Search Results for "october 29"

Should Apple make James Bond, Plex gets easy with Kodi, and Netflix takes on an anime parody? Is it parody? With special guest Roberto Villegas.

The draft is next week! Here’s the movie list.

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CordKillers: Ep. 186 – I Like The Way I Said it Better
Recorded: September 11 2017
Guest: Roberto Villegas

Intro Video

• Apocalypse Now Now

Primary Target

• Apple, Amazon Join Race for James Bond Film Rights
  – Sony’s deal to make James Bond movies ended in 2015 and bids for the rights are being negotiated now. Hollywood Reporter has sources who say Apple and Amazon are in the running with Warner Brothers and Sony to buy the rights to make the movies for MGM. Former Sony executives Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht are leading the push for Apple.

How to Watch

• Plex for Kodi is now free for everyone
  – Plex has made its add-on for the Kodi media center software free. This allows both systems to run at the same time and share settings. Some settings like multiple users and parental controls will not carry over but most basic ones will. Plex has been taking legal action against unofficial add-ons.
• The new Apple TV 4K will be a much more powerful streaming box than its predecessor
  – There will be probably be a new Apple TV with 4K announced Tuesday. We’ll talk all about it next week
  – Same processor as the 2017 iPad Pro, 3 GB RAM
  – 4K? (HDR10m Dolby Vision)
• Apple fights Hollywood to price 4K movies on iTunes at $20
  – The Wall Street Journal says its sources say Apple and movie studios are having difficulty agreeing on the price of 4K movies to be sold in Apple’s iTunes store. Apple supposedly wants 4K movies to sell for $20, which is the top price for current HD releases. The studios would like a price point of $25 or $30.
• Apple bolsters its TV unit with more top Sony talent
  – Apple has hired for Sony exec Kim Rozenfeld as head of current programming and lead on documentaries.

What to Watch

• The First Trailer For Netflix Anime Parody Neo Yokio Showcases Its Bonkers Cast
  – The Netflix Anime parody Neo Yokio arrives September 22. EP creator and writer is Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig and Jaden Smith voices Kaz Kaan a demon slayer. Credits also include Susan Sarandon, Jude Law, Richard Ayoade, Steve Buscemi, Stephen Fry and a lot more.
• Lore the podcast debuts as a 6-episode Amazon original October 13th.
• Amazon picks up James Gunn’s ‘Starsky and Hutch’ reboot
  – James Gunn will reboot Starsky and Hutch for Amazon. It will supposedly continue the original and be a “deconstruction of the buddy cop genre.”
• Netflix orders eight-part musical drama from La La Land director Damien Chazelle
  – Netflix ordered an 8-part musical drama called The Eddy from La La Land Director Damien Chazelle. Chazelle will direct two episodes and Jack Thorne of Skins will write most of the episodes. The show will take place in a Paris nightclub. The series’s score will be written by Glen Ballard, a six-time Grammy winner known for co-producing Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill
• Hulu recruits Chris Pine for Bobby Kennedy miniseries
  – Deadline reports Hulu is developing a miniseries about Robert F. Kennedy starring Chris Pine as Bobby. Todd E. Kessler of the Good Wife is writing the adaptation of the Larry Tye biography.

What We’re Watching

• Brian: Preacher, Firefly, me on TEDx, Logan Lucky, Rick and Morty, Narcos season 3
• Tom: Preacher, Outlander, Firefly, Weather Nation, Rick and Morty
• Roberto: Bojack Horseman
• On the Lookout: All the Stations

Front Lines

• Amazon’s new flagship Fire TV looks like a square Echo Dot
  – AFTVNews says it has sources who say Amazon will release two new Fire TV models later this year. One will be a square FireTV stick and the other a regular box that has Amazon Voice Service far-field microphones and speaker built in. Both will support 4K. and HDR.
• Disney’s streaming service will exclusively get Marvel and Star Wars movies
  – Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney will make its Star Wars and Marvel movies exclusive to a new streaming service launching with Disney and Pixar content in late 2019.
• Disney Movies Anywhere drops Microsoft as a partner
  – Disney Movies Anywhere sent out an email saying it no longer works with Microsoft’s Movies and TV Store. That applies to future purchases. Existing linked movies will remain available.
• Roku files for $100M IPO
  – Roku filed paperwork for an IPO. The filing shows 15.1 million active accounts streaming 3.5 billion hours last quarter, up 60% on the year. Revenue per unit is up 35% on the year to $11.22 for a total annual revenue of $398 million. Advertising and platform subscriptions make up 81% of company profits, up 104% over the last six months, while profits from hardware fell 28% in the same span and represents 19% overall. Roku also launched its own channel for Roku users that streams free movies licnesed directly from studios by Roku and supported with advertising.
• AT&T’s DirecTV Now is testing a cloud DVR with 100 hours of storage
  – TechCrunch confirmed a Cord Cutters News leak that DirecTV Now’s forthcoming DVR plan will have up to 100 hours of storage managed from a “My Library” feature. No word on the price.
• Netflix and Hulu already won 21 Emmys ahead of the main event
  – The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were given out this weekend These are the ones they give away a week before the main awards broadcast, which is this coming Sunday September 17. Stranger Things took home 5 awards include sound and picture editing as well as main title. Netflix documentary 13th from Ava Duvernay got four awards. Handmaid’s Tale got three including production design and cinematography. Overall Netflix got 16 Hulu five and Amazon two.

Dispatches from the Front

Hey guys. Since becoming a cordcutter, I’ve been more attentive on how people get their media. This is only anecdotal, but one thing I’ve noticed over the past year is how widespread the knowledge and use of “Amazon fire sticks with access to everything free” has become. People come to my house and I show them how to watch stuff on my apple tvs and remind them that I don’t have cable. People from 14 year old cousins to 50 year old uncles will say “oh do you have the fire stick where it has everything free”? I tell them I don’t and then they tell me I should get one. I will admit I’ve done my fair share of pirating back in the day. However, I now consider myself a born again cordkiller that is mostly legit because there are actually easy legal options to access content these days which is what I thought everyone wanted. To me, it seems getting it free may still be a larger component to the equation for some people. I’ve never used a “special” fire stick , but if it’s as easy as ordering it and plugging it in to your tv , I don’t know how big media can compete with that if there truly is a growing population that doesn’t see any issues with it.

Your favorite boss

– Jerry

 

 

 

Hello Tom and Brian,
Do you know of a box or app that will allow me to use single sign and create playlists of the shows I watch in all of my steaming services (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon).
Thanks
– Chuck

 

 

 

Hello fellow cord cutters,
The best website I found for comparing and choosing a streaming service is suppose.tv. You can set your location and choose local channels and cable channels to filter by and determine which service they are available on. You can even compare costs and filter by streaming device. This is the tool you are looking for.

– Zach

Links

2017 Winter Movie Draft

patreon.com/cordkillers

Why Roku is still number one, Hulu Live TV gets better, and Ozark is the best. 

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CordKillers: Ep. 185 – Both of Them and Charles Dickens are Wrong
Recorded: August 28 2017
Guest: None

Intro Video

• Tormund and Hound sing-along 

Primary Target

• Roku is the top streaming device in the US and growing
  – Parks Associates market share by number of installed devices.
  -37% of streaming devices in US are ROKU, up from 30% from last year
  – Only Fire TV increased to 24% up 16%
  – Chromecast fell to third at 18% Apple TV fourth at 15%
  – Previously mentioned emarketer stats based connected TV use
• Apple Is Planning a 4K Upgrade for Its TV Box
  – Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple plans to unveil an updated Apple TV with 4K streaming support and a focus on live television at their September 12th announcement. The updated Apple TV will reportedly support HDR video.

How to Watch

• Hulu’s live TV service now supports web browsers on PC and Mac
• Hulu Live TV comes to Xbox 360
  – Hulu Live TV can now be streamed to the browser on Windows and macOS. Hulu warns that it’s a beta that will add more functions as the months go by.
• Hulu’s Live TV service to have all five major broadcast networks with addition of The CW
  – Hulu announced a deal to carry the CW on its live TV service. Hulu Live now has all five major english-language US broadcasters. It will arrive in select markets first with other affiliates joining over time.

