The threat of streaming services
 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/bu...x-2270651.html

With Lovefilm and now Tesco with Blinkbox looking to start streaming services , could the launch of youview be a threat to normal cable/satellite subs ?

I know TIVO will have access to apps however a TV sub is still payable , when youview launches users will have access to these streaming subs and imagine a scenario where streaming companies gained access to boxsets of TV shows.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I think that is one of the reasons VM repositioned it's self from content creator to delivery system. I don't think linear TV is going away (just have a look at the TiVo reminders thread) but I do think the age of the "cable cutters" is coming. VM provide a high speed network for these "cable cutters" so will continue to have them as customers, Sky aren't in such a strong position on that front.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Live TV will always be the domain of first run shows though. Streaming might hurt the likes of dave that rely on reruns, but the premium channels that show first run shows won't be effected.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Although, according to some, your belief in live TV is utterly bewildering.

I hate smilies, but this one time... ;)

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I can see a time when services like LoveFilm will be present on the VM TV service (this is just my speculation). You'd rent the movie like you do now and VM take the delivery cost from the fee and pass on the rest.

This could work in one of 2 ways (maybe more):

• a timed rental e.g. £4 for 24/48 hour access (VOD as is)
• a shelf rental e.g. You sign up for a certain amount of "shelf" space or you get that with the service. When you want a new film you empty your space and get a new title. Maybe a minimum time of 24 hours so you don't change too often.

The latter could work like LoveFilm, the more you pay per month the more you can rent at a time, the more changes you can make per month. Some devices can already do this. Use the TiVo and it's all in one device and doesn't use up your BB limits.

(Please note again this is just me thinking. I've not seen anything internal on this and am not aware of any work being done on this.)

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Does anyone know whether Netflix in the US have the right to stream new DVD releases as part of their subscription package ? Or is it just films at similar time to Sky movies ?

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

l do not know the answer to that one.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Its a minimum of £5.91 per month for streaming from Lovefilm, and that gives you 2 hours per month.

The price for unlimited streaming starts from £9.18 per month.

Note that (in part, due to Sky) the newest titles require a PPV cost. Also, Lovefilm had a bust-up with Universal Pictures a while ago, so no films from that studio can currently be rented out.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Do you not think this could affect some of VM lower tier customers who have basic channel range to get access to Catchup , you can see a time in the not so distant future were all the terrestrial catchup services are available on connected TV's , youview , google tv etc , just look at Sony connected TVs they already have iplayer and demand five.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

But you still need the internet for connect TVs though and that's what VM provide where as Sky resell on BT's infrastructure.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Yes valid point on the internet side , but they would still lose money if that customer cancelled their TV service.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Not necessarily for the low tier people. They may be getting there TV free to start (M) and may need a faster internet connection to usefully use the internet for TV. May even be a spend increase for the very bottom tier.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I can't see a high number ditching pay TV just yet , the UK's streaming services are still in their infancy. In the USA most of their sport is available also on streaming services with MLBTV HD to be had for under $10 a month , I can't think of any UK sport available like that but I could be wrong.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Reported last month but it would seem Netflix could end up in the UK

http://paidcontent.co.uk/article/419...hes-in-the-uk/

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Yes we pay lovefilm £9.99 a month cant remember how many dvds we get but we get unlimited streaming through our blu ray player some of the titles are pretty good.Maybe vm could do a deal with lovefilm for a similar service and take a percentage.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Good news; the more, the better.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I agree with you defo , would love to see.

---------- Post added at 12:36 ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 ----------

Apologies that this may be slightly off topic but an interesting read on US content acquisitions

http://tbivision.com/article.php?cat...le=2160&page=1

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Yeah I think if they had a better on-demand offering than Lovefilm - HD anyone? - I would jump ship in a heartbeat. Lovefilm is a great service and all but the current quality (picture quality) and selection of the OD is quite poor.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Some more info on netflix in Europe.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...ush-2011-5.DTL

---------- Post added at 13:03 ---------- Previous post was at 12:52 ----------

An article on the effect of Netflix on Internet traffic in the USA.

http://hotair.com/archives/2011/05/2...-the-internet/

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Good links MM. Thanks.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

An interesting view from acetrax Movies OD Streaming Service , the articles from last year but a decent read.

http://gadtechnews.com/technology/ex...ky-redundant/#

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I completely agree with this.

