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Both new and old Apple TVs get CBS and NBC today
Apple announced on Tuesday that two of the "Big Four" cable channels, CBS and NBC, are available on current (2nd) generation Apple TV boxes. However, there are some restrictions. CBS, for example, requires users to pay $6 a month for the CBS All Access program (though it does grant access to both current shows and the network's expansive archives). NBC, on the other hand, will require users to login using their cable provider credentials. Additionally, the "Made2Measure" fashion channel also struts onto Apple TV today. These channels will also be available on the 3rd-generation Apple TV when it is released in the next few days.
Amazon lands exclusive streaming rights to more CBS series
If you thought Amazon was done getting cozy with CBS, think again. The online retailer today announced yet another streaming deal with the TV network, which will give it exclusive access to three new summer series through 2018. What this means is you'll be able to watch certain CBS episodes on Prime Instant Video four days after they're first aired, as has been the case with Under the Dome and Extant -- two of the channel's most popular shows. This new licensing partnership includes episodes from CBS' upcoming BrainDead a comic thriller about brain-eating aliens in Washington, DC, plus two more shows that have yet to be disclosed.
Tim Cook is Stephen Colbert's next 'Late Show' tech guest
Stephen Colbert continues to rack up high-profile tech guests for The Late Show and the latest is none other than Apple CEO Tim Cook. Of course, Colbert announced it in the most new-Colbert way possible: Smiling for the camera, talking into his Apple Watch in a Twitter photo and asking Siri to pencil the Cupertino boss in for next Tuesday, September 15th. It probably isn't a far cry to expect the iPhone 6S and iPad Pro will be major points of conversation, but anything's possible. Set your DVRs, folks.
CBS will stream some NFL regular season and playoff games
In addition to streaming the Super Bowl in February, CBS will stream both regular season and playoff action from the NFL. What's more, access is free so you won't be required to input cable subscription info or other credentials to watch. The slate of seven games includes the Jets vs. Dolphins in London on October 4th, Carolina vs. Dallas on Thanksgiving Day and four AFC playoff games in January. If you'll recall, Yahoo also said it plans to stream an NFL game over the internet this season when the Jaguars meet the Buffalo Bills in London on October 25th. CBS, Fox and NBC have streamed NFL games in the past, but this season there's more gridiron action on the schedule. When it's time for kickoff, you'll be able to stream CBS coverage on the web, mobile devices, Xbox One, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and connected TVs. [Image credit: Grant Halverson/Getty Images]
Cablevision will sell streaming CBS, Showtime to cord-cutters
Need more evidence that cable TV is giving way to internet TV? Cablevision just announced its new TV deal with CBS includes a provision for it to sell CBS All Access and Showtime streaming to its internet-only Optimum customers. Cablevision is already offering internet customers a way to bundle HBO Now or Hulu streaming with their bill, and now this adds another option. There's no pricing info for CBS or Showtime yet, but if it follows the setup for 'cord-cutting' with HBO and Hulu, we wouldn't expect any deep discounting. While Dish Network and Verizon chose one path to wrap up deals for internet TV during their usual negotiations with channels and content providers, Cablevision is going another, and even Comcast has its own plans. Welcome to the new look of cable.
CBS plans to livestream Super Bowl commercials for the first time
If you've been livestreaming the Super Bowl and missing out on all of those commercials, that's about to change. Variety reports CBS will stream all of the ads during the game in February, so those watching via the internet will be privy to the same quality entertainment each time there's a break in the action. In the past, advertisers have had to choose a streaming option on top of the regular broadcast slots. If you streamed this past February's game, you likely noticed the same handful of commercials on repeat. That's why. This time around, though, CBS is said to be treating all of the ad spots equally and advertisers will have to consider delivering content in both places. The report also indicates that CBS plans to charge a record price for each 30-second spot -- likely more than the $4.5 million NBC commanded this year. What's more, the network won't let companies "opt out" of the livestream either. In recent months, NFL content has made a big splash online with clips on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube alongside Yahoo's plans to stream a regular season game from London. [Image credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images]
Stephen Colbert dares you to 'Escape From a Man-Sized Cabinet'
The beard might be gone, but Stephen Colbert has a new way to entertain you ahead of his debut with The Late Show this September. Game-playing folks of a certain age with pretty fond memories of text-adventure Zork will surely get a bang out of Escape From the Man-Sized Cabinet where you venture into an office cabinet, choose from various text prompts ranging from euphemistically waking up a centaur to continuously standing inside the cabinet until... well, I'm not going to spoil the surprise for you. The writing is pretty funny throughout and clicking through the story is actually a pretty excellent way to get a few laughs before the weekend starts. Want to make your own and maybe add in a Grue? Well, considering that Escape is a Twine-made title, that probably isn't out of the realm of possibilities.
