Time Warner CEO 'Pretty Confident' Apple Will Launch Streaming TV Service

[oneMadRssn]

Network OTA broadcast are usually better quality than Cable/Satellite because Comcast and others compress the channels to hell to allow more channels.

Also if you are interested in an OTA DVR, I'd suggest looking into Tablo. I got one this past weekend and have been really impressed with it's abilities. It's like a TiVo and sling box in one with an interface that blows away what Comcast offers. There are also applications on their forum made by users that allow you to rip your recordings to MP4. It's $200, but I cut the cord a few years ago so I can easily justify the upfront expense for the free OTA programming.

I really like Tablo in principle. I have contemplated buying one, and would gladly buy the lifetime subscription. My only holdup is the lack of AppleTV support (other than AirPlay). If Apple releases a new AppleTV with a proper app store or updates existing ATV3s to include an app store, and Tablo makes an app, I would jump on it in immediately.

 

[willmtaylor]

Cut the cord!

1. call the cable company and cancel the tripple play, downgrading to internet only

2. Get an atenna to watch over the air digital tv stations

3. Get an apple TV box to buy or rent seasons of what every you want

4. Get a Hulu or Netflix account if you want a buffet approach

I do this and really get everything I want.

1. Broadband only can still run $40-$100 depending on speed and how long one has been a customer.

2. Assuming one lives close enough to do so; many do not

3. These costs are starting to add up

4. Ok, by now one is pretty close to that original cable bill.

 

[Freyqq]

I hate to pull Gene Munster here, because Time Warner's CEO is talking about streaming service as a TV product and not a television set.

But I think for Apple to succeed, it needs to sell a set top box as well as a television set. Before everyone here hits the reply button and flame the heck out of me, hear me out.

Walk into Best Buy, Costco, etc. Look at TVs that came out this year. You know what nearly every single one, including those priced under $200 have in common? They can all play Netflix, etc. out of the box. Most are running Android TV or ChromeCast OS.

While us Apple fans would still purchase set top box with these TVs, a vast majority won't.

I disagree. The advantage of having a tv and a set of boxes is that you can swap out a new box when necessary. Also, TVs have razor-thin margins. Apple might come out with a great TV, but it will be expensive. I am all for expensive monitors, as your face is close to it and you can see the extra detail easily. However, TVs are viewed from 6+ feet away, so an average TV and a great TV are harder to distinguish. That's also why I think 4k TV will be slow to materialize. 4k is amazing on a screen close to your face. But, 6 feet away, you can't see the pixels on 1080p as it is.

 

[alg35536]

I just wish they would announce what the bundle is. That way I can either subscribe to it or to Sling and dump marine Warner. I'm tired of paying almost $200.00 a month.

 

[AKRowdy]

At 125 a month for basic HD cable and internet when I watch 12 of those channels, I would love to cut the cord...

The thing I'm worried about is local sport channels.

 

[APEuroHis]

TWC in talks with Apple(TV)

I know that many want to cut the cord and go with just internet service. Beware, though, at least with Verizon. It seemed as though the internet service increased on a yearly basis to where I was paying $90 a month for average service, nothing special. Add to that a $120 a month from Directv AND, with the continued impasse between TWC/Directv over the Dodgers(or lack thereof...)I dropped Directv. I ended up picking up TWC(Dodgers), internet, phone for $168. I was also told to call TWC at eleven months to renegotiate. Hopefully, by then the Dodger impasse will be over then I can go back. However, for now cannot complain about TWC. It would be interesting to see if TWC & Apple and come together. We shall see.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Cable companies saw this, and don't want that to happen to them. So they have protected themselves as long as possible, but they are not stupid. They see the writing on the wall. They just want to control it better than the music industry did. They will gradually bleed off their customers to cord cutting, they just want to be sure that when their customers leave, they go somewhere where the cable companies are still making money off them.

Comcast buying NBC/Universal 5 or 6 years ago was a very forward looking move. Comcast knew that content distribution was in store for some major upheaval so they bought one of the biggest the content creation companies on earth. Between being a cable provider, an ISP and a content creator Comcast is covered.

I know no one that actually uses the really slow or bad software in the TV.

Now you do. I mainly used the Netflix, Pandora and Amazon apps in my TV because it was more convenient than using another box (even though I owned a BD player, a 360 and a Roku). This only changed recently when I got an XB1 and now everything runs through that (including my cable).

Also, TVs have razor-thin margins. Apple might come out with a great TV, but it will be expensive.

I too would be surprised if Apple came out with an actual TV. As you say, the margins are thin and they people don't upgrade their TVs nearly as often as they do their smart phones, tablets or even computers. Apple's in an odd spot with this one. They had a unique product when TV first came out but since then everyone and their brother has caught up and/or surpassed them. What Apple needs is exclusives like HBO Now but of a permanent, not temporary nature, but that's also difficult because distributors want to be cast as wide a net as possible so there's not much incentive to be only available on TV.

Interesting times...

