Cutting The Cord -- How to leave cable companies?

[cybercoma]

That article indicates that people who don't subscribe to any cable/satellite/fibe service is growing but still in the single digits. And keep in mind the big telecoms not only control the content but control the wires that get the internet to your house.

Obviously as bandwidth gets cheaper people are going to look towards online options in an increasing number. But like with many things, you get what you pay for. You sort of have to work to get new programming.

If you can afford it, a cable subscription with a DVR can't be beat. I was busy most of the weekend but when I checked my DVR I had all these shows essentially delivered to my TV I forgot I had set to record. It's a great option.

If Cable was just traditional cable with ads and 30 or so channels then I'd understand the appeal for internet only options. But a DVR really makes home entertainment very easy. If you can afford it or choose to pay for it of coutse.

You do now, of course. This is all true. It's not ideal for everyone yet, but as more and more people switch, companies will begin battling to capture this market share. We're going to continue seeing more and more alternative delivery models in time. As for it being in the single digits, it's was still a nearly 50% increase in the number of homes that have disconnected. The idea is that the number of people doing this is growing year upon year.

As a result, cable companies would be served well to explore alternative models. They're already doing this, but are completely out of touch. CTV, Global, etc. have mobile apps. You must be subscribed to cable television service to use their apps though. This doesn't make sense. I want to use their apps because I don't want to subscribe to cable. We're coming to a time when networks could delivery their content directly to the customers without the middle-man. Yet they refuse to do so because most of the networks in Canada are owned by the middle-men. They need to adapt or they will perish.

Perish? That's a bit much? The problem is that the not only can the networks sell their content directly, if they weren't so focused on the past, but also that the studios or production companies could provide their content directly. Look at the success of House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. Their content is delivered to customers exclusively through Netflix. There's also nothing stopping shows from being iTunes exclusives or Google Play exclusives, so that people can stream them from their Apple TV or ChromeCast boxes.

Remember Napster? Look what happened to the music industry. Did it fail? Of course not. However, they resisted change for so long that they lost years of revenues. Now that they've finally embraced the Digital Revolution, they're bleeding less money and returning to where they were. The same thing is happening today with the television and movie industries thanks to faster internet and cheaper technology.

I don't honestly expect that next year 75% of households will have cut the cord. I can imagine in 10 years that some 25% or more of households will have cut the cord though. It's hard to say without a crystal ball. If studios think they can be more profitable using alternative distribution methods and cutting out the middle, then you never know what kind of service will sprout up in that time, changing the rate at which people divorce cable/satellite.

The biggest objection I see is sports; however, the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and MLS all have direct-to-customer services because they can provide more content that way. You can watch live every game happening on any given day with these services.

All I'm saying is that people are indeed switching over. More people each year are cutting the cord. That is a fact shown by the numbers. There is no arguing that people aren't switching over or that there has been no change. Consequently, the content providers are going to need to begin exploring new ways of delivering their content. If the cable/satellite companies don't adapt, content providers may begin exploring ways of bypassing them and profiting directly from the customers. It's clear that the cable/satellite companies knew the threat of the internet, as they began delivering internet to customers in the 90s and buying up independent ISPs, mostly shutting them out of the market. They did this because they recognized the threat.

As the Digital Revolution continues, they will continue to have revenues from controlling the delivery system. However, the problem is that they've taken it upon themselves to resist then change. They're making it intentionally difficult for people to move away from cable and satellite because they control both delivery systems. They knew that entertainment consumption was going to follow this flow: Cable/Satellite Only Subscribers --> Internet AND Cable/Satellite Subscribers --> Internet Only Subscribers. Initially it wasn't possible for people to get television online, but the companies new as technology progressed that this would be a new delivery method. Hell, the cable companies use the internet to receive their product from the television stations in some cases. People subscribed to both services because the internet initially displaced magazines/newspapers and letter mail. Now that technology is to the point where the internet can replace television/movies (as well as gaming) people have begun dropping their cable/satellite subscriptions. Obviously, the companies would prefer that customers subscribe to both services and that's the only reason they continue to throw roadblocks in the way despite controlling both. They need to adapt because the customers will continue to pursue their entertainment through the delivery methods they prefer. Going forward that will be more and more via the internet.

