streaming

3,252 Comments Posted on November 18, 2014March 30, 2015 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.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on October 28, 2014February 2, 2017 by Olivia Read

HBO vs Cable Bundling: What does this mean for the future of cable television?

Read ahead to find out what we think about HBO’s new stand-alone service and learn why you should care. And don’t forget to test your HBO savviness below… you might just be surprised!

You may have heard, you may have not – but for all those cable television subscribers out there who are simply sick and tired of having to pay for hundreds of channels that you never watch – the time has come!

Attention my fellow cord-cutters and cord-nevers, I have some news.

HBO CEO Richard Plepler recently announced that the company will be launching its very own “stand-alone, over-the-top HBO service in the United States” next year!

Next year guys. 2015.

What does this mean for us? Basically that you’ll be able to buy HBO without having to pay for a cable subscription – so go ahead and say it: SAYONARA Dish Network, Comcast, DirecTV!

Or wait a second… maybe cable companies shouldn’t start digging their own graves quite yet. Continue reading →

3,231 Comments Posted on October 14, 2014November 13, 2014 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 October 1, 2014November 12, 2014 by Vanessa Read

A simple guide to finding your TV show online

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.