Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l say each household to their own as for some households it worth it to have Amazon Prime and to other households it might not represent value.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Tbh OB everything i've bought has been substantionally cheaper elsewhere than it would of been on Amazon, a lot with free next day delivery too.
It pays to shop around use a comparason tool (hence why i know it was cheaper than Amazon)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The main thing with Prime is its convenient it makes shopping easy the downside is it sometimes makes you less likely to look around and compare.

I've also managed to source a lot of the products I've been looking for cheaper elsewhere I guess it really depends how much you use the features of Prime we weren't using the streaming side much or many of the other perks hence the reason we didn't renew.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Agree with everything you said here.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

To my mind, it is very good value, but only if you use it. We use it all the time and get deliveries most days, so we save a fortune on postage and packing, and the prices are generally excellent when you compare with the shops. When you also add the video service as one of the benefits of Prime, it is extraordinary value.

But of course if you choose not to shop with them or go to their streaming site, then it is not good value at all! You could say that about anything!

---------- Post added at 19:43 ---------- Previous post was at 19:41 ----------

Yes, you may get better value sometimes with other sites, but I was comparing Amazon with the High Street shops.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You can't really compare the two tbh, high street stores have a lot more overheads than online stores also i've seen quite a few items cheaper in a store than on Amazon too.
However i do understand that some people will of found prime a godsend during lockdown etc, and if you do use prime a lot it can be value for money regarding postage costs and if you use their streaming service too.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Many online retailers do free next day delivery without having to subscribe to anything, sometimes at cheaper prices than Amazon.
Argos 'click and collect' is very convenient and often at an excellent price.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As l say one size does not fit all households and never has done as its in the eye of the beholder as to what they believe represents value for their household.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

In one sense of course, you're right, but from the customer's point of view, the additional overheads incurred by shops on the High Street are irrelevant. What matters for the customer is the price, quality and the ease of purchasing.

---------- Post added at 09:43 ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 ----------

That also is true but Amazon has a better range of products than Argos and deliver to your door.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Argos have been getting better with that, and before Covid-19 were having more and more items available as part of their Fast Track same day delivery

https://www.argos.co.uk/features/del...track:lightbox

As you say it is a different target market to Amazon, but competition where available is never a bad thing!

And Sainsbury's are also now rolling out a service that covers the food equivalent of Prime Now https://chopchopapp.co.uk/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I was subscribing to try some of these streaming services but have now cancelled all but Netflix and YouTube Premium.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Youtube premium is finishing so you are going to be reduced to Netflix shortly.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix is undoubtedly the best and is the most popular. The number of new programmes they churn out every week is amazing. I add a new series for me to watch every week or so, which gives me plenty of choice.

Amazon is next, but the stuff on there can be difficult to find unless you know what you are looking for, because the display menu is a bit more limited and so for anything else you need the title to do a search. Some also don't like the fact that not everything is free of extra charge on there, but these are the programmes for which they do not hold the rights. I'm content with that, as sometimes I really want to access a programme and ppv may be the only way of doing that. At least I know where to go to access that.

Currently, I have Apple+ and StarzPlay on trial, but both have a much more limited menu. However, there are some good programmes on them both, which I must make time to view before the trials run out. Not sure whether or not to subscribe, but could be tempted if the new originals start coming through regularly, and provided they are any good.

DPlay does not include the good documentaries available on Discovery (just the low grade stuff) and Disney + is popular with families. Neither, however, are of interest to me.

It will be interesting to see what Peacock will look like when it is launched, and the good news there is that this streamer will have both free and subscription options.

Britbox and Acorn TV are all right if you like archive programmes, but I have no interest in watching programmes more than once. However, if you love the British content, one of these may be for you!

Of all the players, I definitely think the BBC i-Player is way out in front. ITV Hub is poor, All 4 better and My5 is remarkably good for a player. I like the Pluto stuff on there. Pluto itself is a little unusual, with both live and on demand content. I watched two programmes on there at the weekend - one on the Beatles breakup and the other on George Harrison.