What to Watch

• The Tick’s Creators Split Up the New Season to Curb Binge Watching
  – The Tick arrived on Amazon Friday but only half the season. Creator Ben Edlund told CinemaBlend that they broke up the season in two on purpose. Edlund said The Binge Watching [sic] issue is… I see it as it’s a perfect dive from a high board, and there’s no splash. We’re all sort of veterans of the opposite of that. Fan energy wants to have a culture to express itself in. So if you split a season, and give a gap in-between, you get anticipation, you get people are able [to] talk about what happened.”
• Adam Scott Suspects His Stepson Is Satan’s Son in the Trailer for Little Evil
  – Eli Craig who made Tucker and Dale vs. Evil parodying the cabin the woods horror genre has a movie called Little Evil that parodies the possessed child genre. Little Evil stars Adam Scott and Evangeline Lilly and premieres September 1.
• Stranger Things Will Be Back For Season 3, But Probably End After Season 4
  – Ross Duffer told Vulture that he and his brother are thinking Stranger Things will wrap up in four seasons. Netflix has renewed the series for a third season. The second season arrives October 27th.
• Netflix snags ‘Def Comedy Jam’ 25th anniversary special
  – Netflix will stream Russel Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam 25th anniversary special this autumn. The lineup will include Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan and Katt Williams. A reboot of the series is also coming to HBO in November called All Def Comedy.
• Get Your First Look at Black Mirror’s Freaky Fourth Season Right Now
  – A teaser for the next season of Black Mirror is out with episode titles and short clips. No date was revealed either.

What We’re Watching

• Brian: Game of Thrones, Rick and Morty, Firefly 
• Tom: Preacher (210) Secrets of the Citadel, Ozark (101-102) The Tick (102-102) Game of Thrones, Twin Peaks, Rick and Morty
• On the Lookout: The Trollhunters

Front Lines

• CBS is expanding to Australia with buyout of troubled broadcaster Network Ten
  – CBS announced a deal to acquire major Australian national broadcaster, Ten. This may be followed by a launch of CBS All Access in Australia.
• Walmart’s streaming service Vudu hits Apple TV
  – An app for Vudu has arrived for Apple TV. You can’t make purchases from it but you can access your library and any ad-supported free streaming videos.
• ESPN will stream big-name boxing matches under a new deal
  – ESPN has reached a multi-year agreement to air and stream Top Rank boxing matches in the US and Canada. That would include ESPN’s forthcoming streaming-only service.
• Netflix Is Now Selling its Own Weed Strains
  – Variety reports that Netflix has put its name on some boutique strains of legal marijuana for sale this past weekend at a pop-up shop inside the Alternative Herbal Health Services dispensary in West Hollywood. The move is in promotion of Disjointed which premiered on Netflix Friday.
• HBO NOW’s app has pulled in $19 million since the “Game of Thrones” premiere
  – App Annie estimates that the iOS and Android version of the HBO Now app have generated $19 million of revenue in the US since the premiere of Game of Thrones. For the week of August 20th it was the top grossing app on any mobile platform passing Pandora and Netflix.
• Facebook and Twitter Will Stream College Football This Season
  – Facebook and Twitter have reached an agreement with Stadium to stream college football games. Facebook will have 15 games from Conference USA and Mountain West. Twitter has not announced it’s slate but will show Alabama A&M against Alabama-Birmingham.

Dispatches from the Front

Brian,

So I used Movie Pass back when it was $45-$50 a month for those in the LA area and I enjoyed it for the time I had it, got lots of bonus reward points from theaters however it has changed since then for the better. Back then there was no online ordering with it, you had to be at the theater to activate the account to make a purchase so it was a gas cost. It also included a 6 month cool down period if you cancelled. (So you can’ just use it for winter blockbuster season and then start up at the next summer blockbuster season) At the $10 a month I don’t see a reason to let it lapse though. Data signal can be an issue, so finding out what theaters have dead zones by the box office and activating the card in the parking lot is important however with online ordering I see this going to be a lesser issue. If you have a theater nearby with a rewards program it is a MUST HAVE. If you go to 1 movie a month it is a huge discount. If you go to two movies every 3 months (based on my local market( it’s still a deal.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, I’d be happy to answer

– Jeff

 

 

 

I signed up for the service the day after the price change. I was very excited about the service seeing how I typically see at least one movie a month. The first few days of the service the app was not working very well due to the influx of new users. I was told to buy a ticket and send them the receipt and they will refund the price, which I was fine with.

Now a week later I have found that the app is working pretty well and it is very convenient to just open the app, select my theater, reserve the seat, and have my ticket ready at the box office (this does only work if MP has a deal with that specific theater to do e-tickets). I also found that my movie going experience was much more enjoyable. You feel like such a bad ass just opening your phone and a few minutes later having reserved a seat and just walking in the theater. On top of that I have went to see movies that I would have never seen in theaters and if I did I would have been upset knowing that I spend $10-$12, but instead I can just relax and enjoy a movie I more than likely wouldn’t have every paid to see, and I don’t feel bad throwing the theater a couple bucks for a snack or drink.

Even if the current pricing only lasts 12-18 months I think it will be worth it in the long run and even give movie chains time to consider their own subscription service down the road.

Best Regards,
– Kyle 

 

 

 

Hey, I ran across a cool website for sports fans who are looking to cut the cord. Just type “wherecaniwatchmy.team” into your browser and you’ll be able to quickly find out which package is best for watching your favorite sportball team.

He’s only got NFL and NCAA football on there for now, but hopefully he’ll add more sports later.

Thought I’d pass along a cool new service that helps people navigate the proliferation of streaming services.

– Seth

 

Links

2017 Summer Movie Draft
patreon.com/cordkillers

Is Disney now at war with Netflix? Is Facebook video relevant? What happened with SeeSo? With special guest Andy Beach.

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CordKillers: Ep. 183 – Hi-Ho SeeSo
Recorded: August 14 2017
Guest: Andy Beach

Intro Video

• Mindhunter Trailer

Primary Target

• The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Majority Ownership of BAMTech
  – Disney announced it is buying a majority stake in BAMTech, the streaming-video company founded by Major League Baseball that powers services like the NHL, MLB, and HBO now. Disney also announced it plans to launch an ESPN-branded streaming service in early 2018, with broadcasts not aired on other ESPN channels, and a new Disney and Pixar streaming service in 2019. Disney will end its agreement with Netflix for Disney and Pixar movies at the end of 2018, though Netflix is still negotiating to renew a deal for Marvel and Lucasfilm content.
• Disney won’t renew Netflix deal
• Disney has a streaming service called Disney Life in the UK
• Disney wants to make a huge shift in its business model — but it’s not ready to do it yet 
• Your favorite Disney movies will be leaving Netflix. This is where (some of them) are going. 
• Netflix doesn’t want to be a better streaming service — it wants to be Disney
• Marvel and Star Wars streaming services still being considered.
• Star Wars and Iron Man may not disappear from Netflix in 2019 after all
• Netflix signs Shonda Rhimes away from ABC in huge coup
  – Shonda Rhimes’ production company Shondaland signed a multi-year deal to produce new content for Netflix. Rhimes told the Wall Street Journal, “I’m thrilled by the idea of a world where I’m not caught in the necessary grind of network television.”
• David Letterman is joining forces with Netflix for a new show
  – David Letterman has agreed to host 6 episodes of a talk show for Netflix to arrive in 2018. Each episode would be an hour long with a longform interview with one guest as well as segments shot outside the studio. In a statement Letterman said, “Here’s what I have learned, if you retire to spend more time with your family, check with your family first. Thanks for watching, drive safely.”
• Netflix lands the Coen Brothers’ Western TV series
  – The Coen Brothers will produce, write and direct their first television show called “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” for Netflix. It will be a western anthology with six stories centered around Scruggs. The cast includes Tim Blake Nelson as Buster Scruggs, as well as Ryne Daley, James Franco, Zoe Kazan.
• Netflix snags an Alan Arkin, Michael Douglas comedy series
  – Netflix announced a project called The Kominsky Method starring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. The series will be written and produced by Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre. Chuck Lorre’s series Disjointed starring Kathy Bates premieres August 25th.

How to Watch

• Facebook launches Watch tab of original video shows
  – Facebook is rolling out a new version of its video section, renamed Watch, to select users in the US. Some videos are episodic and broken down into categories like “Most Talked About” or “What’s Making People Laugh”. Users can subscribe to updates from favorite shows, chat with other viewers while watching, and connect with creators through Groups. Facebook has funded some of the shows, but anyone can create one and get 55% of the revenue generated. Shows come from places like Tastemade, Major League Baseball, Mike Rowe, Billboard Magazine, National Geographic and more.
• Seeso shutting down
  – NBC will shut down its Seeso comedy streaming service later this year. The service launched in January 2016, but laid off staff in June. Seeso originals “HarmonQuest,” “My Brother, My Brother and Me,” “Hidden America With Jonah Ray,” and “The Cyanide and Happiness Show” will move to the VRV streaming service.

