’s Movies interface, using the Google Movies app on Android, or through YouTube.

Purchase or rent a movie or television show episode through Google Play and that title is available for watching – as long as you’re logged in – on YouTube. This feature has likely paved the way for Google’s ability to sell subscription services through YouTube in the near future. This week’s report comes from a Financial Times report in which they’ve got a comment direct from YouTube on the possibility of such a service.

“[We are] looking into creating a subscription platform that could bring even more great content to YouTube for our users to enjoy and provide our creators with another vehicle to generate revenue from their content, beyond the rental and ad-supported models we offer.” – YouTube

While this upcoming service could bring a model that would be on-par with the type of video offered with traditional cable subscriptions, services like Hulu Plus and Netflix would likely remain safe from impact. With a subscription to a library of titles rather than an always-broadcasting system like what’s suggested for YouTube here, these large-name systems could keep separate.

If on the other hand it happens to be that YouTube opens up subscriptions to channels that serve up collections of movies – that’d be a different story entirely. YouTube’s future service is suggested to be costing users $1.99 USD per channel per month. Thus far there’ve been no substantial confirmations or denials from YouTube or Google about the possibility of this service existing in the near future (other than what you see above).

Boston residents will be able to pre-order Aereo service, which will give them access on May 15, while a wider public release for everyone in the Boston metropolitan area will take place on May 30. Aereo didn’t mention the reach that its service would have in Boston, but they do say that the service should be able to support around 4.5 million customers in 16 counties in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Aereo allows users to watch live broadcast television on their mobile devices and computers. In New York currently, users pay $12 per month to stream live TV programming from over 20 local broadcast networks, including CBS, NBC, and FOX. The controversy is how the company is doing it: they’re essentially yanking the broadcast signals using their own antennas and beaming it over the internet for users to enjoy.

Aereo was announced back in January, and while it’s only available in New York City for now, the company will be launching it services in numerous states throughout 2013, including Miami, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Baltimore, Detroit, Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Cleveland, and Kansas City.

Of course, the biggest concern is whether or not customers will have to pay for the digital adapter. However, Comcast says that it’s making adapters available for free in some markets, and they will have an adapter that works with third-party set-top boxes. However, some users may have to pay for their adapter if Comcast doesn’t provide one in their location or for their specific device.

However, those using a Comcast set-top box or a CableCARD-enabled device won’t need the adapter, and those who need one will be able to get one for free for up to two years. After that, you’ll have to pay $0.50 per month per TV in your household. Only two adapters are aloud per household, though, so it seems you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket if you need a third or fourth.

As for when the encryption will officially begin rolling out, Comcast says that they’ll be rolling it out on a market-by-market basis in the coming months, meaning that some subscribers will get it before others. The company says that the transition to encrypted cable will provide greater convenience for customers because the encryption will reduce the need for in-home appointments.

[via GigaOM]

Based on a survey consisting of the thoughts and recommendations of 84,000 internet/cable/phone bundle subscribers, Verizon FiOS came out on top due to its reliability, great picture and phone call quality, and high service satisfaction. Of course, FiOS is only available in a select number of areas in the US, so some customers are out of luck if they’re looking for the best option.

However, Consumer Reports recommends some alternatives if you’re not looking for a complete “triple-play” bundle. For instance, they recommend DirecTV if you’re just looking for a television package, and they also mention Vonage and Ooma as great phone-only options if you’re already happy with your internet and television packages. Of course, many households are looking to cut the cable cord and just go with internet-only options, which many service providers are happy to do.

The report from Consumer Reports is rather extensive, and it features ratings of internet/TV/phone bundles from 14 different companies, as well as companies that offer individual phone, TV, or internet services. The full report can be found in the May issue of Consumer Reports, which is out now.

According to various analysts, it’s expected that advertisers are going to spend more of their ad dollars on cable television and web video outlets like Hulu. It’s expected broadcast networks’ dollar volume could drop by 2%, while cable television’s volume could rise about 5%. Of course, these aren’t huge gains or losses, but every percentage point matters, especially when you’re facing lower ratings.

However, CBS CEO Les Moonves says that ad demand for broadcast television (at least for CBS) is growing, and Moonves expects CBS to lead in “volume and CPM increases” this season. However, ratings have taken a dive at all four big television networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) since the start of the fall season back in September.

Specifically, among viewers ages 18 to 49 ( which is the demographic that’s most prized by advertisers,) the average numbers for primetime audiences were down 23% at FOX, 7% at NBC, 3% at CBS; and 8% at ABC. However, CBS was the only major network to see an increase in overall viewership this season, with a 2% rise.