So those who baulk at all these different streamers, I would say this. You only have to subscribe to the ones that appeal to you. I am into streaming in a big way, but I am currently only paying for two. In time, I think most streamers will be offering free content with ads as well as a subscription option. I guess most will be happy with that.

I sign off with the caveat regarding sport streamers. I do understand the problems people raise about how expensive these could turn out to be, particularly if there are separate streamers for separate sports. I think that in time, this will sort itself out with consolidation, and Sky is bound to be very involved in sports provision in the future by both satellite and IPTV.

---------- Post added at 15:29 ---------- Previous post was at 15:27 ----------

That never really appealed to me, and Facebook Watch is of no interest either.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Must admit not heard that do you have a link?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not sure YouTube Premium (as in a paid ad free tier) is ending but they have by and large exited the premium scripted space they were dabbling in...

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

OK thanks for confirming , yes I knew they'd pulled back on the original scripted content. I mainly use my YouTube Premium sub for the YouTube music side and the ability to watch YouTube video content without the barrage of adverts its also handy to be able to download for travel.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

BritBox's first slate of original shows includes Irvine Welsh adaptation Crime

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-r...e-of-new-shows

Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera, Royal Ballet and more come to BritBox UK In landmark deal

https://www.itv.com/presscentre/brit...ox-uk-landmark

Explore Cult TV with BritBox UK

https://www.itv.com/presscentre/brit...-tv-britbox-uk

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So bbc and itv are creating content only for people abroad or those who subscribe to britbox?!

is there a search function on pluto tv? its a glorious MESS of stuff but i have no idea how to actually find out whats on there without scrolling forever through the epg

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I find it better to look at the On Demand offering rather than the live tv part of the site.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yeah, I agree.

---------- Post added at 09:46 ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 ----------

The two organisations, or their offshoots, have made shows for others for a while. The recent original dramas on UKTV's Alibi for example. Only Pay TV customers will see those.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Are Virgin Movies On Demand streamed/compressed like Amazon/Netflix?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I wouldn't have expected you to say anything else, Old Boy. :D

Interesting that Sky is pulling out of Spain. I suspect that Disney's launch of Disney + and the inevitable removal of Disney-owned content from Sky Spain's streaming service was largely to account for this, as I don't believe Sky Spain produced any significant Spanish content itself.
https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020...-ott-platform/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

:D

I think you might be right about the Spain issue, but I was surprised Sky were pulling out. Spain is not renowned for its TV content, so I thought they would make a killing there. Clearly not.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Pssst Old Boy. https://advanced-television.com/2020...-form-in-2019/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes, I saw this, but decided not to post anything in the linear thread as it adds nothing to the debate and would just draw hostility from the usual quarters. It's all part of the long decline I've been talking about over the last few years that I believe will take place.

The linear viewing figures are still holding up well so far against the competition. The big question is whether this trend will accelerate, decline or continue in a fairly straight line.

In the meantime, Mr K I am sure would be interested in a new archive tv streaming service which will air a lot of old ABC TV programmes for the first time since originally shown, although I dare say he wouldn't actually part with any money to get it!

:waving: Hello, Mr K, you there?

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020...rk-programmes/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l would call it more differences of opinion rather then hostility from the usual quarters OB.:p:

---------- Post added at 14:05 ---------- Previous post was at 14:02 ----------

You can believe all you want OB but believing about something does not ordinarily mean that what you believe in will take place.

---------- Post added at 14:07 ---------- Previous post was at 14:05 ----------

Do l sense a backtracking of what you originally believed would happen.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'd like to thank you for that ABC link too as it is something i'd certainly be interested in.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

With 63% linear and 13% time-shifted recordings that doesn't leave a lot for Streaming.

What is 16% long form viewing??

