Boxee After DVR Subscriptions as Cord-Cutting Goes Mainstream
Boxee, the cross-platform freeware HTPC (Home Theater PC) software application with a 10-foot user interface and social networking features designed for the living-room TV, is said to be considering the launch of a paid DVR subscription service for users of their new Live TV tuner that was launched last month in an effort to cut cords.
Boxee conducted a survey among new users of their Live TV Tuner with the survey ending with the following question, “How much would you be willing to pay for the ability to record 300hrs of TV?” With choices ranging from $5, $10, $15 or Not interested.
If Boxee’s paid DVR subscription launches, they will be in direct competition with Simple.TV, a service that offers similar services as Boxee. Aside from having similar offerings as Boxee, Simple.TV recently launched a device that bridges the gap between streaming boxes and expensive cable and DVR. The box will be available in Spring 2012 for $149 with an additional $5 per month for using the service.
TiVo To Access U-Verse Data
TiVo and AT&T AdWorks entered a licensing agreement that would allow TiVo to use anonymous data from U-Verse into their audience measurement and research products in finding out the viewing habits of people.
“We believe this deal will bring a host of benefits to all sides of the media ecosystem,” Tara Maitra, TiVo senior vice president and general manager of content and Media Sales for TiVo said in a statement. “At TiVo, we are looking forward to using this anonymous viewing data from AT&T AdWorks to help project a better sampling of U.S. television viewing habits.”
Netflix’s $9M Settlement
DVD rental and video streaming service provider Netflix paid $9 million to settle the privacy lawsuit filed against them for allegedly keeping rental/viewing records of customers even if they no longer subscribe to the service. Though Netflix doesn’t plead guilty to any violations, they paid the settlement in compliance to the Video Protection Privacy Act.
The $9 million settlement dented Netflix finances added to the fact that their fourth quarter earnings fell from $40.7 million to $35.2 million.
Netflix also debuted original scripted programming with eight episodes of “Lilyhammer,” a fish-out-of-water drama about a New York mobster who relocated to Norway. Hulu is not far behind, as they are debuting “Battleground,” a faux-documentary sitcom about the young operatives of a middling political campaign in Wisconsin tomorrow, February 14.
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