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Viacom and Time Warner Cable call truce, TWC TV mobile apps will stream Colbert after all

Jon Fingas — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:00 EST

Good news ahoy if you've liked Time Warner Cable's TWC TV streaming app but were frustrated with content providers pulling channels over licensing rights: the cable giant and Viacom have reached a settlement that will see Viacom's channels return to your Android or iOS gear. Comedy Central, CMT, MTV and other channels will be back in the next several weeks, and the two sides even managed to bury the hatched over "unrelated business matters," according to a joint statement. Just what led to the about-face is being kept secret, although Viacom's tendency to sue over retransmission rights in the digital realm raises the possibility that TWC had to fork over an extra amount. At least now you can watch The Daily Show on your iPad knowing your cable provider and the studio are singing "Kumbaya."

Viacom and Time Warner Cable call truce, TWC TV mobile apps will stream Colbert after all originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study shows more people watch TV on tablets than computers, still nothing on

James Trew — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST

Is your notebook still your preferred second TV? Well, it seems you're now in the minority. The hip new way of consuming the drug of the nation -- after the 'ole tube itself -- is on a tablet, according to a recent Viacom study. Over 2,500 people were polled nationwide, and the results show a shift away from computers and smartphones to slates. Tabs made up 15 percent of full-length TV show viewings, with the increase of streaming services and companion apps being cited as contributing factors to the trend. We don't know what the fuss is about, we watch all our telly on a tablet.

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Study shows more people watch TV on tablets than computers, still nothing on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viacom wins appeal against YouTube, gets another chance to prove copyright infringement

Michael Gorman — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:23:00 EST

It's been almost two years since YouTube's triumph in its copyright infringement case against Viacom. As is the way of things, Viacom appealed the decision, and now the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to breathe new life into Viacom's case. Apparently, the appeals judge didn't see eye to eye with the District Court's ruling that no reasonable jury could have found that YouTube had actual knowledge or awareness of infringement on its site.

You see, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requires such awareness for service providers like YouTube to be guilty of copyright infringement, and that safe harbor provision was the grounds for YouTube's victory on summary judgment. Furthermore, to succeed on summary judgment, YouTube had to prove that no reasonable jury could find that it knew of any infringing activity. While the lower court felt that YouTube carried that burden, the appeals judge disagreed, and has remanded the case back down for the District Court to determine if YouTube knew about or willfully ignored the infringement. What does this mean? All we can say for sure is that it'll expend more judicial resources and make more money for the attorneys involved. The result could very well end up, once again, in YouTube's favor, but we'll have to wait and see.

Viacom wins appeal against YouTube, gets another chance to prove copyright infringement originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount flicks are coming to YouTube and Google Play despite Viacom lawsuit

Richard Lawler — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST

While its corporate parent Viacom continues to tussle with Google over who is liable for user uploaded content, Paramount Pictures has struck a deal to offer its movies for rental on YouTube / Google Play in the US and Canada. According to Google that adds up to around 500 new movies becoming available on the service over the next few weeks including hits like Ferris Bueller and The Godfather. Those catalog titles are currently available on 48hr joypasses for $3.99/$2.99 (HD/SD) each, while newer titles like Hugo are $4.99/$3.99. Also worth noting is that now the folks at Mountain View can count five of the six major studios (Fox is still out) among their offerings. We'll see if this signals a thawing relationship between Google and the studios upset that pirated copies of their content are so easily found via Google's searches (doubt it), but at least Android users can look forward to more easily accessible content.

Paramount flicks are coming to YouTube and Google Play despite Viacom lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon, Viacom deal brings more TV shows to Prime Instant Video service

Richard Lawler — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:39:00 EST

Just as rumors indicated yesterday, Amazon has announced a new licensing deal with Viacom that will add TV shows from its networks -- MTV, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, Spike, Nickelodeon and the rest -- to the Prime Instant Video service. There's still no word on any potential spinning off of the all-you-can-eat video portion from the rest of Amazon's Prime membership program, but it does bring the count of movies and TV shows available to around 15,000, up from the 13,000 cited recently. The details are in the press release after the break, but it appears Amazon will have many of the same selections Netflix obtained in its earlier deals, from MTV favorites like RJ Berger and The Hills to kids shows like Yo Gabba Gabba and iCarly.