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

More than 20 minutes, apparently. So separating Netflix etc from TikTok etc.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Odeon owner and Universal agree on streaming deal

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53579435

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Hostility does sound awfully adversarial.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

80 more lnear TV channels launched, this time courtesy of Plex. I'm sure MadMax will be cancelling his summer hols so as not to miss out on the treats in store whilst others may be surprised at the growing number of linear TV channels on offer :D
https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/23/pl...ble-worldwide/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

:D:D

Cooking ****ing panda.....ffs

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Go on MM give it a go as l am sure you will enjoy it...:D:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Mmm panda steaks: I'll have mine medium-rare. :D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Can't wait! :erm:

Did you manage to find anything actually worth watching on there? If linear channels become synonymous with utter crap, I can't see this lot gaining much traction. Let's see where this goes! :D

---------- Post added at 19:59 ---------- Previous post was at 19:58 ----------

I named no names...:;)

---------- Post added at 20:02 ---------- Previous post was at 19:59 ----------

Nope. I maintain that by 2035, VOD and streaming will be the options available, although I concede that Pluto type channels via IPTV may still exist. However, they will most likely be a minority interest.

In my humble opinion, of course!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Crystal balls reveal everything....;)

---------- Post added at 20:49 ---------- Previous post was at 20:48 ----------

You are indeed entitled to your opinion.:)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As we are entitled to disagree.

However, if we cannot sort Covid-19 out it will not matter as very few will be around to see 2035

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Would this be an accurate understanding of your beliefs, Old Boy?
- we will still have linear channels (albeit fewer than we have today) but the means of distribution of these will not be by traditional cable, satellite or aerial transmission but by streaming.

(It's not a trick question, I just want to clarify what the debate is. ;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not sure about aerial tbh mate with 5G etc and the mobile carriers wanting more bandwidth but sattelite and cable certainly isn't going anywhere.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

All I ever meant to put across was that watching linear channels the way we do now will cease to be. The terrestrial transmitters will not be used and all viewing in the future will be IPTV and - let's say - the vast majority will be streaming or watching by VOD.

I confess that I did not foresee Pluto's way of presenting linear TV, and that may still keep going for the foreseeable future, but I have to say that the BBC i-Player does much the same thing - select a channel and you can opt to watch live or from the beginning, as well as select from the VOD library. Having said that, I think few will use the live version of Pluto by then; most will have already opted to watch their fayre via the on demand section of the site.

The main thrust is this. In my view, BBC1, 2 and the rest, ITV, ITV2 and the rest... and so on, will no longer exist in that form. Instead, the BBC will have one streamer for all their channels, as will ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. The terrestrials may all come together under one umbrella, such as Britbox. All Sky material will be in one place as well, and presented in 'on demand' or 'streaming' forms via IPTV. I think Peacock, rather than Now TV will be used for this purpose, but Sky could choose to keep Now TV going as their cheap and cheerful service.

Linear TV in future will be streamed TV, and of course, the technical issues including latency will be overcome by then.

I do hear what people say about flopping into their armchairs and just watching what's on, but I'm sure that the various streaming services will find ways to address that - for example with lots of previews playing on full screen or in PIP while you gather your thoughts or search, or perhaps a programme could be automatically selected randomly from the library.

I hope that gives a sense of what I think will happen.

---------- Post added at 14:14 ---------- Previous post was at 14:09 ----------

Maybe not cable, but why would Sky continue to pay out for satellites when they have IPTV? Of course satellites will exist for the time being, but once broadband is rolled out at appropriate speeds all over the country, prepare for major change.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Freesat OB freesat the UK simply does not have the infrastructure for everyone to have iptv at the moment and if Boris and co are still in in 15 years time (going by your date here) it won't have the infrastructure then either.
But..... Given that new space x broadband who knows?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

My prediction has always presumed that the infrastructure will be in place. Clearly, that is crucial, but I have no reason to believe that it won't be.