 

[nutmac]

I disagree. The advantage of having a tv and a set of boxes is that you can swap out a new box when necessary. Also, TVs have razor-thin margins. Apple might come out with a great TV, but it will be expensive. I am all for expensive monitors, as your face is close to it and you can see the extra detail easily. However, TVs are viewed from 6+ feet away, so an average TV and a great TV are harder to distinguish. That's also why I think 4k TV will be slow to materialize. 4k is amazing on a screen close to your face. But, 6 feet away, you can't see the pixels on 1080p as it is.

1. You can add set top box to smart TV.

2. I don't deny thinner profit margin on TV. Having said that, profit margin does exist and more importantly, just about every TVs being made today are smart TVs. As they get better, most will not consider buying a set top box. Without significant market share, Apple's TV streaming business, iTunes Store (for TV and movies), and AirPlay video mirroring are all doomed to small niche.

3. Like basic feature phones, smart TVs are replacing traditional TVs at virtually no extra cost to you.

4. Do not understand the power of economies of scale. This year's 4K TVs are much cheaper than last year (55-inch 4K for under $1000, for instance). By next year, I suspect just about every new TVs 50" or larger will be 4K.

 

[APEuroHis]

And when the cable companies lose enough tv customers, they'll jack up their internet rates.

Verizon did it to me. Basic internet started $35 back in '06. It was recently raised to $90 for same basic internet service. I dropped them, picked up a combination pack (cable, internet, phone) for $168. Remember to call TWC at eleven months to renegotiate. Above all else, do not assume any cable/satellite company is your friend.

 

[2457282]

1. Broadband only can still run $40-$100 depending on speed and how long one has been a customer.

2. Assuming one lives close enough to do so; many do not

3. These costs are starting to add up

4. Ok, by now one is pretty close to that original cable bill.

1. I pay $37/month
2. one time-cost of $40. I live in a city and get 20 channels over the air. Granted in rural areas it will be less. But I believe that the major networks do cover a significant portion of the country.
3. one time cost of $79 for the apple box. Movie rentals are about $6, and I rent about 2 per month
4. I pay $8/month for Netflix

Total cost - $120 one time fees and $45/month to support all my viewing pleasure.

Not having to pay Comcrap wads of cash -- priceless.

 

[jebjeb2000]

I hate to pull Gene Munster here, because Time Warner's CEO is talking about streaming service as a TV product and not a television set.

But I think for Apple to succeed, it needs to sell a set top box as well as a television set. Before everyone here hits the reply button and flame the heck out of me, hear me out.

Walk into Best Buy, Costco, etc. Look at TVs that came out this year. You know what nearly every single one, including those priced under $200 have in common? They can all play Netflix, etc. out of the box. Most are running Android TV or ChromeCast OS.

While us Apple fans would still purchase set top box with these TVs, a vast majority won't.

The justification that Apple should produce a hybrid television / box set only because others offer it is not compelling, IMO. The reasons for Apple to offer them separately far exceed the advantages of an all-in-one television, specifically: 1-few who own a nice screen now will go out and buy a new screen... thousands of new dollars for a new television when you just bought one and mounted it? 2- apple is unlikely to offer technology that dramatically enhances the screen offerings available now, 3 - the plethora of options in screen technology will never match what Apple could offer, and how many products and sizes would Apple have to offer to be compelling?

While they may offer select all-in-one sets, plug-in-play is the only way for this service to take off.

----------

1. You can add set top box to smart TV.

2. I don't deny thinner profit margin on TV. Having said that, profit margin does exist and more importantly, just about every TVs being made today are smart TVs. As they get better, most will not consider buying a set top box. Without significant market share, Apple's TV streaming business, iTunes Store (for TV and movies), and AirPlay video mirroring are all doomed to small niche.

3. Like basic feature phones, smart TVs are replacing traditional TVs at virtually no extra cost to you.

4. Do not understand the power of economies of scale. This year's 4K TVs are much cheaper than last year (55-inch 4K for under $1000, for instance). By next year, I suspect just about every new TVs 50" or larger will be 4K.

Television and computers are becoming functionally the same. With that said then you must also believe that all-in-one computers are the only path to success?

 

[ProVideo]

I really like Tablo in principle. I have contemplated buying one, and would gladly buy the lifetime subscription. My only holdup is the lack of AppleTV support (other than AirPlay). If Apple releases a new AppleTV with a proper app store or updates existing ATV3s to include an app store, and Tablo makes an app, I would jump on it in immediately.

After reading their forums, it sounds like the Tablo developers want to be on AppleTV but Apple is the one not allowing them access. Apple probably sees them and OTA as a possible threat to their iTunes content along with present and future media company partners.

I think it's really crappy that Apple still hasn't open up AppleTV to developers after all these years with all the useless Apps that they have allowed on it and keep adding.

 

[technima]

Does anyone here realize that Time Warner and Time Warner Cable are not the same company? The Time Warner referenced in the article is not Time Warner Cable.

Time Warner used to own Time, Time Warner Cable, AOL, Warner Music, and Warner Books.

