Content competition: This device will give PS4 owners direct access to and control over apps like HBO Now and Netflix.
As the number of consumers cutting the pay-TV cord in favour of streaming content from set-top boxes continues to grow, traditional broadcasters are moving further into the streaming space. And as content competition grows, companies like Netflix are beginning to discover that success comes at a price.
HBO Now, the cable channel's standalone premium internet-only streaming app is now on the Roku platform. It may cost US viewers US$14.95 (RM62.50) a month, but the move will mean that even more families in the US will be able to access some of the best TV shows currently being broadcast without recourse to a cable subscription.
"HBO Now is a hit with consumers and we're thrilled to make it available to millions of Roku customers," said Jeff Dallesandro, senior vice president, worldwide digital distribution and business development, HBO.
The news comes as Paramount officially put 100 of its films on YouTube for anyone to stream and as Sony rolls out a universal remote control for its PS4 console so that owners can more easily access Internet TV apps like Netflix.
The remote will go on sale in the US and Mexico at the end of the month for US$29.99 (RM125) and is yet another indicator that Over The Top (OTT) services and set-top boxes are clearly starting to take hold with consumers.
According to Parks Associates, one in 10 broadband homes have already cut the cord and of that number 25% have cancelled their pay TV subscription over the past 12 months in favor of services delivered via the Internet.
A further 7% have trimmed their cord; cutting back the scale of their existing subscriptions and filling the void form other sources.
"As viewing evolves, companies want to be sure that they are in a position to react to trends and adequately capture revenues. The massive influx of new OTT video services in 2015 is one example of video market players making moves to prepare for the new future of video entertainment," said Brett Sappington, director of research, Parks Associates.
However, the streaming companies at the vanguard of the trend, such as Netflix are discovering that continuing to create quality, original programming that blows up social media and keeps consumers binge watching is expensive.
Amazon is reported to have spent US$250mil (RM1bil) in order to land Top Gear's former hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. Meanwhile Netflix, which passed on the chance to make a motoring show with the trio, put its subscription prices up by US$12 (RM50) a year. — AFP Relaxnews
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