[cybercoma]

Apparently NBC/Universal has been a silent partner ever since Comcast bought a majority stake in the company from GE. However, since they have been involved there have been rumours of the possibility that the unholy alliance will turn Hulu into an "on demand" service for cable companies. That would be a shame.

I don't see that happening. They would lose subscribers. That's not the reason customers belong to Hulu+.

[TimG]

A Chromcast supports both Hulu and Netflix. In the UK it supports the the BBC iPlayer. I would blame the CRTC for the most part.

The CRTC can be blamed for many things. The shoddy content of Canadian streaming services is not one of them. This is a problem caused by the free market where content owners sell licenses to different geographic regions for the same content. This requires outfits like Netflix to pay again for every show that is in it Canadian catalog. Given the smaller Canadian market it follows that the selection will be smaller. Edited April 8, 2014 by TimG

[cybercoma]

Using a VPN or proxy is legal, however, using it to use US based services probably isn't.

I think it's a grey area, like the old issue with programming satellite cards for DirecTV. Since the content is not sold to Canadians, is it actually illegal if you have a way to access something that's not available to you through any other means?

[Boges]

The CRTC can be blamed for many things. The shoddy content of Canadian streaming services is not one of them. This is a problem caused by the free market where content owners sell licenses to different geographic regions for the same content. This requires outfits like Netflix to pay again for every show that is in it Canadian catalog. Given the smaller Canadian market it follows that the selection will be smaller.

Netflix is one thing but Hulu or the fact that Canadian Networks buy the rights to US shows therefore Hulu can't work in Canada because the rights holders are different.

The Super Bowl is the most offensive example of this, even if you're watching it on the US Network, you're still subject to CTV ads marketing Master Chef Canada. Then Fox shows an episode of New Girl afterwards but City holds the rights to that show so there has to be some sort of Network flip.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Boges

[TimG]

Netflix is one thing but Hulu or the fact that Canadian Networks buy the rights to US shows therefore Hulu can't work in Canada because the rights holders are different.

Which was my point. Content holders sell the rights based on geography. It is only really obvious in Canada because we can receive the American signals directly, as a result, it requires special handling to protect the right of content holders to get more money from their works by reselling them in every market. This has nothing to do with the CRTC - it is pure free market where the operation of the market is dictated by the content owners. Edited April 8, 2014 by TimG

[Mighty AC]

The biggest objection I see is sports; however, the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and MLS all have direct-to-customer services because they can provide more content that way. You can watch live every game happening on any given day with these services.

Not only not only is sports content available without cable, but it's also a superior viewing experience.

I recently tested out NHL Gamecenter and it's a phenomenal service. I live in southern Ontario but I don't really want to watch the Leafs, Bills or Raptors. Not only can I watch any game, but I can also choose the broadcast feed. If the Oilers were playing the Sharks I could choose either a SJ or Edmonton broadcast. This is a great feature for those tired of homer Leaf announcers. In addition, the stream includes an incredible variety of game stats, shot and goal maps, etc. It also includes a timeline with every goal, penalty, scoring chance, etc. This alllows viewers to click on any aspect of the game the want to re-watch and instantly jump back to that portion of the game. I tend to do this during TV time outs and then catch up with the live broadcast when play resumes. I can also flip to any other game (live or historical) and even have two games on screen in picture in picture mode.

One drawback is the service blacks out local games, but with a VPN this isn't an issue. I tested the service using an inconvenient, free workaround so I'm looking forward to going legit with it next hockey season.

You can watch a 3 minute segment of any live game through NHL.com, but without an account the feed cuts off and redirects you to the sales page. I just created a Chrome shortcut that allowed me to rejoin the game via the incognito window. To test this on your PC with the Chrome browser just create a desktop shortcut like this:

1) Find and copy the path to the Chrome.exe eg. C:\Users\MightyAC\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe

2) Goto NHL.com find a game score listed along the top and click the Watch Live link. This will take you to Gamecenter.

