Sling TV’s Multiple-Stream TV Service
Dish Network launched Sling TV, its dedicated streaming video platform, early last year. It was a revolutionary idea for the often-complacent pay TV industry. A satellite system operator was offering a semi-independent internet video streaming service. The customer would not need the customary contract, would not have to sign a long-term commitment, and would not have to schedule an installation. The customer would not need a satellite dish or a dedicated TV set-top box.
Sling TV could be streamed to a wide variety of devices. These include Mac and PC computers, iOS and Android tablets and phones, almost every dedicated video streamer, and several gaming consoles. There are very electronic devices Sling TV will not support.
In other respects, Sling TV would resemble a conventional cable or satellite TV service. It would carry multiple channels in its core package, including major commercial broadcast stations. The basic channel package would be much smaller than the typical pay TV package, though, and would cost much less.
If there was any major drawback with Sling TV, it’s that it was limited to one stream per household. On Wednesday, April 13, Dish addressed the matter with a new ‘multi-stream’ service (now in beta tests). The customer will be able to stream it to up to three devices at a time. At its launch, the multi-stream selection in the basic package was limited to a few FOX networks: Fox Sports, FX, and National Geographic. Optional premium channels available in multiple streams include A&E, AMC, EPIX, HBO, Scripps, Turner, and Univision.
The channel selection available for multiple streams is likely to expand over time. Dish Network is negotiating with content providers, and expects to offer a far more channel options within a few months.
The basic twenty-three channel Sling TV package sells for just $20.00 per month. Several optional ‘Extra’ programming packages are available for $5.00 per month each.
One average, TV bills for Sling TV customers are about half the size of cable bills.
(For any internet video streaming service, you need a good broadband connection. Talk to us. We can help.)