HiTechEdge

Category: Streaming TV

All news related to streaming TV and cord-cutting.

  • YouTube TV On the Verge of Losing NBCUniversal Channels

    YouTube TV On the Verge of Losing NBCUniversal Channels

    YouTube TV, one of the biggest streaming TV platforms, is on the verge of losing NBCUniversal programming if a deal isn’t reached.

    It’s not uncommon for streaming platforms to lose channels over disputes with the networks. The networks raise prices, or want streaming platforms to carry certain bundles, and negotiations often reach the breaking point.

    According to DigitalTrends, YouTube TV could lose NBC, Bravo, CNBC, E!, Golf Channel, MSNBC, Oxygen, SYFY, Telemundo, The Olympic Channel, Universal Kids, Universo and USA Network if a deal isn’t reached by September 30.

    YouTube says it is trying to reach an equitable agreement, but recommended users turn to NBC’s Peacock should the deal fall through.

    If NBCU offers us equitable terms, we’ll renew our agreement with them. However, if we are unable to reach a deal by Thursday, the NBCU lineup of channels will no longer be available on YouTube TV and we will decrease our monthly price by $10, from $64.99 to $54.99 (while this content remains off our platform). You can sign up for NBC’s own direct-to-consumer streaming service, Peacock, which they offer for $4.99/month to continue watching NBCU content, such as Sunday Night Football.

  • Comcast Set to Unveil Two Of Its Own XClass Smart TVs

    Comcast Set to Unveil Two Of Its Own XClass Smart TVs

    Comcast is preparing to introduce its own XClass smart TVs, with two models debuting soon.

    Comcast is already one of the leading cable TV providers, but the company is looking to expand into the smart TV market according to Protocol. The company has partnered with Chinese manufacturer Hisense to build the devices.

    The new TVs will run a version of Comcast’s X1 operating system (OS), the same OS that powers its streaming TV boxes. The smart TVs, however, will be available to all, not just Comcast’s customers.

    “XClass TV is a smart TV that brings all your favorite apps, live channels, and On Demand movies and shows together in one place,” that site explains in a FAQ. ” XClass TV … gives you thousands of free movies, shows, music, and more. And to find what you love faster, XClass TV comes with a voice remote that lets you control your TV and search across apps with just your voice.”

  • Apple Spending $500 Million on Apple TV+ Marketing in 2022

    Apple Spending $500 Million on Apple TV+ Marketing in 2022

    Apple is ramping up its marketing for Apple TV+ in 2022, to the tune of $500 million.

    According to The Information, via The Mac Observer, Apple TV+ has some 40 million subscribers, roughly half of which are paying a subscription fee. Apple had a very generous trial period initially, giving anyone who bought a new Mac, iPhone or iPad an entire year for free. Even though Apple has since reduced that to three months, T-Mobile is offering its users a free year of Apple TV+.

    It appears the Cupertino company is getting serious about marketing its streaming TV service, something that has been a sore point for some Apple partners who believe the company hasn’t done enough in the past. Apple plans on spending some $500 million this year, and will release a new move or show every week during 2022.

    Given that Apple has a number of critically-acclaimed and award-winning hits on its hands, it’s a safe bet the marketing will likely pay off.

  • Better Late Than Never — Hulu Starts Embracing HDR

    Better Late Than Never — Hulu Starts Embracing HDR

    Hulu is finally beginning to roll out HDR, years after other platforms have done so.

    Hulu is one of the top streaming platforms on the market, and its live TV service is widely considered the main competitor to YouTube TV. Despite its position in the market, the company has been slow to adopt improved technology, including HDR.

    According to TechCrunch, however, the company is finally embracing HDR, with the rollout beginning August 19. For now, only the company’s high-profile original content will get the upgrade, although Hulu intends on eventually bringing it to its entire catalog.

    The company’s plans are good news for Hulu subscribers, even if the implementation will take more time.

  • DirecTV Rebrands Streaming Services As DirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Rebrands Streaming Services As DirecTV Stream

    Following DirecTV being spun off as an independent company, it is rebranding the streaming services it inherited from AT&T.

    AT&T, in cooperation with TPG Capital, spun off DirecTV in early August following years of losses and shrinking subscriber base. The new DirecTV is determined to regain its standing in the TV market.

    “This is a watershed moment for DIRECTV as we return to a singular focus on providing a stellar video experience,” said Bill Morrow, CEO, DIRECTV. “Building on our recent momentum, we are well-positioned to bring unparalleled choice and value to all of our customers under one iconic brand, whether they beam it or stream it.”

    As part of the deal, DirecTV inherited AT&T TV and the obsolete AT&T TV Now. The company is rebranding all its streaming efforts — minus HBO Max, which AT&T retained — under the DirecTV Stream name.

