A&E, History Channel, and Lifetime Channels Added to Apple TV

[kds1]

Why do people accept the term "channel?" They are apps.

The ATV interface is just a bunch of app icons.

When I can go to the CNN "channel" and be immediately taken to live news (if you can call it news) then I will call it a channel. If I have to navigate to a live news button, pray that the link to my actual cable/sat subscription "allows" me to watch CNN (in all its ad splendor), then finally watch a live stream I will call it a channel. Until then it is just an app.

They are still channels. You seem to be clinging to the old dinosaur days of television. Vevo had three VevoTV live feeds, plus on demand content. SkyNews has their live feed plus on demand content. Others are just all on demand, but they are still channels. But really, who cares? If you want to call it an app go ahead, what difference does it make? At the end of the day you can call them apps or channels, it doesn't matter.

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The term "channel" means a very narrow focus on a single source of content. Just because you think a channel means live tv doesn't mean calling them channels is incorrect.

^ Agreed!

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Just exactly, what do Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars, and Project Runway have to do with the History Channel, other than as a pathetic and sad example of what is termed "entertainment" in the 21st century?

Honestly, these channels are just one of the reasons why I cut the cord and dumped cable TV five years ago. Most of what is on is pure garbage. There are some exceptions, like "The Universe" and other History Channel content, but not all of it.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

Still don't get it...How is the Apple TV anything more than an AirPlay accessory for an iOS device if I need a cable subscription anyway to watch this content? I'd rather just stick with my cable's OnDemand features along with my Sony smart tv applications (Amazon, Hulu, NetFlix...all built in).

An Apple TV just duplicates all of that content access and allows me to AirPlay a slideshow from my iPad once every Christmas when I'd actually ever consider doing that.

 

[kds1]

That is what I mean. You have to use a separate device to have a good remote. It should come with a good one stock.

Well I love the aluminum remote and I think most people have at least an iPad or iPhone anyway, so for the most, it's just not a problem.

 

[petsounds]

Hopefully in before the "why do I need a cable subscription?" complaints.

The model is what it is, and will take time to alter. Putting the infrastructure in place to potentially allow ala carte programming is a good thing. Yes, for now, it's tied to your cable provider, but over time, it's possible that some or all may go with independent subscriptions, depending on contract terms with the cable/satellite companies.

The infrastructure is already in place. It's been in place. It's obvious that Apple has no bargaining power with TV content creators or they wouldn't be agreeing to these locked-out channels. Requiring a cable subscription to view content is not the Apple way. I will refrain from speculation as the WWDC announcements should shed light on Apple's plans, but no one should be happy with the present situation.

 

[Tinmania]

The term "channel" means a very narrow focus on a single source of content. Just because you think a channel means live tv doesn't mean calling them channels is incorrect.

Uh, no. Channel, as it pertains to TV (the "TV" in ATV) means a specific frequency allocation and referred to as channel ("a band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission, esp. as used by a particular station."). You don't "turn the channel" on a TV to a new "narrow focus." Good lord.

By your logic all of the apps on my phone and tablet are now suddenly "channels." They all work like the equivalent apps on my ATV.

Calling the apps "channels" is simply a marketing move to make it seem more like TV. It isn't.




Michael

 

[Parasprite]

That is what I mean. You have to use a separate device to have a good remote. It should come with a good one stock.

In what way could they make a remote that made keyboard entry easier without going this route? Because this is all I could think of...

• Put each individual letter on the remote.
• Use T9-style predictive text.

I wouldn't want either of those remotes TBH, but if you have any better ideas I'd love to hear them.

 

[kds1]

Okay, so confused here . The MacRumors article says "selected" users can see full episodes. By that was it meant people who subscribe to cable? I can't see all full episodes, but I do see some full episodes, and even some basically full seasons (Season 1 of The Universe on History 2, for example, is all episodes save for the very first).

 

[mattopotamus]

In what way could they make a remote that made keyboard entry easier without going this route? Because this is all I could think of...

• Put each individual letter on the remote.
  
• Use T9-style predictive text.
  