[via The Wall Street Journal]

You will be able to watch every episode of TV’s most popular series, including: Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Spartacus, Dexter, Girls, and Duck Dynasty. There will be select full seasons available for popular shows like Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Psych, Parenthood, The Americans, Revolution, Touch, and Chicago Fire. You will also be able to access all of the on-demand titles available on premium channels such as HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and CINEMAX.

Comcast will make it easier for you to find a free TV show to watch. There will be a Watchathon Week website that displays a full list of all 100 TV series available for watch. You will be able to watch your TV shows through Xfinity on Demand, online via Xfinity.com/tv, or through the Xfinity TV Player App on your mobile devices. If you miss out on Watchathon Week, no worries, because Comcast will also be launching a “Catch-Up of the Week” program on April 1st. Catch-Up of the Week will offer you a select amount of free TV shows, both old and new seasons, to watch each week until the end of 2013.

Comcast says that this is the “biggest catch-up ever in TV history, offering Xfinity TV customers the opportunity to binge view the hottest shows on top networks for free.” It hopes to entice its Xfinity TV customers to subscribe to its premium channels after they get a taste of all the great content available. The Watchathon Week is also a way for Comcast to allow its TV subscribers to catch-up with Game of Thrones before its season 3 premiere.

[via Business Wire]

Nielsen released a report today that shows off the statistics on cord-cutting households (or “zero-TV” households according to Nielsen), and while the number of cord-cutters only accounts for 5% of households, an increase of 150% since 2007 is pretty staggering. Nielsen says that 95% of Americans still get their information and entertainment through “traditional cable or satellite options.”

There’s even some fascinating statistics about cord-cutters and how they watch television content. More than 75% of those who cut the cable cord still have at least one television in there house, and 67% of cord-cutters get their content from devices other than a TV, with 37% of people using a computer, 16% using the internet, and a combined 14% on smartphones and tablets.

Of course, you may be wondering why 75% of the cord cutters still have a television, and it’s mostly because that there are many streaming devices that plug into TVs, including the Apple TV, Roku, and Boxee devices. The TV itself is actually still a popular method for watching content, only this time around, there’s no coaxial cable tethered to the television set.

Time Inc., on the other hand, will be operating as a publicly traded company. It will focus all of its efforts on its publications, including very popular magazines like In Style, People, Marie Claire, Sports Illustrated, Time (of course), Entertainment Weekly, and a whole bunch of others. Time Inc. will continue to do fine on its own. It’s publications are read by half of the United States’s adult population, as well as millions of other readers all around the world.

As of right now, Time Inc.’s current CEO, Laura Lang, will continue to stay on with the company while this separation process is still taking place. Eventually, however, she will find a new CEO to replace her. She is searching for someone who is “a different kind of CEO”. Time Warner’s CEO and Chairman, Jeff Bawkes, stated, “She has been a great partner who has given Time Inc. forward momentum to make this transition possible.”

Time Warner is hoping to close this deal by the end of the year. It still has to be approved by the SEC and afterwards, the terms must be finalized by Time Warner’s board of directors. Both of the companies together formed one of the biggest, fully-fledged media companies around, so it’s a bit depressing to seem them break apart. However, they both have enough pull to survive. With Time Inc.’s huge selection of magazines and Time Warner’s TV stations like TBS, TNT, CWTV, HBO (Game of Thrones!), CNN and more, both have all of the assets they need to thrive without each other.

[via Business Wire]

The channels in question include the likes of VH1 Classic and Palladia, which Cablevision says are not watched much by its subscribers. In order for the provider to offer the channels customers do want, such as Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, it must carry the other, unwanted channels. As part of its legal efforts, Cablevision has stated that it wants access to MTV, MTV2, VH1, TV Land, Nickelodeon, BET, and Comedy Central without being forced to offer the ancillary networks.

Specifically, says Cablevision: “Viacom’s conduct harms Cablevision and its customers, and impairs competition by making Cablevision pay for and carry networks that many subscribers do not want to watch, while other networks are excluded from distribution, preventing Cablevision from being able to differentiate its services and harming subscribers.”

Viacom has a different way of looking at it, however, stating that it offers discounts for those who provide extra network distribution, and as such, the situation is “win-win and pro-consumer.” The company has stated that it will “vigorously defend” against the lawsuit, calling it an obvious attempt on Cablevision’s part to simply renegotiate a contract it had agreed to in December.

[via Multichannel]

In the filing, Fox mentions that “paying Dish for a satellite television subscription does not buy anyone the right to receive Fox’s live broadcast signal over the internet or to make copies of Fox programs to watch [on mobile devices] because Dish does not have the right to offer these services to its subscribers in the first place.”

