It will be interesting to see details on this. I expect that it will be disappointing and you will be forced to have the cable channels to get the online content. This is already something that is making its way into other XBox content like espn 360.
No, thats not what they're doing. They're extending a cable operator initiative called "TV Everywhere" ESPN 360 and HBO Go are the two main services using this.
The basic idea is that if you can prove you're already a cable subscriber then they're willing to stream you content via IP to certain devices, within a strict set of parameters. For example if you're connected to the internet through your Comcast provided cable modem you can stream to your tablet device, or perhaps in this case the Xbox.
MS is not doing anything here without the cable operators permission they're working very closely with them to fit within the parameters they set. Its the only way they're able to launch this service. (Compare the lack of success GoogleTV has had which tried to go completely around the cable operators)
This is cool, but it's certainly not a game changer. If you didn't need an Xfinity or Verizon account to get all this content then it would be a lot more interesting.
If I were willing to pay $80/mo for cable, I wouldn't be on Xbox streaming it.
Assume for a second you're right you still need a cable subscription to view this (you are).
What if the viewing experience on the Xbox is better? Easier access to related clips and content, more interactive features like social interactions or group viewing? An easier to use guide (get rid of your remote and use hand gestures and voice commands to control your viewing). More HD content? (Cable Ops are quickly running out of shared bandwidth for more broadcast channels, this would allow for more HD offerings)
These are the features that the Xbox will offer to enhance the experience over what you'd get viewing on your cable box.
I don't think any of the content owners will provide free access to the content. What is cool here is ability to search, social experiences built around it and other nice things such as the voice control etc.
I can tell you that any opportunity I have to dump that piece of garbage Motorola DVR sitting in my entertainment center is a welcome change, and I already have an XB360. I don't think the level of frustration we (our household) feels with the cable provided DVR can be underestimated. We bought a PS3 for the livingroom for two reasons: Netflix and Blu-ray.
I'm not sure if you've used it, but HBO released an excellent app for the iPad called HBO GO. I can watch my shows on demand by supplying my Xfinity login and password. This is another example of a game changing piece of software that relies on an Xfinity account.
Right now you're wondering, "How is this a game changer? I still need a cable subscription!"
It's a game changer if you assume that the success of Netflix, Hulu Plus, etc are a foregone conclusion, and that the cable networks were going to take this lying down. This represents a pretty major shift for cable companies.
Historically, the cable business model was to buy channels from content providers and resell them to a customer subscriber base at a mark-up, along with revenue from local advertising stuffed in to their line up. The cable companies had a lot of leverage in this scenario, because they were responsible for delivering the 'last mile' to the customer. That copper coax coming in to your house was like a ball and chain preventing customers from going anywhere. Satellite companies are in the same spot. They have multi-billion dollar satellites in geostationary orbits. Not easy to replace.
The internet is the first big challenger to this model. With an internet connection, anyone can stream content in to your home, and they don't have to pay for the last mile. This is the crux of the net neutrality debate. Cable companies and content providers don't like this new world order, because they can't protect their high prices.
Back to this whole XBox partnership. Remember that cable providers don't have to offer the best product, they just need to make customers' lives comfortable enough that they don't cut the cord. I was delighted to see that the HBO GO app worked easily. Likewise with the Xfinity TV app. They recently added On Demand streaming capability. Two very large incentives for moving to a service like Netflix just went out the window. I can get the content on my iPad now and keep paying the same thing, where as before, I couldn't get it at all.
I'm not saying it's a better deal, but I am saying that the better deal isn't everything. There's a high level of uncertainty in non-tech-savvy users. "Will I be able to use this thing?" "Will it work like my TV used to?" These are important questions for consumers. Xfinity is in a good position, because they can roll these services out to consumers and let them try them along side their traditional television safety blanket.
It feels strange that in the light of all these great streaming services that have popped up over the years... (Hulu, Netflix, etc.) ISPs have begun to punish people using these services via bandwidth caps and throttling.
What is strange about that? ISPs sold you service with a certain usage model in mind( light usage, web browsing and email.) As soon as a different heavier usage model they hadn't planed for became popular(streaming video) they had to react. They reacted in the way that provided them the most profit. Certainly understandable if somewhat disappointing.
It is like everyone with a gym membership started showing up at the same time.
Not to mention the monthly fee for the XBL Gold membership.
