[opendtv] TW, Comcast Launch 'TV Everywhere'

Time Warner and Comcast to test out a scheme whereby they make their
content available, but only to their subscribers, on the web. It makes
one wonder how long before the cable broadcast method is dropped
entirely.

The FCC has just approved the "switched video" concept for cable
companies. Why bother with that at all, if you can offer this scheme
even in the local cable system's broadband Internet service?

Bert

--------------------------------
http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/83096

TW, Comcast Launch 'TV Everywhere'
06.26.2009.

The nation's two largest cable companies this week announced the launch
of "TV Everywhere," a service that will extend their cable content to
their broadband subscribers.

Technical trials will begin in July with 5,000 Comcast customers gaining
access to content on Time Warner's TBS and TNT channels on their
computers and as well as the same channels' VOD content on their cable
service.

"Today's announcement is all about giving our customers exponentially
more free content, more choice and more HD programming online as well as
on TV," said Comcast Chairman Brian Roberts. "We are thrilled that Time
Warner is joining us in our technical trial. Ultimately our goal is to
make TV content available to our customers on all platforms."

The companies said the service is open and non-exclusive; cable,
satellite and telco video distributors can enter into similar agreements
with other programmers.

The plan deviates from the Hulu paradigm, in which several major
networks have made their programming available free online for broadband
subscribers. It was also criticized by net neutrality advocates, who
warned that the service could be "anti-competitive."

"We are disappointed but not surprised at the announcement by Comcast
and Time Warner. It is obvious that their 'TV Everywhere' is not TV for
Everyone," said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge. "Limiting
access to programming is straight out of the cable playbook, going back
to the days when Congress had to act in 1992 to allow the satellite
programming distributors to have access to cable programming. This new
version raises substantial anti-competitive issues by restricting the
availability of programming to the favored distribution methods."

Sohn said the service violates the openness of the Internet. "By adding
this additional toll lane, Comcast and Time Warner want to create their
own 'managed channel' within the Internet and turn the Internet into
their own private cable channel."
 
 
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