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BlockBuster Express to distribute Warner Bros DVD rentals 28 days after release
It was only a couple of weeks ago that BlockBuster Express and Warner Bros were trialling the release of DVD titles into the former company's rental kiosks on their day of commercial release, but it seems like that's a future we're not going to see any more of. The pair have now announced a partnership whereby NCR's Blockbuster Express will offer WB's new DVD titles for rent 28 days after launch, matching Redbox and Netflix who are also subject to a four-week delay. This follows similar deals being concluded by NCR with Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox, with the major benefits being lower acquisition costs and a direct relationship with the studio. Update: We initially conflated Blockbuster with Blockbuster Express-branded DVD kiosks operated by NCR. The post has now been updated to rectify this unforgivable misguidance.
CE Oh no he didn't!: Time Warner chief likens Netflix threat to Albanian army
Think the relationship between Netflix and cable and content executives is amicable? Not. Even. Close. Certainly not after Netflix CEO Reed Hastings blazed a trail into the living room on the strength of the company's streaming television and movie content originally made possible by a shrewd 2008 deal with Starz. A move that netted streaming access rights to Sony and Disney content for an estimated $25 million -- next to nothing compared to the traditional licensing fees charged to cable operators. That deal is set to expire in 2011 and could cost Netflix as much as $250 million a year to renew. Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes thinks that Netflix's days at the top are numbered having been made possible by an era of experimentation that's now ending. "It's a little bit like, is the Albanian army going to take over the world?" said Bewkes, "I don't think so." According to the New York Times, the comments were made last week as UBS sponsored a media conference in New York that it says turned into a "platform for executives to express their grievances and emphasize that they will now aggressively try to tilt the economic balance between Netflix and content creators back toward the media conglomerates." Wow. Don't worry though Netflix subscribers, we're sure that the implied collusion is the good kind.
Shocker! WiLAN drums up another lawsuit, this time against big cable
As the saying goes, every time an iPhone is dropped, another wide sweeping patent lawsuit in the tech world sprouts up in the plaintiff-friendly US District courts of east Texas. Okay, so perhaps there's no factual basis for that, but who knows if the latest case filed by suit-happy Canadian wireless company WiLAN against Comcast, Time Warner, and Charter Communications is any more legitimate. The dispute is over US patent No. 5,661,602, which is one of the company's 970 issued or pending patents, and was awarded in 1998. It covers "hybrid multichannel data transmission systems utilizing a broadcast medium" -- a.k.a. the broadcasting of data to remote networks and computers. WiLAN has tapped their ole' favorite US law firm, McKool Smith for the case, and asserts that the big cable triumvirate is in violation of the patent, though a spokesperson for Comcast did note they had not been served with a complaint just yet. Sadly (or not-so-sadly, depending on perspective) we can't take part in the gavel swinging, but considering that WiLAN filed suit against Alcatel-Lucent, Sony Ericsson and LG last month, and sued Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo in April, there's plenty of evidence that this outfit's lawyers are the hardest working employees on the payroll.
Dish Network remote access app comes to Android, your Harmony groans
Dish Network took another step towards its ambitious TV Everywhere plans -- not to be confused with Comcast's and Time Warner's TV Everywhere partnership -- by releasing the Android version of its Dish remote access app late last week. This nicely completes the provider's suite of mobile offerings, which have already been available on the iPhone, iPad and certain BlackBerry phones. The catch is that to take advantage of the app, Android users must own a Sling-enabled Dish device like the ViP 722 / 722k HD DVRs or the recently released Sling adapter. With the necessary hardware though, the app turns smartphones into a control freak's best friend, working as a remote control, a DVR manager, and a Sling-powered media streamer to view recorded or live programming over Wi-Fi or 3G. That's a pretty nifty feature set considering it costs a lovely low price of free, and it's certainly more robust than mobile offerings from Comcast, Time Warner, or DirecTV. In other words, when it comes to getting the most from your paid TV service while on the go, it appears the underdog satellite company can certainly dish it out.
