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'Hundreds' of Cablevision iO TV on-demand rentals now last 48 hours, procrastinators rejoice
Last we heard from Cablevision, it was bringing its Optimum App live TV streaming to Windows and Macs. Shifting directions to its more "traditional" cable offerings, the company now has good news for folks who've been generally bummed out about the 24-hour viewing window allotted with movie rentals on its iO TV service. Just in time for your weekend movie marathon, the company has announced that "hundreds" of its on-demand movie rentals will now last for 48 hours with unlimited viewing -- huzzah! As usual, content pricing starts at three bucks, and you'll be pleased to know that all that extra time comes at no additional cost to your subscription. Better yet, the amount of titles part of the deal to grow over time, and you'll find all the details in the press release after the break. Perhaps most notable is all the time you'll have to grab more microwaveable popcorn.
Cablevision releases iPad app for cable subscribers
Not to be outdone by Time Warner, Cablevision has released Optimum for iPad, which allows its cable subscribers to use their iPad "as an additional TV in the home." In addition to watching live TV, the app also allows Cablevision subscribers to record from the iO TV Listings Channel Guide, manage iO DVRs, browse and view Free On Demand content and view other On Demand content from iO Active Rentals. The free Optimum for iPad app requires a digital cable box on the iO TV account and an Optimum-provided modem. Last month Time Warner cable released a similar app that lets subscribers view live TV on their iPads (but that does not include the DVR/guide and on demand features of the Optimum app). Shortly after that, Discovery, Fox and Viacom demanded Time Warner remove their channels from the app. Time Warner responded by removing the channels, but also adding new ones to replace them. The new channels included A&E, Disney, Bravo, SyFy, Travel Channel and USA. While the Optimum for iPad app allows Cablevision customers to "watch all of your subscribed-to channels live," it's yet to be seen if Discovery, Fox and Viacom will demand their channels be removed from that app as well.
Cablevision Optimum for iPad app now available, streams hundreds of TV channels plus VOD
The new Cablevision iPad app is out, taking on broadcasters (Fox, Discovery, Viacom) attacking Time Warner's live TV streaming TWCable TV app by offering subscribers the same channels as their iO TV package and video on demand. The Optimum for iPad app also includes the ability to set up DVR recordings, delete recorded shows and browse TV listings, although it doesn't act as a direct remote for the cable box. The last time Fox and Cablevision squared off subscribers couldn't watch their shows on Hulu or two games of the World Series which, along with a long battle over network DVRs, suggests the cable company is prepared to dig its heels in deep on this issue. Multichannel News points out subscribers need at least one cable box to make use of the new app and the TOS states it can only be used within the customer's residence. Subscribers suitably equipped can grab the app at the iTunes link below, check out pics in the gallery or a video demo by a user embedded after the break. Update: Now we have the press release and fact sheet from Cablevision (included after the break) so here it is by the numbers: 300 channels, can be registered on up to three iPads per account and used on any two simultaneously. Remote control functions are scheduled for the summer, and the company states that since it is delivering channels over the digital cable network and not the internet (no 'net service required) it believes this use is covered by existing carriage agreements. [Thanks, johnnydop, jcdesimp & Michael] %Gallery-120267%
Cablevision lets viewers watch 9 channels at once with new iO TV Quick Views
Cablevision launched its Quick View feature back in 2009 that displayed an array of channels in various categories all at once, but now it's updated that by allowing users to pick two, six or nine channels they want to watch and move through at once. Handy if you're watching multiple live events at once -- like March Madness -- or just want to have a PiP or two while you're waiting for something to come on. AT&T's offered a similar feature for a while My Multiview, displaying up to four user selected channels at once. Each subscriber can create up to 20 personalized layouts, which can be found at channel 600. Powered by ActiveVideoNetworks' CloudTV, from the screens it doesn't look like the most beautiful app ever developed, but the function definitely merits checking out if you have the service.
