NTCA's The New Edge » iPad

TouchTV

Steve Fravel — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:01:31 +0000

A free iPad app, called the “world’s first TV iPad app,” was released this week. Called Touchtv, the app reportedly has content from Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, ESPN, OWN and E!.

The SkyGrid design will allow viewers to add more channels and personalize their Touchtv. SkyGrid reports that LG will incorporate Touchtv into the LG smart TVs. The SkyGrid download page also includes a version for Android.

Amazon’s Kindle Fire Pre-orders

Steve Fravel — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:51:54 +0000

From all reports Amazon continues to rack up large numbers of Kindle Fire pre-orders ahead of the November 15 release date. The Kindle Fire is a tablet device that incorporates wireless connectivity along with e-reader capabilities and other tablet functions in a 7-inch screen device. While there was a great deal of speculation after the initial unveiling as to the strength of the device against the established Apple iPad, in general analysts do not believe that the Kindle Fire is an iPad killer.

In an online poll, SodaHead.com is reporting that those ordering the Kindle Fire trend toward people over the age of 45, while those under 45 favor the Apple iPad. In addition, the SodaHead.com data notes an income level difference between those who purchase the Kindle Fire and those that buy iPads. Income levels above $100,ooo show a strong preference for the iPad, while those between $25,000-$100,000 are split, with 54% desiring the iPad and 46% waiting for the Kindle Fire.

The price difference is likely a primary differentiator for those who show a preference for the Kindle Fire, which is selling for $199 compared with the iPad which is priced at $499 and above, depending on how the tablet is optioned. Of those participating in the poll, 61% think that the iPad will maintain its dominance with 80% of the market.

Considering the continued pre-order growth, it’s likely that Kindle Fire will become the number two selling tablet.

TV Everywhere to Reach 80% of Pay-TV Subs by Mid-2011

Jesse Ward — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:46:16 +0000

By mid-2011, TV Everywhere services will be available to 81% of U.S. and Canadian pay-TV subscribers through their current service provider, according to a new Parks Associates report entitled TV Everywhere: Growth, Solutions, and Strategies.

U.S. TV service providers in particular have moved aggressively as consumer data show multiscreen services can help reduce churn and attract younger subscribers. Nearly 40% of U.S. broadband consumers ages 18-34 find TV Everywhere very appealing. Globally, service providers are expanding their multiscreen services due to competition from online video sources, the entrance of other operators, and the dramatic increase of online and mobile video usage over the past three years.

“Service providers realize they need to be the consumer’s primary source of video content on all platforms,” said Brett Sappington, senior analyst, Parks Associates. “In North America and Western Europe, TV Everywhere has moved rapidly from a handful of offerings to widespread availability. Today, operators from all sectors, telco, cable and satellite, now offer online access to VOD or live TV, with several adding support for smartphones and tablets.”

In North America, Comcast was an early leader, launching Fancast Xfinity TV in December 2009. Other MSOs such as Cablevision and Time Warner Cable have forwarded the concept, launching iPad apps that allow live streaming of content from a user’s TV to the Apple iPad tablets. Meanwhile, on the telco front Verizon said during its first quarter earnings call that TV Everywhere is on its short-range, 2011 priority list.

For more, see this Parks Associates release.

Cable Companies and Viacom Square Off Over Live TV iPad Apps

Jesse Ward — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:43:54 +0000

Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Viacom have each filed lawsuits in U.S. District Court in New York’s southern district related to the cable company’s iPad application, which allows viewers to watch live TV in their homes.

TWC first launched the controversial application last month and it immediately set off a firestorm of controversy related to video content rights. TWC initially offered about 30 cable networks, however, in the face of substantive opposition, the cable provider temporarily removed more than a dozen channels from its iPad line up.