Boris's timetable for delivery of broadband may well slip, but only by a few years.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Finally!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It makes little difference, Chris. I can't see Pluto getting much of an audience. Don't be surprised if they ditch the live TV bit, although I do acknowledge that with their system, as with the BBC i-Player, you can at least watch these 'live' programmes from the start.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And yet they launched a whole pile of scheduled channels anyway. And they’re not the only ones launching new channels according to a linear schedule. It’s almost as if those who actually do TV for a living have a different view of the future than you do.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

:D Sky better get on the phone to OB as I bet they haven't realised the terrible mistake it made launching it's recent new linear channels.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And very good are those new Sky linear channels in my humble opinion...:p:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well ViacomCBS reported Pluto TV had around 22 million active users some months back so it’s doing something right... and they wouldn’t be adding more and more linear channels if viewers were not engaging with them.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

How long is it until 2035, MM, remind me...?!

---------- Post added at 17:28 ---------- Previous post was at 17:22 ----------

Yes, and this is 2020. I don't get it with you guys. There is a clear trend developing here and you refuse absolutely to consider where this will lead.

Well, you've made your mind up, so I guess there's nothing I can do about that. You will see in time that Pluto will conclude that it is safe to rely solely on the on demand aspect of their service, although it really doesn't bother me either way. It's still IPTV. And it's still of minority interest. No-one I speak to, and I have a wide circle, have ever heard of Pluto anyway.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Something magic will happen... :D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Like a realisation that IPTV will reduce costs?

I'm sure they have worked that out for themselves, to be frank. :erm:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

like defying the laws of physics to reduce latency to what you forecast, unless there is a huge investment in infrastructure and technology advances...

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

There is indeed a clear trend that nobody has disputed. The point, that you never adequately address, is how that trend reaches zero?

You’ve conceded that you think what you consider “low value” linear content will now exist. My point has always been that major content providers will maintain a linear presence and if linear television does exist why would they not want to be there? A 24 hour advert for their streaming service using content they already own?

For context broadband penetration went from 94% to 95% between 2014 and 2019. Trends fo 100 (or 0) are extremely hard to achieve by market forces.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Worldwide, of course.

---------- Post added at 23:53 ---------- Previous post was at 23:47 ----------

Agreed, but when audience levels get to neglible proportions (won't even get that far!),why would any commercial operation be arsed to provide a service to a small minority of viewers who are probably not raking in any significant interest advertising wise?

You are describing some sort of romantic vision that is never going to come to pass. Think economics. It should be easy for you. One would have thought.

---------- Post added at 23:54 ---------- Previous post was at 23:53 ----------

Yes, Hugh, but some of us seek solutions to problems. The BBC is working on it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Like all good armchair experts, you pose questions and insert caveats (‘probably’), demanding evidence and answers from others while all you ever do is promote your speculation. You’ve been at it for years, yet all we ever see are new linear channels popping up and streamers racking up massive debts trying to chase an audience that’s a fraction of the size.

Netflix is presently trumpeting the success of The Umbrella academy, whose first season was viewed in 45 million households - worldwide. The Umbrella Academy is great TV and a big success for Netflix, but even now it’s still niche. Pay-TV, regardless of how it’s delivered, always will be.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I’m not describing a romantic vision of anything. I’m stating facts.

Yes economics is something I understand. You’ve not demonstrated how streaming gets to 100%. Even if it only got to 99% I can find you dozens of channels with that kind of audience.

Streamers won’t be ideological (as you are). Free advertising is free advertising.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

OB, really? I didn’t know that...

(Except for the fact, as mentioned before, that one of my best friends is a Lead Technical Architect at the BBC, working specifically on the Telecomms area, who speaks at International conferences on the impact of 5G on broadcasting, and who is a member of a National 5G Working Group advising the UK Government, and my comments are informed by discussions with him - which highly experienced technical resource at the BBC are your comments informed by?).

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well, how do you explain this, then, Hugh?

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-d...streaming-lag/

---------- Post added at 11:15 ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 ----------

I seem to recall that Rupert Murdoch had similar problems when he launched satellite TV.