    For those who stream it, the newly branded DIRECTV STREAM will become the single brand for video streaming services previously launched by AT&T, excluding HBO Max. The transition will happen later this month, and service will continue to be available with no term commitment or hidden fees. To enjoy the best of live TV and on-demand, customers can either bring their own streaming device, or use DIRECTV’s exclusive streaming device.² Those with DIRECTV’s streaming device can build a complete, integrated and customized entertainment experience with the ability to watch and pause live TV on up to 20 devices in their home. It also allows consumers to get all their favorite entertainment in one place with easy access to apps like HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video and more.

    It will be interesting to see if DirecTV can regain ground it lost under AT&T.

  • It’s Back! Spectrum TV App Is on Roku

    It’s Back! Spectrum TV App Is on Roku

    Good news for Spectrum and Roku customers, as the Spectrum TV app is once again on the streaming platform.

    Spectrum’s TV app was pulled form Roku’s platform in December, a casualty of the kind of carriage disputes that are common in the streaming TV industry. Existing users could continuing using the app, but new users had no way of signing up or gaining access to it.

    The two companies have come to an agreement, as the app is now once again on Roku.

    “We’re delighted to share that you can now access the Spectrum TV app through your Roku device,” reads Roku’s announcement. “You can now stream Spectrum’s full lineup of live and on demand content by using your existing Charter broadband subscription or by signing up for an account through your Roku device.”

  • HBO Max Will Revamp Smart TV Apps to Fix Issues

    HBO Max Will Revamp Smart TV Apps to Fix Issues

    HBO Max is preparing to revamp its smart TV apps in a bid to fix issues that have plagued the platform.

    HBO Max has quickly become a powerhouse in the streaming TV industry, but that hasn’t translated into a reliable experience for customers. The service has been plagued with issues, from glitchy playback controls to broken subtitles to sluggish performance.

    According to Vulture, a WarnerMedia exec has said the problems are partly the result of rapid expansion, combined with adding an ad-supported tier. As any programmer will attest, adding a major new layer to any platform inevitably opens the door to new bugs and issues creeping in. Add in international expansion to 39 new markets, and the problem gets worse.

    As Vulture points out, the biggest blame, however, lies with the origins of the app itself. Rather than being built from the ground up, HBO Max is essentially a reworked, heavily modified version of older HBO apps, such as HBO Go and HBO Now. The legacy code has contributed significantly to the existing problems.

    The WarnerMedia exec said the company is looking to rectify these issues by rolling out a completely new app, one built from the ground up. It’s a safe bet that’s just what is needed to address the issues and ensure the user experience matches the platform’s impressive content offerings.

  • Fandango Merges Vudu With Its Own Streaming Service

    Fandango Merges Vudu With Its Own Streaming Service

    A little over a year after purchasing Vudu from Walmart, Fandango is merging the service with its own under the Vudu name.

    Vudu was Walmart’s foray into the streaming TV market, before selling it to Fandango in April 2020. Fandango, known for selling movie tickets, has operated its own streaming service, but it has failed to gain as much traction as Vudu, let alone their larger rivals.

    The company clearly sees combining the two services, under the Vudu name, as the best option moving forward. The company told TechCrunch the Vudu brand has a loyal following that is quite a bit larger than the FandangoNOW user base.

    Existing FandangoNOW customers will automatically be transferred to the new service, without losing any of their existing content. Customers will have access to more than 200,000 movies and TV shows, for rent or purchase, in addition to thousands of streaming titles for free.

    A stronger Vudu is good news for consumers, and the streaming industry at large.

  • IMDb TV App Available On More Platforms

    IMDb TV App Available On More Platforms

    IMDb, the free streaming service owned by Amazon, has released apps for iOS and Android.

    IMDb currently offers an impressive library of streaming content, but it has traditionally been hampered by a lack of availability. The streaming content was available via Amazon Prime, but the service has been rolling out dedicated apps in recent months, on both smart TVs and streaming devices.

    The IMDb TV app is now available for iOS and Android, giving streaming fans even more ways to access free content.

  • Apple Making a Play for NFL Sunday Ticket

    Apple Making a Play for NFL Sunday Ticket

    Apple may be preparing to enter the the streaming TV big leagues, with a play for the NFL Sunday Ticket.

    In the battle for the streaming TV market, sports is one of the most important keys to success. A strong emphasis on sports has allowed fuboTV to quickly go from a small upstart to one of the major competitors at the top of the streaming food chain.

    Apple appears ready to get in on the action, and is in early talks for the rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket, according to The Information, via The Verge. The NFL Sunday Ticket would give Apple the ability to broadcast all football games not available on local stations.

    Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand says the negotiations have not officially begun, but the NFL has had preliminary talks with companies, including Apple.

    If Apple is able to secure NFL Sunday Ticket, it would be a game-changer for the company’s Apple TV+ service.