The new features in the second-generation Hopper box allow users to watch television on their mobile devices by sending live broadcast signals over the internet to users’ devices, and the service also allows subscribers to transfer recorded television shows from the DVR to users’ iPads. A hearing on this issue is set for March 22.

Last year, Fox actually tried to sue Dish over the Hopper on the set-top box’s ability to skip commercials. However, the case was thrown out and an appeal by Fox hasn’t been ruled yet. In the end, Fox says Dish Hopper opens up a world of illegal and unethical practices, including piracy, devaluation, and unfair competition.

[via Bloomberg]

Verizon, DISH, and Starz Media are all well aware that many subscribers would love to cut their cable bills down and choose only the channels they watch most often, rather than paying one huge bill for hundreds of channels that will go unwatched. However, Dave Shull of DISH says that, because of various costs, he doesn’t see that happening anytime soon.

Shull said that two companies alone account for about 50% of the DISH’s cost for content, one of them being Disney. If DISH were to unbundle the channels, the cost of the priciest channels would be spread across fewer subscribers, which would mean much higher prices. Shull mentions that mini-packages of related shows, such as sports and family programming, that subscribers can pay for on top of basic cable are about as close to a la carte cable as the industry will get for now.

The panelists acknowledged that the high cost of cable is driving some customers to cancel their service in favor of streaming options. However, John Penney of Starz Media says that these kinds of streaming services will never give customers access to premium content, because an $8 monthly subscription isn’t enough to cover the expense of licensing top shows.

However, this doesn’t mean that other companies aren’t working on similar solutions. Intel was rumored to be introducing their own cable and web TV options at CES, and while we didn’t hear anything about that during the show, it’s possible that it’s still in the making. Of course, Apple could also have something in the works as well. We know they’re rumored to out some new TV hardware, but it’s possible they could have more cable options coming to Apple TV in the future.

[via Tech News Daily]

The challenge Intel faces is just like every other company hoping to cater to viewers turned off by channel-swollen cable packages: persuading the content owners to relax their stance on only licensing huge bundles of dozens of channels. That strategy has proved lucrative so far, with cable subscribers forced to subscribe to many channels they don’t actually want in order to get a few they particularly watch.

Intel’s strategy, it’s suggested, is using its heft in chip production to demonstrate quite how committed it is to the home entertainment segment; “since Intel is used to betting billions on chip design, it has allocated a budget significantly larger than Apple or Google’s” Fortune reports. That investment supposedly looks more realistic to Hollywood negotiators used to $100m+ movie budgets.

The chip firm also has an existing legacy in working with, not against, cable providers. It inked a deal in 2011 to power Comcast’s next-gen Xfinity TV boxes, and has been producing STB chips for getting on for a decade. What technological advantages it plans to bring to the streaming TV segment has also been framed in terms of benefiting content owners, too, rather than consumers.

So, Intel is believed to be pushing a monitoring system that can deliver more accurate and detailed viewership data, including rough age range, gender, and a more precise number of how many people are actually watching. That same system is also being promoted among content owners as ideal for targeting advertising, picking more relevant promotions based on who is in front of the TV at any one time.

An evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach to pacify content providers, and more flexibility in choosing channels (or even pay-per-show), re-watching media from the past month with a “cloud PVR,” and throwing in apps and other web-enabled features to lure in viewers, could make the difference where Apple and Google have struggled. Fortune’s sources claim Intel will begin a small-scale beta to customers in March 2013, though the first-gen STB itself will be shown off at CES 2013 next week.

According to another source inside of Intel itself, an early version of the STB will be brought to CES next week, with a preview of the system tipped for its January 7 press event. However, it may be some time before the hardware actually arrives under your TV, with Intel supposedly eyeing a progressive roll-out rather than attempting to sweep across the US in a simultaneous launch.

That’s an apparent workaround to traditional content owner reluctance to “unbundle” the packages of cable channels usually offered, something which has scuppered Apple plans, among others, to help cord cutters get solely the channels they’re most interested in. Packaging channels together is a good way for content owners to keep licensing fees buoyant, especially given many of those tempted to abandon paid cable service are reluctant to miss out on certain sports, media, or other shows.

Intel’s approach will supposedly be on a city-by-city basis, initially focusing on areas where content providers have less lucrative deals with cable companies, and hoping to demonstrate that a more flexible licensing approach might also make sense financially. Such a rollout will begin “soon” according to the tipster, though there’s nothing more specific.

As for functionality, in addition to free cable content and select pay-TV content depending on what Intel can pry out of licensees, there’ll be internet-streamed shows such as from Redbox and other services. Intel also aims to offer a DVR system which would allow recall of any show aired within the past month, across any channel the individual user has subscribed to: rather than having to pre-emptively record a show, it would simply be served up on-demand.