Time Warner rolls out barebones TV package with no ESPN, no HD, no reason to live
We're still not sure how real of a thing cord cutting is but times must be tough for Time Warner to try this new move, establishing a new lineup called "TV Essentials" that cuts out channels most would consider staples, like ESPN, TNT and more. Under this package, customers can't get bundled internet and phone service, HD channels or DVRs either, all for a promotional 12-month rate of $29.95 or $39.95 per month, depending on the area, with a regular rate of $49.95. We're not sure if that's even close to being cheap enough for cutting out pretty much all of the reasons anyone has cable TV, but it is an interesting strategy from a company that just started offering new ESPN features like live streaming to PCs and tablets. Hey, we've got to have our Redzone Channel and all the extras, but is there really a contingent out there that wants pay TV, but not possibly too-high priced channels like the ESPN package?
Time Warner launches Primetime HD On Demand tomorrow
Beyond launching its Look Back network DVR service in several new markets, Time Warner is giving its traditional video on-demand setup a boost with a few hundred hours of new content. The same deal that's brought live streaming ESPN to PCs means 300 hours of content from the sports network, ABC and Disney, while a new Primetime HD On Demand slot launching November 10 will pull together shows from ABC, NBC and CBS. While we doubt that will be enough to get Josh's DVR working, at least it's all at no extra cost, check the press release after the break for all the channels included.
Time Warner Cable rolling out Look Back service to the masses
Time Warner has been running trials of its Look Back service for a year or so in various markets, but it's finally ready to bring it to the Real America. The feature lets good, honest folk go back and watch shows they've missed for up to three days after they've aired, with no need to set a DVR -- it's basically on demand content with a better name and no charge. Shows will be available to watch immediately after they've aired. Look for it to hit a coax cable near you very soon.
Big cable loses 500,000 subscribers in Q3, we neglect to send flowers
Last quarter was the first time ever that US pay TV subscription rates were down. Now, according to GigaOM's calculations, big cable suffered another set back in Q3, waving goodbye to over 500,000 subscribers in total. Comcast was saddled with over half of the carnage and lost 275,000 customers, while Time Warner took a 155,000 subscriber hit. Charter Communications and Cablevision fared slightly better, but still added 63,800 and 24,500 respectively to the industry pit of despair. Naturally, the blame game for the poor numbers was aimed squarely at the weak economy and increased competition from over-the-top video providers. Before you call the undertaker away from his wrestling day job, though, remember that cable's traditional backstop is to raise prices for remaining customers -- vicious cycle, anyone? In fact, Comcast shared on its Q3 earnings call that average customer revenue rose by ten percent year over year to $136 a month. Charter's similarly jumped by nine percent to $126, and while Cablevision's didn't increase by the same rate, monthly revenue per customer still amounted to a whopping $149 a month. So whether the reason is cord cutting or simply hard times, it's hard to get worked up over self-inflicted wounds.
Select Time Warner Cable customers gain remote DVR services not-so-fashionably late
If ever there was a moment Time Warner Cable deserved to be honored with an inspirational slow clap, let it be now. That's because it finally announced remote DVR service support -- a feature both Verizon FiOS and Dish Network subscribers have enjoyed for over a year. Intuitively dubbed Remote DVR Manager, it only works now via the web -- TWC iOS app teasers be damned -- and provides expected services like recording one-offs or scheduling entire series. Canceling previously scheduled recordings is also available, though deleting old content to clear more space for Glee isn't. There are plenty of other dubious caveats, like some services not being available to CableCARD users or on all TWC equipment, and remote DVR services not working on all mobile phones through its mobile optimized site. Furthermore, the service has only officially launched in five markets including: the Carolinas region, northeast region, New York city region, San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego / Desert Cities. Come October 29th, the service will expand to include five more regions, with national coverage dragging until who knows when. For full Time Warner pat ourselves-on-the-back details and a PDF user guide, hit the source link below.
Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes says Apple's 99-cent rental model threatens sales
Well, this isn't going to be surprising to many, but certain executives of certain big studios and networks aren't wasting anytime letting everybody know what they think of Apple's new 99-cent rental model for the Apple TV. If you've read our review of the tiny new iOS device, you're already aware that one of Apple's biggest challenges with the product is getting the content providers on board for such a reduced price -- so far, the company's managed to pull in ABC, Disney, Fox, and the BBC -- but Jobs has said that studios will quickly "see the light" and join up. Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes seems to disagree, however. "How can you justify renting your first-run TV shows individually for 99 cents an episode and thereby jeopardize the sale of the same shows as a series to branded networks that pay hundreds of millions of dollars and make those shows available to loyal viewers for free?" Bewkes recently asked, joining the now growing chorus of executives to decry the new scheme. Jeff Zucker recently said he thought Apple's 99-cent rentals "devalue" the content, while Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said the rental model was "not good."
