Comments
Alison
5/4/2016 2:53:51 PM
User Rank Silver
Could Be Good Option
This could work out well although I'm getting a bit burned out by options, personally. However, cord-cutters should certainly rejoice at getting another choice, especially if it has high quality content producers like Disney.
Re: Could Be Good Option
Me too. But the live content is a good play by Hulu, especially if it includes sports.
Re: Could Be Good Option
Live content, particularly sports, has been the knot keeping many from cord-cutting.
Though like Alison I'm confused by cord-cutting options. I may be wasting money by continuing to pay for cable. But looking into all the cord-cutting options makes me say ow my head.
Re: Could Be Good Option
Mitch, Allison,
And yet every step keeps moving toward some kind of structure of a la carte/micropayment/on demand viewing. Many innovations in the last couple decades have moved toward it, and hardly any successful ones have moved moved away. And once it exists, pretty much nothing else will.
Ariella
5/4/2016 8:10:58 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Could Be Good Option
@Mike Does Hulu also have customers outside the US like Netflix does? Netflix has really been pushing its global presence.
Re: Could Be Good Option
2Ariella, Pretty sure Hulu is just US. I never got to this yesterday, but now YouTube is pondering a skinny bundle as well.
Ariella
5/5/2016 6:22:47 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Could Be Good Option
@Mike interesting, YouTube certainly has come a long way.
mhhf1ve
5/5/2016 7:32:26 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
> "today cable provider Suddenlink announced it had a deal in place with Hulu"
Interesting.. I'm curious why a cable provider needs to deal with Hulu? Doesn't it already have deals in place to provide nearly all the same content? I suppose some of Hulu's original content is beginning to have value..?
I wonder when Amazon will start making similar deals...? Or is this a deal that can only happen because Hulu's owners are already closely tied to cable providers?
Suddenlink
Suddenlink was one of the smaller cable operators that refused to pay Viacom more, so maybe they need additional content now that SpongeBob is gone. The release also mentions TiVo boxes accessing Hulu.
Re: Suddenlink
The choices are becoming so prevalent--the key to it is simplicity more than anything else. Beyond what I noted on the upcoming YouTube Service--and as Amazon FireTV & Others work to somehow align their services. Simplicity has to be the driving force as I see it.
batye
5/9/2016 1:43:43 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
@mpouraryan in Canada everyone buying nexus player and load kodi on it :) until Canadian law changes... but you are right everyone want something simple and easy plug and play... not plug and dance around to make it work the way you want it....
mpouraryan
5/9/2016 11:25:44 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
I am aware of Kodi @batye. It is a little powerful open source device that underscores what can be done--but just like anything else, it is the simple admonition I've underscored: Caveat Emptor--Buyer be aware. There are security vulnerabilities that must be mitigated on a constant and consistent basis.
batye
5/10/2016 1:55:33 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
@mpouraryan I would not trust it as it not secure in any case...
mhhf1ve
5/9/2016 2:45:13 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
> "The choices are becoming so prevalent--the key to it is simplicity more than anything else..."
Suddenlink's move is interesting, in this light, because it's not THAT hard to get Hulu separately via a Fire TV (stick) or a Chromecast or an app... so including Hulu (and possibly more apps? a Netflix app, maybe?) is a step towards making it slight more convenient for end users to navigate videos on a living room TV without using a dozen different remote controls....
Ariella
5/9/2016 3:30:44 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Suddenlink
<without using a dozen different remote controls....> @mhhf1ve well, there you go, here's a company's chance to built that universal remote for all kinds of broadcasting devices.
mhhf1ve
5/9/2016 7:14:32 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
> "here's a company's chance to built that universal remote ..."
Heh. it's not an easy task! There have been SEVERAL attempts to try to make a truly "universal" remote control, but the results have been.. less than satisfying.
http://archive.is/20160126184133/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ending-remote-control-clutter-the-hunt-for-the-perfect-universal-remote-1453833118
I haven't tried the Neeo or the "new" touchscreen-esque universal remotes that try to reduce the number of physical buttons, but I can't imagine that there's really a great way to control so many different devices without some agreement on a standard user interface language. Maybe there's a chance if more smart TV devices are essentially Android-based computers....