What to Watch

• Netflix renewed GLOW for a second season, no word on when it will arrive.
• Netflix takes on JFK in ‘The Crown’ season two December 8th
  – The Crown returns to Netflix December 8. It will be the last season with Claire Foy playing Queen Elizabeth II. Michael C. Hall and Jodi Balfour will play John F. Kennedy and wife Jackie.
• Sony’s Spider-Man spinoff Silver and Black will hit theaters in 2019
  – Sony announced that Silver and Black, a Spider-man cinematic universe film featuring Black Cat and Silver Sable will arrive February 8th, 2019. Venom arrives October 5th, 2018.
• Comedians Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson are bringing their hit podcast 2 Dope Queens to HBO as four one-hour comedy specials in 2018.

What We’re Watching

• Brian: Preacher, Firefly, Rick and Morty, Game of Thrones, Last Week Tonight
• Tom: Preacher, Firefly, Twin Peaks, Dunkirk, Game of Thrones, Rick and Morty
• Andy: Rick & Morty, Difficult People, Ozark (just finished), Pure, The Sinner, Detroit
• On the Lookout: VRV

Front Lines

• Pandora names Sling TV founding CEO Roger Lynch as new CEO and president
  – Pandora announced Sling TV founder Roger Lynch will become the new Pandora CEO. Former head of Sony Pictures, Michael Lynton also joined the Pandora board. Pandora founder Tim Westegren told the Verge in March that video was on Pandora’s list.
• Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman signs deal to develop TV for Amazon
  – Robert Kirkman’s Skybound has a new deal to create TV projects for Amazon Prime Video. Kirkman has Walking Dead on AMC, has Outcast on Cinemax and film version of Invincible headed to Universal, so we’re not sure yet what Kirkman might bring to Amazon.
• Michael Sheen, David Tennant to Star in Neil Gaiman’s ‘Good Omens’ at Amazon
  – Variety reports Michael Sheen and David Tennant have been cast in the lead roles for an Amazon/BBC co-produced 6-episode series based on the book Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It will premier first on Amazon Prim then on BBC and be distributed by the BBC in all markets where Amazon does not offer service.
• Amazon is shutting down its DVD by mail service LoveFilm on October 31st. Subscribers will get a discount on an Amazon Fire TV stick.
• The latest no-frills Roku TVs start at $250
  – Roku and RCA announced a new lineup of Roku-enabled HDTVS. A 32-inch model costs $249.99, a 43-inch model is $379.99, and the top-end 50-inch model is $499, available now.
• Vizio added the Google Play Movies & TV app to its VIA+ and D-series Smart TVs. It recently added apps like Netflix and Amazon.

Dispatches from the Front

What do you think will happen with Star Trek Discovery if the first episode is a huge hit on CBS television, but the subsequent streaming only episodes are a bomb? Does it move to CBS television? Will they let if fail as a streaming only show? If they move it to television, what will this do for future streaming only series? Will people buy in to CBS All Access if they think there is a chance that streaming only shows will eventually show up on CBS television for free?

– Ken

 

 

 

Morning Tom and Brian,

Last show, Mickey Neumann made a great point I wish would have moved into discussion. His comment was following the conversation of how CBS moves it’s properties around like pawns — Mickey said he didn’t feel “it respects the creator of the art”.

Particularly from Brian, who’s produced shows (and even reneged his cable cutting tacit agreement so he could watch himself on cable tv)… and no longer controls the distribution of them. I’ve heard Brian mention in passing he doesn’t know where the shows are or how to get them.. so it sounds like he’s just let go. I’d love to hear more about that end of the deal process to letting go of your art

– Joe

 

 

 

Is there a way to request a company to start streaming some of their back catalog? HBO GO/HBO Now does not have some major pieces of their library:

The Tom Hanks produced From the Earth to the Moon mini series…
The Golden Globe winning Don King: Only in America movie…
The classic David Mamet directed magic special Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants…
And all of the past Young Comedian Specials…

Is it because these things were all filmed and produced for 4×3 television screens that they remain mothballed and not available to stream?

Thanks for any guidance…

– Shannon

Links

2017 Summer Movie Draft
patreon.com/cordkiller
After On

Twitter goes 24/7 video, DC might launch a streaming service with digital comics, and Nicole Lee shares her first two weeks as a cord-cutter. With special guest Nicole Lee.

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CordKillers: Ep. 168 – King of the Hypocrites
Recorded: May 1 2017
Guest: Nicole Lee

Intro Video

• House of Cards S5 trailer

Primary Target

• Twitter plans to broadcast live video 24 hours a day
  – Twitter COO and CFO Anthony Noto told BuzzFeed News that Twitter plans to stream video 24 hours a day 7 days a week covering news, sports and entertainment. Noto didn’t give a date saying it will take some time to ramp up the “many, many things.”
• Twitter will stream 24-hour news from Bloomberg starting this fall
  – Twitter and Bloomberg will partner on the effort. Twitter will not just retransmit Bloomberg’s existing live video stream but originate programs for Twitter and mix in live video from Twitter users. It would be broader in focus than Bloomberg’s financial-oriented news
• Twitter announces more live video feeds
  – Why Tom thinks this is significant: The Internet has had the promise to deliver infinite channels a la carte. The only reason it hasn’t been able to compete with cable was the difficulty of competing with the budgets of top providers who kept content on cable. Netflix broke the model on original scripted programming providing an a la cart channel. Twitter is trying to do that with mainstream news/sports. This could force compeititors to consider going a la carte themselves.

How to Watch

• DC Digital Service To Launch With ‘Titans’ Series From Greg Berlanti & Akiva Goldsman And ‘Young Justice: Outsiders’
  – Deadline reports Warner Brothers and DC Entertainment will launch a streaming service in 2018 with two original series. Titans written by Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, and Akiva Goldsman. and an animated series Young Justice: Outsiders. The service is supposed to include comics as well as TV and include fan interaction.

What to Watch

• House of Cards season 5 full trailer released. Season 5 releases May 30
• Amazon’s The Tick TV Show Premieres on August 25
• Apple delays release of first original series ‘Carpool Karaoke’
  – Apple had said its Carpool Karaoke show would debut in April but of course we’ve fresh run out of April and no show. After postponing its launch party twice, now all Apple is saying is that “Carpool Karaoke: The Series will premiere on Apple Music later this year.” It’s expected to have 16 half hour episodes.

What We’re Watching

• Brian: Better Call Saul, Justified, Fargo, American Gods, Leftovers, The Expanse
• Tom: Better Call Saul (303), Justified (603) Fargo (302) Doctor Who, American Gods (101) The Leftovers (303) Handmaid’s Tale, Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla
• Nicole: American Gods, Legion
• On the Lookout:  The Handmaiden’s Tale

Front Lines

• Comcast Beats Q1 Earnings Expectations Helped By Strong Film Sales
  – Comcast announced its earnings and there are a few tidbits of interest to cord-cutters. NBCU’s cable networks raised revenue from increased license fees even as cable distribution fell. In other words fewer cable subscribers but more money per subscriber. Universal films raised revenue too on the strength of Fifty Shades Darker, Get Out, Split, and Sing. And even Comcast cable bucked the industry trend by adding 42,000 video subscribers.
• ESPN Is Laying Off 100 On-Air Personalities and Staffers
  – Meanwhile ESPN continues to cut costs, announcing layoffs that the best guesses peg at around 100 staff. That includes on-air and online talent. ESPN cut 300 jobs in 2015. ESPN’s subscriber totals have dipped by more than 10 million over the past few years.
• Netflix has just found a backdoor into China
  – At the APOS industry conference in Bali, Netflix announced a content licensing agreement with iQiyi, a video service subsidiary of Chinese search company Baidu. The Hollywood Reporter says it will include day-and-date releases of Netflix originals, though no show titles were specified. Netflix said in a statement that “expectations of our deal are modest in scope.”
• Hulu scores deal with NBCU for its live TV service, will now carry all four major broadcast networks
  – Hulu’s live TV service is expectedto launch this month and it just announced it has reached a deal with NBCUniversal NBC, Telemundo, USA, Syfy, Bravo, E!, MSNBC, CNBC, NBCSN, Sprout and other channels to the service. Hulu previously announced deals with CBS, Fox and Disney-ABC. Hulu says it will have more than 50 channels available.
• Sling tries to lure customers with an AirTV bundle
  – Sling is offering new subscribers a discount on its AirTV Player which combines the sling service with over the air channels along with other apps like Netflix. If you sign up for three months of $20 a month service you’ll get the box for $50. It retails for $130.
• The YouTube Kids app is now available on even more screens!
  – YouTube announced its Kids app is now available on LG, Samsung, and Sony smart TVs in the 26 countries where the app is currently launched. This is in addition to versions available in the Google Play and Apple App stores.