Time Warner fights 99 cent rentals, too
NBC isn't the only broadcast company that's fighting Apple on 99 cent iTunes rentals. Apparently Time Warner doesn't want in on the plan, either. That's according to its CEO Jeff Bewkes, who told a conference of media executives in London that Apple is underselling television content by providing cheap rentals to customers. "How can you justify renting your first-run TV shows individually for 99 cents an episode," he asked, "and thereby jeopardize the sale of the same shows as a series to branded networks that pay hundreds of millions of dollars and make those shows available to loyal viewers for free?" The argument seems to be that if Apple offers 99 cent rentals, there's no incentive for syndication on other networks. Why would you watch cable reruns when you could load up old shows whenever you wanted for just a buck? Of course, Bewkes is assuming that people will watch cable reruns rather than Netflix or other streaming services, which are already offered. By the time he comes around to singing Apple's tune, that syndication market worth "hundreds of millions of dollars" might not be doing so well. But Bewkes is holding his ground -- he says that before he makes a deal with a provider like Apple, it'll have to bring something new to the table: "These new entrants must meet a few criteria: They must provide consumers with a superior TV experience, and they must either support or improve the overall economics that funds and creates the programming in the first place." That's a lot of "musts." Bewkes may spend too much time looking for his own perfect solution before Apple's setup passes him by. [via TMO]
Engadget explains net neutrality -- and our full interview with Professor Tim Wu!
Still trying to get up to speed on the whole net neutrality situation? Check out the intro above for a recap of the basics -- it ran during the last Engadget Show as part of our interview with Columbia law professor and noted net neutrality advocate Tim Wu. Then, head after the break for both cuts of the interview -- the edited piece that aired with the show and the uncut half-hour version. If you've got the time we highly recommend the full-flavor edition -- it's seriously interesting stuff, and Tim's not afraid to speak his mind on one of the most important tech issues of our time. Update: And here's a downloadable copy, for those who were asking.
FiOS TV Online gains three more On-Demand channels courtesy of Time Warner
After picking up content from TNT and TBS back in March, Verizon has reached additional agreements with Time Warner Inc. to bring Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and TruTV on-demand channels to its FiOS TV Online service lineup. As per usual, each will offer a free selection of programming from their respective channel as soon as 24 hours after it has aired live, which in the case of Adult Swim shows like The Boondocks, The Venture Bros., Delocated, Childrens Hospital, and Metalocalypse should have already started to happen. Content from the Cartoon Network and TruTV however is currently slated to appear within the next month thanks to the deal. So for now waiting a few weeks to get your Hardcore Pawn fix on FiOS TV Online is both the reality and actuality of the situation folks. Can't stand it? Then bide your time by reading the PR below.
Time Warner claims it's the HD king of New York with 150 channels, StartOver
Time Warner's thrown down the HD gauntlet on Verizon FiOS in New York City, adding 25 HD channels and claiming that it's got the juice now, with all the HD games of the nine sports teams and NY1 in HD. Beyond the new additions -- including but not limited to good ones like Fox Soccer Channel, CSPAN networks, HBO and Showtime throw-ins, a few Viacom networks like Nick HD, CMT HD and VH1 HD, and the rather dubious four additional Big Ten HD feeds alongside Gol TV HD on the sports tier -- it also mentions Start Over is enabled on "more than 25 HD channels in the New York area" although it's not immediately clear which ones. Multichannel News reports Verizon's fired back that despite having a mere 133 HD channels, qualities like picture quality, widgets and VOD tilt things back its way. While they continue to do battle over the crown and those MSG sports networks, we're pretty sure plenty of New York watchers are just sitting back and enjoying some soccer, movies and routine government meetings in HD right now.
Premium on demand services once again rumored to get movies still in theaters
So-called "premium" video on demand services, offering early access to studio films, have been rumored since the dawn of time -- or maybe just since 2007 -- but Reuters says various studios are back in talks with TV operators, including DirecTV and Time Warner, about bringing a couple of theater movies couch-side this fall, as quickly as 30-days after their theatrical release for $50, or $25, 60 days out. We know the precedent has technically already been set by IFC's day and date HD on demand screenings, but this deal would actually revolve round mainstream titles, as opposed to art house sleepers, and supposedly justify the ridiculous "premium" rates. Hey, the studios have to make up eroding revenues from Blu-ray / DVD sales someway right? As expression goes though, we'll believe it when we see it, and meanwhile reassure our easily-teased home theaters that EPIX films on Netflix Watch Instantly are really coming September 1st.