Ariella
5/9/2016 8:14:38 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Suddenlink
@mhhf1ve Sure there are technical challenges, but I'm sure there's quite a bit of profit to be made from coming up with that one ring to rule them all.
mpouraryan
5/9/2016 11:23:12 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
I actually have had decent experience with Universal remote controls--especially when I had my AT&T Uverse service in integrating all the key "entertainment" systems within it. Maybe I am the exception to the rule in this regard. It goes to the broader question of the art of the possible at the heart of the very transformation we're deliberating.
mpouraryan
5/9/2016 11:42:18 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Suddenlink
I have tested it @mhhf1ve and view it as a smart move as well. The question is wide adoption which will be key.
batye
5/5/2016 11:42:07 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@mhhf1ve I heard Amazon planing something simular in Canada with one of the streaming services... but no one did confirm it yet 100%...
Ariella
5/6/2016 12:22:32 PM
User Rank Author
Re: more Hulu
@btye it's not already serving Canada?
batye
5/6/2016 3:35:53 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@Ariella yes, but not everywhere and service is limited so to say... like you have to jump via hops to get it right ...
Ariella
5/6/2016 3:46:34 PM
User Rank Author
Re: more Hulu
"jump via hops," that's quite an image @batye! Sounds tricky.
batye
5/6/2016 4:18:29 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@Ariella sad reality nothing is simple anymore in Canada to get service customer wants... the consumers must jump like a rabbit... example Netflix fighting with Canadians using US ip to get US content... http://globalnews.ca/news/2651298/netflix-vpn-crackdown-unblock-us-goes-dark-as-canadian-users-cry-foul/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/netflix-officially-kills-vpn-access-canadians-very-mad-1.3543299
Ariella
5/6/2016 4:37:59 PM
User Rank Author
Re: more Hulu
@batye interesting, though I believe the US also blocks some things on its end. Sometimes I see legit sites, say something like BBC that includes a video but get a message that it's blocked in my country.
batye
5/6/2016 4:52:01 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@Ariella content provider do play the strange games this days... I love to read books and only watch/re-watch few movies I love made based on books... or old classic like Casablanca... I own legal Copys of them on DVD/BR... as I did transfer them to my hard drive... but I still keep originals just in case.... as I do not have time to watch tv... to listen to someones bias opinion on opinion... as in Canada we no longer have news only opinions based on the news... I love facts... not bias opinon of politicaly motived lap dogs of Canadian brodcast... I did work at CBC as head of security and know kitchen from inside out....
in Canada it very strange game with digital rights...
Re: more Hulu
Just like with Al Jazeera, it had to do with the fact that BBC is available on cable premium channels--including Uverse. I can't help but wonder as I read thru the discourse how this will compare with the supposed YouTube subscription service that was on the news this weekend.
Interesting times..as I wish all a great Mothers Day W-End..and Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful Mothers Amongst us
batye
5/9/2016 1:39:19 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@mpouraryan I would say it depends on the country and your IP so to say... but yes I have the same question...
mpouraryan
5/9/2016 11:27:06 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@batye: Your thoughts made me curious in having you comment on Canada and the current state of affairs--and whether you think a viable roadmap exists in Canada today in the quest for Transformation or not.
batye
5/10/2016 2:01:37 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@mpouraryan for my point of view Canada riding on the hype for now as everyone love youth in politics... but if it will create bring technology to the people ???
Ariella
5/12/2016 11:25:16 AM
User Rank Author
Re: more Hulu
We talk a lot about new bundles for streaming, but now Verizon is offering new bundles for phone service. Today it anounced new prepaid plans for smartphones today that even extend to 6GB.
"Whether you're just starting out with your own wireless plan or simply love to have complete control of your wireless spending, prepaid plans give you the best network on the latest phones," said Rob Miller, vice president of consumer pricing for Verizon. "Prepaid plans from Verizon keep you in control without the worry of overages or hidden fees."