Showtime's cable-free TV streaming is here
Eager to watch shows like Penny Dreadful or Ray Donovan without either subscribing to cable or buying the shows outright? You can, if you live in the US. Showtime has launched its promised stand-alone streaming service on Apple devices and Roku players for $11 per month, and you can also access it through either Hulu or PlayStation Vue. Sign up and you'll have both on-demand access as well as live access to both East and West coast feeds, preventing your New York friends from spoiling the plot when you live in California. There's no mention of when the dedicated Android, console and smart TV apps are coming. Still, you now have one more way to watch a premium TV channel after you've cut the cord.
Targeted, interactive ads are coming to the Roku platform
Roku and advertising firm Innovid have joined forces to make advertisements on the company's streaming set-top boxes both more accurate and more entertaining. The new ad format will reportedly allow viewers to do things like play games (using the Roku remote), browse a retailer's stock and current sales, or even watch extended videos should they wish. Unfortunately, skipping the ads entirely doesn't appear to be an available option just yet. CBS, VEVO and Crackle have already signed on for the new service. Roku and Innovid actually began implementing this new system just over a month ago, however, it's only now going live. This news follows a pair of recent announcements from Roku that both Showtime and Nickelodeon are being made available to its users as well. What's more, the Innovid pairing will also allow advertisers to better target their desired audiences based on the user's location.
Showtime's cord-cutter service will come to Roku and Sony devices
We already know that Showtime's internet-only service is coming to Apple TV, but that's not the only home entertainment platform that's been invited to the party. The company has revealed that if you own a Roku device, one of the TVs with the hardware built in or Sony's PlayStation Vue, then you're all good, and it will launch for all three on the same day. The outfit also mentions that Showtime (yes, that's what it's called) will be the only "premium" offering that broadcasts its live East and West Coast feeds to its users, just like its Anytime apps on various platforms. No matter what device you use, you'll be asked to cough up $10.99 a month for the privilege of catching the forthcoming Twin Peaks revival. The system is due to launch "early July," although given that the new seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex premiere on July 12th, we're gonna say July 11th is a good guess.
Showtime's cord-cutter service launches in July on Apple
Showtime's standalone streaming service was tipped back in November, and now it appears we may be close to the official reveal. Variety reports CBS is prepping to announce the subscription option to temp those who've cut the cord as soon as this week -- six months after CEO Les Moonves discussed the service's 2015 arrival on an earnings call. Update: The service is official, and scheduled to launch in "early July" -- definitely in time for the new seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex on July 12th. Just like HBO Now, it's coming to Apple's iOS products first (Apple TV, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) and the web via Showtime.com. For now, any word on additional platforms and providers is "coming soon." It's just called "Showtime" and access to the app will cost $10.99, although there will be an initial 30-day free trial. That's not long enough to wait for the (once again featuring David Lynch) Twin Peaks revival, but should be good for a Dexter binge if you're so inclined.
CBS All Access app gets Chromecast support (Update: Fox and FXNow, too)
CBS All Access was already available for folks who fancy Roku devices, and now the television streaming app plays nice with Chromecast. The network updated both the Android and iOS versions to beam shows like Big Bang Theory, The Good Wife and NCIS to your TV via Google's $35 dongle. If you'll recall, the CBS subscription service offers on-demand streaming for $6 a month, and users in select locales (like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia -- to name a few) can access live TV, too. And that list of local affiliates is expanding on the regular. Prefer to log in from your computer? Using Chrome and Google Cast browser extension, you can send the show you're watching to Chromecast from there as well. As far as the mobile software goes, you'll want to be sure to grab the latest versions from iTunes and Google Play in order to make it work with the living room accessory.
CBS All Access launches on Roku with live streaming and VOD
CBS All Access streaming service is now available for Roku for $5.99 a month. Roku owners can download the app via the Roku Channel Store and sign up here. In addition to streaming new shows like NCIS, The Big Bang Theory and The Good Wife, the service has an extensive back catalog of classic CBS shows like Star Trek, Cheers, Jag and Engadget favorite, Touched by an Angel. Live streaming of CBS affiliates is available in 14 markets including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Philadelphia with more on the way. If you're not in one of those metropolitan areas, you'll get access to new episodes the day after broadcast. That's a bummer, but CBS says subscribers will have access to additional content during the Grammys, Country Music Awards and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. All Access is already available for iOS and Android. But, with today's Roku news, you won't have to MacGyver a casting solution to watch MacGyver on your HDTV.
