Register

I agree with the Privacy Policy

Dallas Morning News

Test programs by Verizon and Comcast let cable subscribers catch shows on computers

August 26, 2009

Kurt Scherf, principal analyst for Dallas-based research firm Parks Associates, said the Comcast and Verizon systems seem like the best compromise between convenience for viewers and profitability for providers. "Although we all love free stuff online, something's going to have to pay the rent for this to continue," he said.

But ultimately, most, if not all, of the networks will probably support the subscriber-only online TV model, said Scherf at Parks Associates. He said the networks like that model because it provides a more dependable revenue stream and because it lets the networks precisely track who is watching their videos, because the services will require log-in credentials. Tracking users and targeting ads to them is much more difficult through free click-and-play sites such as Hulu. Plus, the TV industry knows what will happen if it dithers, Scherf said. "I think ... [they've learned] the lessons of the music services," he said. "And you don't want to let Apple get any bolder when it comes to the video space, either."

From the article, "Test programs by Verizon and Comcast let cable subscribers catch shows on computers" by Victor Godinez

Previously In The News

Companies have new focus on managing consumers’ electricity usage

“Today there are 1.9 million homes with energy management networks” nationwide, said Bill Ablondi of Parks Associates, a Dallas market research company. “We are entering a period of pervasive growth...

At Consumer Electronics Show, spotlight will shine on tablets

With Apple widely believed to have sold more than 10 million iPads through the holiday quarter, other companies are now simply battling for second place. "The race is on to cut into Apple's hug...

Verizon, other wireless carriers vary on standards for high-speed 4G service

No wireless company in the world is close to offering that sort of performance, but that hasn't stopped carriers from branding their next-gen networks as 4G. "The carriers won't backtrack on their...

Fox, Dish settle dispute, but Channel 8 may feel pinch next

In July, Dallas-based AT&T reached a last-minute deal with Rainbow Media to continue carrying AMC and other Rainbow channels. "The problem is, it's not going to stop after this year," said Kurt Sc...

‹
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
›