Continue reading Amazon, Viacom deal brings more TV shows to Prime Instant Video service

Amazon, Viacom deal brings more TV shows to Prime Instant Video service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reuters: Amazon Prime Instant Video close to Viacom deal, standalone service launch

Richard Lawler — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:16:00 EST

So far, 2012 has been quiet for Amazon's all-you-can-eat video streaming service, but that could change soon as Reuters cites anonymous sources claiming the retailer will lock up a deal with Viacom (Paramount Studios, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, etc.) soon. That would reportedly be one of the final steps to launching Prime Instant Video as a standalone service, just as Netflix had suggested in its last earnings report. With details still scarce it's hard to say exactly what shape these competitors to the streaming crown will take, but between Amazon, Hulu, Redbox / Verizon, Google, whatever Apple may be up to as well as a fight from Sky and Lovefilm in the UK, it should be a very interesting year.

Reuters: Amazon Prime Instant Video close to Viacom deal, standalone service launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CBS boss reveals why the company is 'against joining Apple TV' (or Hulu)

Richard Lawler — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:39:00 EST

There's been a fresh round of "Apple is building a TV" rumors lately, and now comments by CBS CEO Les Moonves during his company's earnings call may reveal more about what Cupertino would like to do. Many of the rumors are based on quotes by Steve Jobs in his biography that he "cracked" a way to make an integrated TV set that was easier to use -- a major jump from the current Apple TV add-on box. While responding to analyst questions about why CBS isn't on Hulu, Moonves mentioned the network did not join in "Apple TV" for the same reason: because it (like Hulu) was an advertiser split.

As we've discussed at length on the podcast, any efforts to remake how the TV business works won't get far without content, and so far CBS and its fellow studios have not been interested in playing ball. Why is that? According to Moonves, current deals (with cable and satellite, for example) are worth "hundreds and hundreds of millions" in guaranteed cash payments, and rather than seeking a share of advertising down the road, he thinks a "guaranteed revenue stream is a good way to go." Hit the source link to read the full transcript at Seeking Alpha or check after the break to read his words for yourself. It's a revealing look at why the potential task left to Tim Cook (or his counterparts at Google, Microsoft, and wherever else) of negotiating a new business model for home video may be even harder to crack than designing the perfect UI.

Continue reading CBS boss reveals why the company is 'against joining Apple TV' (or Hulu)

CBS boss reveals why the company is 'against joining Apple TV' (or Hulu) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Showtime launches Anytime streaming portal, social iPad app

Richard Lawler — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:21:00 EST

Just in time for the return of everyone's favorite serial killer, Showtime Anytime soft-launched recently, bringing online access to the network's library of movies, TV shows and more. Multichannel News reports AT&T U-verse subscribers are the first to gain access, although this same content has already been streaming on Comcast's Xfinity TV website and app. It's no HBO Go yet -- more cable companies and a few mobile apps will be necessary to match its rival there -- but the approach is the same, after pulling its shows from Netflix this TV Everywhere offering hopes to add enough value to keep viewers on the traditional pay-TV train a little longer. While there's no self-branded streaming app yet, the channel has also launched a Showtime Social iPad app to keep viewers tied in with their friends and other viewers while they watch -- let us know if it makes Dexter any more / less creepy.

Showtime launches Anytime streaming portal, social iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some cable companies are pushing for unbundled channels -- but not for you

Richard Lawler — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST

Sick of paying for cable TV channels you don't watch? Reportedly some operators are looking for a way -- through negotiation or regulation -- to end channel bundling, where to get certain channels (like MTV) they're compelled to pack others (like TV Land) owned by the same company into their basic lineups. According to Reuters, smaller operators like Suddenlink and Mediacom are leading the charge, while even bigger companies like Comcast, Time Warner and DirecTV are feeling squeezed in retransmission fee disputes. However, as the LA Times points out, it's still doubtful you'll be able to pick and choose specific channels for a cheaper bill. What may be available however are cheaper packages of smaller bundles, like the lineup shown above that Comcast is testing in certain areas. What's stopping true a la carte programming choices? Hybrid cable and content companies, like Comcast with NBC Universal and Time Warner, and sports -- someone has to pay for that billion dollar ESPN Monday Night Football deal.

Some cable companies are pushing for unbundled channels -- but not for you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable will pay for your Slingbox, in exchange for love

Amar Toor — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:27:00 EST

If you're a faithful Time Warner Cable customer, your next Slingbox purchase could be on the house. Yesterday, the provider announced that it will offer full rebates to any Wideband internet subscribers who buy the $300 set-top box, as part of a promotion due to launch sometime in September. Jeffrey A. Hirsch, TWC's executive vice president and chief marketing officer, told the New York Times that the offer is geared solely toward promoting his company's $99 Wideband service, though it's hard to ignore the move's larger symbolism -- especially in light of that ongoing legal battle with Viacom over live streaming content to the iPad. Time Warner has yet to pinpoint a launch date for its new promotion, but we'll let you know as soon as we get word.

