AppleTVNet Getting Closer
As reported by Reuters, looks like Apple is on the verge of signing a deal with CBS and Disney. Before you know it, we might be saying goodbye to the nice folks at the cable companies!
The planned subscription service by Apple may offer television shows from major networks for a monthly fee, which could significantly alter the television business, the paper said, citing people familiar with the matter.
Apple is aiming to complete licensing deals and expects to introduce the subscription service in 2010, the paper said.
The video strategy is part of Apple’s plan to overhaul its iTunes store, which sells downloadable music, video and games, the paper said.
Apple, CBS Corp and Disney were not available for comment.
(Reporting by Sakthi Prasad in Bangalore; Editing by Dan Lalor)
Written by Sergio G. on December 22, 2009
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View CommentsBen
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
This will be awesome if there is enough content, but without support from just about everyone you'll end up paying almost the same price for less content. Now the real advantage to me would be the lack of commercials or the need to schedule recordings, but not having access to live sports would probably kill it.
Gordon
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Just got back from the 5th ave NYC apple store – the AppleTV area is as small (and unlabeled) as ever. They've actually shrunk is presence. I suspect this is a precursor to the iTablet and an AppleTV re-design. Maybe the Airtunes can be re-fit to simply get a video signal from the iTablet? I don't know, but they're moving into the living room with force in 2010 and the absence of a living room / television device in their 5th ave flagship store points to something clearly on its way….
grega
December 26th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I agree a refreshed AppleTV must also be in the way. Via the iTablet? Maybe.
…. but more likely Apple changes “AppleTV” to a software system merging in Frontrow, and available on Mac, Windows, iTablet, iPhone, and “iTV” (current AppleTV hardware).
Great that they're looking at this new system. I presume you'd get all CBS & ABC content straight after they air, without commercials, for a monthly fee. I'd prefer a smaller fee with a couple (VERY FEW) of commercials customised just to me.
kbromber
January 31st, 2010 at 10:37 am
I was an early adopter of ATV and now have 2, and probably will add another couple soon. We even experimented with ATV only, but my we missed some of the local live broadcasts on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. I also like the NFL Sunday Ticket, so begrudgingly, we signed back up with DirecTV again, but downsize to the basic Family Package w/HD for 29.99, plus 10.00 for HD, plus 5.00 lease for each HD Set Top box, plus taxes, plus other fees.
. Great to see Apple getting into this.
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