Dispatches from the Front
Hi Brian,Bryce,Tom and Jackie if she’s in the chat room.

I did catch this last Tuesday on episode 167 “The UnSub Purge” . You both kind of called my bluff to cancel cable by May 1st .I’ve been a 3rd time cable subscriber with Charter Spectrum since last October….I simply haven’t found the time to watch anything on the Cable DVR. … There will come a time where I will have to call it and just loose whatever there is on it when I finally cancel service. I’m holding myself accountable to June 1.

… for the last 3 weeks, I haven’t even fired up the cable DVR to watch anything on it…..

– David

Patreon supporter since episode 1 in December 2013.

 

 

 

We are going to buy Starz to watch American Gods, any thing else we should make a point of seeing? Thanks and love the show.

– Pat

 

 

 

Hello Brian and Tom,

Last week Brian mentioned that he wanted to know if someone who hadn’t read the comics version of Locke & Key would find the audio version as riveting as someone who read the comics first. Upon hearing this I checked my Audible library to find I had Locke & Key, apparently it was a free read a year and a half ago, so I gave it a listen and here is my spoiler free review:

I enjoyed the full cast audio play when there wasn’t a lot of action going on. Once there was any action the director relied on sound effects or screaming/crying characters to tell the story and that was just confusing. Narration to tell that part of the story would have been a great help. I found the story interesting and compelling enough finish the 13+ hour book in three days. I felt scared and sad and frustrated along with the main characters but I was googling how to get the 6 books inexpensively after 4 hours because I felt I was missing something with just audio. I found some images from the comics online and that helped fill-in some visuals. I read some reviews, on Audible and Goodreads, which said to either read the comics first or use the audio version to read-along with the comics. I agree with those reviews. I’m going to go to the local comics shops this weekend to look for the books or comics, failing that I’ll buy the set on ComiXology. I do think this story could make a great TV series if done by the right people with a big enough budget to give the story the treatment it needs.

Now to figure out if you can get Hulu originals in the UK.

Thanks,
– Jennifer

 

 

 

Ok Brian, you were right… This is Reuben in hot, no chilly, no hot Durham, NC. As you predicted from my last note touting the “workaround” I thought I had with Spectrum internet, I failed; mostly. I was not able to cancel the cable and phone and retain the internet only for 29.99/month as the salesperson said I would, however, after grumbling at the cancellations department for a few minutes, I was able to get a discount from the regular price of $69.99/mo for 100 Mbps to $54.99/mo which is a better dollar per Mb price than the $42/mo for 50Mbps service I had previously. So, lesson learned on the lying sales people, but I think I can be at least satisfied with the new deal. Thanks for the great show!

 

 

 

I have an urgent need to fill if I am going to accept the #UnsubPurge challenge. You have often commented that there is so much good stuff to watch these days, and I agree. What I need is a good place to go and see all the things that are available on any streaming service. I haven’t made it a habit to follow many sources for such things, but if there is a single place I can go to look at what new or existing offerings are available, I’d be very happy to eliminate all bills and simply subscribe to the service(s) needed to watch what we are watching at any given moment.
Ideal requirements: covers the major services available through the Roku box, is up to date on what is available at any given moment, concentrates on series or full seasons, as we are generally interested in long-form story telling more than episodic stories, gives a brief description so I know what the series is about, and covers different age ranges, so that I can find good stuff for my kids as well.
Until we have the world where my tv, or some appliance knows what I want to watch, I am hoping for such a comprehensive information source. I could go look for this myself, but what’s the point of being a boss if you can’t delegate?
All kidding aside, I am a huge fan of both of you, as well as the variety of interesting guests you bring on. Your performance review will indicate this.

– Chris

• Justwatch.com

 

 

The Writers Guild voted to authorize a strike if they can’t come to terms by May 1st. (http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/US-Writers-Guild-Strike/2017/04/24/id/786157/) Cord Cutters News wrote about his awhile back, saying that this will be a win for on demand streaming services because the cable and broadcast channels would be forced to play reruns once the current seasons wrap up, and Netflix and Amazon will very likely have better reruns. (http://cordcuttersnews.com/new-writers-strike-big-win-netflix-amazon-cord-cutting/) I could be wrong, but couldn’t cable and broadcast shows just do literally totally unscripted reality shows while they’re waiting for the Writers Guild to get their act together?

From,
– Amar

 

 

 

Hey guys,
I was wondering if either of you suffer from what I’d like to call Binge Amnesia. Let me explain.

As a cord cutter I tend to watch most of my shows when they become available on various streaming platforms, usually dropping an entire season at once. I will binge the season within a few weeks and then I’ll have to wait almost an entire year for the next season to be released. By the time I watch the new season I have completely forgotten the details of the prior season.

Case in point, I had binged the prior seasons of The Leftovers last year. Last night I started watching the latest season and I felt lost for a while. Luckily I was able to pick up on the current story by the end of the episode. I still haven’t watched season 2 of Man in the High Castle or Better Call Saul because I want to be able to enjoy them at their fullest but I don’t have time to rewatch the prior seasons.

Always forgetful,
–Scott

 

Links

2017 Summer Movie Draft
patreon.com/cordkillers
 

Why Netflix is killing it, Esquire network blazes a trail, why more people are using antennas.

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CordKillers: Ep. 154 – In Bed! 
Recorded: January 24 2017
Guest: Jeff Cannata

Intro Video

• Last Week Tonight joke promo

Primary Target

• Netflix added a record 7 million new subscribers last quarter
  – Netflix announced it earned $0.15 per share in Q4 with sales of $2.48 billion. Analysts had expected earnings per share of $0.14 and revenue of $2.47 billion. Notably the company saw very strong growth in subscribers across all markets. In the US, 2 million new subscibers were added in Q4, with 5 million added internationally. This well exceeded analyst expectations of 1.38 million and 3.78 million, respectively. The company has focused on adding international content that can travel across regions to continue this growth, like the original Brazilian series 3%, as well as Japanese anime and Turkish dramas
• Netflix predicts HBO will let you binge new shows online before they air on TV
• Netflix’s global domination plans find a US fanbase
• Netflix is so big that it doesn’t need net neutrality rules anymore
• A buyer’s primer on who’s NOT subscribing to Netflix
• Netflix is killing it
  – Reed Hastings in shareholder letter cited an unconfirmed report about the BBC ““The BBC has become the first major linear network to announce plans to go binge-first with new seasons, favoring internet over linear viewers. We presume HBO is not far behind the BBC.”
  – Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos “We’re seeing as we’re adding more and more global shows that it’s rising all boats across the world,”
  -“Weakening of US net neutrality laws, should that occur, is unlikely to materially affect our domestic margins or service quality because we are now popular enough with consumers to keep our relationships with ISPs stable.”
  -“On a public policy basis, however, strong net neutrality is important to support innovation and smaller firms.”  
  – A UBS study of US non-subscribers to Netflix
  – 2/3 older than 55
  – 3/5 have HH income below US median, also small HH of 1 or 2 perople
  – Slower on technology adoption
  – The report notes that adding Netflix as part of a cable bundle is more likely to convert this group into subscribers

How to Watch

• NBCU Shutting Cable’s Esquire Network, Re-Launching As Digital
  – NBC is shutting down its Esquire Cable network, a month after DirecTV dropped it, and will relaunch it this Spring on Esquire.com. It will have all existing programs plus anticipated new shows.
  – Esquire averaged 55,000 adults 18-49 in primetime last year72 of 104 networks. Even NBC’s leverage of USA (#4) and Bravo (#23) weren’t enough to keep it going. 
• Pondering the future of niche cable in era of cord cutting
• Hulu will let you download shows ‘in a few months’
  – Hulu has extended its user profiles function to iOS and Android. Users of Hulu on the Web, Xbox and PlayStation also have access to profiles.
  – And Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins told AdWeek that you’ll have the option to download Hulu shows in a few months, once licensing issues are squared away. 