Time Warner Cable will pay for your Slingbox, in exchange for love originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad

Richard Lawler — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST

Well, that was anticlimactic. Viacom quickly sued Cablevision after the Optimum for iPad (now on iPhone and iPod Touch) app launched and allowed cable customers to stream the entire channel lineup on their tablets, but now they've resolved that and "an unrelated business matter". Viacom's case against Time Warner's similar offering is on hold while they also try to work out a deal, but Cablevision's stance from the start is that its approach fell within the existing agreements and they appear to have gotten their way. Just like most other channel carriage disputes, it was likely a deal on the supposedly unrelated issue that got things moving, but as long as we can keep watching Teen Mom in the kitchen, bathroom or out on the patio it doesn't really matter. Check the official statement from both companies after the break.

Continue reading Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad

Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viacom sues Cablevision over its TV-streaming Optimum for iPad app

Richard Lawler — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST

A day after Viacom took a break from courtroom battling over Time Warner Cable's iPad app, the media giant has filed a lawsuit against Cablevision over the Optimum for iPad app. Viacom wants a revised agreement before it sees its content appear on new screens, but Cablevision claims that cable service on the iPad is the same as on any TV. While their lawyers argue over the details you can check out the complaint from Viacom in the PDF linked below, or peruse official statements from both companies after the break.

Continue reading Viacom sues Cablevision over its TV-streaming Optimum for iPad app

Viacom sues Cablevision over its TV-streaming Optimum for iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner, Viacom legal spat over live streaming to iPad comes to a standstill

Richard Lawler — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:57:00 EST

They haven't kissed and made up yet, but Viacom and Time Warner Cable are apparently willing to discuss a resolution to their TWCable TV iPad app litigation, so they've requested and been granted a "standstill" agreement. Spokespersons for both parties have declined to comment, but the move gives them time to try and work a deal out, but allows for the legal wrangling to be resumed at any time. We'll see if there's a deal in place before TWCable TV 2.0 arrives (according to the information we saw, that should be on the 28th).

Time Warner, Viacom legal spat over live streaming to iPad comes to a standstill originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix adds more Viacom videos for streaming including stuff for kids and bigger kids

Richard Lawler — Sun, 22 May 2011 14:40:00 EST

There was a notable update to the Netflix Watch Instantly streaming catalog today, and it consisted almost entirely of content from the various Viacom networks (MTV, BET, VH1, Spike, Logo, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon). According to a post on the official blog, you can now view new shows like Yo Gabba Gabba, The Buried Life and The City as well as additional episodes of shows like iCarly, True Jackson VP and Dora the Explorer. Unfortunately quite a bit of the content maxes out in SD resolution simply because it was made that way, but it was interesting to note that the second season of Jersey Shore made is among the growing segment of shows with optional English subtitles.

Netflix adds more Viacom videos for streaming including stuff for kids and bigger kids originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 May 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable brings back Discovery, Fox channels to its iPad app

Richard Lawler — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:37:00 EST

Just a couple of weeks after removing several channels from its live TV streaming iPad app Time Warner Cable has added most of them back again. The notable exception here are networks owned by Viacom, which it took to court last week. So far, other than announcing Discovery and Fox channels are back on the TWCable TV iPad app, we weren't able to get anything other than a no comment out of anyone at the companies involved. That means we don't know if the channel providers have spontaneously come around to Time Warner's way of thinking (this seems unlikely) or if it has simply decided to press the issue. We'll see who is suing who next week, until then you can enjoy watching whatever happens to be on Fox News Channel, FX or National Geographic (if you actually do enjoy that, we don't like to live by programmers broadcast schedules - DVR4LIFE) on your iPad as much as you like.

Time Warner Cable brings back Discovery, Fox channels to its iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Trek series coming to Netflix Watch Instantly in July and October

Richard Lawler — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:19:00 EST

Just because Netflix has licensed new content we're not always sure when it will be available for Watch Instantly streaming, but TrekMovie.com reports it has the dates for Star Trek content covered by a recent deal with CBS. TrekMovie has confirmed it will have every episode of all five live action series -- US only, sorry Canada, enjoy that Iron Man 2 -- with the original Star Trek (in HD), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise (in HD) available July 1st, followed by Star Trek: Deep Space 9 on October 1st. There's still no word on when Family Ties is arriving, but the two year deal (with an option for two more) should give viewers who haven't already shelled out for the boxed sets (we know you got the HD DVDs) a chance to get all the Trek they can bear.