Cablevision bumps Comcast to the back, 3D sports at home starts next week
Just as Comcast leapfrogged DirecTV's 3D plans, its claim to the first live HD 3D event has been stolen away by Cablevision, which will broadcast a Rangers/Islanders NHL matchup Wednesday, shown both in a special viewing party in the Theater at Madison Square Garden and on iO TV channel 1300 (if you already have a 3DTV but not Cablevision then keep an eye on your channel guide as, like the Masters broadcast, it may be shared with other networks.) While this is probably just the beginning of another FCC battle over who it will have to share the broadcasts with, MSG is just focusing on keeping a trend going since it was one of the first to jump on HDTV production of NBA and NHL games way back in 1998 and plans to keep 3D broadcasts coming over the next year with more games and concerts. Production is being handled by 3ality Digital, previously responsible for the BCS game that turned some of our preconceived notions about 3D with its BCS National Championship broadcast a little over a year ago, which plans to use 5 cameras from a lower angle than usual to resemble the perspective of the actual players -- minus concussion-inducing blindside hits to the head. Anyone willing to host a viewing party? We're totally down to bring snacks... if you'll cover our 3D glasses. [Thanks, William & Vinny]
IFC in Theaters begins day-and-date HD video on-demand screening this month
IFC in Theaters has been offering day-and-date premieres of independent theatrical flicks through video on-demand for a couple of years, but now comes word that this month it will begin offering them in high definition on Cablevision and Comcast. Starting June 17, $7.99 (a buck premium over SD) will be the price for avoiding a trip to the local art house theater, which sounds more than worth it if you don't have one nearby, or just really want to avoid (other) hipsters.
Cablevision iO TV adding 30, or 8, new HD channels
Cablevision is back at it again, forcing us out of the weekly update by dropping 30 new HD channels on Bronx and Brooklyn area customers, while all other areas should have 8 new channels to enjoy as of the 24th. Despite being a clearly shameless bid to replace RCN as the official service providers of Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, we can find little wrong with these additions, thanks goes to SatteliteGuys.us for the list of channels.[Thanks, Jack]
Cablevision gets official with 15 premium HD channels
We had every reason to believe that these channels were coming, but now Cablevision itself has stepped forward with a confirmation. Starting right about now (and continuing over a three-day period), customers of the carrier with HD set-top-boxes can find 15 new premium movie channels in high-def. Yep, the whole lot consists of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz and Encore variants, and while it's certainly not admitted, we have all ideas that these were added after the removal of the 15 VOOM HD networks a few months prior. Regardless of the motives, we better not hear a single complaint from movie buffs who happen to get their pay-TV from this carrier.[Image courtesy of Reuben]
Comedy Central HD launches today on Cablevision
Comedy Central HD launches today, and Cablevision iO TV subscribers will be the first to see it. According to Multichannel News we can expect 200 hours or so of native HD programming to start, including about 30 episodes of South Park, The Sarah Silverman Program, plus loads of archived stand up and films. Coming up fresh and new for your HDTV is season 13 of South Park, Reno 911, The Flaming Sward of Fire and Krod Mandoon, while The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,and The Colbert Report will get an HD upgrade at a later date. Besides nabbing the exclusive, Cablevision's trumpeting its numbers showing HD penetration is up to nearly 50 percent of iO TV subs, with 69 HD channels available. Otherwise, DirecTV and Cox will be adding later this month with more launches due later in the year -- hopefully Time Warner worked that into the latest deal with Viacom.[Via Multichannel News]
Cablevision gets official with four NBC Universal HD channels
We absolutely knew they were on the way, but if you needed a little affirmation from the carrier itself, Cablevision has announced today that it's adding four more high-definition channels to its iO TV lineup. Effective immediately, customers can expect to see Bravo HD (745), CNBC HD (771), SciFi HD (748) and USA HD (738) in the EPG, bringing the grand total to a very respectable 68 high-def networks. There's no word on when the next batch will arrive, but why not enjoy these for a minute before hankering for more?