What to Watch

• Star Wars: Episode VIII Is Now Star Wars: The Last Jedi
  – The next Star Wars movie has a title. Episode VIII will be called Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
• Netflix’s The Discovery posits a dark outcome from proving the afterlife exists
  – A movie called The Discovery will come to Netflix March 31. Robert Redford plays a person who has proved the afterlife is real causing a spike in suicides. The movie also stars Jason Segel, Rooney Mara and Jesse Plemons.
• Netflix’s House of Cards will return on May 30th for its fifth season
  – House of Cards will return to Netflix on May 30 for season 5. It’s the first season without creator Beau Willimon as showrunner.
• Twitter to live-stream from red carpet for 3 more award shows
  – Twitter will partner with Dick Clark Productions to live stream the red carpet pre-show for the Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards. Twitter will also live stream the 7th annual Streamy Awards.
• Seinfeld’s ‘Comedians in Cars’ moves to Netflix this year
  – Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee will bring 24 new episodes to Netflix starting in late 2017 along with 59 back episodes. Previously it was the only show most people could remember when asked what kinds of things you could find on Sony’s Crackle service. Seinfeld will also film two stand-up specials.
• Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens TV Miniseries Arrives on Amazon Next Year
  – Neil Gaiman will be the showrunner of a six-part adaptation of Good Omens, a book Gaiman co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett. Amazon is co-developing it with the BBC for air in 2018. 
• Star Trek Discovery delayed, no longer has a release date
  – James Frain has been cast as Spock’s father Sarek howeever, the series will no longer debut in May. A representative told the Hollywood Reporter, “We’ve said from the beginning it’s more important to do this right than to do it fast.” No new release date has been announced.
• The author of The Martian is writing a NASA TV pilot for CBS
  – Andy Weir, author of the Martian is working on a pilot for CBS called Mission Control that “revolves around the next generation of NASA astronauts and scientists who juggle their personal and professional lives” during a critical mission.

What We’re Watching

• Brian: Young Pope 102,103. Justified, Sherlock 403
• Tom: Laura, Justified (502) Sherlock (403) Star Trek: Voyager
• Jeff: Split, Captain Fantastic
• On the Lookout: AwesomenessTV’s “We Love You , BuzzFeedVideo’s “Broke.

Front Lines

• 15% of U.S. broadband households have antenna-only TV service
  – A Parks Associates study found 15 percent of US broadband households get TV from an antenna the 5th straight quarter of growth. Pay TV subscriptions dropped to 81%, making three straight years of declines.   
• DirecTV Now got 200,000 subscribers in its first month
  – In an SEC financial filing AT&T stated the the DirecTV Now streaming service added more than 200,000 paying subscribers in its first month.
• AirTV is shipping to customers without its biggest feature (updated)
  – Dish’s AirTV boxes are shipping but without the promised integration of over the air channels into the Sling TV interface. A separate button gives access to over the air channels. The boxes on display at CES were running beta software apparently and a software update to bring the integrated guide to everyone should roll out next month. 
• Roku’s new app can replace its remote, help you find something to watch
  – Roku updated its Android and iOS apps, moving navigation to the bottom of the app and showing you a list of channels you have installed in the main screen when you first launch the app. A new section called What’s On makes recommendations. The remote screen also now more closely resembkles the physical Roku remote. 
• Shambling corpse of 3D TV finally falls down dead
  – LG and Sony will stop adding support for 3D TV to their television sets in 2017. Samsung dropped support from models in 2016 and Vizio in 2013. 
• Netflix Joins Apple’s TV App, Sort Of
  – The Apple TV app (which is on iOS and Apple TV the device) now supports non-original Netflix shows. Netflix originals can still only be accessed from the Netflix app.

Dispatches from the Front

Hi Tom/Brian – I just wanted to share the results of an experiment I was conducting to see if I could start using Amazon Prime video more than I was because I mostly forgot it was there.

Well TLDR; No. Their UX on both Roku and the Web is still terrible. When I stop watching the UHD version of the Grand Tour on the Roku and try to continue on the laptop it doesn’t continue from where I left on the Roku. Because Amazon tracks the UHD and the HD versions separately. Seriously!!! Also I rented 3 movies during their 99 cent rental offer and couldn’t find them on any screen. I had to search for them movies and then it showed that I had rented them. Also the UX is terrible to figure out which are paid and which are free on Prime.

When I discussed this with a few colleagues and friends, I found I wasn’t the only one struggling. So I guess amazon which is so brilliant in shopping UX needs a lot of work on the streaming part. I love a lot of the work they are doing but definitely need to ramp up the UX. For now I am back to itunes and Google Play for renting. But I assume Apple will run into this when they plan on launching their streaming service.

Thanks,
– Josh

 

 

 

Hey guys,

I love the show and I am a Patreon contributor. I have a question. What apps would you recommend that show where to stream a movie or tv show?

Thanks again for the show. I cut cable October 2015 and I haven’t missed it. My wife was the reason I didn’t do it sooner but she was tried of Comcast issues and agreed to try. We agreed to cut cable for a month without actually dropping the cable. We disconnected the TVs and hooked up an OTA antenna. After two weeks my wife said she didn’t miss cable and we dropped Comcast.

We use Netflix, Acorn TV and Tablo with the antenna. We use a combination of Apple TVs and Roku on 4 TVs. I like Apple better and my wife prefers Roku. I use SideReel to track my shows at Tom’s recommendation. We have used Sling TV, PlayStation Vue and Dirrectv Now. Of the three, I like PS Vue the best but I will try Hulu’s new service we it comes out.

Sincerely,
– Elvin

• Justwatch.com

 

Hello wonderful employees!

I meant to write in some time ago about this subject, but just never got around to it.

The reason that Amazon didn’t release Grand Tour all at once is because they’re still filming!
This screen grab is from E! following the production team of GT around the Hollywood Hills, Wednesday, January 18, as they film elements for what’s possibly the season finale on February 3rd. According to WikiPedia, “it was announced that the final studio filming location will be Dubai in December 2016.[25].”

So there’s your answer, they’re still not done! However, they’re going straight into filming series two, so maybe that would be release Netflix-style.

Love the show, gents. Keep up the great work!

 

 

 

Thanks for recommending Movies With Mikey I love his review style, and his review of The Force Awakens changed my mind about the movie. When I saw it all I could see was all the fan service BS like “oh look it’s Death Star 3.0 this time it’s bigger”. Mikey revealed done of the underlying plot that I totally missed.
Love the show
Your boss
– Matt

 

Hey guys,

Heard your positive sounding coverage of the Anime Strike launch on Amazon. Always cool to see the anime streaming services get a little Cordkiller love. Wanted to drop you a line and hip you to some details about that service you may not be aware of. You’re right, anime fans tend to be a pretty passionate bunch, but we’ll get back to that later.

99% of the offerings on Anime Strike is content that’s readily available through other channels. There’s really nothing particularly special about most of the content it offers other than their “curation.” No doubt some of it was previously available on Amazon Prime.

But there is *one* thing that is special.

There is a programming block on Fuji TV called Noitamina (animation spelled backwards). Every broadcast season, it airs one weekly half-hour episode show. The content on that block is aimed at an older audience, and an audience that might not be your standard issue “anime fan.” Think drama, not Dragonball. And the content that airs on Noitamina, while not infallible, is generally considered to be a cut above by a lot of anime fans. Many folks will check out any show that airs on that block, even if it doesn’t appear to be their cup of tea. “Noitamina show” is a phrase that people recognize.

And Amazon signed a deal with Fuji TV to be the exclusive streaming distributer of simulcast content that airs on that block a few seasons back.

So essentially, Anime Strike is merely Amazon holding a single show, of well-regarded content, hostage for five dollars a month, every season. On TOP of an Amazon Prime membership. Compare that to the seven dollars a month for a Crunchroll membership – where you can watch literally *everything else* that is simulcasting (plus a large library of things you *can’t* see other places).

There is no value add to Anime Strike. It’s a very old-media, consumer-hostile, balkanization maneuver.

Y’all are correct – anime fans are a pretty passionate bunch. Moreover, they’re pretty savvy about streaming services too. And the naked cynicism of what Amazon is doing with that service is readily apparent. I assure you, Anime Strike enjoys absolutely no good will in western anime fandom. People are going to continue paying Crunchyroll (a company that enjoys a *great deal* of consumer good will) their seven dollars a month, and torrent the single Noitaminia show. That’s what’s going to happen.

That isn’t intended to be justifications for piracy, just pointing out the reality and economics of the situation.

Cheers guys,

– Monte

Links

2016 Winter Movie Draft
patreon.com/cordkillers
 

Do we want AT&T to buy TimeWarner? Vudu starts a free streaming service. FireTV gets a makeover. With special guest Ben Howard.

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CordKillers: Ep. 142 – A New Type of Extortion! 
Recorded: October 24 2016
Guest: Ben Howard

Intro Video

• DIDN’T PAY $1000 OUR CHANNEL GOT TERMINATED!