Star Trek series coming to Netflix Watch Instantly in July and October originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable takes Viacom to court over its TWCable TV iPad app; Viacom responds

Richard Lawler — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:46:00 EST

While there's been a lot of talk about whether or not Time Warner has the right to include feeds of cable channels it carries in the new TWCable TV app, besides the company's voluntary removal of several networks there's been very little action until now. Time Warner Cable announced this afternoon it has filed a request in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for a declaratory judgement regarding Viacom's cable networks. Time Warner continues to maintain its carriage agreements give it the right to allow subscribers access on any screen in their home, not just the TV and is apparently ready to prove that in court -- or at least drive Viacom, Discovery, Fox and other complaining networks towards more favorable negotiations. The app added seven more channels earlier today, while we wait for Viacom's side of the story you can check out the press release after the break or Time Warner's official blog to understand its stance in full.

Update: Viacom has responded, saying Time Warner "blatantly grabbed the rights that their competitors have negotiated in good faith to obtain" forcing it to file a lawsuit of its own. The gloves are officially off -- check the full text after the break, or a PDF of Viacom's complaint linked below.

Continue reading Time Warner Cable takes Viacom to court over its TWCable TV iPad app; Viacom responds

Time Warner Cable takes Viacom to court over its TWCable TV iPad app; Viacom responds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad

Richard Lawler — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:00 EST

Disputes with Fox, Viacom and Discovery caused Time Warner to pull 11 of the 32 original channels from its live TV streaming TWCable TV app yesterday, but as promised it has brought in some new ones to replace them. Among the 17 channels added are several networks from the ABC/Disney group including ABC Family, Disney, Disney XD and ESPNnews, plus NBC Universal selections like MSNBC, Syfy and USA as well as the curious addition of Fox News. We're still not convinced watching TV on our tablet is a more useful development than using it as a remote/couch companion but until those features arrive or the app gets sued out of existence, that's what this one does. Check the full list of new channels after the break or on the TWCable Untangled blog.

Update: There's no word from Time Warner, but Multichannel News reports five more new channels have been added this afternoon - Bloomberg TV, PBS Kids Sprout, Hallmark Movie Channel, Current TV and TruTV. Turner also stated TBS will join them once the app supports MLB blackout restrictions, which is also the reason why other ESPN stations aren't included yet.

Continue reading Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad

Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner removes channels from iPad app while Cablevision prepares one of its own

Richard Lawler — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:49:00 EST

Time Warner Cable was the first party to blink in the battle with programmers over its new live TV streaming TWCable TV iPad app, removing channels from Viacom, Fox and Discovery. The company's official statement indicates its merely choosing to focus on the "enlightened programmers" who support its cause and that it will provide replacement channels (maybe BBC America, since it's in all the screenshots) ASAP, possibly as soon as tomorrow. Expect the legal fight to continue to heat up between Time Warner, which believes it has obtained all the rights necessary to provide these channels on any screen in a customer's home, and the programmers, that think it hasn't.

Throwing more gasoline on the fire is word from Cablevision that its new iPad app with TV and video on-demand access was supposed to be out already and is merely awaiting Apple's approval before it launches. According to the Wall Street Journal it will go forward launching the Optimum Link -- formerly PC to TV Media Relay -- product that brings video from their PC to the TV tomorrow. Check out the list of pulled channels after the break or on Time Warner's blog, we'll let you know when or if anything changes.

Continue reading Time Warner removes channels from iPad app while Cablevision prepares one of its own

Time Warner removes channels from iPad app while Cablevision prepares one of its own originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu CEO welcomes back The Daily Show & more from Viacom, lays out a battle plan for the future

Richard Lawler — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:30:00 EST

The news spinning around Hulu hasn't been positive lately, with increasing competition and rumors of a change in business model, but CEO Jason Kilar's latest blog post tells a different side of the story. First, after popular choices like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report were unceremoniously yanked back in April it has a new deal with Viacom that's bringing those shows back to Hulu and Hulu Plus starting today, with episodes of current shows like Jersey Shore and Tosh.0 showing up 21 days after they air. Strictly for the pay subscribers, library episodes of The Chappelle Show and others will show up on Hulu Plus.

As for the future of the business, he sees Hulu as able to serve trends giving customers more convenient video access with less ads and more social media presence -- a goal we can get behind, but that may leave content providers wondering how they'll get paid in this shiny new world. To that end he's touting the growth of Hulu's ad revenue as seen in the chart after the break and the rising number of Hulu Plus subscribers with a promise to hit 1 million this year. While that's well behind Netflix's most recent count, he's taking a new shot at the throne by claiming Hulu can afford to pay more for content and that studios should start signing deals on per-user, per-month basis instead of the flat rates Netflix has negotiated so far. Give the full thing a read to get a better idea of where Jason's head is at (when he's not planning a GTL run, check the pr after the break for more details on that), we'll be busy watching Jon Stewart's interview with Michael Steele.