Chatter of an Intel set-top box and accompanying service began back in March, with reports that the chip company aimed to have the system up and running before 2012 was through. Subsequent leaks tipped a complex viewer-monitoring cable box that could give more precise demographic data as to who was watching which services, to show more accurate and relevant adverts, and generally make up for any losses incurred through channel unbundling by increasing overall advertising revenue. “They’ve told us the technology is going to be so much more interactive with ads that you can make more money” one anonymous TV industry executive said at the time.

Google TV had promised to do something along those lines, but Intel’s partnership with Google faltered after early hardware from Logitech and Sony met with mediocre response in the market. Earlier this year, Google announced it would support low-cost, low-power ARM processors with Google TV, though despite more affordable hardware as a result, the platform is yet to take significant market share from more traditional TV entertainment sources.

Obviously, this sounds really creepy right off the bat, and it mentions that the camera watches for things like fiddling on your phone, exercising, eating, singing, cleaning, sleeping, etc. While companies like Facebook and Google are capturing all sorts of information about what you’re consuming online, this almost takes it to a whole new level.

However, before get you too upset and start to cancel all of your business with Verizon irrationally, it’s probably a good bet that Verizon would certainly require users to opt-in before doing something like this. It’s definitely something that no company would be allowed to do without consent from the user.

As far as what kind of advertisements Verizon would push towards its users of the camera set-top box, the company mentions that sounds of arguing could prompt ads for marriage counseling, while cuddling could prompts ads for contraceptives. Then again, we’re not sure if Verizon will actually put this system into place. The idea is only a patent so far, and a lot of patents usually don’t see the light of day when it comes to putting it into action, but we’ll see what happens.

[via FierceCable]

The Federal Communications Commission has several hearings set to take place throughout next year concerning national disasters, the latest of which was Hurricane Sandy. The series will kick off in New York, and will then take place in various locations across the nation. In addition to talk about having carriers report on their performance, the agency will also discuss disaster preparation for carriers, service provider cooperation, how to speed up recovery, and better backup power systems.

Several carriers and cable providers experienced outages during Hurricane Sandy, including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Time Warner. The agency noted that several companies shared their resources, including cellular sites, during the process, and questioned how such sharing can be better facilitated in the future. Another major focus of the hearings will be backup power, which is an integral part of keeping systems up and functioning.

Said the FCC, “Users of communications services appear to lack information about the performance of the services they pay for … Would it help consumers to know the performance and reliability of the companies’ service or devices as compared to competitors during past emergencies?” The agency’s chairman said the disasters in recent history have prompted a need for “ideas and actions to ensure the resilience of communications networks.”

[via PC World]

According to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, only a very small number of 911 call centers have been impacted by the storm. Thus far, no numbers have been given on how many customers have been affected by the various outages. Sadly, the situation is expected to worsen in the coming days. The National Hurricane Center is reporting storm surge advisories until 4AM November 2.

Said Genachowski, “The storm is not over. And our assumption is that communications outages could get worse before they get better, particularly for mobile networks because of the flooding and loss of power.” It is estimated that 7 to 8 million people are without power. Some systems are currently running on generators, and could also go out if not catered to before the backup power goes down.

Several wireless carriers and cable providers have reported outages and various other problems, including the big names like Verizon and Time Warner. Several websites have also experienced outages, including Buzzfeed and The Huffington Post. Consumers are being urged to avoid non-essential mobile use, reserving calls and text messages for emergency communication only.

[via USA Today]

Boxee itself plays coy with the details, but the FCC’s own summary spills some technical details. Cable companies will be obliged to notify users that their basic tier service will be encrypted and offer them a free adapter box: those with only basic service will get up to two of the boxes for two years (five years if they’re on Medicaid), while those with an existing cable company supplied STB or DVR will get one of the boxes for a spare TV.

Those adapters will decrypt the basic service and allow the Boxee Box and other third-party systems to chew through the channels as they do now. However, it’s not all gone Boxee’s way. Subscribers will have to pay a monthly service fee outside of that two year period for the use of the adapters.

Meanwhile, there were calls to mandate the sort of FRAND-style (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) licensing obligations that 3G patent holders must follow to cable companies, but the FCC decided only to insist on “good faith” licensing and the requirement for clear DLNA (or other standard) labeling so that users and third-party manufacturers know what will work with which box.

Meanwhile, there’s no end in sight for CableCARD either, with the FCC opting to stick with the technology despite some requests to replace it. The Commission points out that no company should have been branding its devices as “digital cable ready” unless they had CableCARD support, and argues that the proviso means there should be no confusion.