Primary Target

• AT&T to buy Time Warner in media-shaking $85.4B deal
• AT&T’s new streaming service, DirecTV Now, just got a lot more interesting
• AT&T-Time Warner may signal start of new media industry consolidation
• US Senate to investigate Time Warner ATT merger
• DirecTV Now to launch in November
• AT&T-Time Warner Announcement Was Supposed to Come Post-Election
  – AT&T has agreed to acquire Time Warner (HBO, CNN, Movie studios etc.) for $85.4 billion (half stock half cash)
  – Expect it to complete by end of 2017
  – AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said Monday that DirecTV’s over the top service will launch in November at a “radically lower” price than competing services.
  – A Senate subcommittee responsible for competition will hold a hearing in November.
  – Dan Primack at Fortune notes AT&T only has to pay $500 million to Time Warner if the deal falls apart, vs. the $4 billion it had to pay Deutsche Telekom when TMO-USA deal fell apart. 

How to Watch

• Walmart launches a free streaming service, Vudu Movies on Us
  – Vudu launched a free ad-supported video on demand service in the US, called Vudu Movies on Us. The service will not focus on new movies or original content, but rather build a back catalogue which will increase over the next several months. The site will be marketed by Vudu’s parent company Walmart, both in stores and online. Movies will stream at 1080p with pre-roll and some mid-roll ads. The company is also working with Nielsen to track mobile and connected TV viewing. 
• Amazon’s Fire TV software is getting a new look soon
• Amazon cuts Fire TV’s price to keep up with 4K competitors
  – Amazon started shipping its refreshed FireTV Stick with Alexa-enabled remote for $40.
  – FireTV price cut to $90. Antenna bundle $100, Gaming edition $130
  – Amazon also started showing off an update to its Fire TV interface coming later this year
  – Primary navigation has shifted from left side to the top
  – More accessibility for screen readers
  – Individual apps can be reoreded

 

What We’re Watching

• Brian: Joe Rogan special (netflix), Black Mirror (301-302), Justified 402, Westworld 104
• Tom: Arrow, Flash, Black Mirror (301-303), Star Wars Rebels, Justified (402), The Walking Dead (701), Westworld (104)
• Ben: Westworld, The Strain, Designated Survivor, This is Us
• On the Lookout: Terrace House, Futurestates

Front Lines

• Google reportedly signs CBS for web TV service
  – The Wall Street Journal reports that Google signed a deal with CBS to carry the network on an as yet unannounced YouTube TV service called Unplugged. Google is also reportedly nearing a similar deal with 21st Century Fox, and in advanced talks with NBCUniversal and Disney. The Unplugged service will supposedly offer bundles from $25 to $40. If talks advance, the service could launch in early 2017. One sticking point in negotiations, the right for YouTube to overlay data on top of network live feeds. 
• Vimeo launches a TV store featuring top series from Lionsgate, STARZ
  – Vimeo launched its partnership with Lionsgate and STARZ to sell shows in the Vimeo store. Lionsgate produced shows liek Orange is the New Black and Mad Men are in there and will be joined shortly by Starz original series like Ash vs. Evil Dead and Black Sails. The store is at vimeo.com/tvstore. 
• YouTube is now available on your Dish DVR
  – Dish has added a YouTube app to its Hopper 3 DVR accessible on Channel 371. You can also cast videos from a YouTube app to the DVR. The Hopper 3 also supports Netflix, Pandora, Vevo, and Weather Channel channel apps.
• Sling TV adds NHL Network to its add-on Sports Extra package
  – Sling TV added the NHL network to its sports extra package. It’s the first over the top service to get the NHL. The NHL Network offers 75 games a year. The Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries were added to the “Lifestyle Plus Extra” add-on. 
• Why Netflix shouldn’t be scared of the ‘Netflix of China’ and its splashy US debut — yet
  – Chinese company LeEco which offers a service often called the “Netflix of China” announced a video service for its new phones and TVs launching in the US. While the servie announced partners like Showtime, Lionsgate and even Sling, it turns out the service is more of an app ecosystem where you have to subscribe to each service individually but can then use them seamlessly across LeEco devices. The one exception is Lionsgate which will license some movies directly to the LeEco Live platform.
• The NBA is adding a zoomed-in view for smartphones to all League Pass streams
  – NBA League Pass customers will have the option to choose a Mobile View for every game streamed on the service this season. The option which appears in the app for phones and tablets has a dedicated producer and camera working to shoot video that’s more zoomed in and easier to see on a smaller screen. The NBA also announced one game a week will be streamed in VR with its own dedicated crew and announcers. 

Dispatches from the Front

Hey Tom and Brian!

So today I decided to sign up for the PS Vue free trial, and I got a Roku Stick to put in the living room as well. I decided to tell my family to just try this “new cable service” for a week and tell me if they miss anything from before. I’m crossing my fingers that they don’t notice so we can cut the cord. Currently I’m paying around $180 per month just for the cable (not including internet or phone) thanks to box rentals, extra fees, and taxes. I’ll make sure to follow up next week and let you know how successful this experiment was!

– Alex

 

Hello I love the show it gave me the strength to cut the cord. I did it a year ago and have never looked back. It surprised me that half the shows I watched weekly were no longer important when I had to make an effort to watch them. This also includes mutliple sports.
My question is what show or sport you thought you couldn’t live without but after cutting the cord you haven’t missed? Mine was soccer.

– Kevin

 

 

 

Hey Brian and Tom,

I wanted to let Tom know (someone also mentioned this in the emails) that With PlayStation Vue, you can login to almost all channel standalone apps (Not Watch NFL Network for some reason). I use the Fox Sports Go app (Android, iOS, Roku, Chromecast, Web Browser, maybe more availability). It works really slick! Try it out.

That is how I get around the in home restrictions from PS Vue.

– Michael

 

 

 

Hey guys, as a Comcast employee one reason I see a decline in ESPN subs is because we install a lot of basic and limited basic TV packages which doesn’t include ESPN. When I asked why only basic service to these customers they respond with “I’m only getting the TV service so I can have a cheaper price on my Internet service .” Just thought I would throw my two cents in. Thanks guys and keep up the great work. 
 

Links

2016 Winter Movie Draft
patreon.com/cordkillers

Why cord-cutting will save you money, CW aims at cord-cutters, and the new 4K Rokus are here! With special guest Hammond Chamberlain.

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CordKillers: Ep. 138 – Can’t Beat That With a Roku Stick
Recorded:  September 27 2016
Guest: Hammond Chamberlain

Intro Video

•  

Primary Target

• Americans are paying 40% more for TV than they were 5 years ago
• Cable TV Bill Hits Average of $103 Per Month
  – Maybe Cordcutting CAN save you money
  – Leichtman Research found pay TV subscription pricces have risen 40% in 5 years
  – 2011 – $73.63 average cable/satellite
  – 2016 – $103.10
  – Subscribership down to 82% of households with a TV
  – SNL Kagan says Pay TV lost 800K subs last quarter

Signal Intelligence

• The CW App: Watch New Seasons Of ‘Arrow,’ ‘The Flash,’ ‘Supergirl’ And ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ For Free
  – CW pulled out of Hulu and is adding more of it’s own apps
  – Expanded app snow cover Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox, and Amazon Fire TViOS and Android apps
  – Last 5 episodes free with ads
  – CW rumored to be working on a subscription service of its own
  – most popular series last season digitally were ‘The Flash’ and ‘Jane the Virgin,’”
  (Previously reported Netflix gets past season shows 8 days after season finale) 

Gear Up

• Roku’s new players start at $30, and they make 4K and HDR cheaper
  – Roku announced a new line of players. The Roku Express costs $30 with a faster processer than the previous streaming stick or Roku 1. The Roku Express+ is $40 and includes composite cable inputs. Both have the stick form factor. The Roku Premiere is $80 with 4K support at 60fps, faster quad-core processors and dual-band 802.11ac WiFi. The Premiere+ is $100 and supports HDR, ethernet and microSD. It also has the headphone jack on its remote. The Roku Ultra is $130 with 4K HDR plus optical audio, USB, voice search and a lost remote button on the box. Roku’s universal search works across 100 services now. The models are available for preorder and ship October 9th.

