In this week's collection of recent cord-cutting news items from around the web: Hulu is adding Discovery live channels, CBS All Access is allowing downloads for offline viewing, Verizon's 5G home broadband to launch in October, AT&T plans a new streaming service using Warner Bros. shows and movies, Netflix argues that it isn't a video service provider, why Roku isn't afraid of competition from Apple, Google and Amazon, and more!
Hulu, Discovery Ink Deal for Live TV Channels, Exclusive On-Demand Shows
"Five more Discovery channels will be available on Hulu's live TV service in December," says Variety. "The multiyear deal will bring five additional Discovery networks to Hulu With Live TV, set to be available to subscribers starting in December 2018: Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend (the rebranded Velocity) and Animal Planet. Hulu has an existing distribution pact with Scripps Networks Interactive — now owned by Discovery — for HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel."
Hulu promoting limited time offer of $5.99/month
If you aren't interested in their Live TV service, Hulu with Limited Commercials is now available for only $5.99/month for 12 months. Watch full seasons of exclusive series, current episodes, classic favorites, Hulu Originals, hit movies, kids shows, and tons more with minimal commercial interruptions. Click here for more information or to subscribe to this offer, which expires January 3, 2019.
Streaming service CBS All Access rolls out support for offline viewing
According to TechCrunch, "[t]he feature, 'Download & Play,' is only available to those on CBS's Commercial Free plan, not those on the cheaper, ad-supported tier. It also supports a range of programming, including CBS All Access Originals, reality shows, primetime dramas, news magazines, and other classics from the CBS library." Limitations include lack of ability to download from local broadcasters, and the feature is currently available only in the U.S. "However, users are able to download up to 25 videos at once, and can watch videos on up to 5 different devices. The feature is going live on both iOS and Android, on version 6.0 of the CBS All Access app and higher." Get more information on CBS All Access here.
Verizon's 5G home broadband launches in October and starts at $50
CNET says that "Verizon is promising home broadband speeds ranging from 300 megabits per second to 1 gigabit per second, or fast enough to download a Blu-ray movie in minutes." The service will initially be available in Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento, California - but not all residents in those cities will be able to get access. Check availability by entering your address at Firston5G.com.
AT&T plans a new streaming service using Warner Bros. shows and movies
According to a Los Angeles Times article, "John Stankey, chief executive of AT&T's WarnerMedia unit — the former Time Warner — is working on a 'new direct-to-consumer model' that will be announced later this year... WarnerMedia's sports properties could be part of the new product as well... Its Turner channels carry the NCAA men's basketball tournament and NBA games."
AirTV launches free 'Local Channels DVR' feature
AnAirTV press release announced that the feature allows recording of up to two free over-the-air (OTA) broadcast channels simultaneously; integrates recorded OTA content within the Cloud DVR on the Sling TV app on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices; and lets users access live and recorded local channels in and out of their home on mobile devices. No monthly subscription or Sling TV subscription is required.
Netflix Tells Court It Isn't a Video Service Provider
The Hollywood Reporter says that Netflix "is looking to avoid paying a portion of subscription fees to Missouri towns." Netflix and Hulu face lawsuits from the City of Creve Coeur, Missouri, over a 2007 state law that allows Missouri municipalities and counties to collect franchise fees from video service providers. "[A]ccording to Creve Coeur, which has a code of ordinance that requires a video service provider fork over five percent of its gross revenues, Missourians have shifted to subscription-based streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. And those companies aren't paying these fees, which states the lawsuit, 'deprives Missouri municipalities of much-needed revenue.' "Creve Coeur seeks a declaratory judgment that Netflix and Hulu are engaged in the business of providing video service within the meaning of the 2007 law, and should the two companies continue to be stingy, restrain Netflix and Hulu from engaging in business in Missouri."
Roku isn't afraid of competition from Apple, Google and Amazon
In an episode of the "Recode Media with Peter Kafka" podcast onRecode.com, Roku CEO Anthony Wood explains why "those companies are not as scary as they might seem... Roku's technology is superior. Plus, Apple et al are trying to meet larger strategic goals with TV streaming devices, using them as a trojan horse to get consumers hooked on iOS (or Android, or the Alexa platform). 'We’re much more focused,' Wood said. 'All we do is we come to work every day and we think about how to make TV better. Those companies, yes they’re great companies, but they come to work thinking about how can I sell a bunch of shoes, how can I be better at search, how can I sell more phones? TV is on their list but it's at the bottom of their list.'" You can listen to the full podcast below. RokuGuide.com may receive a referral fee for any purchases or subscriptions made through links on this page. See our full FTC Disclosure Statement for more information.