Update: Peter Kafka over All Things Digital has word that the deal cost Hulu somewhere between $40m and $50m -- and that sum could increase depending upon the shows' performance.

Continue reading Hulu CEO welcomes back The Daily Show & more from Viacom, lays out a battle plan for the future

Hulu CEO welcomes back The Daily Show & more from Viacom, lays out a battle plan for the future originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viacom files appeal in YouTube copyright case, continues to 'drag it out'

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST

Don't worry -- that "drag it out" bit belongs to Google, not us. If you'll recall, the suits in Mountain View threw an underground party back in June when the federal court ruled that YouTube fell under the "safe harbor" provision of the DMCA which protects service providers from liability for user content. In essence, this ensured that Google couldn't be sued or held liable for damages caused by some prankster uploading a ripped episode of 30 Rock to the site, being that Google has promised to yank it post-haste if notified by the copyright owner. That essentially puts the burden of policing on the content creator, but (sensibly) frees Google from the impossible feat of looking at every single clip that gets uploaded before making it live to the world. Just to give you a little perspective, 24 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, and that's expected to become even greater as time passes. Despite the logic (and the ruling of the court), Viacom has today filed a 72-page appeal in a likely futile attempt to fight back.

All Things D highlights a killer quote from Viacom in the report -- apparently it thinks that if the ruling stands, it'll "radically transform the functioning of the copyright system and severely impair, if not completely destroy, the value of many copyrighted creations." As for Google's response? "We regret that Viacom continues to drag out this case. The court here, like every other court to have considered the issue, correctly ruled that the law protects online services like YouTube, which remove content when notified by the copyright holder that it is unauthorized. We will strongly defend the court's decision on appeal." We doubt anything will turn out differently the next go 'round, but obviously we'll be watching with great interest. Now, back to that clip of 30 Rock we were enjoying quite legally on Hulu...

Viacom files appeal in YouTube copyright case, continues to 'drag it out' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viacom drops the ban hammer on Google TV devices, blocks streaming episodes

Tim Stevens — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:56:00 EST

We have high hopes that Google TV will evolve into something magical and wondrous over the next year or so as its namesake adds apps and features to flesh out the platform's somewhat underwhelming current state. Today, though, it just got a little less attractive thanks to a move by Viacom to block full episodes from streaming on your Logitech Revues and your Sony Internet TVs and the like. We've confirmed with our own Revue that attempting to stream episodes from network sites like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central show messages like "this content is not available for your device," which is an unfortunate and frustrating change. Yes, the user agent tweak still works, but wouldn't it be nice if we could all just get along? Surely Google is still working on its content partnership agreements and hopefully things will improve in the future, but given how friendly the company's past dealings with Viacom have been we're not optimistic about this particular front.

Viacom drops the ban hammer on Google TV devices, blocks streaming episodes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCN picks up seven of Viacom's HD channels

Richard Lawler — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:20:00 EST

RCN's hardly the first to go for Viacom's 7-pack of HD channels, but we're sure fans of Ultimate Warrior, The Hills, The Daily Show, iCarly and other programs will be glad to have them. Comedy Central, CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, VH1 and BET go live today, with HD video on-demand offerings hitting servers July 1. RCN's claiming 100 HD VOD viewing choices, just a few thousand or so behind Comcast at this point, but we figure an upgrade is an upgrade, and at least on RCN you can watch them on a TiVo Premiere, so there's that right?

Continue reading RCN picks up seven of Viacom's HD channels

RCN picks up seven of Viacom's HD channels originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu reportedly talking to CBS, Viacom about inclusion in Plus subscriber package

Richard Lawler — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:47:00 EST

It's Wednesday so that must mean... yes, it's time for another Hulu premium service "leak" to appear in MSM. The most recent rumor, reported by BusinessWeek, indicates the streaming video site is talking to CBS and Viacom about getting their properties on what will be called "Hulu Plus" and cost $9.95 a month and potentially offer subscribers more shows and more older episodes. Traffic dipped significantly after Viacom yanked The Daily Show and The Colbert Report from Hulu in April, we'll see if a share of that premium money is enough to lure them back, and if the long rumored service ever actually launches.