3) Copy the web address to that game. eg. http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/gamecenterlive?id=2013020738

Create a new desktop shortcut and enter the following in the target:

[Path to the Chrome.exe] -incognito [web address to the game you are watching through Gamecenter]

For example: C:\Users\MightyAC\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe -incognito http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/gamecenterlive?id=2013020738

Later you can replace the web address with that of a new game.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Mighty AC

[Boges]

That's great for Hockey, what about last night's NCAA final? What about Toronto FC Soccer? What about the EPL? What about the NBA? What about the Blue Jays? What about the NFL? What about The Masters this week?

There are always ways to get sports Live online, but you still have to pay. So if you only like one sport. Sure get the league pass. Most sports fans like multiple sports.

For an extra $30/month you can get every game for all 4 leagues plus NCAA Basketball and Football games through cable. Now that's the best quality available but you'd really have to be an intense sports fan.

I don't even find that practical use for the money. But the cable package I have gets plenty of sports. And if I don't get the game I want, there are streaming services available to watch a game you can't get.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Boges

[Mighty AC]

Regular cable subscriptions are fine for sports coverage if you happen to be a fan of the local teams. If not, you either have to upgrade to the premium services or find online routes anyway. Hockey is what my son and I watch most, which is why I want the superior coverage via Gamecenter. Even though I follow most other sports I only actually watch the NHL, NFL and golf majors.

As you know, every sporting event can be found free, online, but many games can be picked up by other means as well. The Masters is also available on Global via digital antenna, I believe TSN also streams it, along with Master.com. CTV is available via the HD antenna and they broadcast NFL games at 1pm and 4pm every Sunday. CBC is available via HD antenna which airs HNIC, curling, skiing, snowboarding, and various international competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth games. I don't watch soccer, but that's something the various euro feeds excel at.

[Boges]

Most Canadian Sports have been moved over to cable. You still get a lot of sports on US Networks though.

HNIC has Saturday covered but starting next year Rogers takes over and you'll get hockey on either CBC, City or Sportsnet.

I do use the internet to watch sports I want to watch but isn't available on my TV. I'm really hoping the Chromecast works well for streaming live sports by the time NFL comes around.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Boges

[cybercoma]

Yeah, but Strombo is going to be on HNIC, so that's a good reason to stop watching it.

[Mighty AC]

I do use the internet to watch sports I want to watch but isn't available on my TV. I'm really hoping the Chromecast works well for streaming live sports by the time NFL comes around.

I finally got my Chromecast yesterday and it is almost too good to be true. What a great device. It works perfectly with YouTube, Netflix and Hulu+. Though getting the Hulu+ app installed on a Canadian Android device is a bit of an effort, once installed it works perfectly. It also already has many apps available for streaming your own stored songs, movies, podcasts, etc. Since I was already using Plex on my Roku3, I chose that route.

I installed the Cast extension for the Chrome browser on my laptop and it streamed anything in a browser tab perfectly. This option allows you to stream one tab in the browser while simultaneously browsing in other tabs. This should allow viewing of even the most obscure live sporting event on the big screen. The Android Chrome app doesn't officially support browser streaming yet, but the feature is already working in a beta version, so it should be part of an official update soon.

I can't believe how well this $39 can device works. I think that as people try it, the number of cord cutters will skyrocket.

[Boges]

Browser mirroring takes a lot of computing power, my out of date laptop doesn't seem to work. I'd have to get a new computer to do that.

I bought it because I didn't want to renew my Xbox Live subscription. It works to supplement my viewing but won't make me Cut the Cord. Though streaming content from your mobile device is certainly the way of the future IYAM.

[bush_cheney2004]

I finally got my Chromecast yesterday and it is almost too good to be true. What a great device....

Yep....I can Chromecast to a 60" screen while watching regular old HDTV or cable with PIP. Next thing to try is casting the entire desktop, not just one browser tab (experimental feature):

http://allaboutchromecast.com/chromecast-how-to-guide/how-to-use-chromecast-to-share-desktop-screen-and-audio-to-tv/

This thing is so cool, I might get rid of my 8mm film projector !

[overthere]

I am an Oilers fan living in Ontario so I don't have an issue that way. I also use a VPN service so I can instantly adjust my locale to watch Toronto/Ottawa/Buffalo games.

just two more games and our agony will be over for a few months

[Mighty AC]

Yep....I can Chromecast to a 60" screen while watching regular old HDTV or cable with PIP. Next thing to try is casting the entire desktop, not just one browser tab (experimental feature)

Very cool and potentially useful for some more obscure video files.