I wouldn't want either of those remotes TBH, but if you have any better ideas I'd love to hear them.

Add a qwerty keyboard or include a device with a screen. I don't like using my phone as a remote. I don't really have a reason why, I just don't =\. The google tv was a fail, but a remote like that would be ok with me. Or if they tap into gaming add a keyboard attachment like the xbox has.

 

[kds1]

Uh, no. Channel, as it pertains to TV (the "TV" in ATV) means a specific frequency allocation and referred to as channel ("a band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission, esp. as used by a particular station."). You don't "turn the channel" on a TV to a new "narrow focus." Good lord.

By your logic all of the apps on my phone and tablet are now suddenly "channels." They all work like the equivalent apps on my ATV.

Calling the apps "channels" is simply a marketing move to make it seem more like TV. It isn't.

I think you're being overly stringent. On my TV I may call the SkyNews or WSJ Live or Vevo a channel (or an app, depending on whatever I feel like saying at the moment) but on my phone an app. Does it really matter? I think not.

 

[Tinmania]

They are still channels. You seem to be clinging to the old dinosaur days of television. Vevo had three VevoTV live feeds, plus on demand content. SkyNews has their live feed plus on demand content. Others are just all on demand, but they are still channels. But really, who cares? If you want to call it an app go ahead, what difference does it make? At the end of the day you can call them apps or channels, it doesn't matter.

Get back to me when the apps on the ATV are not referenced as ".app" by the OS--just like on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.

Or better yet, when there is an actual interactive channel guide instead of rows of app icons that you must launch to see what content is available.



Michael

 

[Parasprite]

Still don't get it...How is the Apple TV anything more than an AirPlay accessory for an iOS device if I need a cable subscription anyway to watch this content? I'd rather just stick with my cable's OnDemand features along with my Sony smart tv applications (Amazon, Hulu, NetFlix...all built in).

An Apple TV just duplicates all of that content access and allows me to AirPlay a slideshow from my iPad once every Christmas when I'd actually ever consider doing that.

I don't get it, how is the Sony smart TV anything more than an Amazon, Hulu, Netflix accessory, especially when I need a cable subscription anyways to watch OnDemand features? I'd rather just stick with my Mac Mini which has all of this built in (relatively speaking) through my web browser.

 

[dugbug]

The history channel depresses me. Its shorter than the long form "Outdoor Reality Show With A Pawn Shop and Some Speculation Crap On Aliens Channel".

If we have to go this route and someone at Apple is reading, I would do anything for an Adult Swim channel and a Funimation channel. I mean ANYTHING

 

[Rafterman]

What? DirecTV missed the opportunity to NOT be one of the providers? What's wrong, someone messed up over there to allow this added feature to get by them.

 

[markintosh]

Like Most....

I'm in the same boat as most of the commentors. I can't use most of the channels on my ATV because of no cable subscription (and even then, cable in my area is not one of the systems supported).

I would even be willing to watch commercials on the ATV channels if they would just let me subscribe to the ones I want (HBOGO - I'm talking to you!) Why is it that MLB/NBA,etc can do this and the rest of the channels can't???

 

[kds1]

Get back to me when the apps on the ATV are not referenced as ".app" by the OS--just like on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.

Or better yet, when there is an actual interactive channel guide instead of rows of app icons that you must launch to see what content is available.

You're being quite ridiculous about this. No one seems to care about calling them apps or channels except you! You can call them either! Call them widgets if if gets you off!

 

[hansonjohn590]

I really wish there was an easier way to watch then go from app to app, each with an entirely different UI. Makes for a poor experience.

 

[chrisbru]

Still don't get it...How is the Apple TV anything more than an AirPlay accessory for an iOS device if I need a cable subscription anyway to watch this content? I'd rather just stick with my cable's OnDemand features along with my Sony smart tv applications (Amazon, Hulu, NetFlix...all built in).

An Apple TV just duplicates all of that content access and allows me to AirPlay a slideshow from my iPad once every Christmas when I'd actually ever consider doing that.