 

[josephd]

Cut the cord. I haven't had cable since I bought my house 5 years ago.
I stream Netflix, and have an Apple TV that I use for HBO NOW, and I also watch the news live though the Apple TV.
I may or may not keep HBO NOW, but in the meantime I pay for the Internet.
Which by the way is a bit over priced at $60 a month.
You need higher speeds to stream Netflix etc. Either way, my bill per month is a lot better than the cable subscribers I know. Times are changing folks!

 

[TechRemarker]

Of course

Apple already all but announced that the new hardware and service will be announced at WWDC15. The invite literally has an Apple TV in the center of the invite which is much more blatant than they normally are on invites. So they clearly want everyone to prepare.

 

[oneMadRssn]

After reading their forums, it sounds like the Tablo developers want to be on AppleTV but Apple is the one not allowing them access. Apple probably sees them and OTA as a possible threat to their iTunes content along with present and future media company partners.

I think it's really crappy that Apple still hasn't open up AppleTV to developers after all these years with all the useless Apps that they have allowed on it and keep adding.

Agree completely.

I would have switched to Roku already, but for the fact that I hate their UI and remote.

 

[dexterbell]

At 125 a month for basic HD cable and internet when I watch 12 of those channels, I would love to cut the cord...

Wow, you're getting robbed. I pay less than that for every DirecTV channel including all the movie channels.

 

[QCassidy352]

At 125 a month for basic HD cable and internet when I watch 12 of those channels, I would love to cut the cord...

Agreed, but not if they're then gonna charge $80 for Internet, $15 for HBO, $15 for ESPN, etc. Pricing needs to make it a decent option, not just the same cost with half paid to apple and half to Comcast for just Internet.

 

[Tech198]

It's one thing to for Apple to launch a television service, but content matters...

Quality just as important, but unless the content is there, u'r just watching HD "crap-content.."

For me though, i don't really mind coz if its not available... then someone deserves to pirate and make them loose money for NOT making it legally available

It's good how the law works isn't it...

 

[AppleScruff1]

Verizon did it to me. Basic internet started $35 back in '06. It was recently raised to $90 for same basic internet service. I dropped them, picked up a combination pack (cable, internet, phone) for $168. Remember to call TWC at eleven months to renegotiate. Above all else, do not assume any cable/satellite company is your friend.

None of them are our friends, and neither is Apple. They all want as much money as possible providing as little as possible.

 

[BiscottiGelato]

Just BSing here. I think it makes sense for Apple to introduce an Apple Television set. Maybe independent of also a Set-top box type offering.

In terms of the TV set, it'd be one that you turn on and it's always at the 'home screen'. It'll have it's own Live streaming content. Sports and News etc. The usual iTune, Netflix, etc. You can also have Inputs going to the TV set, like your Blu-Ray player, ur Game console, ur Cable Box. These can be considered an external 'app' to the TV. And then there's TV based App, Apple's own Game Center, etc.

1080p 40" at $1000, 4K 60" at $2000, maybe a 4k 80" at $3000? With Apple's volume, they might be able to have more reasonable margins this way. Update cycle can be a lengthier every 2 years since TV technology is relatively saturated. Adoption is also expected to be slower.

The TV, instead of the amp, would be the center of control. All inputs (BD, PS4, etc) goes into the TV, 1 output to the Amp if you got an Amp. Advantage here is you remove the clunky and slow TV/Amp UI/Remote. If you are a true cord cutter and don't game outside of Game Center, it's just the Apple TV set that you need to control, while the TV set controls everything else. No need for crazy universal remote, etc.

 

[ericdsa]

Does anyone here realize that Time Warner and Time Warner Cable are not the same company? The Time Warner referenced in the article is not Time Warner Cable.

Time Warner used to own Time, Time Warner Cable, AOL, Warner Music, and Warner Books.

Thanks I was wondering why nobody pointed this out. It seems many conflate the two.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Thanks I was wondering why nobody flagged this. - I do not even the think the writer of the article realizes that - it is certainly not clear from the writing.

I don't think there is anything to flag. The OP talks about things like TW's content deals (and attempted content deals) with Apple and references the appropriate Time Warner (the one that owns HBO, not Time Warner Cable). If Apple did start it's own streaming service, which would compete with Time Warner Cable, they would certainly try and get film and TV content from Time Warner.

 

[ttss6]

I would gladly subscribe it if it offered an a la carte option. There's some channels that act more like clutter or bloatware than anything else. I'd love to just have access to the 10 I frequently watch.

 

[McScooby]

A little surprising also that even after all these years for the UK market Apple still not supporting Iplayer.

I think maybe this should be directed at BBCRumors.com, AFAIK charge folk to display content on ATV, and it's the channel responsible for writing app. Can you imagine the outrage of the licence fee player if the BBC were to splurge money to put iplayer to aid a small commercial platform? Apple don't do charity incase you haven't noticed, also would cannibalise their rentals from BBC worldwide, on the iTunes store.

Assuming launch an app store on ATV at WWDC along the lines of iPhone apps, then you may see it.