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Syfy's futuristic cop show 'Halcyon' will have 5 VR episodes
In the year 2058, virtual reality is so commonplace that big-city police have established a Virtual Reality Crimes Unit. In this branch, detective Julie Dover ends up investigating an incident that shouldn't even be possible -- a real-life murder that went down within virtual reality. This is the premise of Syfy's new scripted series, Halcyon, which consists of 10 episodes that will air on Syfy's television and web channels, plus five VR-only episodes set to debut on Oculus Rift.
Netflix reminds us that its price hike to $10 is coming
Now that Netflix is worldwide, how are things going with its business? The company announced its quarterly earnings today (PDF), and noted that its number of subscribers has reached nearly 45 million in the US, and nearly 75 million worldwide. It also reminded us of an important milestone that's coming up soon, and might affect how much you pay for streaming. It announced a pair of price hikes over the last couple of years, but grandfathered existing users in at the old rates of $8 or $9. That price hold will start expiring in a few months, but the company notes that if $10 per month is just too much to pay, users can drop down to the "basic" $8 package -- if they can live without HD.
Engadget's guide to tonight's Democratic debate
Tonight the Democrats will take the stage and battle it out for the affections of the American public. The spectacle begins at 9PM ET on NBC. But, if network television isn't your thing, you'll have plenty of options for how to watch. You can fire up the NBC News app on your Android phone or tablet, iPhone or iPad, Fire TV or Roku, or You could simply visit NBCnews.com. Or you could visit YouTube.com/NBCNews and watch a livestream there. So many options!
NBC's Seeso comedy streaming service is now available
If you cut the cord but still miss network shows like Parks & Recreation or The Office (US), you can now officially sign up to NBC's Seeso comedy streaming network. The service, launched in October, has been in a free limited beta for the last month. There are over 2,000 hours of content in the collection to start with, with classic stuff like Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Kids in the Hall on top of NBC's own programming. Late night shows Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and Saturday Night Live will also stream just a day after they air on the big network. If you're interested, it's only $4 per month, but whether that's feasible depends on how many streaming subscriptions you already have.
Syfy Labs fires up its 3D printers, lights and VR at CES
Syfy has always been willing to experiment with tech that promotes its shows -- Hue lights, the Defiance game/show tie-in -- and now it's launched the Syfy Labs "think tank" to crank out even more oddities. Here at CES, the network has a booth featuring some of its initial projects, like 3D printers from MakerBot cranking out figurines. If you have one of the devices at home, you can download the plans yourself and create the same models -- all without going through a CES 2016 security checkpoint.
NBC's comedy streaming service launches January 7th
SeeSo, NBC's comedy streaming service, began serving up buckets of laughs for those with an invite to is free limited beta last week. The network announced today that it would keep its word and make the service available to all the first week of January. Starting January 7th, access to the collection of movies and TV shows will no longer require a special invitation, but it will demand a monthly fee. If you'll recall, SeeSo serves up episodes of series like Saturday Night Live, Parks & Recreation and more alongside new original series that are exclusive to the $4 monthly subscription. What's more, classics like Monty Python are also available to streaming.
Comcast starts describing live video entertainment to the blind
Sadly, the blind and others with visual impairments tend to lose some of the impact of live TV, especially entertainment. They'll get the dialogue, but they'll frequently miss the sight-based cues. Comcast thinks it can help, though. When a live performance of the musical The Wiz Live airs on NBC on December 3rd, the cable giant will include a video description track -- the first in the US for live entertainment, in fact. Those who tune in to the Wizard of Oz recreation will know when a character walks on to the stage, frowns or otherwise does something important that microphones won't pick up. While this kind of description isn't par for the course at the moment, the production is a good first step toward making it ubiquitous in the broadcasting world.
NBC's comedy streaming service starts free beta preview December 3rd
If you want to give SeeSo a shot before signing up, you'll get your chance next month. NBC's comedy streaming service will be available as a limited free public beta starting December 3rd. During the web-only trial period, viewers can expect to watch classics from Monty Python, including The Flying Circus, The Meaning of Life, Holy Grail, and Life of Brian. There's also the likes of 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Saved By the Bell, and both the US and UK versions of The Office. If that wasn't enough to convince you to check it out, episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers will be available the day after they air alongside 40 years of Saturday Night Live sketches.
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.
NBC launches SeeSo, a comedy streaming service for $4 a month
We've been hearing for a while that NBC was prepping some sort of streaming comedy service -- today it finally took the wraps off. The new service is called SeeSo, and it'll deliver ad-free comedy content to you for just $4 a month. Naturally, NBC will be reaching into its rich library of content, including Saturday Night Live and sitcoms like 30 Rock. But what's more interesting is that it'll also be producing original content for SeeSo, including new shows from Dan Harmon, the insane genius behind Community, and the Upright Citizens Brigade. The service will also house some exclusive content, like Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Kids in the Hall. SeeSo will kick off with a private invite-only beta in December, and it'll be widely available in January.
Hulu reportedly lands 'Seinfeld' streaming rights
According to a report by Variety, tomorrow Hulu will announce that it has won the bidding war for streaming rights to the Seinfeld series. The deal is said to be worth nearly $1 million per episode (a WSJ rumor puts the figure at about $700k per ep), adding up to some $180 million or so, enough to bring the complete series to a streaming service for the first time. According to the earlier rumors Amazon and Yahoo were also in the running for the series, although streaming giant Netflix had dropped out, apparently deciding to focus on original shows and its deal for the Friends series. The deal should be announced tomorrow during Hulu's "Upfront" presentation -- we'll be watching for more info on its Cablevision deal -- for advertisers and the media, scheduled to start at 8:30AM.