Time Warner CEO hints at tying print, tablet magazine subscriptions together
We'd already heard that Time Warner was looking to offer magazine subscriptions on the iPad (and running into some difficulty doing so), and it now looks like it might have some even grander plans. As hinted at by Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes in an earnings call earlier today, the company is apparently looking at extending its TV Everywhere concept to magazines, which would give customers that subscribe to the print editions of Time, Sports Illustrated and other publications access to the digital version as well. Of course, Bewkes didn't offer any indication as to exactly when that might happen, but he did say that the "key to it all" is to give subscribers access to content "over all broadband devices as soon as possible," which is certainly promising.
Time Inc. execs said to be frustrated over lack of iPad magazine subcriptions
Not interested in paying $4.99 for an issue of a magazine on your iPad? Well, Time Inc. execs don't seem to be too keen on the idea either. As Peter Kafka of All Things Digital reports, Time was planning to launch a subscription version of its Sports Illustrated iPad app last month in which you'd pay Time directly, but Apple apparently rejected the app at the last minute and left Time with no other choice than to sell issues one at a time for the usual $4.99. What's more, some Time Inc. execs have reportedly "been going nuts" over the situation, which is complicated even further by the fact that some companies like The Wall Street Journal do have a different arrangement for billing customers directly. As for Apple, it simply notes that it supports two platforms for publishers: the "open" HTML5, and the "curated" App Store, while Time insists that it will offer in-app subscriptions sometime "later this year."
YES, FSN sign up additional providers for Yankees/Mariners 3D broadcast
Since we last checked in, the YES Network has expanded the networks with the first 3D MLB broadcasts as the Yankees play the Mariners this weekend. Verizon had previously mentioned it would have 3D baseball on FiOS, while Multichannel News says Blue Ridge Communications, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox, Service Electric Broadband Cable and Time Warner Cable will all make the games available on July 10 and 11. Besides these special events, FiOS says it's continuing to prepare a full 3D offering for the winter holiday shopping season, when it figure more customers may find new 3D-capable HDTVs and glasses under the tree, but for now subscribers can catch the game on channel 575. Cox lists channel 784 in its press release, and encourages interested fans to stop by the Manchester or Meriden Best Buy stores to check out the games. Left coasters aren't left out either, besides DirecTV, they can catch 3D games on FSN NW on Comcast and Time Warner Cable, while the network is apparently still discussing expanding to other operators.
Comcast, Time Warner, Bright House pick up Coke Zero 400 3D broadcast
Looks like Turner Sports has no problem sharing its first NASCAR 3D broadcast, and as a result Comcast, Bright House Networks and Time Warner are all on board for the July 3 Coke Zero 400 race. Already announced for DirecTV and internet streaming, the night race will have two feeds, one of trackside cameras and one on the pits and feature the network's "Wide Open" format, promising more unobstructed race action free of national commercial breaks. Of course, we'd like to know what the next big 3D event is more than just a couple of weeks ahead of time, but if you're one of the few with the necessary hardware, we're sure any content is welcome no matter how it arrives.
Google, Verizon, Comcast, and more band together to form tech (and policy) advisory group
BITAG doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, as far as spoken acronyms go, but the Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group (also goes by TAG, for short) is looking to make (radio) waves. Facilitated by former FCC Chief Technologist (and University of Colorado at Boulder Adjunct Professor) Dale Hatfield, the group aims to "develop consensus on broadband network management practices and other related technical issues that can affect users' experience," which largely leads to addressing technical issues and making suggestions to policymakers. The group runs the gamut of major players in the broadband industry, including AT&T, Cisco, Comcast, DISH, EchoStar, Google, Intel, Level 3, Microsoft, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon. Naturally, the aforementioned companies already on board are lauding the move, and for its part the NCTA is happy to see a forum for tech and engineering experts to openly discuss issues and policies. Providing the counterargument would be the folks at DSL Reports, who show reserve that this may end up being nothing more than "policy dog and pony show" to avoid stricter government regulations on network neutrality. At this point that remains to be seen, as this organization doesn't seem to have even hit infancy yet. Expect more in the coming weeks as it continues to form and attempts to organize. We submit for your perusal the press release, just after the break.
