Tag Archives: cable

Survey: Netflix price increases could spark notable user revolt

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Netflix rolled the dice two weeks ago, announcing a significant change – and price increase – to its members. Now, it looks like a lot of those members may be planning to cut their ties with the service and embrace the competition.

A new survey from Wedbush Securities of 1,098 people finds that 22 percent of Netflix subscribers say they plan to discontinue their subscription with the company, and substitute its content with a combination of services, including Redbox, Hulu, Amazon’s streaming video initiative and traditional cable pay-per-view.

Read more at Variety’s Technotainment blog

Verizon CEO: Cable TV at risk

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The growing threat of Web video distribution is one the cable industry needs to pay closer attention to, according to the CEO of Verizon. Ivan Seidenberg, at a Goldman media conference in NY, told attendees he doesn’t expect future generations of customers to have any interest in buying cable bundles. 

“Young people are pretty smart. They’re not going to pay for something they don’t need to,” he said. “Over the top is going to be a pretty big issue for cable.”

Read more at Variety’s Technotainment blog

Analysis: The Coming Battle – Game Console Makers Vs. Cable Companies

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The relationship between console makers and cable companies can be a dicey one. Both compete for consumer eyeballs in the living room – and dip their toes in the other’s waters from time to time – but have avoided any sort of direct battle so far. Were they to square off, the brawl would likely be an epic one.

It might be time to start looking for ringside seats.

Read more at Gamasutra

Sezmi expands its footprint

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Sezmi, a new TV service that has been competing with cable and satellite providers in the greater Los Angeles area since February is ready to expand its reach. 

The company today announced it has now expanded to 36 U.S. markets, including Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington D.C. Customers willing to spend $299 upfront for hardware can receive over-the-air TV stations (their high-def main channels, plus their digital subchannels), Web video, on-demand content as well as 15 basic cable channels for just $19.99 per month. (Customers who just want local channels and Web content can pay $4.99 per month.)

Read more at Variety’s Technotainment blog