That would rely on the sort of cloud gaming technology already seen from startups like OnLive and Gaikai, where remote servers do the heavy lifting in terms of graphics crunching and powering environment-rich gameplay, and freeing up local devices to merely display the results of that processing. Rather than demanding that each subscriber have a $200-300 console, cable services could use internet-connected set-top boxes to display the streamed gameplay with minimal latency, navigated via simple controllers.

Unsurprisingly, none of the cable companies have been willing to admit they’re building up to an actual launch, though they’re making the right noises. AT&T says it is “exploring unique ways to offer cloud gaming services to our TV and broadband customers,” while Cox echoes that sentiment and claims it too is “exploring” cloud possibilities.

Although all are used to on-demand content delivery, they’re taking no chances getting cloud gaming right. Experts Playcast Media Systems, CiiNOW, and Agawi have all confirmed that they are in talks with US cable companies, though refuse to say which. Some of the cable firms are exploring using smartphones as controllers, further reducing the potential cost of entry to subscribers.

Meanwhile, console manufacturers aren’t standing still as smart TV solutions challenge their home turf. Microsoft already offers video content with Xbox LIVE, and will add SmartGlass to spread multimedia across multiple screens. More recently, Nintendo revealed Nintendo TVii, its new on-demand and TiVo-integrating home entertainment system based on the upcoming Wii U console, which will turn the GamePad tablet-styled controller into an advanced remote.

So essentially, anything that isn’t an official Apple accessory will simply be ignored whenever you plug it into the iPhone 5. We can only guess the reason behind this is so Apple can put a lockdown on cheaper third-party accessories that they compete with. So instead if them losing out on a sale for a new Lightning cable, they’re forcing you to buy one of theirs for an insane amount of money.

Then again, the reason could also be all about quality control. If Apple’s own Lightning connector is, in fact, better quality than cheaper third-party cables, Apple may only want their higher quality components to interact with the iPhone 5, thus citing a “better user experience” as a viable argument.

Hopefully, third-party cable manufacturers can find a workaround so that we all can go back to Monoprice and start paying reasonable prices for our cables again. We’re not sure exactly what kind of workaround would be needed — possibly cracking the authentication chip code or even jailbreaking the iPhone 5 (although the issue could be completely hardware-related on the iPhone end). We’ll have to wait and see.

[via Apple Insider]

Instead of licensing content directly, Apple will go through the cable providers, offering a set-top-box that offers a mix of live television and custom apps. According to the report, the box that Apple is planning to build could cost “hundreds of dollars”, not unlike the current devices offered by Motorola, among others. Rather than building an actual television, Apple could slowly but surely makes its way into the industry, building up credibility with partners before moving ahead with its own plans. The Wall Street Journal does note, however, that Apple has built prototype televisions in the past.

According to the WSJ, Apple hasn’t yet reached a deal with any cable operators, as the companies may be reluctant to let Apple participate in the TV game. It’s not the first time Apple has approached content providers with the prospect of some sort of device based around the television. Steve Jobs reportedly approached the CEO of CBS last year about providing content for a new Apple television subscription-based service, an offer that was met with rejection.

Rumors have popped up for years suggesting that Apple is working on a television, but things have been quiet on that front as of late. The last time we heard about the fabled Apple television it was said to resemble a Cinema Display, with voice recognition powered by Siri allowing users to control the TV with only their voice. Sharp is said to be providing IGZO panels for the TV, but if this new report from the Wall Street Journal is to be believed, Apple may be trying a different route instead.

[via The Next Web]

In addition, if you were told that you could save money on your Internet bill if you hold back on your usage, would you? Time Warner Cable is testing out a new idea that instead of forcing everyone to switch to a capped broadband plan, it could reward users who volunteer to opt into a low-tier plan with a reduced monthly fee.

The new plan is being tested in Texas markets, where any customer that agrees to be capped at 5 GB per month will receive $5 per month off of their service charges. Overage rates will be billed at a rate of $1 per gigabyte, with a maximum overage fee of $25. This is the same plan that the company rolled out to smaller markets over the past few years, but now has etended into places like Austin, Dallas, and El Paso.

[via Multichannel News]

Boxee and the cable companies have been at each others’ throats in recent months over proposals for encrypting basic cable channels. Such a move, the company argued, would unnecessarily prevent third-party media devices from accessing basic tier channels, forcing viewers into buying STBs directly from cable companies.

Those companies, of course, want to shift to full digital encryption as soon as possible, hence the proposed  two-stage solution to Boxee’s complaints. “The initial solution involves the development as soon as possible of a high-definition digital transport adapter with an ethernet connector (“E-DTA”)” the letter to the FCC says. “This solution would enable a customer with a third-party device to access basic tier channels directly through an ethernet input on such third-party device or via the home network, and to change channels remotely in the E-DTA via a DLNA protocol.”