CBS CEO talks PlayStation Vue and standalone Showtime
CBS just announced its earnings for 2014, including $3.68 billion in revenue for Q4 (all those episodes of NCIS pay off, apparently), but its always-talkative CEO Les Moonves provided most of the interesting information. According to the NY Post's Clair Atkinson, he has confirmed that CBS has a deal with Sony to be on its new internet TV service PlayStation Vue, saying "they're paying more than everyone else" for the privilege. That probably explains why the $20 per month Sling TV is missing the network channels -- for now, "there's a path to negotiation" according to Moonves -- and why Vue may end up being more expensive.
CBS News' iOS app now lets you watch its online-only network
You no longer have to sit at your computer to watch CBS' online news network. The broadcaster has overhauled the CBS News iOS app with both a fresh interface and more video options, including CBSN's live and on-demand feeds. It's now easier to follow a breaking story on your iPhone, or to catch up on the day's events from your iPad. The improvements aren't limited to video, either -- there's more in-depth coverage for both major and developing stories, and full-screen photo galleries give you a better sense of what it was like to be there in person. Yes, you can use authenticated apps from channels and TV providers (not to mention Dish's new Sling TV service) to get similar up-to-the-minute coverage, but CBS News is free. At the least, it won't hurt to give this a try.
Aereo auctioning its web TV tech under broadcasters' watchful eyes
A US bankruptcy judge has declared that Aereo can sell off its technology to the highest bidder, but with a few large exceptions, according to Reuters. First off, the broadcasters who forced the streaming service off the air and into Chapter 11 can oppose any sale they don't like. They'll also be allowed to analyze Aereo's customer records before they're deleted to determine possible damages in further court proceedings. Interest is actually high in Aereo's tech -- despite all the legal problems, there are 17 potential bidders for the auction. However, that presents a dilemma for CBS, NBC, FOX and other broadcasters.
No Comment: CBS iPad app just needs you to sign right here
Really, CBS app? We understand the pride that comes with being "America's Most Watched Network," but one set of terms and conditions is plenty for most network applications that let you watch full episodes -- two at the most. Not for you! Four separate user agreements that nobody will bother to read? That level of attention to detail and user experience merits this weekend's No Comment.
CBS and Dish reach TV deal that includes Showtime streaming
That was fast. Just half a day after CBS yanked its programming from Dish Network in some large cities, the two companies have reached a deal that puts those channels back in action. They're not revealing the financial side of things, but it's apparent that Dish made some concessions to both get CBS back and bolster its internet streaming plans. The satellite TV provider now has numerous Showtime rights that include Anytime access, TV Everywhere and eventual "over-the-top" (read: internet-only) service, but it also has to turn off AutoHop ad skipping on CBS shows for the first week after they air. That's not so hot if you diligently record The Good Wife on your DVR, but it's good news if you prefer to watch Showtime on your own terms. [Image credit: AP Photo/Julie Jacobson]
CBS goes dark on Dish Network in NYC and LA
After a number of extensions, negotiations on a new contract between Dish Network and CBS have fallen apart, and the broadcaster's signals are no longer available on the service in several major markets. That accounts for markets where CBS owns the stations, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Dallas, Denver, Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh and "several others." In a statement, CBS pointed the finger at Dish blaming the satellite broadcaster for dragging its feet, but we're wondering if CBS' plan for a streaming "All Access" service or the quirks of Dish's Hopper DVR and its own internet TV plans are really responsible for the hold up.
CBS takes on HuffPost Live with its own streaming news network
Yesterday, rumors began circulating that CBS was getting ready to launch a digital news network, and well... here it is. Just as Variety had reported, The Eye's new 24/7 streaming channel is named CBSN. But, what is it exactly? Simply put, it's CBS' answer to HuffPost Live, featuring 15 hours of live, anchored coverage on weekdays (from 9AM to 12AM ET), complemented by an on-screen interface with a list of topics being discussed throughout the day. Aside from its original productions, CBSN will also have simulcasts of special reports and breaking news from CBS sometimes, as well as other content from sibling properties like CBS News, CBSSports.com and Entertainment Tonight.