Yes, but there's an important difference: the former gives cable-cutters a legal option for premium content not available directly; the latter is just greed. Broadcast content has typically been made available to viewers without cost.
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HBO to Introduce Standalone Web-Only Subscriptions in 2015
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Yes, but there's an important difference: the former gives cable-cutters a legal option for premium content not available directly; the latter is just greed. Broadcast content has typically been made available to viewers without cost.
Agreed. And Netflix spanked them by bypassing the behemoth cable ecosystem with shows like House of Cards. HBO is really competing with Netflix with this offering. Viewers want quality content and viewing options, but they don't want to pay stratosphere prices.
However, we are still dealing with mini-ecosystems. Add the possibility of segmenting or tiered internet pricing, and cost effectiveness starts slipping away.
Streaming will replace cable, but in the end it may cost just as much.
Only when value is worth the price it would make sense. Currently cable value is subpar with its cost.
Look at Apple's most recent earnings. Their revenue stream from iTunes is GIGANTIC. There is no sign that that 2002 business model is failing -- unlike the 1980's era business model that the cable companies still employ.
I completely agree. This isn't the end of channel bundling but it should be interesting to see what happens when they do this.