Cable tactics copied, another local news option
This week on TechHive: The streaming quality surcharge
Remember when cable companies would charge extra for HD video?
Streaming services like Amazon and Netflix used to avoid such tactics. To make their offerings more appealing, most of them would include the best possible video and audio quality at no extra charge.
That’s changed over the past couple of years, as the streamers focus on making each subscriber as profitable as possible. Charging extra for advanced audio and video formats—including 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision—is their way of hoovering up loose change from their couch potatoes’ couches.
Inspired by Amazon’s recent removal of Dolby Atmos and Vision support from its basic Prime Video plan, I looked at every major streaming service and what they’re charging for better video and audio quality. Today, only Apple TV+ and Peacock offer 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Atmos at no extra charge, and the latter doesn’t offer much content in those formats to begin with. The rest move at least some of those formats into pricier tiers, or they don’t support them at all.
Read the details on TechHive →
Weekly rewind
The sad state of baseball streaming: According to the Athletic, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred wants to offer a direct-to-consumer baseball streaming service with local games and no blackouts—in 2025. The league’s intentions aren’t exactly news, but the expected timing indicates another lost year for many baseball fans who want out of their bloated bundles.
Yes, there are some standalone options, which I’ve rounded up here, but the situation is a mess especially in Bally Sports markets, with some teams available via Bally Sports+, but others still tied to pricey pay TV packages. That’s not changing now that Bally’s no longer in danger of losing its broadcast rights to bankruptcy. I’m already used to saying “maybe next year” for my Yankees and Reds; might as well say it for sensible streaming options.
Another local news option: Zeam is a seemingly new streaming service that got its big debut during the Super Bowl (with John Stamos as pitchman), but it’s really just a revamped version of Vuit, which launched a few years ago. Like its predecessor, it offers free local news from hundreds of stations across the United States. The Streamable has a nice overview.
There are plenty of other ways to catch local news without an antenna or pay TV package, including LocalNow, NewsOn, and Haystack News. You’ll find even more inside free streaming apps such as PlutoTV, Tubi, and the Roku Channel. Each one has a different lineup of local newscasts, though, so having another option is always welcome.
YouTube TV’s channel recall: YouTube TV has added a “last channel” function after testing it with a limited audience a couple months back. Just long-press your remote’s OK or Select button to flip back and forth.
More catch-up
- Max’s sports tier gets Dolby Vision and Atmos at no extra charge.
- Rumor mill: Walmart may want to buy Vizio.
- You’ve heard of binge watching; now consider “stinge watching.”
- Amazon’s ads in Prime Video lead to the inevitable lawsuit.
- Possible name for the Disney-Fox-Warner sports bundle: “Hulu Sports.”
- Comcast would rather not talk about its data caps.
- Noggin is shutting down.
Save more money
If you took my advice in previous years and signed up for an MLBPAA fan membership to get a 50% discount on MLB.TV, that offer is back again, but only for returning members. Sadly, the MLBPAA quietly updated its website on Thursday evening to say that new MLBPAA members are not eligible, so don’t join up now or you might be out an extra $25.
Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for T-Mobile to kick off its annual MLB.TV giveaway for wireless customers. Last year, the carrier extended its deal with the league to offer free MLB.TV through 2028, but you may have to wait for the regular season to redeem it. I haven’t seen any other discounts on MLB.TV, but will let you know if that changes. (It’s usually half-off around Father’s Day if you can hold out until then.)
Other notable ways to save:
- The latest Paramount+ code is GOAT. Learn how to get it for free.
- Starz deals are back: $20 for six months, or $3 per month for three months.
- New and returning Peacock subscribers can still get a year for $30 with code PEAIHWO4KTP.
- Remember: I update my longer list of deals on Cord Cutter Weekly website once per week.
Still stuck with cable?
A friendly reminder that my “cutting the cord in three easy steps” write-up is still a solid starting point. I’ve also got a more in-depth guide over at TechHive with answers to common questions.
Plus: Here’s what I’ve written for everyone who always asks about getting DVR without cable.
Thanks for reading!
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Until next week,
Jared