Hulu reportedly talking to CBS, Viacom about inclusion in Plus subscriber package originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google wins YouTube copyright case against Viacom

Nilay Patel — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:27:00 EST

The Viacom copyright infringement case against Google and YouTube has been a long strange journey since it started, but it looks like the first major chapter is over: the federal court today ruled that Google falls under the "safe harbor" provision of the DMCA which protects service providers from liability for user content. Roughly, that means Google isn't liable for copyright infringement on YouTube in general: it can only be liable for infringing specific copyrighted works, and since YouTube pulls videos as soon as anyone complains, it can't get in trouble. Of course, Viacom isn't too happy about this decision and has vowed to appeal, but we think it makes sense -- otherwise Viacom could sue and win for things Google didn't even know about, like, say, the music videos Viacom employees covertly uploaded themselves and then demanded be removed. We'll see what happens -- in the meantime, we'll be celebrating by watching as much YouTube as possible.

Google wins YouTube copyright case against Viacom originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gibson's Rock Band lawsuit ends in settlement, one way or another

Sean Hollister — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:15:00 EST

Back in 2008, Gibson Guitar hoped to cash in on the Rock Band craze with a slate of patent infringement lawsuits of dubious quality, and though the firm lost to Activision a year later, its suits against Harmonix, Electronic Arts, Viacom, and six major retailers stirred something in Nashville's rock gods. Though exact terms weren't disclosed, the parties reached a settlement in a Tennessee federal court this week, and plan to bring the lawsuit to an end by June 14th. Meanwhile, we hear Harmonix v. Konami is meeting a similar end; retailers should be able to sell cheap plastic guitars with a infinitesimally cleaner conscience in a little over three months.

Gibson's Rock Band lawsuit ends in settlement, one way or another originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Showtime getting ready to go online?

Richard Lawler — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:31:00 EST

What's a "premium" movie service these days without access on additional screens? Not much, which is probably why rumors indicate Showtime is about to follow EPIX HD and ESPN 3(no 60) by creating an online service for subscribers to view on their PCs and mobile devices. Don't expect to watch Weeds, Dexter and The Real L Word on your iPad just yet (except for what's already available on Netflix) as a spokeswoman had only a standard "nothing to announce to" offer Bloomberg Businessweek, but their sources indicate it will resemble the HBO GO service we tested out recently when it went live for Verizon FiOS TV customers. Heading online seems like a good followup to turning on interactive HDTV features, but we'll see if that's enough to keep viewers signing up for its service when there are so many alternatives available.

Showtime getting ready to go online? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Streak / Mini 5 makes a cameo appearance at MTV

Nilay Patel — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:23:00 EST

It's been a while since we've heard much about the Dell Streak / Mini 5, but it seems like the plus-size phone (or mini-size tablet, whichever you prefer) went on a bit of an undercover media promotion tour last week: Viacom MTV exec Greg Clayman tweeted that it's "amazing," while Rob Enderle brought one to the set of John C. Dvorak's Cranky Geeks and said it would launch for around $300 on contract. What does it all mean? We're assuming it's being shown off in an effort to drum up some content partnerships: we've already heard about tie-ins with Amazon's MP3, video, and Kindle stores, and we'd bet that Dell's also going after newspapers, magazines, and video sites hard in an effort to push back at the iPad -- especially since the company is planning to bring out an entire "family of tablets" in the future. Or... it's nothing at all, and AT&T is going to completely wreck this thing before it launches, like it did with the Aero. Dreams or nightmares, the choice is yours.

Dell Streak / Mini 5 makes a cameo appearance at MTV originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTube: Viacom would demand removal of videos it covertly uploaded itself

Ross Miller — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:51:00 EST

As you may have heard, Viacom and YouTube have been having a little tift lately, in the form of a major lawsuit by the former over copyrighted material posted on the video portal. It's a lawsuit that, according to YouTube, will cause such video sites to "cease to exist in the current form" -- but more importantly, it's a lawsuit that leads to some rather hilarious behind-the-scenes details. Here's a really juicy one that the official YT blog published today by Chief Counsel Zahavah Levine. Word has it that Viacom had hired over the years at least 18 different marketing firms to inconspicuously upload content. We can't really say it better than the posting:

"[Viacom] deliberately "roughed up" the videos to make them look stolen or leaked. It opened YouTube accounts using phony email addresses. It even sent employees to Kinko's to upload clips from computers that couldn't be traced to Viacom."

Wait, it gets better. According to Levine, Viacom's tactics were so good that the company itself didn't even know which videos it had uploaded, prompting multiple occasions where it would demand a clip removed, only to later ask for its reinstatement. "In fact," she claims, "some of the very clips that Viacom is suing us over were actually uploaded by Viacom itself." Hit up the source link for all the details. Honestly, we can't wait to see what else is dug up in these proceedings.