You say 'pay tv' will always be niche, which is a questionable statement, particularly if the BBC licence fee is converted into a subscription. Then there is AVOD, which will attract those who don't want to pay for their TV.

I am not sure why you are so satisfied about a small number of new channels launching in 2020. Once again, some seem to be having difficulty understanding the difference between the present and the future.

---------- Post added at 11:22 ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 ----------

Advertisers will not be interested in paying good money to advertise their products to a small and probably not very wealthy audience.

As I've said before, audience levels do not have to reach anywhere near as low as 1% before traditional linear TV is ended. If we waited for everyone to convert voluntarily to digital TV, we would still have analogue as a choice.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Easily - it wasn’t scalable, and wasn’t cost-effective to implement.

From the BBC at the time

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Really, what about all those people who pay to watch Sky Sports, for instance, I wouldn't call that niche, I do not know the actual subscription figures but I'd hazard a guess that they must be quite high.

---------- Post added at 17:17 ---------- Previous post was at 17:15 ----------

Says the armchair expert....:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

How long did it take you to think that up, Chris....

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Much can be achieved in 15 years.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And snails might make their way to the moon by then.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Chris comes out with some very thoughtful and interesting posts, and I respect bis opinions, but I am surprised that he didn't understand your point, and I do think he has a blind spot when it comes to the future of TV.

Notwithstanding that, it is good to be challenged, I guess.

---------- Post added at 20:08 ---------- Previous post was at 20:06 ----------

That's the difference between us, Den. I think lightning and you think snails.

Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between! :)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So you’re now advocating state intervention to shut down linear television?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Which is another way of saying "something magic can happen"... :D

I’ve spoken to people involved in long-term planning of Broadcast TV, you’re just basing your forecasts on "here’s hoping...".

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

On the one hand, Old Boy does have the benefit of over fourteen years' development time for this development to be worked on, and this is something that will be of benefit globally and to massive companies like Amazon.

On the other hand, we we saw what happened with Old Boy's here's-hoping approach when it came to his magical unicorn technology for the Irish border post Brexit. Boris realised it was nonsense and decided to roll over and concede a border between GB & NI.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Possibly, as the bandwidth may need to be hijacked for 5G, but although you and I disagree on this, I believe that there will be no financial incentive to justify the continuation of the TV channels over time. We are nowhere near that yet, though.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That wouldn’t necessarily impact satellite or cable though. Plus it’d have to make commercial sense to do so.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That's not what I read, but hey, ho.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Mulan going straight to Disney+.

https://screencrush.com/mulan-disney...etter_21107530

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

An additional $29.99?!!!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sounds a bit steep! How much do they charge for cinema admission in the States?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The average cost of a movie ticket rose to $9.26 in the second quarter of 2019, up from $9.01 during the first three months of the year, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO).Jul 18, 2019

---------- Post added at 09:39 ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 ----------

So they will make around $20 profit for each screening unless they are taking into account what an average family would pay at the cinema rather than an individual.

Either way, they will make a killing

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/4/21...lus-abc-fx-fox

Disney are also launching a new service under the ‘Star’ brand - which may by integrated into Disney Plus - and will be comprised of other content owned under the Disney umbrella and it’s various brands. And it’s likely this is what will be scaled internationally instead of Hulu.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Or not - not sure many are going to pay that much in the current financial climate in US.

I suspect they will expect UK viewers to pay £29.99 to view it.

This is obviously the commercial face of streaming - I would imagine subscribers to Disney+ expected to get all content for their sub, not to pay extra on top.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As a Disney+ subscriber I don’t expect to have access to made-for-cinema content on the same day it goes on general release, no. If they want to experiment with running a box office service through Disney+ I’m fine with that as long as they don’t muddle up the interface. One of Netflix’s principal advantages over Prime Video is that Netflix doesn’t try to sell you anything whereas Amazon weaves prime and non-prime content together as tightly as it can, which results in a frustrating user experience.

