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VUDU FREE-TO-VIEWER AD-SUPPORTED TV

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As if cable and satellite TV systems weren’t under extreme competitive pressure already, now Wal-Mart is breathing down their necks. The nation’s largest retailer owns VUDU, a streaming video platform that is rolling out an ad-supported free-to-the-viewer movie service.

VUDU currently charges $3.99 for a 1080p movie download. Through its new “Movies On Us” feature, the downloads will be free to the viewer, provided he’s willing to sit through commercials

The first of the ad-supported movie downloads include True Grit (the 2010 remake starring Jeff Bridges), and School of Rock, starring Jack Black. VUDU is promoting both titles heavily.

For any movie title, VUDU will offer the choice of renting it, buying it, or streaming the “Free with Ads” version. Some of the rental and purchase options are available in 4K or Ultra HD.

Jeremy Verba, VUDU’s general manager, said, “This new service provides value for customers who want movies and TV for free, when and how they wish to watch, without sacrificing quality.”

The streaming video market is getting ever more crowded. Last year, Dish Network launched Sling TV, a multichannel streaming VOD service. AT&T has signed carriage contracts for more then 100 channels for its DirecTV Now platform, to be launched by the year’s end. Turner Networks has been working on its own streaming VOD (video on demand) platform, FilmStruck. It’s unveiling has been delayed until November, though, because of a series of technical glitches. Comcast has conducted consumer tests of its TV everywhere VOD service. PlayStation Vue, originally a gaming platform, has has moved into streaming TV.

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HULU LIVE TV SERVICE 

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What had been rumored for months is now official. Hulu has confirmed that it will soon be launching a live streaming TV service.

Cord Cutter News, having acquired a copy of a survey Hulu sent to a small sample of its elite subscribers, reported that the internet video streaming service will charge $35.00 for its basic channel package streamed to one in-home or mobile device. For $50.00 per month, the customer will have the option of streaming the package to multiple devices. The offer includes 20 hours of DVR storage and live or on-demand access to all four major broadcast networks.

This last item is interesting, because CBS has not been mentioned in news reports about about carriage rights deals for Hulu’s new service.

For $20.00, the customer can increase DVR storage capacity to 300 hours.

The basic package likely will have about 80 channels, including AMC, ESPN, TBS, TNT, and USA. Sling TV, the pioneer in multichannel streaming TV, charges only $20.00 for its basic package, but it has only 27 channels. PlayStation Vue offers 55 channels in its Access Slim package for $30.00 per month.

Early reports indicate that Hulu’s live TV service will sell HBO as a $15.00 per month premium option, and Cinemax for $10.00 per month. Showtime, WWE, and Starz/Encore are also likely to be in its lineup, probably as $10.00 premium options. NFL RedZone and FOX Soccer Plus may also be included as premium options.

Hulu’s Live TV service is likely to become active late this year.

YouTube is another veteran internet video streaming service that has begun to offer paid curated content. Its $10.00 per month ‘Red’ platform offers ad-free video geared for teenagers and young adults.

(To get the most out of streaming video services, you need a reliable internet connection. If yours doesn’t measure up, talk to us. We can help.)