Netflix Strikes MSO Deal For Own Channel

Looking more like a regular TV network, Netflix has struck deals with a number of small multiple system operators and TiVo that will give the subscription video-on-demand service its own cable TV “channel.”

Through TiVo set-top boxes in the U.S. on cable systems own by RCN, Atlantic Broadband and by Grande Communications, Netflix will get its own channel position -- as well as its logo and name on TiVo’s electronic program guide.

These cable systems represents under 1 million cable subscribers.

Some analysts view this deal partly as symbolic -- since customers could access Netflix through on-screen apps, as well as Roku, Apple TV (and the upcoming Amazon Fire TV), as well as other smart-TV boxes.

Still, these are the first cable TV deals allowing subscribers to access Netflix content without switching back and forth between different set-top boxes and remote controls.

Netflix will retain its billing relationship with customers -- meaning that Netflix subscribers will still need to pay their $8 a month for the subscription video-on-demand service.

Tom Rogers, president and CEO of TiVo, has said about the deal: “Our view has long been that the marriage of linear television and streaming over-the-top (OTT) TV is the future of television, and Netflix has clearly emerged as a must-have OTT service.”

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3 comments about "Netflix Strikes MSO Deal For Own Channel".
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  1. Peter Benjamin from TV On the Go, April 25, 2014 at 7:04 p.m.

    When you realize that Content is King the only option left is to create your own distribution channel. Once the Netflix channel launches we will see a new competitor to HBO. Netflix is all in. Look at the boards Hastings is a part of and you will see the strategy clearly. Its a brilliant move. Dish and Direct have Blockbuster in their Belly. Its only a matter of time for Netflix to dominate the landscape again.

  2. Lori Peters from Blogmytv, April 25, 2014 at 8:05 p.m.

    Netflix has some great new shows with House of Cards and Orange is the New Black and they could be competitor to other channels like A&E or Showtime if they had their own channel.

  3. Robin Solis from synchronicity.co, April 26, 2014 at 2:05 a.m.

    Article is a bit choppy but if Netflix is on a TV "channel" is it still considered an OTT model? Or do we need a new name for this Hybrid?

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