VM, Sky etc are very convenient but as technology moves on VoD will become part of more and more gadgets.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Yep agree fully , it's a defo threat to Digital TV subs long term.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I guess eventually the sub will need to include a significant VoD element if it is to survive.

But in some cases I can't see a person being better off without a sub e.g. Sky Sports and Movies are excellent vfm considering the amount of content available on these channels. But then again in this digital age I can't see people continuing to pay subs that include channels they don't want.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

A good read on the potential of 3D streaming services

http://www.techradar.com/news/televi...mart-tv-959669

Although at least a third of the UK's 200,000 3D TV owners are signed-up to Sky, the UK's newest 3D host, Virgin Media, could be well poised as it also runs a super-fast fibre optic broadband network.



---------- Post added at 12:50 ---------- Previous post was at 10:59 ----------

A brilliant article and worth a read

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...redirect=false

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I like this;

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I agree a good price for unlimited movies , that would take off massive here , should be interesting with Film Flex , Sky Box Office/Sky Movies , Acetrax , Lovefilm and possibly Netflix. The TIVO search would make easy work of finding movies on these services if they were added.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Unlimited movies for that price? Did someone say earlier that Sky Movies was good value for money? I don't think so!

Seriously, if VM could offer such a service, they would be very popular indeed! Let's hope they go for it.:)

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Sky Movies is expensive if your taking it alone however I take Sky Sports so it costs me another 7.00 to add movies so its not to bad however I agree more choice will be better , and expect Netflix here soon. The problem with Sky movies is that its still all linear schedule unless your an Anytime+ subscriber.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

just picked up this thread

read somewhere a week or 3 back that the total number of contracts for cable TV & Satelite TV in the States are falling atm

reason given : growth of online streaming 'TV' services and the fact that consumers are preferring to get their entertainment from the Internet

- at least you don't get 10 min ad breaks every 30m mins

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Yeah people are calling them cable cutters , abandoning subscription satellite and cable TV.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Looks like Netflix are getting very serious about their UK launch:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011...ng?INTCMP=SRCH

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Being discussed here

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/23...-a-page-2.html

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Seeing all the news stories over the last few weeks about new streaming services ie Netflix , Lovefilm , Blinkbox etc do people feel this could be a threat to pay TV providers ?

Sony possibly looking to join the trend
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/connect/ne...ectid=10767075

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Much prefer postal Blueray rental myself. Significantly cheaper than most VOD/streaming services and much more reliable/responsive if you want to pause, rewind etc...

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I think ITV and Netflix is going to be in for a rude awakening when they realise no one is going to want to pay to watch ITVs back catalogue.

Until every inch of this country is fibred up and ISPs have greatly improved their bandwidth streaming will still be a limited niche. Only VM seem in a good position to make streaming a seamless experience with one interface, no bandwidth limit and payment via your monthly bill.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

If netflix launches in the UK with the same or similar pricing to the US, I'm going to be very interested, though, not for the ITV shows.

---------- Post added at 12:17 ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 ----------

If Lovefilm could stream HD movies, I wouldn't bother with the Blueray discs. The sooner it happens the better for me.

Lovefilm have reduced their prices recently; 2 discs at home is now 9.99. I wonder if it is a result of the forthcoming netflix launch?

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Do you mean a threat in terms of losing customers, or a threat to the content deals pay TV providers currently have?

In terms of losing customers, pay TV providers will be watching developments closely. If Lovefilm and Netflix start an aggressive price war, SKY would seriously need to consider the price structure of their own movie offerings.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011...al?INTCMP=SRCH

"The deal does not affect BSkyB's rights to show movies on its services, with Warner Bros saying that it has carved out a new "second pay-TV window" for the first time that will see LoveFilm get titles exclusively for its subscription streaming service."