Under Surveillance

• First Details on The Dark Tower’s Companion TV Series, Which Will Include Idris Elba
  – Entertainment Weekly says the Dark Tower TV series which will debut a year after the movie will adapt Wizard and Glass, the 4th book. Idris Elba will play the older Roland. The Man In Black will appear but MCConaughey is not confirmed.
• Yes, There Will Be a New Star Wars Story Film in 2020, But What Will It Be?
  – Disney CEO Bob Iger told investors that Star Wars movies are planned until 2020 when a third Star Wars Story will come out. Kathleen Kennedy and Iger have started talking about what happens in 2021.
• YouTube Gaming to air weekly live show with Geoff Keighley
  – YouTube Gaming will produce a weekly live show hosted by Geoff Keighley Thursdays at 8 PM. Eastern. It’ll have trailers, gameplay footage and developer interviews
• Hulu’s New Horror Series Freakish Teases Its Evil Mutants
  – Hulu original series Freakish, originally created for AwesomenessTV. high schoolers are menaced by mutants spawned after an accident at the local chemical plant—. All 10 eps. Arrive October 10. Or two free new episodes per day on Tumblr.
• Hulu’s VR app is getting new comedy and news programs
  – Hulu has ordered 10 episode of The Big Picture: News in Virtual Reality and five episodes of Virtually Mike and Nora. The shows will arrive this autumn for Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR.
• NBC will stream the debates and other election coverage in VR, starting tonight
  – Facebook will live stream the US Presidential debates in cooperation with ABC and Twitter will do the same in partnership with Bloomberg and of course YouTube will have coverage from Bloomberg, PBS, The Washington Post and Telemundo as well as streams from YouTube Live users. But NBC is partnering with AltspaceR to stream the debates in virtual reality, hosted by Al Roker’s avatar from Virtual Democracy Plaza. NBC will also stream Q&As, analysis and comedy shows and more leading up to election night coverage. The AltspaceVR app is available for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Samsung Gear VR. 2D versions will stream at altvr.com/nbcnews. Coverage starts Wednesday night.
• Brian: Justified 311, Mr. Robot 212, Atlanta 101-104
• Tom: This is Us, Justified (311), Mr. Robot (212), The Good Place, Star Wars: Rebels
• Hammond: Enterprise, Lucha Underground season 1, Modern Rogue
• On the Lookout: Long Way Round and Long Way Down

Front Lines

• This is the 4K Google Chromecast Ultra
  – VentureBeat has images they say are of a new Chromecast to be announced at a Google hardware event on October 4th. The Chromecast Ultra would be capable of 4K and cost an alleged $69. It would run the 1.21 firmware which is now in beta. 
• Plex partners with Amazon to launch a hardware-free media server, Plex Cloud
  – If running your own PC server has kept you from discovering the joys of Plex, we have good news. Plex Cloud in partnership with Amazon Cloud Drive will let you host your files remotely. You can add files to your Amazon Cloud Drive from any device then stream using the Plex app. You’ll have to pay for the Plex Pass to take advantage of the service which is $60 a year, but that gives you unlimited storage. You can sign up for the beta at https://www.plex.tv/cloud/
• AT&T to launch DirecTV Now streaming video service before 2017
  – AT&T’s Randall Stephenson announced the company’s DirecTV Now service will launch before the end of the year. DirecTV Now will provide more than 100 premium cable TV channels over the Internet in the US. The service will allow two streams per household with more streams possibly available for purchase. AT&T may also bundle wit with wireless or broadband Internet service. No other details were given. Stephensnon says the company is 90% done with deals for content. Bloomberg reports on sources saying AT&T plans for its upcoming streaming TV service, DirecTV Now, to be its primary video platform within 5 years. 
• AT&T to launch DirecTV Now streaming video service before 2017
  – ReCode reports its sources say Verizon is in advanced talks to acquire video startup Vessel. Vessel is run by former Hulu CEO Jason Kilar. Vessel has been allegedly working on a new product described as “Snapchat-like,” with image filters and other features. Recode’s Peter Kafka points out Verizon has listed video among the main reasons for acquiring AOL and soon Yahoo.
• Netflix Targeting 50% of Content to Be Original Programming, CFO Says
  – Netflix CFO David Wells told an audience at the Goldman Sachs conference Tuesday that Netflix is on track for half its content offering to be made up of Netflix originals within the next few years. Wells said not every show needs to be a home run either saying they can live with singles and doubles. This is a baseball metaphor which means not every show has to be a huge hit. Wells also said of customers who cancel Netflix, between 33% and 50% eventually return to subscribe to the service.

Dispatches from the Front

The Canadian streaming service Shomi which was launched officially in 2015 by cable giants Rogers and Shaw will close down on November 30th and Rogers estimated a $100-140 million investment loss on their 3rd quarter earnings.

According to Toronto’s Solutions Research Group (SRG) the services of Shomi and Crave (Bell Media) had one seventh the subscribers of Netflix. As a Rogers Cable Internet customer it was added as part of my tier with no apparent price increases, so I’m sure many of the subscribers they had may not be actively contributing to revenue.

This was the service where I watched shows like Mr. Robot, Last Man on Earth, Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the original seasons of Black Mirror. Not sure if another provider will then pickup the streaming rights to these shows or I will have to look to iTunes for purchasing them.

• Shomi is shutting down

 

 

Hi Tom and Brian,

A few months ago, I sent in my review about Playstation Vue service. I wasn’t thrilled with it at the time, especially the DVR functionality, so I cancelled it after the free trial.

A few weeks ago I decided to give it another shot. In Chicago we now have access to CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox and the DVR functionality has greatly improved and I am thrilled by the progress made in just a few months. Last week I unplugged all my cable boxes in preparation of the conversion and my family was on board.

Today, when cancelling my Comcast service I thought I would do a little research for your show and cancelled using their online chat service. It was easy, I didn’t have to deal with the retention department and it was actually a pleasant experience.

If listeners are looking for a non-stressful Comcast cancellation experience, the chat service is the way to go.

Love the show.

– John from Chicago

 

 

Hey guys, it’s your boss.

I got bored tonight and decided to do the chicken challenge with Directv. My bill had crept over $125/mo (TV only) and I had the family convinced that sling or PlayStation vue were viable. I managed to get $50 off my bill, so I stayed. However, in looking for negotiation leverage I peeked at the intro prices for the various packages and found that they were darn close to the full rates for ongoing customers.

Select $50 new —> $51.99 existing
Entertainment $55 new —> $61.99 existing
Choice $60 new —> $74.99 existing
Xtra $70 new —> $81.99 existing
Utlimate $75 new —> $91.99 existing
Premier $125 new —> $144.99 existing

I find it interesting that the bottom has such a small gap in the new subscriber’s and existing. I have two wild speculations about this: first, cord cutting has made the customers at that price point need ongoing low prices, so the difference has reduced – not the top tier is $20/mo more. Second, I believe that they make up a lot of the price difference in hardware. Part of my agreement was $30/mo off for hardware. So in 2 years, that bill jumps up because of the devices and not the service. This artificially makes all the plans look cheaper, because none of them are possible without the box.

Speaking of boxes, Directv isn’t offering the GenieGo anymore, and my rep said that it was because they were preparing a streaming-only service. He said a lot of things, though, so I would only use random service rep’s word as the basis for wild speculation.

Keep up the good work.

– Joe

 

 

For this fall seasons there are all of the CW shows that I love and I want to show support. I am a cord killer and let’s say I have a system to get TV. However for these shows I want to do the most that I can to show my support. Bryan since you have had a network TV show what things make a difference for TV execs?

– Martin

 

Links

www.patreon.com/cordkillers

 

Netflix asks FCC to crack down on data caps, CBS All Access adds a commercial free tier, and do you still care about a new TiVo model? With special guest Dan Benjamin.

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CordKillers: Ep. 136 – Netflerks
Recorded: September 12 2016
Guest: Dan Benjamin

Intro Video

• The Marvel Symphonic universe

Primary Target

• Netflix asks FCC to review data caps
  –  Netflix has filed a request with the FCC to add data caps to its annual review of telecommunications deployment (usually focuses on availability and speed)
  – Netflix: “the Commission should hold that data caps on fixed-­line networks ­­and low data caps on mobile networks­­ may unreasonably limit Internet television viewing and are inconsistent with Section 706.”
• FCC changes cable box rules to please industry, gets blowback anyway
• Comcast to FCC: Your set-top box plan is illegal
  – FCC modified cable set-top box rules adopting most of the suggestions from Cable industry
  – original plan allowed third-party software
  – Industry proposed provider-made software for linear and on-demand content only in HTML5
  – FCC changed to provider software but requires recording functionality and support of non-HTML5 if used by a “widely deployed platforms, such as Roku, Apple iOS, Windows and Android.”
  – operators with more than 1 million subs must comply within two years. 400K- 1 million 4 years. below 400K exempt.
  – Standard license for software to be used by all operators
  – Comcast to Ars: “empowers the Commission to hand over to a third party [pay-TV companies’] rights to the proprietary technologies and service that make up their apps,”
  – Wheeler also wrote that all copyright and licensing agreements will remain intact, since “the delivery of pay-TV programming will continue to be overseen by pay-TV providers from end-to-end.”
  – NCTA: ” “Programmers today do not pool and offer uniform rights across all platforms and uses.”
  – Final vote scheduled for September 29
  – SUMMARY UPSHOT: FCC will let cable companies write the software apps but require DVR functions and a single license for the software. Cablecos. are upset most about the license because they think it will threaten licensing deals for shows.”