Update: Of course, that's not the whole story. Also revealed in court documents today was discussions by Viacom to -- get this -- purchase YouTube before News Corp.'s Rupert Murdoch got the chance to do it himself. Let's be thankful for that judge's decision to unseal all court documents, shall we?

YouTube: Viacom would demand removal of videos it covertly uploaded itself originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealNetworks to spin off Rhapsody, give up control

Nilay Patel — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:38:00 EST

Seems like times are tough in the streaming music game -- Warner is making noise about dropping free streaming rights to its catalog, and now RealNetworks and Viacom have announced plans to spin off the Rhapsody subscription service. The new company will obviously be known as Rhapsody, and both Real and Viacom will hold a sub-50 percent stake in the outfit and remain on the board of directors. Real's also contributing $18m in cash to the cause, while Viacom's committed to providing $33m in advertising -- we'll see if Rhapsody can make it on its own once that all runs out.

RealNetworks to spin off Rhapsody, give up control originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast

Richard Lawler — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:44:00 EST

TV channel / online service combo Epix has finally locked up its first distribution partner, Verizon's FiOS TV. Not a lot of details are available yet, but Viacom CEO Phillippe Dauman says it can offer the service a la carte, in bundles with broadband, and even plans a mobile VCast offering. We've already had a peek at the in-beta HD streams and saw a lot to like, with planned access on three screens and flicks from MGM, Lionsgate and Paramount locked up for years to come Epix is shaping up as a very formidable offering prior to its planned October launch.

Update: Epix hit us off with the official PR (posted after the break) but here's the most important details - in the coming weeks, Verizon customers will be able to access a preview of the network, either through their VOD menu on the FiOS set-top box, or by visiting EpixHD.com and entering their account info.

Continue reading Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast

Filed under: Industry, Fiber, Internet

Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount considering home video partnership with Sony, Fox

Richard Lawler — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:27:00 EST

In a bit of news that would have been considerably juicier back in the old format war days, Paramount is reportedly negotiating with Sony and Fox to take over parts of its home video business, specifically physical fulfillment to retail, billing and collections. Reported by Video Business and Financial Times, it seems like the studio is trying to save cash as the DVD market shrinks while Blu-ray and other distribution methods aren't yet picking up the slack. We're not sure if home viewers would notice any difference from such a deal, but with titles like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Monsters vs. Aliens releasing later this year it's worth keeping an eye on, if only for the slim possibility of history repeating itself and Paramount promising exclusive China Blue HD format support in return for a huge bundle of incentives. Hey, it could happen....maybe.

Filed under: Misc, Blu-ray

Paramount considering home video partnership with Sony, Fox originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why aren't MTV HD's music videos in high definition?

Richard Lawler — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:27:00 EST

Our friends at TV Squad are asking the same question we've had many times, what's up with MTV's treatment of HD? Specifically, why doesn't the MTV or VH1 HD simulcast channel air music videos in high definition? While it was news to us that MTV even aired music videos anymore, it's sad to see how poorly its handling the simulcast channel, though we don't have reception at this branch of the EHD HQ yet, word is they couldn't even keep simple things like the Real World HD broadcast straight last season. That's no surprise for a network that treats its simulcast like a redheaded stepchild (try finding a mention of it on MTV.com or Viacom's website) and staunchly refuses to loose any details of precisely which shows will be broadcast in high definition no matter how many times we ask, and we'll not even get into the endless loop of repeated programming that has become Palladia. Considering one can view any music video on YouTube in "HD" with little trouble, it's even more disturbing that MTV is so far behind the times.

Filed under: Misc, MHD

Why aren't MTV HD's music videos in high definition? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epix HD 720p movie streaming service eyes-on

Richard Lawler — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

After making sure there was a domain name locked down for Epix, the new premium movie network formed by Studio 3 Networks (Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM) it was all about taking advantage of an early peek at the 720p Flash powered site to see what a new generation of home movie distribution has to offer. The tech end (opening up to invited users this week for beta testing) is powered by Akamai's variable bitrate streaming streaming technology, delivering up to 3mbps HD video with stereo audio all the way down (6 different levels) to 500kbps encodes. Where it surpasses current online offerings from the competition is the ability, thanks to the aforementioned studio backers, to provide many of the recent movies you want to see. Our impressions of the service and a few more pictures of the interface are after the break.