If you do need that. I'd imagine that you would, given the situation with Netflix, HULU and ESPN. But I didn't see confirmation either way in the article.
Ill be more then willing to pay per view for HBO content as well as other providers on the list. But if it follows the same model as it HBOGO, then i guess I will keep getting my HBO content via torrents for free and stream them on the very same xbox360.
I am not alone in this, I am willing to pay this provider, I am not willing to pay for the idiotic bundle inflated priced plans the cable provider offers that include hundreds of channels i never ever watch.
I'm on the fence of this one; Xbox/MS has the potential to provide a la carte tv that many people long for and go head to head against cable providers/telcos such as Comcast or Verizon. I want to be able to select 10-15 channels I like and only pay for those. However, I suspect they don't want to be in the media game.
I'm not so sure. How many folks would be willing to pay extra for a la carte television? It is my understanding that in the current "bundled" packages the "channels you like" are subsidized by the "channels you don't like". A la carte would increase the overall bill.
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[ 3.5 ms ] story [ 59.7 ms ] threadThe basic idea is that if you can prove you're already a cable subscriber then they're willing to stream you content via IP to certain devices, within a strict set of parameters. For example if you're connected to the internet through your Comcast provided cable modem you can stream to your tablet device, or perhaps in this case the Xbox.
MS is not doing anything here without the cable operators permission they're working very closely with them to fit within the parameters they set. Its the only way they're able to launch this service. (Compare the lack of success GoogleTV has had which tried to go completely around the cable operators)
If I were willing to pay $80/mo for cable, I wouldn't be on Xbox streaming it.
What if the viewing experience on the Xbox is better? Easier access to related clips and content, more interactive features like social interactions or group viewing? An easier to use guide (get rid of your remote and use hand gestures and voice commands to control your viewing). More HD content? (Cable Ops are quickly running out of shared bandwidth for more broadcast channels, this would allow for more HD offerings)
These are the features that the Xbox will offer to enhance the experience over what you'd get viewing on your cable box.
I'm not sure if you've used it, but HBO released an excellent app for the iPad called HBO GO. I can watch my shows on demand by supplying my Xfinity login and password. This is another example of a game changing piece of software that relies on an Xfinity account.
Right now you're wondering, "How is this a game changer? I still need a cable subscription!"
It's a game changer if you assume that the success of Netflix, Hulu Plus, etc are a foregone conclusion, and that the cable networks were going to take this lying down. This represents a pretty major shift for cable companies.
Historically, the cable business model was to buy channels from content providers and resell them to a customer subscriber base at a mark-up, along with revenue from local advertising stuffed in to their line up. The cable companies had a lot of leverage in this scenario, because they were responsible for delivering the 'last mile' to the customer. That copper coax coming in to your house was like a ball and chain preventing customers from going anywhere. Satellite companies are in the same spot. They have multi-billion dollar satellites in geostationary orbits. Not easy to replace.
The internet is the first big challenger to this model. With an internet connection, anyone can stream content in to your home, and they don't have to pay for the last mile. This is the crux of the net neutrality debate. Cable companies and content providers don't like this new world order, because they can't protect their high prices.
Back to this whole XBox partnership. Remember that cable providers don't have to offer the best product, they just need to make customers' lives comfortable enough that they don't cut the cord. I was delighted to see that the HBO GO app worked easily. Likewise with the Xfinity TV app. They recently added On Demand streaming capability. Two very large incentives for moving to a service like Netflix just went out the window. I can get the content on my iPad now and keep paying the same thing, where as before, I couldn't get it at all.
I'm not saying it's a better deal, but I am saying that the better deal isn't everything. There's a high level of uncertainty in non-tech-savvy users. "Will I be able to use this thing?" "Will it work like my TV used to?" These are important questions for consumers. Xfinity is in a good position, because they can roll these services out to consumers and let them try them along side their traditional television safety blanket.
It is like everyone with a gym membership started showing up at the same time.
Not too revolutionary as you still have to deal with the cable company and continue feeding their deep pockets.
If you do need that. I'd imagine that you would, given the situation with Netflix, HULU and ESPN. But I didn't see confirmation either way in the article.
I am not alone in this, I am willing to pay this provider, I am not willing to pay for the idiotic bundle inflated priced plans the cable provider offers that include hundreds of channels i never ever watch.
The first company to finally drive that initiative home will become filthy, filthy rich overnight.