In a pre-emptive legal move, TWC filed a request for declaratory judgment that says the cable company can transmit Viacom programming — such as MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon — to any device in a customer’s home.”We have steadfastly maintained that we have the rights to allow our customers to view this programming in their homes, over our cable systems, without artificial limits on the screens they can use to do so, and we are asking the court to confirm our view,” Time Warner Cable general counsel Marc Lawrence-Apfelbaum said Thursday. “With over 360,000 downloads of our TWCableTV™ app, it is clear that our customers welcome the convenience and flexibility our new app provides.”

In a separate lawsuit, Viacom asserts that TWC doesn’t have that permission under the current licensing agreement. Viacom also acknowledges that Time Warner Cable’s actions “will interfere with Viacom’s opportunities to license content to third-party broadband providers and to successfully distribute programming on its own broadband delivery sites.” Viacom is countersuing for breach of contract and copyright violations and is seeking injunctive relief and damages.

Following on TWC’s heels, Cablevision released its own Live TV iPad application last week which boasts more than 300 channels. Viacom now appears poised to take legal action against Cablevision as well. In a statement emailed to Multichannel News, the content provider states:

Cablevision has seized distribution rights that Viacom has not granted. Viacom grants rights to distribute our content based on specific technologies and devices. We have extensive relationships with dozens of distribution companies who deal with us fairly and deliver outstanding consumer experiences on a variety of platforms. These relationships are based on fair licensing agreements that provide appropriate value for everyone involved. We will take the steps necessary to ensure that Cablevision respects our rights.

It’s clear that these court battles are groundbreaking and may prove precedent setting for future video content rights negotiations.

In related news, ESPN announced late last week its flagship cable sports network is now available on Apple’s mobile devices for Time Warner Cable, Verizon Communications Inc. and Bright House Networks subscribers. As opposed to Cablevision and Time Warner Cable’s offerings, ESPN’s new app can be used anywhere and is not restricted to in-home use.

For more, see this website which Time Warner Cable has set up to influence public opinion.

Amid Controversy, Cablevision, TWC Launch Live TV iPad Apps

Jesse Ward — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:08:34 +0000

Time Warner Cable (TWC) recently announced the launch of the TWCable TV app for the Apple iPad, allowing video customers to stream live, linear television to the device at no additional charge.

TWC’s application requires customers to subscribe to both its television package and broadband service, and it is currently restricted to in-home viewing. To use this feature, customers download the app from the iTunes App Store, launch it, log in and scroll through the channel lineup to select preferred programming. TWC was the first out of the gate with this live streaming application, although many of its competitors already offer video on demand (VoD) services to the iPad.

TWC initially offered about 30 cable networks, however the cable provider soon faced opposition to its distribution strategy from several major cable networks. Late last week TWC abruptly removed 12 channels from its iPad app. Viacom, Fox Cable Networks, Scripps Networks and Discovery Communications were minutes away from filing their legal paperwork when the cable provider agreed to remove their channels, according to three people with knowledge of the planned filing.

Distributors such as Time Warner and Cablevision assert that their existing contracts with content providers allow them to turn iPads and other devices into TV sets. In fact, TWC said in a statement that it believed it had “every right to carry the programming on our iPad app” and it would consider its legal options.

For their part, the content providers expect additional payment for streaming to a tablet device, maintaining that it constitutes a new distribution channel. Content providers may also be worried about the security of their programming. Down the line the consumer will want — and expect – to take his tablet with him outside the home, and, as a result, the content might be accessible to hackers who can grab the signal without paying for it.

Despite programmer opposition, TWC is moving forward with its iPad application, announcing last Friday that it has added an additional 17 cable channels to the app, including A&E and Bravo.

Meanwhile, over the weekend Cablevision launched a new streaming Optimum App for iPad. The service is free for existing Optimum cable television customers. In addition to approximately 300 live channels and access to VoD, the Optimum App for iPad integrates enhanced guide information. Programming is fully searchable, including by genre, and the application includes the ability to schedule DVR recordings and manage recorded content. Up to three iPads per home are authorized to use the service, but only two simultaneously.

