ABC, ESPN To Put Shows On Cable VOD Systems -- But You Gotta Watch The Ads
from the no-fast-forward-for-you dept
Broadcast networks have been toying with offering their shows over cable operators' video-on-demand services as they try to grasp the idea that people don't want to be forced to watch programs on a set schedule. NBC and CBS have tried selling individual episodes via VOD, while the networks flipped out when Cablevision wanted to offer a networked DVR service that would essentially make all their shows available on demand. The sticking point has been revenues: the networks haven't been able to figure out a decent business model, since people don't really want to pay for "free" TV. Now, ABC and ESPN say that some of their shows will be available through Cox's VOD system for free, but with one catch -- users won't be able to fast-forward through the ads. The networks say they they're still working on how much advertising to insert into the shows, so there's a chance that they'll approach things a little differently than the 20 or so minutes of ads they cram into an hour-long broadcast, or perhaps even run the shows without interstitial advertising and show spots at the beginning. As long as they keep things reasonable, this seems like a decent trade-off. People who want the convenience of watching on their own schedule and skipping the ads can pay the monthly fee for a DVR, while people who don't want to pay can watch the VOD versions. Perhaps the bigger point lurking in the background is that this is another small step towards unbundling the shows from the networks.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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And if you don't...
Or possibly 'stealing' TV!!
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Re:
what the hell are you talking about?
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The reason you watch time-shifted TV with
This will push people into getting a TiVO or Cablebox with DVR capability and be religious about setting up record times.
If I am good at setting the Record Time correctly, then I will not have to 'buy' the Video later and be 'forced' to watch the commercials.
BTW; Some of the best TV -IS_ the 15-second or 30-second shows (the commercials).
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VOD, YEA!
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It's a start
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Re: It's a start
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Re: Re: It's a start
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free
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DVR isnt so great
Many people can only record 1 show at a time with a DVR. What happens when there are two shows that come on at the same time that you want to watch? Now you have to choose one over the other.
Networks have constantly aired great shows against each other. The losing show, no matter how good it is, will get low ratings and eventually cancelled. This could be your second most favorite show.
With OnDemand, you wont have to worry about that. I am sure there will be trackable ratings, not that neilson crap. You can watch whatever popular show you want. I am all for it. It can actually compliment your DVR.
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Re: DVR isnt so great
Wow, I have an impossible time finding even one show I want to watch and someone has more then two? Either they have really low standards or I have impossibly high... and I'm guessing it's not the latter.
There is always the option I choose, go out side and get some exercise. Maybe play with the kids? If your Tivoing more then one show your just adding to the time your already waisting in front of the TV. Of course, that's just my opinion, but I'm not the one popping pills for every health problem known to man.
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Re: DVR isnt so great
Many people can only record 1 show at a time with a DVR. What happens when there are two shows that come on at the same time that you want to watch? Now you have to choose one over the other. "
You would be hard pressed to find 3 shows you like which happen to air at the same time. Unless you watch any old thing that comes on. Most DVR's come with 2 tuners which allow you to record 2 shows. If there is a 3rd show guess what? Most households have more than one TV in them. :-) 2 shows recording while you watch your 3rd show on another set. I used to work for Time Warner Cable and most of our customers have multiple DRVs. So I fal to see this problem you speak of...
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DVR minus Commercials
2. It's gotta be clear to all but the smallest of minds that if the networks have to FORCE us to watch commercials so we can see the program then most people do not WANT to watch commercials. So, my conclusion is that commercials are really not as valuable as the networks tell the advertisers and that the advertisers believe.
3. If the commercials are properly grouped, we have a well organized space for bio-breaks.
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Torrents
If you cant/wont do any of these things then you need to stop being a dinosaur and get with technology or live in the past and deal with your commercials. You dont want to watch ad space? Then adapt and learn.
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To Anonymous Moron
"Many people can only record 1 show at a time with a DVR. What happens when there are two shows that come on at the same time that you want to watch? Now you have to choose one over the other. "
Most people have more than 1 TV. Record on one, watch on the other. Or get a dual tuner for your DVR if you really care that much.
"Networks have constantly aired great shows against each other. The losing show, no matter how good it is, will get low ratings and eventually cancelled. This could be your second most favorite show."
What're you a freaking idiot? You do nothing but post stupid remarks on every article Techdirt posts. You mean to tell me that 24 will be cancelled because it got a .2 less than Heroes in the Nielsen ratings, or vise versa? There are plenty other examples too. Will Lost be cancelled due to American Idol? Or simply end when they said it would and continue to get good ratings? Anonymous Moron thinks it'll go.
The guy who posted after you proved you wrong also with the tuner issue.
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So let me see...
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I don't see the value...
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VOD
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Actually...
Actually no, no I don't! In fact, I don't even have to watch the show! I can go watch something that allows me to fast forward, or I can cancel my cable service.
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Re: The Man
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