I use it quite a bit to second screen with my laptop. And if you don't have a smart tv (like me) it's an easy way to add the same functionality for only $100.

Plus it runs much more quietly than my PS3, which is nice.

 

[S.B.G]

The addition of these channels is part of a larger push by A&E Networks to expand their content beyond broadcast TV.

If they really want to do that, make it so that users do not need to have a cable TV subscription in order to view them.

 

[Parasprite]

Add a qwerty keyboard or include a device with a screen.

The latter increases expense (for both us and Apple), reduces battery life and durability. The former would be the solution if it didn't make it look like a mobile phone from 10 years ago (I don't know if they could pull this off).

I don't like using my phone as a remote. I don't really have a reason why, I just don't =\.

I know why, because it's really weird and awkward-feeling. Also, you lose quick pausing ability when the screen goes off which is annoying.

On the other hand, I can't call my aluminium remote when I lose it.

Or if they tap into gaming add a keyboard attachment like the xbox has.

Sorry, separate device. It doesn't count.

This doesn't help your keyboard entry, but you can use any universal remote for the Apple TV (such as your cable one) via the Settings under "Learn Remote". It would at least reduce clutter. You know, if your into that sort of thing.

 

[Traverse]

I love the thin aluminum remote! It's gorgeous, feels great in the hand and it's a HUGE improvement over those button cluttered plastic bricks from the cable companies!

I admit it feels premium, but it is so anti- intuitive. Add a few favorite buttons Apple!

 

[whoiare]

I really wish there was an easier way to watch then go from app to app, each with an entirely different UI. Makes for a poor experience.

This.

a lot of people are wanting this a la carte system. But lets say for example that it was a la carte on the ATV. that you can subscribe to Parks and Rec on NBC and The Big Bang Theory on CBS....but now what? you have to remember when each show aired? go into the NBC and then CBS app. Find the show then play? Sounds like a pain

Not only does some a la carte thing need to exist. But it needs to play nicely with itunes. So instead of a bunch of apps letting you watch content...all that content needs to be located into some organizational system (Itunes) that similiar to DVR will allow you to see new episodes of each show as they air.

This is why i think the new apple tv will be more google TVish. a go between from tv to itunes. The a la carte system is not around the corner.

 

[kds1]

I admit it feels premium, but it is so anti- intuitive. Add a few favorite buttons Apple!

It's not anti-intuitive, it's SIMPLE, and that has always been part of Apple's design ethic. Simplicity, and carrying out a function by the most minimal means.

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This.

a lot of people are wanting this a la carte system. But lets say for example that it was a la carte on the ATV. that you can subscribe to Parks and Rec on NBC and The Big Bang Theory on CBS....but now what? you have to remember when each show aired? go into the NBC and then CBS app. Find the show then play? Sounds like a pain

Not only does some a la carte thing need to exist. But it needs to play nicely with itunes. So instead of a bunch of apps letting you watch content...all that content needs to be located into some organizational system (Itunes) that similiar to DVR will allow you to see new episodes of each show as they air.

This is why i think the new apple tv will be more google TVish. a go between from tv to itunes. The a la carte system is not around the corner.

People want a la carte subscriptions to channels, not shows. You can already subscribe to shows a la carte via iTunes, and new episodes will download automatically (and of course, anyone can receive NBC or CBS free OTA - well most people unless you live where you can't get good reception - but that doesn't stop idiot networks like ABC from requiring a cable subscription for their OTA free content via AppleTV).

 

[Four oF NINE]

"History" channel

Yeah, get that.. it's as bad as the inappropriately labeled "Science" channel.. not much actual science going on over there..

The worst for dishonesty in labeling remains FOX "News". It's the republican propaganda channel, not any actual news.

 

[mattopotamus]

This doesn't help your keyboard entry, but you can use any universal remote for the Apple TV (such as your cable one) via the Settings under "Learn Remote". It would at least reduce clutter. You know, if your into that sort of thing.

I didn't relalize I could use my cable remote on it. Thanks .

 

[chasemac]

After seeing commercials included on these episodes I am very disappointed.