Cablevision boldly states in its release: “The application turns the iPad into an additional television, enabling Cablevision customers to view the same live programming and VoD content already being delivered to other TVs in the home as part of the service they have paid for. Cablevision has the right to distribute programming over its cable system to iPads configured in this way under its existing distribution agreements with programming providers.”

The key point here is that Cablevision refers to the iPad as an “additional television.” This might be a hard nut for content providers to argue with.

For a complete channel lineup and more information on the TWC app, visit the Time Warner Cable blog.
For more info on the Cablevision offering, see the release.

Verizon Advances Video Agenda with Cloud TV, iPad and FiOS TV Online

Jesse Ward — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:57:20 +0000

Verizon is extending its FiOS video service beyond the living room to tablets, PCs and mobile devices.

Late last week Verizon CIO Shaygan Kheradpir hosted an event in New York City and offered a sneak peek of new features coming soon for FiOS customers, as well as some of the company’s long-term plans for FiOS TV. Verizon plans to offer live video programming as well as video-on-demand services to new platforms.

The service provider announced several new initiatives which rely on the concept of “cloud TV.” Flex View gives customers the ability to rent, purchase and watch video-on-demand programming on FiOS TV, the PC and select mobile devices. Flex View will initially support RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 2, the Droid 2 and Droid X and all Windows Mobile 6.5 devices, with more devices following soon. When it launches this fall, Verion plans to offer 3,000 movie titles, with rental and purchase prices ranging from $2 to $18. TV programming will follow soon after. Videos can be streamed over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G.

Instead of local storage, Verizon will store customers’ video libraries in the cloud. Verizon’s Media Manager cloud application will provide remote streaming access to purchased VoD files, as well as personal video, photo and music files. Any content stored on the cloud can be viewed or listened to anywhere with an Internet connection. At launch, customers will be given 70 GB of allocated storage.

Verizon also is developing an application for Apple’s iPad which will likely be extended to other tablets. The “What’s Hots” app will allow the iPad to function as a mobile TV, essentially turning the device into a “software set-top box” which streams live cable programming. Instead of a traditional media guide, the application will feature a mosaic of popular channels which subscribers can browse through.

Initially, the app will work only inside the customer’s home over a WiFi connection, and allow FiOS TV customers to watch what they want on their iPad screen, while someone else in the home might be watching a different show via Verizon’s traditional set-top box. It will capture the channel as an IP stream being delivered through Verizon’s fiber network. The long-term vision is for consumers to utilize the iPad application outside the home, streaming FiOS TV wherever there is WiFi.

While the application was functioning for the live demo, it’s still under development, and there’s a long road ahead before it can be released to FiOS customers. Most importantly, each content provider has to agree to allow their content to play on this additional screen, and Verizon is hoping that it will not have to pony up additional compensation.

Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting have both expressed an interest in the TV Anywhere strategy.

In related news, Verizon announced last Thursday that it will be making more popular programming from Time Warner available online in an on-demand fashion. Verizon, which has been offering online content from TNT and TBS since June, will now offer shows from Adult Swim, Cartoon Network and truTV. Programming will be available on “FiOS TV Online” within 24 hours after an episode airs on live television.

For more, see Broadcasting & Cable, Reuters and PC Magazine.

Apps Seemingly Everywhere for TV

Steve Fravel — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:25:12 +0000

Many video providers are creating apps for the iPad.

Dish Network is “slinging” content to mobile devices such as the Apple iPad. Time Warner Cable is also developing a prototype application for the iPad. AT&T U-verse is making content available to smartphones. Verizon is developing a video application for devices than run Google’s Android operating system too. It seems like every distributor has or will have a means of making video content available to mobile devices.

Filling the “three screens” with content seems to be well on the way. Consumers will have many different choices for providers that can send content to whatever device is convenient, when it is convenient for the consumer to watch it. Is this a good thing, bad thing or just another part of the digital metamorphosis?

