dslreports logo
Unshockingly, Apple's Dream of TV Disruption Held up By Cable

I've talked repeatedly how broadcast and cable operators alike work tirelessly to protect the traditional cable TV cash cow and thwart the development of robust Internet video options, whether it's the use of usage caps or restrictive content licensing. This has caused an endless list of companies to fall flat on their face when trying to revolutionize the TV sector, whether it's Google, Microsoft, Sony, or most recently Intel.

That hasn't stopped pundits from believing that somehow Apple was going to be the one to magically bypass the licensing logjam.

For years now tech outlets have hyped Apple's efforts at TV disruption, though for just as long reports have emerged indicating Apple isn't having any luck getting broadcasters to loosen up, either. Now comes new reports that Apple's latest Apple TV effort is going to be delayed because, you guessed it, they're still having trouble with broadcaster and cable company negotiations:

quote:
Though cable companies apparently privately pointed the blame at Apple, The Information's report states that providers are also wary of making deals with the company, seeing it as a potential threat to their established control of content in the home.

"Cable companies remain reluctant to leave an opening for Apple, which they fear could displace them as the brand that customers associate with television delivery," Wednesday's report states. "And they also remain committed to their own new devices and experiences."
Reports first suggested that Apple wanted to deliver a live broadcast TV service that offered bundles of channels. When broadcasters wouldn't budge on that, Apple purportedly started focusing on deals with cable companies that could potentially replace traditional set top boxes with Apple hardware. It's unclear what Apple's TV ambitions will ultimately look like when released, but it's very clear they're going to be nothing close to what was originally envisioned.

Most recommended from 39 comments



R7000
@69.142.79.x

2 recommendations

R7000

Anon

Apple is a control freak - I'd be careful dealing with them too

Apple is a control freak - I'd be careful dealing with them too. Apple has been an innovator in the past. But when it comes to delivering a product to customers, they want total control over all aspects of the customer experience. And also at the same time they want the biggest share of the revenue as well. Just ask the music companies. Apple squeezed all the profits out of that deal for themselves, leaving scraps for the actual providers of the music.

So, the content providers and the cable companies are prudent for being wary of Apple deals. It is like making love with a boa constrictor - Apple will give them a warm embrace that will squeeze the life out of them.