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.