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OLD BOY · 17-03-2015, 12:39

Another indication of the likely demise of linear channels over time is contained in this article I have discovered in the Daily Telegraph web site.

Although the Telegraph article below describes the position in the US, it is a foregone conclusion that we will follow their lead. The trend is towards more streaming services and a continuing drift away from linear channels. Although this will impact on pay tv first of all, it is only a matter of time before Freeview itself is impacted by this change in viewing habits and the declining advertising revenue that results.

Vote now in Muppetman's poll to indicate your opinion!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...g-service.html

Apple 'planning TV streaming service'
Apple could launch a TV streaming service, in partnership with US broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox

Apple is reportedly planning to launch an online TV service, allowing users to stream video content from around 25 channels on their iPhones, iPads and Apple TV set-top boxes.

The technology giant is in talks with US broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox to launch the service. The idea is to offer a “skinny” bundle with popular channels like CBS, ESPN and FX, while leaving out many of the less well-known networks that are included in standard cable TV packages.

For now, the talks don’t involve NBCUniversal, because of a falling-out between Apple and NBCUniversal parent company Comcast, according to the Wall Street Journal.

It is thought that Apple's online TV service will be accessed via a subscription, costing between $30 and $40 per month. The new service could be announced in June and launched in September. Apple refused to comment on the report.

The move comes amid a major shift in TV viewing habits, with many people now foregoing cable and satellite pay-TV services in favour of online streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video.

Only yesterday it was reported that YouTube is planning to launch a subscription-based video-on-demand service that will allow users to watch unlimited videos without ads for a set monthly fee.

Meanwhile, Apple announced last week that it had secured exclusive early access to the forthcoming HBO Now streaming service, allowing Apple device owners to watch popular series such as Game of Thrones.

"Tim Cook’s HBO announcement should have been a heads up on Apple’s latest thinking around TV services. The company has been trying for years to get into the streaming TV market, and cash in on the demand from users for TV from their internet connection," said Jeremy Davies, CEO and co-founder at analyst firm Context.

"This latest attempt reportedly has the backing from several major US channels, but Apple’s goal of a live TV streaming service with a vast cloud-based on-demand library could still run into problems in trying to get the rights to all the shows it needs."

There is no indication of whether Apple would launch an online TV service outside of the US. However, this would require Apple to make licensing deals with local broadcasters, meaning there would likely be a significant delay before the service reached the UK.

17-03-2015, 12:39	#175
OLD BOY Rise above the players Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wokingham Services: 2 V6 boxes with 360 software, Now, ITVX, Amazon, Netflix, Lionsgate+, Apple+, Disney+, Paramount +, Posts: 14,589	Re: The future for linear TV channels Another indication of the likely demise of linear channels over time is contained in this article I have discovered in the Daily Telegraph web site. Although the Telegraph article below describes the position in the US, it is a foregone conclusion that we will follow their lead. The trend is towards more streaming services and a continuing drift away from linear channels. Although this will impact on pay tv first of all, it is only a matter of time before Freeview itself is impacted by this change in viewing habits and the declining advertising revenue that results. Vote now in Muppetman's poll to indicate your opinion! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...g-service.html Apple 'planning TV streaming service' Apple could launch a TV streaming service, in partnership with US broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox Apple is reportedly planning to launch an online TV service, allowing users to stream video content from around 25 channels on their iPhones, iPads and Apple TV set-top boxes. The technology giant is in talks with US broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox to launch the service. The idea is to offer a “skinny” bundle with popular channels like CBS, ESPN and FX, while leaving out many of the less well-known networks that are included in standard cable TV packages. For now, the talks don’t involve NBCUniversal, because of a falling-out between Apple and NBCUniversal parent company Comcast, according to the Wall Street Journal. It is thought that Apple's online TV service will be accessed via a subscription, costing between $30 and $40 per month. The new service could be announced in June and launched in September. Apple refused to comment on the report. The move comes amid a major shift in TV viewing habits, with many people now foregoing cable and satellite pay-TV services in favour of online streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Only yesterday it was reported that YouTube is planning to launch a subscription-based video-on-demand service that will allow users to watch unlimited videos without ads for a set monthly fee. Meanwhile, Apple announced last week that it had secured exclusive early access to the forthcoming HBO Now streaming service, allowing Apple device owners to watch popular series such as Game of Thrones. "Tim Cook’s HBO announcement should have been a heads up on Apple’s latest thinking around TV services. The company has been trying for years to get into the streaming TV market, and cash in on the demand from users for TV from their internet connection," said Jeremy Davies, CEO and co-founder at analyst firm Context. "This latest attempt reportedly has the backing from several major US channels, but Apple’s goal of a live TV streaming service with a vast cloud-based on-demand library could still run into problems in trying to get the rights to all the shows it needs." There is no indication of whether Apple would launch an online TV service outside of the US. However, this would require Apple to make licensing deals with local broadcasters, meaning there would likely be a significant delay before the service reached the UK.