Options include a jump from the 3GB offered under previous plans to 6 GB of data including 1 GB of AutoPay Bonus Data with unlimited talk and text in the U.S. and unlimited text and calling to Mexico and Canada for $60 per month.
Does anyone else offer 6GB? Is there really a need for it now?
dcawrey
5/7/2016 10:12:47 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
I have tried Sling TV and I liked it. Live TV in a bundle is really where I think OTT is going to shine. Right now, Netflix doesn't have that. I wonder if they ever will, because it doesn't seem like a fit with their service. But people want live TV in cheap bundles.
Ariella
5/7/2016 10:31:27 PM
User Rank Author
Re: more Hulu
@dcawrey it would make sense for Netflix to find a way to tap into that market, too.
batye
5/9/2016 1:44:59 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@Ariella yes it would make a good for Netflix to do it... but will the Netflix will do it... we gonna have to wait and see...
batye
5/9/2016 1:37:38 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
@dcawrey yes you are right it not bad, I have the same idea I do hope to see better bundles and services for North Americas market...
mhhf1ve
5/9/2016 2:42:08 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: more Hulu
> "Right now, Netflix doesn't have that. I wonder if they ever will, because it doesn't seem like a fit with their service."
Netflix will never get live broadcast TV... unless the license holders for that content change their minds significantly about how broadcast TV is distributed. Also, as you say, Netflix's strategy doesn't seem to be pointing towards any kind of "live" or current season video viewing. Netflix has never been in the position to change the "window licensing" mindset of the content rightsholders. Netflix can get the rights to independent movies that don't care about a "theatrical release" window, but... for most movies and shows, the process of licensing content for a "theaterical release" or "current season" then a "second run" and then a VOD window, a DVD window, and then a "classics" archive.. isn't going anywhere in the near future.
Netflix is trying to upend this tradition with its own original programming by releasing its shows all at once so that customers can binge watch. Amazon seems to be following suit with its original programming, too. Hulu is also doing it with its original shows, but... will the "windowing release" ever come to an end? Probably not as long as movie theaters still exist?
faryl
5/4/2016 10:26:28 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Could Be Good Option
I'm sure this is one of the lamer cord-cutter laments, but my attenae won't pick up ABC so I always feel left out during the Oscars.
If Disney provides a live content option, I'd be rather pleased!
mhhf1ve
5/5/2016 7:28:50 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Could Be Good Option
> "I'm sure this is one of the lamer cord-cutter laments, but my attenae won't pick up ABC so I always feel left out during the Oscars."
I'm in the same boat on some OTA channels, too... and I can't believe that OTA broadcasters haven't tried to figure out an OTT solution of their own? I suppose the content licensing is impossible or something? I really don't know how local TV stations operate...
srufolo1
5/5/2016 4:53:47 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Could Be Good Option
Just buy a Sling Media SlingBox and save yourself the trouble. Or do those digital cable antennas you see at Kmart and Walmart not work?
faryl
5/28/2016 5:06:08 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Could Be Good Option
I've tried the digital antenae (and have tried some pretty convuluted set ups that include step ladders, duct tape, and ceiling fans, in an effort to try to find the best place likely to get a signal), but no dice.
I can, however, pick up a pretty decent varieties of Mexican tv channels from the towers down in Tijuanna! (Unfortunately, none of them show the shows I want to watch either!)
Sling seemed a bit expensive for the amount of content I'm "missing out" on last time I checked, but that was several years ago. I may look into it again!
afwriter
5/5/2016 2:01:36 AM
User Rank Platinum
A la Carte
I am still waiting for a someone to roll out a true a la carte option. I am ok without every other channel but I miss AMC and and FX; and let me DVR shows to watch an hour later, not the next day. Am I being too greedy now?
Michelle
5/5/2016 9:23:15 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: A la Carte
@afwriter I'm waiting for the same. It's nice everyone wants to offer a streaming option for content, but it forces viewers to subscribe to multiple services to get the few channels they really want. That's a hassle.
faryl
5/28/2016 5:10:53 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: A la Carte
The few shows I've bought itunes subscritions for have been on FX and AMC (Mad Men and Sons of Anarchy were high on my list!).