Although swift, the external adapter could introduce issues around integration with other features in third-party hardware. So, a more longer-term system is also planned, around “the creation of a licensing path for integrating DTA technology into third-party devices (“Integrated DTA”). Such a device could access encrypted basic tier channels without the need for a cable operator-supplied DTA or set-top box.”

Both companies believe the solution is the best way to ensure cable channels are protected but not limited in their availability. In a key difference from current authentication systems, meanwhile, there’s no mention of CableCARD-based technology, with hints that this could eventually be the all-digital replacement to that system.

[via Zatz Not Funny]

DirecTV has the technology thanks to an acquisition it made last decade. It purchased a company called Replay TV which pioneered some of the early digital technology for identifying when a commercial break begins and how to skip it and return to the actual programming without missing a beat. DirecTV CEO Mike White made a seemingly baffling comment in a recent Reuters interview when he said there wasn’t a “raging demand” from consumers for commercial-skipping functionality.

There is some question as to whether or not allowing customers to automatically skip commercials would entail some sort of breach of contract between a cable or satellite provider and the networks that it carries. But Dish Network already provides a DVR solution that allows users to bypass the ads when playing back recorded shows. DirecTV will apparently wait to see how that plays out for Dish before it eventually makes its move.

[via VentureBeat]

Of course, Sarandos happens to be the chief content officer for Netflix so his opinion may be a bit biased. In a presentation at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association convention in Los Angeles, Sarandos told an audience, “We brought maybe a million viewers to AMC.” There’s no doubt that “the Netflix effect” can have an impact on a show’s popularity, but can it be this profound?

Mad Men is one of those shows that has managed to generate a lot of word-of-mouth virality. Netflix is the perfect catalyst for that. Netflix is proving that it can be effective not only as a content distributor but as a content creator as well. Its strongest strategy to differentiate itself right now is the addition of original programming like House of Cards and Lillyhammer.

[via LA Times]

Enter the X1 DVR/cable box, which has just launched in its first market, Boston. It gives users a lot of the same functionality as an Internet-connected TV, with connectivity to all sorts of WiFi-powered apps. The Weather Channel, Pandora, Facebook, and Skype are just a few examples and of course the cable provider will continue to add new content down the road. But it is a good start as Comcast tries to prove it’s more than just a cable company.

The new box also interacts with the iPhone via a special Comcast app designed exclusively for the X1, making it truly a 21st century cable box. It is definitely true that most of you out there are living with a pay TV device that is horribly outdated in this world of online content and cord-cutting. Of course, most of the other companies are very resistant to change, so we’ll see if this gets them to step up their game.

[via VentureBeat]

With the X1, Comcast has shifted the bulk of the work from the firmware to the network, which will make it easier for cable providers to upgrade the system over time without having to push new firmware. The X1 is connected to the cloud and offers integration of social apps, such as Skype, Facebook, and Pandora,

The X1 can also be used with mobile phone apps that turn handsets into remote controls, similar to what’s offered on Roku, AppleTV, and Boxee. The gesture controls on your handset can be used to more easily navigate through the X1 interface and menus.

[via VentureBeat]

Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable are all in on the deal, which will let customers from any of those companies connect to the new “CableWiFi” access points. Bright House and Cablevision have already launched CableWiFi across New York and Florda along with their own branded WiFi hotspots, and CableWiFi will be rolled out to each of the cable companies hotspots over the next several months.

Customers will be able to access the CableWiFi hotspots using the same credentials they would use for their companies branded hotspots, so they won’t have to go out of their way to get on the information superhighway. The hotspots will be available across New York and the Tri State area, Los Angeles, Tampa, Orlando, and Philadelphia, and more will be added across the country in the future.

[via BusinessWire]

On its website, AT&T wrote, “We apologize, but the AT&T U-verse TV for Xbox 360 Hardware Kit is not currently available for ordering as we work to improve and enhance this functionality.” The ability for U-verse customers to watch TV content on the Microsoft console was launched in October 2010. It’s been part of AT&T’s strong push to expand its reach in the TV market. As of the end of March, U-verse had about 4 million customers.

In response to a request for comment from Multichannel, an AT&T spokesperson said, “To ensure our new customers have the best possible experience, the kits will not be available until the new enhancements and functionality are added,” but failed to provide any further details. AT&T had been charging $99 for an Xbox 360 kit, plus a $55 installation fee to those who already had a U-verse TV account. To watch TV also required a $60/year Xbox Live Gold subscription.

[via Multichannel]

Yup. In an investor discussion today, Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen said that it hasn’t been able to reach a deal for the contract renewal that includes the ability for Dish to offer AMC to its subscribers. AMC offers classic movies as well as popular original programming like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Mad Men. The problem is that AMC wants more money but Dish isn’t willing to offer it. So where does Netflix enter into this picture?

