Comcast is rumored to be in talks to merge with NBC/Universal. Comcast's move is designed to aquire NBC/Universal's rich content library in a defensive measure against their customers increasingly accessing content directly over the internet versus paying for access on cable.
By owning content, cable operators can either prevent content from becoming available on the web for free or charge subscription access. If Comcast actually goes through with the merge and it proves successful commercially, expect a wave of similar mergers and a fundamental shift in the industry.
Unfortunately, such moves serve to limit consumer web access to programming. In either case, Comcast's actions recognize the threat that internet access poses to their existing franchise.
I've had a lot of success with cutting the cord. Yes, I had to get used to ads on Hulu but we're talking about tremendous monthly cost savings, that go a long way in this recession. Recessions inspire innovation and the oversupply of cable channels is on the chopping block
ReplyDeleteWith VUDU, Hulu and Netflix all my entertainment needs are met. We're admist a radical shift in how we consume entertainment now that everything is in the "cloud". Have a look at the article I wrote up for a friend to help make the switch and see if it would work for you too.
http://wnbtechie.blogspot.com/...
If you really needed live TV shows on your local channels, a $10-$20 antenna should do the trick.
I think this is a great idea but there are a few things that Comcast needs to work out with this. You can only use it on the iPad for one you cannot take the Device out of your home for is to work at least right now and Comcast is making get there wifi network because it will not work with any other network. As a DISH subscriber and employee I can tell that DISH is bringing all their customers TV everywhere but it is a little different. First you have to have a 722 receiver box and connect a Sling adapter to the receiver you don’t need any special antenna; what ever you are subscribed to you will get on your mobile device. It does not cost any extra and you can take it out side of your home. You do have to download are DISH remote access app that does not cost a thing and there is a number of device that this will work on. Go to DISH Network website to find out more.
ReplyDeleteI'm using a ROKU + free off-air digital TV.This combo gives me a good amount of free live content plus lots of streaming from Netflix for a total of $8/mo.
ReplyDeletehttp://cutthecablecord.blogspot.com/
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI like your thoughtful insights here though it looks like you may have gone silent on this topic for a while.
Owning content is indeed the key to locking down all the OTT content. Putting up an antenna solves a lot of that. You'll get local broadcasts, local sports events, and major sports events like the Superbowl.
But a huge variety of live sports ? That's the cord cutters dilemma today. There are ways around it but they are somewhat unreliable.
http://www.cordcutterguide.com/index.html