All About Pay TV Services

Because people have complained that cable services forces them to buy channels that they don't watch, reform has been requested and initiated. In response, many have proposed pay-tv services to keep customers happy. Here are some ways that pay-tv services will change the way we view television today. 

Transition From Video Onto the Internet

One solution to offering more customized television programming requires moving video to the Internet. This will make it easier to watch only the programming that consumers want. This will be a great victory for online video companies who are struggling to make a name for themselves in the television industry. Streaming channels through the Internet could improve choices and increase competition for companies offering the services. So far, people think it's a good idea, but the verdict is still out. 

Redefine the Concept of the Multi-channel Video Programming Distributor

Currently, this title is reserved for companies like Comcast, Verizon FiOS, and DirecTV. In the past, these companies had to negotiate with local TV stations over retransmission fees, and pay-TV operators cannot deny access to any networks owned by the company. Companies will plan to replicate cable television online and give people more options as they have requested. This will give broadcasters more bargaining power and leverage. 

Rights and Licensing Agreements 

This argument has been in the works for 2.5 years, but they have agreed that startups will still have to pay for the rights to air programs on the Internet. They'll have the same constraints that satellite companies and cable companies have as it relates to media conglomerates that currently are dominating television programming. Content providers still want to sell channels in a bundle. This is why a typical pay-TV package will consist of dozens of channels chosen by the consumer. 

There hasn't been any decision made to break up the bundles, and the FCC may not be given the authorization to do so. Their best effort may be to only exclude the bundling of local television stations with non-broadcast networks, which consist of channels like Showtime, ESPN, and the Golf Channel. This new rule would only help companies that want to offer a low-cost way to offer television programming, but would not help companies such as Sony and Dish. That's why it's so imperative for the FCC to offer a set of rules for pay-TV providers and to welcome competition to make broadband better.

How Over-the-Top (OTT) Content Will Be Affected

OTT refers to the delivery of media over the Internet without a " multiple-system operator being involved in the control or distribution of the content." Providers of this type of programming are not responsible for copyrights or viewing abilities. 

However, OTT is expected to open up the possibilities of the type of programming that consumers are allowed to view, which will make the experience more flexible and palatable to viewers. This will increase competition and improve consumer satisfaction.