Are laptops becoming the new television? It appears we might be headed that way...
Whether or not companies want to stream shows online, it seems like this trend is becoming a game of 'follow the leader.' Showtime just announced its plans to stream shows like Weeds, The Tudors, and Californication to subscribers... (http://mashable.com/2010/05/10/showtime-streaming-episodes/)
...but at what cost?
Cable operators are understandably concerned that traditional cable revenues will suffer as a result, but Showtime doesn't really have much of a choice. Number one Showtime competitor, HBO, just launched a similar service (HBO GO) and Epix, another premium network has online distribution as a core focus of its business.
Don't get too excited, however. You will likely be required to have a cable subscription in order to view these streaming episodes online. Will traditional television remain the primary viewing channel for our favorite shows or will online viewership dominate in the upcoming years? Would love to hear your thoughts.
~Kim
3 comments:
I am absolutely considering canceling $135/m Time Warner service. The on-demand rarely works.. and in any given month I watch 4 episodes of Gossip Girl and maybe 3-4 additional episodes of other shows. Amazon sells @ $2/episode. Hardly worth the time and $$ of Time Warner!
Great post, Kim. My take is all of it will probably converge over time as incumbents move online more aggressively and viewing experience becomes increasingly multi-platform. Cable vs. online reminds me of how studios initially fought TV by banning actors from appearing in broadcast shows, etc. only to realize later that they can make more money by expanding their film businesses to encompass TV.
Max
i support the possibility of viewing TV (live shows) on our computers, or on a pay-by-episode basis. when i go travel then i won't have to miss any episodes or shows!
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