NBC's live sports streaming comes to Apple TV and Roku players
You have more than a few ways to watch live sports on Apple TV and Roku boxes, but there are still a few gaps. What if you want to catch lots of golf tournaments? If you live in the US, you won't have to worry quite so much. NBC Sports has launched versions of its Live Extra app for both media hubs, making sure that you won't miss out on the Golf Channel, the Olympics, Sunday Night Football and some internet-only events, such as certain Premier League matches. You'll still need a qualifying TV subscription to watch in the first place, but this beats missing out on some big-screen sports simply because you're visiting friends.
Fox Sports and NBC come out against Verizon's custom TV plans
Not long after ESPN voiced its objection to Verizon's customizable FiOS TV packages, Fox Sports and NBC are following suit. Earlier today, both networks revealed they are also not on board with Verizon's new TV plans, which let customers pick channels based on their viewing preferences, citing a violation of contract agreements by the New York-based service provider. In a statement to Bloomberg Business, Fox Sports stated, "We reject Verizon's view that it can pursue the new packaging scheme it announced yet still comply with our agreements," while NBC claims that the Custom TV package does not meet the current programming terms between the two companies.
NBC's rumored Apple TV app may require a cable plan
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is getting ready to launch an internet-based TV service this fall. Interestingly, though, one of the most prominent US television networks, NBC, reportedly won't be a part of the technology giant's upcoming offering. The news outlet cites a recent "falling-out" between Apple and cable provider Comcast (NBC's parent company), which is what likely affected the contract negotiations. Now, 9to5Mac is reporting that NBC will be launching its own app on the Apple TV later in 2015, one that it plans to use to livestream content 24/7. However, unlike Apple's rumored cord-cutter-friendly TV package, NBC's app is said to require a cable subscription in order to be accessed.
WSJ: Apple's TV service due this fall with about 25 channels
With the thawing of the spring we have a renewal of an old favorite: Apple TV rumors. After Re/code suggested a month ago that Apple might go its own way Sling TV-style instead of working with cable companies, the Wall Street Journal is reporting similar details. According to WSJ, Apple is negotiating to launch a "slim" package of 25 or so channels for streaming this fall for $30 to $40, but there's a twist: There have so far been no negotiations with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, thanks to a falling out between the two companies. The rumors go so far as to claim Apple felt Comcast was intentionally stringing it along while it developed its X1 cable box. So far Sling seems to be doing OK without Syfy and the rest, but we'll see if that changes after The Expanse launches. With an Apple TV price drop and similar services either launched or on the way, we'll move the Apple TV rumor alert level up to a still-skeptical (see my reasoning here) chartreuse.
Yahoo explains how you'll watch 'Community' season six
We're just days away from the debut of the new season of Community, but the move from NBC to Yahoo changes some things. In the US, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia you'll be able to watch on Yahoo Screen via PC, or apps (US only) on Apple TV, Roku and Xbox 360. So far broadcasters have also been announced for the UK (SET) and Australia (Stan), but there's no word on other countries. Of course, if you're at SXSW, Yahoo will be premiering the first episode a couple of days early on Saturday night. If there's still any confusion -- or if you're just getting ready for Seinfeld -- check after the break for the Community trailer, and a quick how-to from Gillian Jacobs (trust us, she doesn't Britta it) ahead of the premiere March 17th.
'Seinfeld' will start streaming soon, but probably not on Netflix
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Sony Pictures has opened the bidding for streaming rights to Seinfeld. One party apparently not taking part is Netflix, leaving the show about nothing to Amazon, Hulu or Yahoo. While Netflix paid a reported $500k+ per episode for four years of Friends, the length of the agreement for Seinfeld is still in question. The streaming competition has heated up considerably over the last year or so, and if the usual people in a position to know are right, we'll find out who's willing to step up to the table on this one in the next few weeks.
Here's the trailer for season six of 'Community' on Yahoo Screen
Community will get its 13-episode sixth season (and eventually, maybe a movie?) on Yahoo Screen October 19th March 17th, and now we have the first trailer. It looks like the gang are up to their usual Dan Harmon-written schemes, but it's still missing something without Troy, Shirley and Pierce. Fortunately the rest of the cast is in their usual places, and the trailer even makes light of some of the missing members. Overall, Greendale doesn't seem any worse for wear after jumping to the internet, er, Age of Yahoo, so we guess that $2 million per episode budget is holding up. Our only question now: will we see Yahoo Screen apps for a few more connected TV devices by the time the show debuts?
WSJ: NBC is working on a streaming service for comedy fans
Standalone streaming apps continue to surface, and it looks like NBC has one in the works just for comedy-loving cord cutters. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the network is building a subscription service in hopes of reaching younger viewers. The streaming option will serve up comedy content, like full episodes of Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, in addition to a library of outside material. There's said to be original series in the works, as well as "exclusive content" from the stars of its shows. What about pricing? Well, the report indicates that NBCUniversal is looking at a monthly rate between $2.50 and $3.50. WSJ says that NBC also considered genre-specific services for family, faith and horror, but at the moment, comedy is the sole focus.
Comcast job ad hints at wireless ambitions
There's not much you can learn from a Comcast job ad, but that won't prevent speculation about its entry into the mobile business. The company has posted an advert asking for warm bodies executives to lead the company's push into the "wireless ecosystem." According to the pitch to would-be employees, the job centers around making Kabletown's existing triple-play offerings more mobile friendly, as well as evaluating "potential entries into the wireless ecosystem." Comcast may already have an MVNO agreement with Verizon and Sprint, but FierceCable feels that it's at least plausible that its long-rumored WiFi calling service may finally be coming.
