Dish Network to provide free TV streaming on mobile devices for subscribers

[wuyanks]

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One feature lacking on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (aside from SlingBox) is streaming live TV. However, that is about to change for Dish Network customers. Soon, Dish Network subscribers will soon be able to watch live TV on their mobile devices, at no extra cost. A service... for free?! Now, you will need extra hardware for this setup to work, and Dish Network will provide two options. One is to purchase a SlingBox, which retails for $180 to $300. The second option would be to cough up "$200 to $400 to upgrade to Dish's HD DVR with SlingBox features." In addition to that flat fee, the multiple DVR service will cost $10 a month, but at least you'll get recording capabilities with it. So streaming TV onto your mobile device will be free, kinda. How will the free app work?

Viewers using Dish's new app can switch channels remotely. But if someone at home is watching one channel, the person using a mobile device elsewhere has to watch the same thing, unless the DVR being used has a second tuner. SlingBox also can access programs recorded on your DVR, but the box itself can't record.

Not so bad, but this "remote channel switching" could fuel some sibling rivalries. Parents, watch out!

It certainly seems that Dish Network has gotten the jump on its competitors with these new features. Not to mention that mobile streaming for Dish subscribers is technically free of charge, this should propel ahead Dish Network in the eyes of many tech geeks and TV addicts. It certainly doesn't hurt that SlingBox and Dish Network have very close ties, in that both companies share the same CEO, Charles Ergen. Let's hope Verizon, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable, have an answer for this shortly. Expect the updated Dish Network app to hit the App Store sometime in September, and the Android Market should see the app in October.

via Engadget
Source: Associated Press

 

[MattChance]

I thought the tweet said DirecTV at first. See, if DirecTV did this, the right way, i.e., without all of the expensive bullcrap mentioned as necessary to use a free app, they'd win back jilted subscribers.

Better yet, when will TV networks take a hint like ABC did, and just put out their own apps? Skip the freaking middleman, and you're bound to do better than Hulu can.

 

[Ochimo]

Yes ABC did do this BUT (wish I could find the link) now im hearing rummors that they could switch it to Pay.

 

[iVan]

I already have a Slingbox rigged up. It also costs 30$ for the app to run it and it's still the tiny iPhone version. They say the iPad version is on the way but that was in march. Right now Slingbox is crappy on the pad...

 

[kierandill]

No, I don't want every network doing their own app. Who wants 20 different apps to switch between?
I also already have a Slingbox, so the real questions for me are:
Will this (free?) app work with my existing hardware (Solo)?
Will it allow higher resolution to mobiles than the Slingplayer app currently does (artificially limited 320x240)? If not, it represents nothing new.

 

[iVan]

Users have to pay, that's the truth. I don't think there's something creative.
Slingbox is not necessary for me, for you, for us.

After spending for it I agree. It's useful if you go out of your tv region for some time but watching a crummy iPod sized screen?...

 

[aky2r5]

Hey all! Just came across these postings. I just got the sling adapter to set up with my Ipad. I think its pretty cool! Working for DISH Network I had some experience with the product, but now I finally have my own. Its great for me and I love never having to miss my favs again!