Comcast and Time Warner held a joint press conference today to announce details around the On Demand Online initiative. Specifically, Comcast will begin a trial next month to test out its authentication system and gather feedback on the new video service. Here are the deets as we now know them:
- The trial will include roughly 5,000 Comcast customers nationwide
- Content from Time Warner will include shows from TNT and TBS like The Closer, Saving Grace, and My Boys
- Comcast expects to add more programming networks as the trial expands
- Time Warner expects to announce similar trials with other distributors (presumably the recently-spun-off Time Warner Cable)
There is a fair amount of venom directed at the cable companies for trying to make consumers pay for content online. (You have to be a cable subscriber to get the online video.) However, it’s worth pointing out that we’re talking about content that hasn’t been available online before. This is an added feature for subscribers, rather than a new fee on an old service. Certainly there is cause to be cautious until we see how well the authentication scheme works, but the premise here of making more content available through the Web is a positive one.
Side note: A friend of mine will likely be part of the upcoming trial. Hopefully that will lead me to some hands-on testing in July.
[...] Details on On Demand Online, aka TV Everywhere Comcast and Time Warner held a joint press conference to announce details around the On Demand Online initiative. Specifically, Comcast will begin a trial next month to test out its authentication system and gather feedback on the new web video service. [...]
[...] tools. In fact, he pairs Comcast’s launch of mobile broadband service this week with the TV Everywhere initiatives in the works. Comcast is giving subscribers more places to watch content and a [...]
[...] a quick update from Comcast Voices, the Comcast blog, on the upcoming On Demand Online trial. Apparently the MSO has added the Starz network to its roster of on-demand content that will be [...]
[...] Web is abuzz today with the news that 17 cable networks and CBS have joined Comcast’s On Demand Online trial. The news is excellent, but more to the point, it serves to emphasize the distinction between [...]
[...] City next week? Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News are hosting a breakfast panel on the topic of TV Everywhere next Tuesday morning. On tap to speak are execs from Major League Baseball (which recently made [...]
Hi Joe here and as a DISH Network employee, just wanted to comment here. While Comcast is trying to get the ball rolling DISH is already in motion. Being an employee for DISH I can personally say that TV Everywhere is probably the coolest thing that I have been able to experience I love having the option of TV Everywhere! I have the ability to watch my favorite shows and movies on my Ipad. The Sling Adapter is great. Simply having the ability to travel wherever and watch recordings from home is one of the greatest features out on the market today. All info can be found at DISH Networks website