Cox Rolls Out a Low-Cost Package
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · 
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As American consumers find themselves with less discretionary income and more video choices, large cable operators are seeking new ways to attract and retain subscribers. Last year, Time Warner Cable rolled out a $29.99 TV Essentials plan and Comcast soon followed with a $24.95 offering. It is worth noting that neither line-up includes ESPN, often the most expensive of the program networks.
This past week, Cox Cable followed suit and un-wrapped a new collection called TV Economy priced at $34.99. It also does not include ESPN. When comparing the low-cost packages with the typical expanded basic packages that might run in the $60 to $80 per month range, the multi-system operators may have created a small “bridge” to get them past the continued drain due to high consumer retail rates.
Looking ahead, one must wonder if consumers will be willing to forgo access to certain expensive programming in exchange for lower video bills. Time and continued package modification will tell.
Verizon Adds Longhorn Network
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, August 26, 2011 · ·
Verizon can claim a first; having come to terms with ESPN on a national distribution deal for the new 24-hour Longhorn Network. The announcement of the agreement comes in the “nick of time,” as the network is scheduled to launch at 6 o’clock central on August 26. Read more
AT&T Gets Out of the ESPN 3D Game
Posted by Josh Seidemann on Friday, August 5, 2011 · ·
UVERSE sports fans searching for a football to fly through their living rooms will be bereft of that thrill now that AT&T has terminated its contract for ESPN 3D. AT&T cited a confluence of high prices and low demand.
ESPN 3D was introduced in 2010 and has covered the FIFA World Cup, NBA Finals, NCAA football and basketball and Major League Baseball. But despite the assumed thrill of being at the center of the action, too few AT&T customers were interested in paying $10 per month to experience it. Read more
Dish Network Drops 4 HD Channels
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 · ·
In a dispute with Disney and ESPN, Dish Network had dropped Disney Channel HD, Disney XD HD, ABC Family HD and ESPNNews HD. According to a report filed in MultiChannel News, Dish Network claims that proposed carriage fees for the four channels are too high. Disney has countered with the assertion that Dish Network does not have “a deal in place” to support distribution of the four channels.
Dish Network noted in the article that the company recently began offering all its customers, “HD Free for Life.” Dish Network has indicated that they will continue to negotiate with the Walt Disney companies until an agreeable rate can be reached. Continuation of the HD Free for Life arrangement is dependant on low-cost carriage fees, according to Dish Network.
Microsoft Adding More Entertainment Features to XBox 360
Posted by Steve Fravel on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 · ·
Microsoft Corp. premiered the “Kinect” for Xbox 360 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) amid great fanfare and a live performance by Cirque de Soleil. The Kinect device, known in development as “Project Natal,” ushers in a new era affording “controller free” games and entertainment. In a press release, Microsoft heralded the entry as “transforming the way the world plays, entertains and connects with friends and family.” Kinect for Xbox 360 officially rolls out to consumers in the United States on November 4. Availability in other parts of the world will follow shortly after that date.
Verizon FiOS Launches Apps for Facebook, Twitter and ESPN
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, July 20, 2009 · ·
Verizon announced early last week the launch of two new widgets (a.k.a. applications or apps) built for social networking and online video sharing, now available via Verizon’s online Widget Bazaar.
Verizon worked with social media companies including Facebook and Twitter to unite the TV and social media experiences, and allow subscribers to view and update their social media accounts via their FiOS TVs. The new Widget Bazaar applications marketplace is launching with free Facebook, Twitter and ESPN Fantasy Football Widgets. Read more
AT&T Launches In-Car Entertainment Platform
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, June 8, 2009 · ·
In early June, AT&T announced the nationwide launch of its in-car entertainment platform, AT&T CruiseCast. AT&T is partnering with Broadcasting Corp. (RBC) to offer the service which utilizes satellite technology to overcome line-of-sight obstacles.
Subscribers now will have access to 42 channels — 22 broadcast video and 20 radio — available on their existing rear-seat entertainment systems. Programming includes a variety of channels including CNN Mobile, MSNBC, Disney, Discovery and ESPN Mobile. Read more