Signal Intelligence

• CBS All Access commercial-free option costs $4 more a month
  – CBS All Access – exclusive future home of Star Trek: Discovery in the US — will offer a commercial free version of the service for $10 a month
  – Current offer is $6 a month
  – Also coming to Xbox One
  – SUMMARY UPSHOT: CBS first big service after Hulu to offer a commercial-free tier.

Gear Up

• New TiVo Bolt+
• TiVo’s new interface will cut down on channel surfing
• TiVo is working on a network DVR that’ll broadcast to your non-TVs
  – Rovi completed takeover of TiVo
  – New TiVo interface
  – Centered around surfacing what you want to watch rather than just showing everything that’s on.
  – FCC filing from TiVo describes a networked OTA DVR similar to Tablo or simple.tv (codenamed Mantis)
  – HOWEVER – Today TiVo announced an update to the Bolt, called the Bolt+ for $499 (+$200 over orig)
  – Can record up to 6 channels at once (2 more than orig)
  – 3TB hard drive (vs. 1 TB orig)
  – Glossy black
  – No HDR yet could come in update. (does do 4K just like original Bolt)
  – On sale Thursday Sept. 15

Under Surveillance

• Ron Howard Puts a Family on Mars in First Trailer
  – A trailer is out for a NatGeo series called Mars from Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. The six-part series weaves a scripted drama about the first Mars mission in 2033 with doc-style interviews about the reality of such a mission. Mars premieres in 171 countries in November. (Thx Kristi Kates!)
• Trailer for Netlix’s sci-fi movie, ARQ
  – And a Trailer out for Netflix SciFi movie ARQ about a man who gets shot and wakes up remembering the future. Very Edge of Tomorrow.Coming September 16. 
• HBO has plotted out at least five seasons for its sci-fi drama Westworld
  – HBO’s Westworld halted production last fall because they wanted the writers to lay out at least five seasons worth of episodes. Westwolrd Premiers October 2
• Justin Timberlake’s concert film debuts on Netflix October 12th
  – Justin Timberlake’s concert film debuts on Netflix October 12th. Justin Timberlake and The Tennessee Kids, the title is the performance from the Las Vegas stop of the singer’s 20/20 Experience Tour. 
• Netflix confirms Stranger Things season two for 2017
• Netflix confirms new ‘Narcos’ seasons 
• Netflix orders a series from ‘Mythbusters’ veterans
  – Netflix has ordered White Rabbit Project from former Mythbusters Kari Byron, Grant Imahara and Tory Belleci who will investigate strange topics using science. Coming December 9th. 
• Hulu’s ‘Future Man’ is a gamer’s dream-turned TV show
  – Hulu has a 13-episode comedy series called Future Man starring Josh Hutcherson (Peeta in Hunger Games) as janitor/dejected gamer recruited by mysterious visitors to save humanity. Includes Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg as producers. Coming in 2017
• Bill Nye is getting a talk show on Netflix
  – Netflix will launch a talk show called Bill Nye Saves the World next year. “Each episode will tackle a topic from a scientific point of view, dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims.” Tonight Show’s Mike Drucker is head writer and Phil Plait is head science writer. 
• Brian: Mr. Robot (209, 210), Justified (308 only), Narcos 201-205
• Tom: Justified (308, 309), Mr. Robot (209, 210), X-Men Apocalypse, Hitchcock
• Dan: Netflix Chef’s Table, The Good Wife, Mr. Robot
• On the Lookout: Expedition Overland

Front Lines

• Amazon Said to Seek Sports Video Rights From Tennis to Rugby
  – Bloomberg’s sources tell it Amazon is looking into buying the rights to live sporting events. Tennis, rugby, golf, soccer and auto racing are among the sports named. They might also look to add sports networks as add-ons. Amazon hired a former Sports Illustrated exec James DeLorenzo and former YouTube exec Charlie Neiman to build partnerships with sports companies. 
• Time Inc. readies streaming TV network
  – Time Inc. will launch its first streaming network Tuesday called People/Entertainment Weekly Network or PEN. The free ad-supported network will launch on Roku, Amazon, Fire TV, Apple TV and Chromecast with 50 hours of existing programming and 15 original series coming in the year. 
• PlayStation 4 will play Netflix and YouTube videos in HDR
  – Sony announced new PlayStation models last week. The new PS Pro will be able to play 4K videos from Netflix and all PS4 models will get an update to allow HDR videos from the services. 
• Sony Bravia TVs to lose YouTube access
  – After September 30, Sony Bravia TVs from before 2012 will no longer be able to play YouTube. According to Sony, YouTube is exceeding the capability of the older hardware, likely a reference to encrypted connections. 
• Sling TV’s streaming service for cord cutters hits Windows 10
  – Sling TV added the Pac-12 network to its sports package and Starz as a $9 a month add-on. Sling TV also launched a Winodws 10 app. 
• Fire TV and Fire TV Stick updated with better voice search, personalized recommendations from HBO & Netflix
  – The latest Fire TV update integrates search across 75 apps. Roku claims 25 and Apple says 30. So the race for cross-app search continues. 

Dispatches from the Front
Hey guys,

Just listened to this past week’s show and wanted to add some points about your experiences with NBCs coverage of the Olympics.

Admittingly, I tend to live in the NBCSN app for most of the year because they have exclusive rights to English Premier League soccer, but I found that the NBCSN app did most of the things you were saying they should for the Olympics.

The app on my phone updated and added the Olympic rings in the icon. When I opened it, it gave me the chance to select Olympic events, athletes and/or countries I wanted to track.

Then I would receive live notifications each day telling me when an important event was about to start and give me the option to just click on it to go to the live stream and watch.

I would get what seemed like at least a dozen notifications a day that included my preferences and other random events it considered note worthy (so for example “Watch the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt run in the 200m semi.” And so on)

One complaint though is that most events tended to be a raw feed. If it made the primetime broadcast, that would be when you would get the actual commentary or special athlete profile segments. During the day, if it was not something broadcast on live TV it was just the event with sounds from the venue.

Aside from the Olympic stuff…wanted to offer a tip for Premier League fans. All games are broadcast on TV, but depending on the cable company some games are in SD. However in the app, all games are HD. There is also a RedZone like, app only channel called Goal Rush. This shows the game of the day live and cuts to big plays and goals in all of the games. Definitely great if you have a fantasy team.

Cheers!
– Byron NYC

 

 

Hey Tom and Brian,

Wanted to throw a quick comment (non-advertising related) regarding your discussion on The Departed. The movie, despite being often as “original” or a “masterpiece”, is not original. The movie itself is a remake of the 2002 award-winning film “Infernal Affairs” from Hong Kong (the true “original” has a prequel and sequel as well, of which portions were incorporated in the American remake). I don’t believe it’s on Netflix though it’s available for rent and purchase on Amazon.

Best,
– Derrick

 

 

Hey Cord Killers,

What would be the best way to watch The CW without cable? I’ve used the Xbox app but it’s not that great, & the app has adds. Would you recommend buying an HD antenna, or buying season passes for the DC TV shows on Amazon?

If antenna is the better route, what brand would you recommend?

Thanks,
– Zach

 

• The Best Indoor HDTV Antenna

 

 

Hey guys,
You keep saying that Netflix has the new star trek discovery show for everywhere but the US…well you forgot about Canada. Bell Media outbid Netflix, will air the premiere on CTV and then the rest on the SPACE channel. Which you need cable for!!
They say it may be available “later” for streaming. Space also got the entire star trek back catalogue that will just air…on cable…not streaming

Man…Bell sucks.

– Joel

 

 

 

Hey Brian and Tom,

On your recent discussion of how to retain your in country Netflix experience while traveling, my solution has been to use a VPN tied to my home router. I run Tomato on my Asus router (because I’m a geek) but I’m wondering if the router vendors are starting to include VPN software as well. I had no issues traveling to Europe or South America and keeping my home version of Netflix.

Granted, roll your own VPN is probably more complicated than most are interested messing with, but the router vendors might have an opportunity to differentiate their product for the globetrotting public.

– Bryan

• polarcloud

Links

www.patreon.com/cordkillers