“One of the things that programmers have done is they’ve devalued their programming content by making it available in multiple outlets,” Ergen said. In other words, because shows like Breaking Bad are available through Netflix and other sources, the value of watching Breaking Bad on AMC is lessened. “Our customers are not really saying ‘we want to pay more money,’ they’re saying ‘we want more flexibility in our programming and we don’t want to pay more,’” Ergen continued.

[via paidContent]

Admittedly, at times I’ve thought seriously about making such a move. There have been times in the past when I’ve been watching shows on Netflix and catching up on episodes via Hulu Plus and thought that cord cutting wouldn’t be such a bad idea. After all, they had, at that time, everything I wanted.

But as time wore on and I thought more rationally, I realized just how ludicrous it is to cut the cord at this point in my life. Hulu Plus is great for some of the shows I watch, but far too many series aren’t available. Even worse, the breadth of content, while impressive on one hand, can be rather disappointing for those of us who watch programming not found on the big networks.

And as for Netflix? Well, I’ve been increasingly disenfranchised with the service. There was a time when I believed Netflix was the answer to all of my entertainment woes. And for a period, it was. But as the service has lost major films and been relegated to a place to find outdated television shows or last season of a popular series, I’ve realized that little good can come from loving Netflix. The service was once a juggernaut; now, it’s a disappointment.

Meanwhile, I’m enjoying every minute of my cable television service. I have hundreds of channels with all kinds of desirable programming. And although it might end up costing me a bit more than cord cutting, I like the convenience of popping on my television and enjoying all the content I had saved on my DVR.

Plus, there’s the issue of HBO. I’m one of those folks that loves practically everything HBO hands out, including its new series, older programs, and sports documentaries. I’m often found sitting in front of my television on a Saturday night watching a boxing match or catching up on Game of Thrones. To not have HBO in my life — and not be able to stream HBO Go from the browser — is enough to make me shudder at the thought of it.

So, forgive me if I don’t see the reason to switch to an all-streaming entertainment package just yet. I do believe that eventually, cable and satellite companies could be pushed out of the space, but I don’t think it’ll happen anytime soon. The amount of content available only through those services and not online makes it nearly impossible for someone like me to cut the cord. And I have the distinct feeling that I’m not alone.

Traditional business logic says that if there is more competition, prices will decrease. Nevertheless, even with Netflix, Hulu, and other services putting a kind of pressure of satcasters that they have never seen before, prices are going up. NPD said the average increase is about 6% per year. By 2015, it said it expects the average bill to go up to $123 per month. It will be within the next year or two that it eclipses the $100 mark.

Most of the blame was attributed to content providers and licensing fees. So channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, TLC, whatever it may be, are now more expensive for cable and satellite operators to license. And do you think that affects them at all? Not at all; they just pass that cost on to the consumers. “As pay-TV costs rise and consumers’ spending power stays flat, the traditional affiliate-fee business model for pay-TV companies appears to be unsustainable in the long-term,” NPD warned in its analysis.

[via VentureBeat]

It may seem like this number will only continue to climb at higher rates, but it’s believed that the cable-cutting momentum will slow after content creators lessen the level of access and increase prices for distribution. And while there will still be people who cancel their pay TV services, the number who sign up for new service will offset that, leading to net increases in subscriber rates, perhaps fueled by newer enticing offers to gain first-time customers while increasing rates on long-time subscribers.

Some have said the notion of cord-cutting for Web video is a myth, and that it isn’t something to actually worry about yet. These numbers from Convergence Consulting, though, show that it is more than a myth. The other obvious fact is that Netflix is the biggest driving factor for cord cutting, with 21.7 million Netflix streaming users at the end of 2011.

[via BusinessWeek]

On his Facebook page, Hastings wrote, “Comcast: I’m paying you a lot of money for HBO, so please let me watch HBO Go on my TV. I want my HBO Go.” While this may be a nice jolt of PR for HBO’s streaming service, it shows that Hastings is growing increasingly frustrated with Comcast. The cable operator sort of shot Hastings in the back after it categorically rejected his very preliminary idea of perhaps some day bringing Netflix to Comcast cable boxes or there was some sort of partnership between the two.

So it’s really no coincidence that after that, Hastings started complaining about Comcast’s service on a public forum. Of course, Hastings also has a beef with HBO; after all, there’s no chance that HBO content will be available on Netflix’s streaming platform any time soon. But based on this latest message, where Hastings is saying HBO Go is a worthwhile service and Comcast cable is not, it’s becoming clear which of his foes is the bigger annoyance to him.

