 |
|
 |
This week on TechHive: 7 tools to make sense of cord-cutting |
|
 |
Figuring out the best way to cut cable isn’t always easy, with dozens of streaming video services to choose from. And even if you’ve already cut the cord, making sense of what you’ve got can be tricky as well, as each app offers its own labyrinthine menus and features.
Fortunately, you don’t need encyclopedic knowledge about the world of cord-cutting to make sense of it all. Instead, you can use various apps and tools to figure out which services you need and what to watch on them. Read the full column on TechHive for my picks. |
 |
Weekly rewind |
YouTube TV’s Apple tax: As noted Cord Cutters News, YouTube TV now costs $55 per month if you subscribe through the app on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV (that is, with iTunes billing), rather than $50 per month if you subscribe directly through YouTube. This was actually announced back in April, but it’s worth repeating as the new price takes effect for existing subscribers.
By charging $5 more, YouTube is likely trying to recoup Apple’s cut of subscription revenue, which is officially 30% for new subscriptions, and 15% for subscriptions that are active for more than a year. Netflix also took action against Apple’s revenue split last December by discontinuing iTunes sign-ups for new subscribers. Unfortunately, there’s no way to liberate a YouTube TV account from iTunes billing without cancelling and subscribing again through YouTube, so if you want to save the extra $5 per month, you’ll have to sacrifice your recordings and viewing preferences.
Real talk on Netflix and licensed shows: Bloomberg has an interesting story on the dilemma that TV networks such as NBC and CBS face in pulling shows from Netflix onto their own services. We’ve heard a lot about how Netflix eventually stands to lose hit shows like The Office, but quitting isn’t always easy for the networks. Sources tell Bloomberg that Netflix’s current agreement with the CW requires some shows to remain on the service for three to six years after they air, and that the past few years of Disney films will head back to Netflix exclusively in 2026.
Even when studios aren’t bound by long-term contracts, they might still opt for lucrative licensing deals over risky investments into their own streaming services. The story notes that Warner Bros., the mega-studio now owned by AT&T, will continue licensing shows to Netflix, even as AT&T reserves some for its own service. NBC has also held talks with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and even AT&T about licensing The Office, rather than hosting it exclusively on its own streaming service, and it will continue to license other shows to Netflix either way. Not all of these networks will find success competing with the likes of Netflix, so as things shake out over the next few years, I suspect that a lot of old shows will make their way back. |
|
|
 |
Save more money |
 |
SiliconDust is selling its HDHomeRun Connect networked tuner for just $48.88, which is the lowest price I’ve seen yet. Plug an antenna into this device, then plug it into your Wi-Fi router, and it can stream over-the-air channels to the HDHomeRun app on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One, and Windows. With some additional hardware, you can also use the HDHomeRun to build into an over-the-air DVR with Plex or Channels software. (I use both in tandem.)
Also worth noting: Digital movie rentals are on sale this weekend through iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and others. The sale includes recent releases for $3, and older films for as little as a buck. To see what’s available, head to this website and select your digital store of choice. |
 |
Get smarter about tech beyond cord-cutting with my other newsletter, Advisorator. The latest issue went out to subscribers on Monday, covering ways to find the best deals online, a clever calculation tool, and new tricks for Google and Amazon products. In addition to a hefty biweekly newsletter, you’ll get deal alert emails and personalized tech advice when you need it. Click here for sample issues and a free trial. |
 |
Thanks for reading! |
It’s been a slow news week in the cord-cutting world, so let’s pad this newsletter out with some personal plugging: Last week, I went on USA Today’s Talking Tech podcast with Jefferson Graham to discuss my previous column, which covered immediately cancelling streaming services to avoid getting hit with automatic renewal. Give it a listen, or read the related USA Today story.
Also: Please send me your questions, including the ones you’ve too afraid to ask. I would love to write another “cord-cutting questions answered” column like the one I put together last year. Just reply to this email to get in touch.
Until next week,
Jared |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|