Cablevision launches Bollywood Hits On Demand
Rather than, you know, giving loyal customers a few extra high-def channels, Cablevision has decided to instead exhaust resources on pushing Bollywood Hits On Demand out to iO TV subscribers. Bollywood. Hits. On. Demand. Personally, we've no qualms with Bollywood flicks, but we can't help but scratch our heads on this one, particularly since it's an SD VOD service. Nevertheless, it still marks the company's very first international subscription video on demand service, and those interested will have to pony up $9.95 per month in order to indulge.[Via Multichannel]
Cablevision officially adds five new HD channels for iO TV customers
There aren't too many new channels here to get jazzed up about, but at least they're real. Yep, those five newcomers we heard about at the beginning of this month have officially landed on Cablevision, bringing the grand total of HD channels available to iO TV customers up to 65. MTV HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD, Fuse HD and NHL Network HD have all joined the EPG, though some areas may not spot them until October 16th. Hold back any pent up rage till then -- after that, feel free to call someone up and vent.[Thanks, Peter]
Cablevision offering up new DVD releases through VOD
No sooner than Comcast announced that it would soon be offering up select films via HD VOD the same day they landed on DVD, Cablevision has come along and attempted to stay level. Unfortunately for it, the firm's Popcorn DVDs On Demand service, which is available to iO TV customers, looks to be SD only for now. Of course, it still enables subscribers to watch new releases on launch day from the comfort of their couch, but a twist is thrown in by forcing renters to have the film shipped to their door (on DVD) as well. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an option for only renting right now, so you'll be coughing up $19.95 (plus shipping) for any DVD / VOD purchase you choose to make. As it stands, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Kingdom, Eastern Promises and Sydney White are slated to kick things off, with American Gangster becoming available on February 19th.
Cablevision finally gets around to adding ESPN2 HD
We're not exactly sure how adding a 45th HD channel to the lineup will affect Cablevision's 44 Days in HD promotion, but we're pretty certain the subscribers who have been waiting ages for ESPN2 to finally go HD on their provider won't care. Yes, the poor, tortured Cablevision customers can finally look forward to catching the Deuce in high-definition, as today marks the first time it'll be broadcast as such to iO TV users. You've waited long enough, so without further ado, head on over to channel 735 (and feel free to be extra celebratory this weekend).
Cablevision launches 44 Days in HD promotion
Just recently, Cablevision added HD iterations of HGTV and Food Network, bringing its total high-definition channel amount to a fairly respectable 44. Apparently, just hitting that milestone isn't good enough, as the provider is now going to be trumpeting a different HD channel over the next 44 weekdays. The "44 Days in HD, on iO TV" promotion will reportedly "recognize a different high-definition channel available to the company's iO TV digital cable customers each weekday," presumably blasting customers with "daily press releases, banners on iO TV and the Optimum.net consumer web portal." The scheme is supposed to showcase Cablevision's ability to offer up a plethora of HD channels "without any of the extra fees and charges phone and satellite TV providers impose on customers," but honestly, it sounds more like hot air than anything.
Cablevision adds HGTV, Food Network to HD lineup
There's been a rash of new HD announcements coming from all over the cable landscape lately, and now it's Cablevision's turn. The provider has added the HD-flavors of HGTV and Food Network to the lineup across its entire network. The new goodies will show up on channels 730 and 766, respectively. This double-dose of "lifestyle" programming arrives just in time for the holidays and brings Cablevision's iO TV HD tally to 44. Sure, the number lags behind that of HD-count leader DirecTV, but it's nothing to shake a stick at. But we'd really like to see Cablevision use up a more substantial portion of the that 500 HD channel capacity!
Cablevision expands HD lineup with CNN HD
Hot on the heels of Charter's decision to add The Weather Channel HD, Cablevision is claiming that its users will be able to check out CNN in high-definition. Reportedly, CNN HD will be the operator's 42nd HD "service" available to customers, and it's being made available to everyone gratis on iO TV channel 725. John Trierweiler, Cablevision's senior vice president of product management, boasted that the firm's HD lineup has "nearly doubled in size over the last year," but unfortunately, he didn't throw out any wild claims for the future for us to hold 'em to.
