In The News

Cutting the Cord: What's so wrong about sharing streaming video passwords?

The sharing of streaming video subscription passwords became a laughing matter during last week's Emmy Awards, but the funny business could eventually become a problem for video providers.

Credentials such as an email address and a password are needed to access video services, including Netflix and Hulu. And, in general, those credentials are intended to be used only by family members within a household.

But additional unauthorized sharing of credentials will likely cost broadband-delivered video services $500 million this year, according to a recent report from Parks Associates. For now, most video providers tend to look the other way.

From the article "Cutting the Cord: What's so wrong about sharing streaming video passwords?" by Mike Snider.

Previously In The News

As ‘Game of Thrones’ Returns, Is Sharing Your HBO Password O.K.?

The effect on the companies’ bottom lines remains unclear, but a study by Parks Associates, a research group, found that sharing cost the streaming video industry $500 million in 2015. One reason t...

Smart thermostats are tough sell, but ComEd hopes rebates boost interest

A study released this month by Parks Associates found only 18 percent of consumers would buy a smart thermostat at $250, but offering a $100 rebate more than doubled the pool of interested buyers....

Apple TV+ raises streaming subscription price to $7 per month

Apple’s share of the streaming device space shrank 3% year over year in the third quarter, when it captured 9% of the domestic market, according to Parks Associates. Comparatively, Roku and Fire T...

Google Chromecast’s surprising origins—and uncertain future

New research out this week from Parks Associates found that Chromecast makes up just 11% of all streaming players installed in the United States, down from 21% three years ago. Meanwhile, Roku’s U.S....