Author: Vanessa

3,252 Comments Posted on by Vanessa Skim

How does net neutrality affect online streaming?

Net neutrality: by now, you’ve probably heard the phrase many times. Two months ago, popular websites such as Reddit, Kickstarter, Tumblr and Etsy took part in a “Day of Action”, where they showcased the debate prominently on their sites. The aim was to drive visitors to contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Congress and the White House.

But what exactly is net neutrality? How does it affect you, the consumer? Don’t be afraid of the abstract-sounding term: it’s actually rather easy to understand! Check out the following one-minute video from Mashable, or take a look at the beautiful infographic after the cut.

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2,569 Comments Posted on by Vanessa Read

To cancel or not to cancel?

by Gabrielle de Mijolla

ABC’s Manhattan Love Story, cancelled after four whole episodes had aired.

Lately everyone has been wondering why no new shows have been cancelled so far for the fall 2014/2015 TV season. Various theories have been aired. Some believe that the reason why a lot of networks have been clinging on to tanking new shows is that there is a lack of confidence in mid-season replacement shows. In other words, some of the other shows in store might just be worse than those that have already premiered.

Another theory posited is that some of the shows that are bombing are bombing in one-hour blocks, making it more difficult to cancel one show without cancelling the second one. For instance, ABC’s Manhattan Love Story, which has received a lot of backlash, airs just before the equally unpopular Selfie.

By far the most widely accepted reason for this absence of cancelling is the role DVR plays in shaping networks’ decisions. DVR numbers can take a few weeks to come in which explains why networks are taking longer to evaluate their shows. While delayed viewing is something to take into consideration, it also seems like some networks are using it as an excuse to postpone the cancellation of shows that are clearly of substandard quality.

Take a look at our gallery of shows that are likely to be cancelled below.

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3,231 Comments Posted on by Vanessa Read

Online TV providers: serving ads, serving food

Ads.

Ah, that terrible, terrible word. Who hasn’t researched a million ways online to try to avoid those little interruptions during their season catch-up binge-watch?

The fact is, online video ads are here to stay. Not only are people apparently more receptive to them, but they also have a higher impact on viewers. This makes them great for marketing folks at your lovely local conglomerate. In fact, online video ad revenue spend is growing faster and faster, having overtaken broadcast TV in April this year (and cable TV before that).

Honestly, though, most of us wouldn’t mind a few strategically placed, well-targeted, or entertaining ads. After all, we understand that the episode that we’re streaming free has to be paid by someone, somewhere, and ads are a relatively harmless form of currency.

Still, that doesn’t excuse advertisers for just slapping them on every available surface — or even, at times, creating artificial breaks in episodes just to serve ads. Continue reading →

1,580 Comments Posted on by Vanessa Read

A simple guide to finding your TV show online

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You’re sitting on your couch with laptop ready, candy on the side, gearing yourself up for some marathon TV watching. Today, you decide, is the day. You’re finally going to watch all of Season 1 of that hilarious new comedy that all your friends have been raving about.

You open your internet browser, and pause. Wait, what now? You know that most shows are available online completely legally, but you’re not really sure of how to make your way around the proliferation of services.

Well, then, this guide is for you.

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