It still comes out less than a cable subscription, but those two channels both have a lot quality content that I don't like having to wait to watch either.
msilbey
5/5/2016 9:48:39 AM
User Rank Gold
Big change for content guys
The number of OTT services means content owners are really spreading their worth around, and that means that the value of content by itself will start to get diluted. For programmers that have made gobs of money for years raking in ad dollars plus guaranteed subscription licensing fees, it's going to be a rude awakening when those fees fracture across more and more distribution channels.
afwriter
5/5/2016 10:28:19 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Big change for content guys
@mslibey,
I agree, but I also think that there will be a point where content owners realize they are being spread too thin, either through a lack of revenue or the difficulty of production and they will eventually restructure.
Ariella
5/5/2016 2:43:13 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Big change for content guys
@afwriter interesting point. Do you envision how the restructuring would take shape?
afwriter
5/5/2016 5:24:35 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Big change for content guys
@Ariella, I would imagine that - just like any business - they would either go under and auction off assets, partner with or be bought out by another company, or if they can save themselves in time they may scale back of new ventures and focus on the content that is bring in the most money.
One great example of this is the Sega corporation; when Playstation and Xbox hit the seen they were already stretched too thin trying to take on the giant that was Nintendo. They chose to stop making consoles and focus on creating games for other consoles using their trademarked characters. It has kept the company alive though they are a shadow of their former selves.
Ariella
5/5/2016 6:25:34 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Big change for content guys
@afwriter Ah, the more focused approach. Kentucky Fried Chicken used to advertise that it did one thing and so did it well. But McDonald's goes a completely different route and tries to cater to different tastes with various offerings. Whether it's fast food or broadband entertainment, I suppose different companies will select whichever strategy they think will work to generate the most income.
Re: Big change for content guys
Seems as likely to me that the proliferation of distribution channels will need to new revenue opportunities for content owners. But it will also be more work for them to keep track of it all.
clrmoney
5/5/2016 11:21:34 AM
User Rank Platinum
Hulu
I not that familar with Hulu but they offer services online for movies etc. so I thik its great for them on the outcome of things.
mhhf1ve
5/5/2016 7:01:33 PM
User Rank Platinum
Still sad about Aereo...
I'm wondering what's going to happen to OTA broadcast channels. Tivo seems to be one of the few supporters of OTA TV, and I suspect that someday -- advertisers will value OTA broadcast TV as far less valuable than videos that can be tracked and monitored down to a privacy-infringing level.
All of these OTT services are going to be tracking viewer behavior with data mining tools that OTA TV simply can't do. I think we're seeing the death of OTA TV in favor of OTT video... which I suppose isn't a real suprise, but I haven't seen too many people talking about it?
I use Hulu and I'm always a bit annoyed how it only has the last 5 episodes of a current season -- and no "DVR-like" storage to keep things for longer. I suppose if I had more free time, I'd binge watch more shows and I wouldn't need a DVR function..
Re: Still sad about Aereo...
Good points on OTA.
I seem to recall a service provider doing some streaming of local sports, news and weather. Not a huge revenue generator, but a nice add.
mhhf1ve
5/5/2016 7:37:47 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Still sad about Aereo...
> "I seem to recall a service provider doing some streaming of local sports, news and weather..."
Interesting.. I haven't seen much "local streaming video" other than the local TV news stations putting up horrible video embeds on their websites that usually are painful to try to interact with. You don't appreciate how much effort goes into making the Youtube interface nice, until you see how bad video players can be on other sites that insist on using their own crummy video platforms which buffer and offer far fewer niceties for video playback online.
freehe
5/26/2016 4:56:27 PM
User Rank Platinum
Hulu Skinny Bundle
Skinny bundles are great. Most customers with the traditional bundles are not happy with them and don't use all of the features. I had to get a cable plan with phone service to lower my monthly bill but I don't use the phone service. I was told by my cable company that was the only option to lower my bill. That is ridiculous.
Companies created the bundles with getting input from customers and then forced the bundles on customers leaving them with no alternative in a so-called effort to save customers money but customers are the real losers as these companies continually increase prices.
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