Continue reading Epix HD 720p movie streaming service eyes-on

Filed under: Features, Internet, New content

Epix HD 720p movie streaming service eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DISH Network adds seven new Viacom HD channels, cements HD supremacy

Richard Lawler — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:11:00 EST

If you want your MTV HD you can get it, and BET HD, CMT HD, Comedy Central HD, Nickelodeon HD, Spike TV HD and VH1 HD on DISH Network. Thanks to a new deal with Viacom, all those HD feeds were announced today as available to all subscribers at no extra cost. Also included? Video on-demand and Internet streaming rights that senior VP Dave Shull had no problem claiming as a testament to DISH's "continued HD leadership" while also asserting its HD supremacy. BET HD is available on the Classic Silver 200 HD package and up, while all the rest are on the Classic Bronze 100 lineup.

Filed under: Satellite, New content

DISH Network adds seven new Viacom HD channels, cements HD supremacy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix adds South Park, Dora & more to Watch Instantly

Richard Lawler — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:22:00 EST

For all Netflix Watch Instantly queues found lacking (possibly due to excessive swiping?), the company announced the addition of several MTV Networks properties including South Park (but not in HD), Dora the Explorer, True Jackson, VP and Spongebob Squarepants. Keen watchers of the recently added RSS feed have probably seen this content trickling onto the service recently, but that's no reason not to queue up a few seasons of each and kick back.

Filed under: Media streamers, Internet, New content

Netflix adds South Park, Dora & more to Watch Instantly originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epix (and it's Hollywood backers) looking to shake up premium cable

Richard Lawler — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:55:00 EST

Now that it finally has a name, the Viacom / Lionsgate / MGM backed Epix can finally be a bit more forthcoming about its plans as a premium movie channel to rival HBO, Starz and Showtime. Now the question is whether the new channel will get the $1.50 per subscriber fee it's asking from potential cable and satellite providers, which could make that planned fourth quarter launch dicier than first imagined. Still, the studios seem entrenched behind the idea of improving their prospects for profiting from their newest, hottest movies like Cloverfield, even in these economic times, so we wouldn't be surprised to see a very Big Ten Network-style standoff in the making.

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Internet, Satellite, New content

Epix (and it's Hollywood backers) looking to shake up premium cable originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cable companies work to bring new online content to pay-TV subscribers

Darren Murph — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:04:00 EST

In an effort to maintain relevancy during a time when online TV viewing is on the rise, a number of big name cable companies are looking to throw in online companion packages to sweeten the pay-TV equation. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that top cable providers (namely Comcast and TWC) and TV networks are looking to assemble a large swath of online programming -- some of which has been previously unavailable -- and deliver it only to subscribers. As it stands, loads of shows are available right now for free via Hulu and broadcast websites, but some channels without online portals can only be caught via cable. From what we're gathering, it seems that these operators could be working to bring some of that content to the web, essentially providing a means to tune into a Comcast or TWC lineup without having to be in front of the set-top-box.

Update: Due to some quotes taken out of context, we have revamped our story above to show a clearer picture of the cable companies' intentions.

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Internet

Cable companies work to bring new online content to pay-TV subscribers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cable companies work to bring new online content to pay-TV subscribers

Darren Murph — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Cable companies work to bring new online content to pay-TV subscribers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Studio 3 Networks' epix is the new home of Lionsgate, MGM & Paramount movies

Richard Lawler — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:51:00 EST

The joint venture formed by Viacom's Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate finally has a name -- Studio 3 Networks -- and today announced at NATPE '09 that its "next generation home entertainment service" with both broadband delivery and a traditional TV channel (possibly headed to a digital basic lineup near you) will be branded epix. Still most important about the new brand is that due to expiring content deals with Showtime, epix will have exclusive access to Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Films released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008, plus all MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate flicks from the beginning of 2009 on and a release window two months shorter than the 11 months of other pay channels when it launches in the fourth quarter of this year. Still unclear is exactly where we'll be able to enjoy all 17 remastered* James Bond movies, the Indiana Jones series and more in crisp high definition, as Multichannel News caught president Mark Greenberg mentioning epix could find its way to the aforementioned digital tiers to boost satisfaction on HD content, but didn't set any quality expectations for an Internet or VOD experience. Prior to launch, expect VOD Internet access, while afterwards "authenticated" cable subscribers can get access to DVD extra-styled content online. Still, as Download Squad mentioned, first order of business should probably be buying up the epix.com, epix.net or epix.tv domain names since they're already taken.

[Via Multichannel News & Download Squad]

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Internet, Satellite, New content

Studio 3 Networks' epix is the new home of Lionsgate, MGM & Paramount movies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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