Sony Lowers Vue OTT Prices

Though Sony’s Vue, the digital over-the-top streaming platform, has now discounted consumer prices across its three main packages, one analyst is still cautious about whether it can be competitive in the OTT space.

Packages all three of Sony’s Vue packages each were dropped by $10 a month -- now pricing at $39.99 for its Access package of 54 cable networks; $44.99, for its bigger Core package; and $54.99, for is even larger Elite product.

All three packages can contain broadcast network content, with the Core and Elite packages adding in more cable networks and/or Fox Sports and Comcast regional sports networks.

But for these packages — covering 203 markets outside the initial seven market local TV launch — Sony Vue may only offer “next day” on demand offering from the broadcasters — not live streaming.

MoffettNathanson Research believe the absence of live local market remain “the biggest holdup for a true nationwide OTT offering.” In order to use Sony Vue, MoffettNathanson notes customers need to have a Playstation 3 or 4 or Amazon Fire TV device as well as a standalone broadband subscription.

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Sony’s Vue most modest OTT package now sits right in between Dish’s Sling TV ($20 a month) and Verizon’s Custom TV ($64.99 a month). Versus Sling TV, Vue offers digital DVR technology and the ability to record up to five programs simultaneously.

MoffettNathanson says Sony’s 54 channel basic package represent 75% of all Nielsen 2014-2015 linear viewing -- live program plus seven days of time-shifted viewing; 80% of Sony’s channels are in the top 50 when looking at Nielsen U.S. TV reach.

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