As Netflix and Lovefilm go to war you can bet the other movie studios will also find a "second pay-TV window" to exploit which doesn't effect their current deal with SKY.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

I agree , I hope it does force them to lower the price of movies , don't forget Sky already stream content via Sky Go to their own customers , I can see Sky Movies on BT Vision once BT finish upgrading their network to support this , they are also involved with Youview so I suppose a Sky Movies premium app isn't beyond the realms of possibility.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Link not working for me Chad.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Realistically, you view is only going to appeal to Virgin customers on the m package, who pay little, if anything for their TV, but will need to keep a decent internet connection to take advantage of streaming services. Bear in mind that catch up TV is already available on some freeview boxes by plugging it in to your router. You view has had problems, and won't do much more than existing products already can. In addition, those likely to pay for on demand programming are probably already doing so and with Tivo, Virgin are uniquely placed as a platform to offer access to many streaming services AND a linear channel line up which compares well with Sky, who are increasingly looking like a one trick pony.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Disagree with the one trick pony assumption , Sky Go is a streaming service with many channels available on laptop/pc plus OD content it has all Sky Movies/Sports channels with Sky News on phone/tablet with downloadable content to mobile devices to come , look at trends in the US and you will see more and more people are consuming content away from the home on mobile devices , sure VM have a player but they aren't really in the same league yet are they. I agree with you that VM are in an decent position with their offering.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

When you consider Sky's channel line up, I actually think Sky go is a bit limited, but I do agree that it's the one area where Virgin don't currently compare well.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Virgin Media with TIVO is strengthening its one advantage that all cable companies have over satellite and that's OD , the ability to go back 7 days is a great feature and the ability to locate OD shows with TIVO is also an excellent feature. The channel range on Sky Go through portable devices is limited at the moment but expect that to change sometime after the Android version arrives.

http://www.sky.com/mysky/latestnews/...ear/index.html

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

And now Roku is coming:
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/homecinema/r...e-uk-50006131/

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Possibly a new Apple TV ?

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/homecinema/a...nent-50006097/

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

This should work:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011...al?INTCMP=SRCH

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Yes, works now, thanks.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

HMV starting now.

Doesn't look as if it's a subscription service though, so not of interest to me

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/ne...d-service.html

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/201...ogle_news_blog

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Thanks for that interesting piece of info.:D

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Hmmm, that Tesco thing sounds a bit suspect. After all, if you buy a Triple Play set you're getting much the same thing with the advantage that you'll always have the different format copies and aren't reliant on a service which might not exist in a couple of years.

Streaming services like Netflix and IceFilms are all well and good but you can't rely upon them, in my opinion. Always better to have hard copies of everything you really like and I know I'm not the only one who feels like that.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Walmart's Vudu plans big int'l expansion: Streaming service to compete with Netflix, local players

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2...-video-service

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Good. The more the merrier :p

Since getting a roku I'm already planning on investing in a second one and ditching the two Tivos.. OTOH I'm one of those people that's generally slightly ahead of the curve so can see that's not going to be a mainstream position for a while. In 12-24 months though? VM and Sky could have a problem.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Until Netflix etc. start providing access to current TV shows and first run VOD for films, I think Sky and VM will still get the customers. Don't get me wrong, I'd like for this to happen, but it may tale a while and to do this, the £6 per month Netflix price would almost surely have to rise, which Netflix don't want to happen. It's a market in flux ATM, so it's going to be interesting. I think that in the UK, Sky Now could be game changer, depending on the subscription options available and pricing.

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Until streaming services get first run rights they will only ever be a companion to free view, or for people who can't bear not to have everything. Until streaming services have significant market share they won't be able to get significant first run rights.

---------- Post added at 13:08 ---------- Previous post was at 13:05 ----------

What's Sky Now?

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Doesn't look like Youview is going to be arriving anytime soon:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...iew-delay.html

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

Interesting reading on page 5 of this latest netflix shareholders report:

http://files.shareholder.com/downloa...0Q1%202012.pdf

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

What are we supposed to look at ???

Re: The threat of streaming services
 

The proportion of box office films that netflix have compared to Lovefilm and the perspective that Netflix have on Sky Now in regard to ofcom's investigation on the deals that Sky have with the big film studios.

Having both Netflix and lovefilm, my feeling is that netflix have less, but better quality content than Lovefilm.

And Netflix reportedly said they didn't want ofcom to interfere in film rights, but comment that ofcom lessening Skys grip on the film studios, would be beneficial to Netflix. I could never understand why netflix told ofcom what they did.