[via NY Post]

Net neutrality advocates said Comcast was delivering a product that had an unfair advantage over other online video streaming services. However, that sentence about the video being delivered through a private network has been removed from the FAQ, assumedly to take away attention from the issue. Of course, though, the actual video delivery method hasn’t changed. Comcast is just rewording its verbiage on its website. There is still some cause for criticism.

The issue is that Comcast subscribers who stream over Xbox Live will not have that data counted toward their 250 GB monthly bandwidth cap. Meanwhile, if they stream throuh Netflix or Hulu or other service, it will. If you were a Comcast subscriber, which service would you choose? To make things clearer, the service’s FAQ now reads, “The Xbox 360 running our XFINITY TV app essentially acts as an additional cable box for your existing cable service, and our data usage threshold does not apply.”

[via GigaOM]

In one lawsuit, Aereo will have to face claims from Fox, Univision, PBS, and some local New York affiliate networks. In another lawsuit, ABC, NBC, and CBS are gunning after the same company. To say it will be a David vs. Goliath fight, which is the usual metaphor for an extraordinary fight where all the cards are stacked against someone, isn’t even a strong enough statement.

Today’s launch, though, proves that Aereo thinks it can survive. It isn’t an open-and-shut case, obviously. Aereo received more than $25 million in funding from very knowledgeable business people. The case will no doubt set legal precedent. Under the law, antenna signals can be transmitted to one device. The verbiage on what a “device” is, though, is sketchy. For now, check out Aereo for some free TV.

[via PaidContent]

And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Netflix and Comcast are definitely competing for viewers. But Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is trying to spin that narrative and say that both his company and companies like Comcast have a common enemy – HBO. And the old saying goes the enemy of my enemy is my friend. That’s not a good enough statement for Comcast, though.

Company spokesperson Alana Davis was quoted by industry publication Fierce Cable as saying, “We have no plans to offer access to Netflix to our customers through our Xfinity TV service, no matter what device.” Cable companies, including Comcast, have their own video-on-demand services. The only problem is customers don’t use them. A recent study suggested only 3% of the average cable user spends his or her TV time watching the on-demand channels from their cable box.

[via NY Times]

A study from TDG entitled Making Ad-Supported VOD Work found that video-on-demand services from cable and satellite companies accounted for only 1% of all TV viewing in the country. TDG senior analyst Bill Niemeyer noted that satcasters “are investing significant resources in TV Everywhere (TVE) but have ignored the fact they have a potentially viable ad- and revenue-generating on-demand platform already in place in over 50 million U.S. homes in the form of VOD.” He said it’s a glaring problem and one that Netflix has been exploiting.

In fact, in the fourth quarter of 2011, TDG estimates that Netflix subscribers in the US watched 80% more hours of streaming video content than all cable/satellite video-on-demand content combined. Niemeyer suggests that broadcasters need to find a better way to market and monetize their existing on-demand infrastructure. Right now most subscribers simply don’t realize they have access to, for example, Comedy Central On Demand. The worst part, though, is the lack of content available in these channels. They’re also fragmented, making content discovery difficult on the user end. It’s no wonder services like Netflix and Hulu are able to grab money from consumers who are already existing cable or satellite subscribers.

This isn’t the first time we’ve ventured into streaming television on the mobile platform, and it certainly isn’t the last. Android and iOS have both had access in the past to single episodes of programs via streaming services such as TV.com and everyone’s favorites Netflix and Ustream, not to mention YouTube. T-Mobile has a streaming content service offered on many of their smartphones, Windows Phone included as well. Check out our review of the Nokia Lumia 710 for one example of a T-Mobile device with their streaming television app and service.

The Time Warner Cable service is likely to take shape in a new application that will stream their channels through a pay service. The update comes from @jeffTWC who says that the update date is “VERY loose” so we shouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t a brand new Time Warner Cable app at the end of next month – but you never know! Here come the television channels, Androids!

Meanwhile you can get TWC TV on iPad or iPhone now – have fun!

[via TWC]

According to Bloomberg, Gina Talamona, a spokeswoman from the Justice Department, stated that the antitrust division is examining the transactions, and declined to comment any further than that. Verizon Wireless, the biggest mobile-phone carrier in the United States, introduced a $3.6 billion alliance earlier this month with cable companies (led by Comcast) that will try to change how customers purchase Internet, mobile and television services.

The desire for a larger piece of the overall wireless spectrum has driven the recent deluge of merger and acquisition deals in the wireless industry. AT&T only yesterday backed off on its bid to acquire T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom since the Justice Department believed the elimination of a a country-wide wireless carrier would significantly hurt the competitive environment.

[via Bloomberg]