I wouldn’t pay £20 or more for Mulan or anything else though. I pay that and then some to take the family to the cinema, but that’s a cinema with the whole experience that goes with it. My living room is not a cinema, although to be fair the carpet is frequently as filthy as screen one after a matinee once my kids have been loose in it for a few hours.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'll bet..:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

[QUOTE=Tricky Trevor;36045691]The average cost of a movie ticket rose to $9.26 in the second quarter of 2019, up from $9.01 during the first three months of the year, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO).Jul 18, 2019

---------- Post added at 09:39 ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 --------my grandkids have been riping me off last time I gave them money of the cinema it cost me $15 each !

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Welcome to the super-dooper future.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Looks like those good folk at Disney may be giving us yet another opportunity to part with some hard-earned cash. ;)
https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020...ke-star-brand/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Discovery too now it seems. https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/...ails-revealed/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

so there will be another streaming service to pay for !? oh ffs

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You don't need to sub to it, it's not like they're going to come knocking your door or anything.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

There is a limit to everything as people might fork out for one or two streaming subs but that is as far as most people will go imo.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not necessarily. In the US, Disney + incorporates Hulu and ESPN, but not here.

However, I don't know whether Disney will incorporate Star within Disney, we'll have to see what transpires.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I can't see the point of incorporating Star into Disney+, the Asian channel audience is a completely different demographic. It would be easier to market a Star-branded app with that content front and centre in the user interface.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If the intention is to populate Star with Indian shows, I agree.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's one of the big brands in Asian TV. I never thought it would have anything else on its app.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_India

The Wikipedia page says it "It has a network of 60 channels in eight different languages" so it should have plenty of content to be a standalone service.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Correct mate..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Economies of scale. Same reason it’s better value to the vast majority of end users to sell TV packages in bundles than on a channel per channel basis.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I sincerely doubt they intend to add a load of Indian content to Disney Plus... they’re already saying it’s a brand to hold all the content they own that may not automatically go to D+.

I suspect the new ‘Star’ platform will be wholly unrelated to Star India & Hotstar... I think the reason they are using that brand name is that 1) it’s a pretty easy name they can reengineer and align to Disney and 2) Comcast still have a 33% ownership of Hulu... using Star instead of Hulu locks Comcast out and does not risk Hulu increasing in value in case Disney force the sale in 2024 as the current agreement allows.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Normally I'd agree. I think this is the exception to the rule though in this instance.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I agree - it is most unlikely they will put Indian shows on there. The article says 'Disney is to launch a new international general entertainment streaming service' .

This will be instead of the Hulu strand that is available in the US, I believe.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

"International" is often used as a shorthand for not-English-speaking in Media articles.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It will be English language content.

https://tbivision.com/2020/08/07/tbi...for-streaming/

[EXTRACT]

The new Star service will launch next year and will plunder programming from across the Disney directory, including ABC Studios, Fox Television, FX and 20th Century Studios plus numerous others. Details remain scarce but the service is expected to have a more adult-oriented feel compared to Disney+ and appears likely to be more akin to US-based Hulu.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

One thinks this might be what hulu global was going to be.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That’s exactly what it is. As I said above, a wholly new platform does not cause any issues with Hulu if Comcast decide to sell or Disney force the put/call sale in 2024. And I think too many people were so quick to think ‘Hulu International’ was going to just be the same as what the US despite it being a much more complicated platform with catch up tv, live channels, premium subs and ads as well as the issue of Hulu not owning international rights on their originals... it was always going to be a different beast.

A new platform with a brand they own outright just with content they own outright aligns with Disney Plus quite easily and means they’re going to be very specific about the content they repatriate over the next few years.

Be interested if the U.K. are part of the initial wave given that BBC have the multi year deal for new FX shows and Sky have the deal for 20th Century Studios’ first run movies... those are two big anchors for the platform so interested to see if they go all in sooner or later.