[cybercoma]

Hulu and Netflix are killing the cable industry.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/17/netflix-cable_n_5168725.html

[Boges]

Still in single digits. Mostly young people just starting out.

The story mentions that the cable companies are the gate keepers to broadband. So somehow they'll get there's.

I concede cable is expensive though.

[bleeding heart]

Yes. I like my cable, but it's true, there are far more inexpensive options. If I liked Netflix better, I'd switch, but I find the formatting cumbersome and irritating.

[Bryan]

Browser mirroring takes a lot of computing power,

That almost seems to be the opposite with Airplay/AppleTV. It works absolutely flawlessly when you use an iPad or iPhone to do it, but it's kind of choppy when I use my newer (much higher-end) MacBook Pro. I don't know what it is about the hardware in the iPads, but it's obviously very specifically designed for this function. It was probably a reluctant add-on to the MBP.

One of the better sports streaming experiences I've been using lately is UFC.tv. It not only has access to live events, but also the full library of events going back to the early 90's. You can search by fighter's name, and choose to watch either the whole event, or just their fights, and most of the videos are interactive in that you can change camera angles, hear the instructions from the cornermen, etc. You can jump to specific spots in the fight too, because significant action is tagged -- the timeline shows takedowns, flurries, submission attempts, etc. I really wish I could watch ALL sports like this.

[bleeding heart]

It's probably just a matter of time.

[Boges]

That almost seems to be the opposite with Airplay/AppleTV. It works absolutely flawlessly when you use an iPad or iPhone to do it, but it's kind of choppy when I use my newer (much higher-end) MacBook Pro. I don't know what it is about the hardware in the iPads, but it's obviously very specifically designed for this function. It was probably a reluctant add-on to the MBP.

One of the better sports streaming experiences I've been using lately is UFC.tv. It not only has access to live events, but also the full library of events going back to the early 90's. You can search by fighter's name, and choose to watch either the whole event, or just their fights, and most of the videos are interactive in that you can change camera angles, hear the instructions from the cornermen, etc. You can jump to specific spots in the fight too, because significant action is tagged -- the timeline shows takedowns, flurries, submission attempts, etc. I really wish I could watch ALL sports like this.

When I tried out Airplay on a family members iPad, getting Youtube to play was painfully slow. I suspect it has something to do with Youtube not being native to Apple because it works almost instantly with a Chromecast.

I've figured out how to cast a Tab, with chromecast, on my older PC. I really don't know why anyone would need a boxed Media Extender with this thing, it does everything you need it to.

You sometimes have to resolve initial connectivity issues but it works. Will be very handy when Football season comes around.

A UFC app would be cool if you're a fan, does the subscription include the monthly PPV's though?

Edited April 18, 2014 by Boges

[Bryan]

When I tried out Airplay on a family members iPad, getting Youtube to play was painfully slow. I suspect it has something to do with Youtube not being native to Apple because it works almost instantly with a Chromecast.

I've figured out how to cast a Tab, with chromecast, on my older PC. I really don't know why anyone would need a boxed Media Extender with this thing, it does everything you need it to.

You sometimes have to resolve initial connectivity issues but it works. Will be very handy when Football season comes around.

A UFC app would be cool if you're a fan, does the subscription include the monthly PPV's though?

If Youtube didn't work for you, something is amiss with their setup. It's always rock solid for us, never any issue of any kind. The MBP sports stream Airplay is the only issue I've had of any kind with the AppleTV actually. Everything else just works.

The $10/mo UFC service does not include live viewing of the $60 pay per views, but they are all added to the library for later viewing. There doesn't seem to be any set time frame for when they're added. Sometimes the next day, sometimes a week later. So far, always well before the next one at least.

[cybercoma]

When I tried out Airplay on a family members iPad, getting Youtube to play was painfully slow. I suspect it has something to do with Youtube not being native to Apple because it works almost instantly with a Chromecast.

Odd. I've never had a problem using AirPlay. But why would you AirPlay YouTube when there's an app for it on the AppleTV already?

[cybercoma]

What does suck on the AppleTV is Qello. That has got to be the lousiest streaming service I've ever used.