Mobility with the capability of effectively expanding the options for communications and entertainment is efficient.

Good or bad? Time will tell.

For more, see this Wall Street Journal article.

Dish to Stream to Mobile Devices

Jesse Ward — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:00:26 +0000

Dish Network is preparing to stream live video to subscribers’ mobile devices including iPads, iPhones, BlackBerries and smartphones that use the Android operating system, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Starting in September, iPad, iPhone and BlackBerry users who are Dish subscribers will be able to use the Slingbox from Sling Media, or Dish’s HD DVR with Slingbox functionality. Users also will have access to live programming, and be able to change channels remotely, but they’ll have to watch whatever’s on at home unless they have a second tuner. The service will roll out to Android users in October.

EchoStar, which owns Dish, purchased Sling Media in 2007 for $380 million.

In the race for subscribers, Dish hopes this latest time- and place-shifting application will help it establish a competitive differentiation.

For more, see this AP report.

Sony Developing iPad Rival?

Steve Fravel — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:59:53 +0000

The big tablet story this week is that Google and Verizon are working on a competitive device to compete with Apple’s iPad that will utilize the Android operating system. But there is also a rumor that Sony may be in the game as well. What isn’t clear is what Sony might use as its operating system.

Sony has been offering a line of electronic ”readers” for some time. Indications are that Sony and its supplier E Ink Corp. are working on improvements to battery life and and wireless conectivity in the readers. They are also thought to be working on the introduction of color to the products.

While a tablet may seem to be the next logical step, Sony is thought to be planning with caution. The competitive market for iPad type devices may already be too crowded.

To iPad or Not to iPad?

Jesse Ward — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:15:17 +0000

The much anticipated Apple iPad multimedia device was released this past Saturday and, according to the company, more than 300,000 people purchased the device during the first day of sales, about in line with industry expectations.

The iPad has received middle of the road reviews, with techies lamenting the fact that it does not offer multitasking functionality, support for Adobe Flash, camera or ichat capabilities, an HDMI port, and, unless you go with a pure WiFi model, it’s still dependent upon AT&T’s 3G network. Many analysts also questioned the need or use for the device.

Yesterday I trekked on down to the Apple store and took the gadget for a test run. Let’s start off with the host of positives. The tablet computer is sleek, with a 9.7-inch LED backlit display and touch screen. It features one power button and Apple’s intuitive user interface.

The standard/bundled apps add a surprising amount of value. Steve Jobs promised that this was “The best browsing experience you’ve ever had.” While I wouldn’t go quite that far, the iPad does offer an awesome Web experience. To quote Engadget, it’s smooth, fast and fluid, the screen displays easily in both landscape or portrait mode, and you can easily pinch to zoom any place on a web page without any hiccups. The presentation of the itunes/eBook/app store is beautifully displayed and easy to navigate, and the iWork suite opens up a whole host of new uses for the devices.

Of course there also are a variety of third-party apps which expand upon the initial capabilities. Netflix has released an app, Hulu’s application is in the wings, and ABC and CBS are rumored to be working on applications to stream video content. In regards to printed content, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times offer applications. And there are a variety of games available; the tween boy test-driving the iPad next to me at the Apple store was interested in the iPad for its potential gaming capabilities.

I only had a few complaints. The tablet is heavier than expected, about 1.5 pounds. And as an eReader, the screen leaves a little to be desired; it’s like reading a book on a computer screen – not such a great experience. My Amazon Kindle features eInk and it’s much easier on the eyes than the iPad. (In fact, I’ve become such a Kindle fan that it’s a highly unlikely that I will purchase a hard copy book again.)

The bottom line: it certainly won’t replace my traditional laptop or PC, or my iphone or kindle, but once I handled the iPad I became a convert. It’s a great in-between/third device that will enable me to sit on the couch and read the newspaper online, stream video content and surf the Web. Now if only that price tag was a little lower…