Netflix Coming To Cable Television
Netflix Inc. is in talks with several U.S. pay-television providers including Comcast Corp. and Suddenlink Communications to make its online video service available as an app on their set-top boxes, people familiar with the matter say.
A deal would mark the online video service’s first such tie-up with a U.S. cable provider and would come after a similar agreement it recently announced with U.K. cable operator Virgin Media Inc. The talks are in early stages and no deal is imminent, the people cautioned.
Netflix and U.S. pay-TV companies are rivals in some key respects. Netflix’s subscription video offering is an attractive alternative for some consumers who are frustrated with costly cable bills. And both sides want to be the go-to destination for consumers to find on-demand TV programming.
But that hasn’t stopped Netflix and U.S. operators from exploring partnerships where it makes sense. The deals they are discussing now would make it possible for cable-TV subscribers to access the Netflix app through newer set-top boxes being deployed.
Currently, customers who want to stream Netflix on their TV sets either need Internet-connected TVs or must switch to a different TV-input to get a Netflix signal from connected devices such as game consoles or Web-TV boxes such as the Apple TV box. Netflix retained its billing relationship with customers in the Virgin Media deal.
A hangup in the talks with at least two operators is that Netflix is insisting that they also take on its special technology designed to improve the delivery of its streaming video, people familiar with the matter say. The technology is part of its Open Connect program and consists of special servers Netflix wants to connect directly into broadband providers’ networks. Netflix believes the technology is critical to make sure its service provides the best quality to viewers, the people say.
So far, Internet providers Comcast, Time Warner Cable Inc., AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. have declined to use the technology, concerned that such an arrangement could lead other online services to ask for special treatment, the people familiar with the matter say. The Internet providers argue their broadband networks are fully capable of handling Netflix traffic, the people say.
For years, several U.S. pay-TV providers have been fearful of a linkup with Netflix, worrying the online TV service could lure eyeballs away from their own video services. But some cable operators have warmed to the idea, in part because of improved set-top-box technology and because they believe Netflix users are more likely to buy more expensive, faster broadband connections.
Netflix until this summer had programming contracts with entertainment companies that made such deals difficult to strike in the U.S., people familiar with the matter say. But recently, media companies have become more comfortable with the prospect, and Netflix has been able to negotiate out of those old restrictions.
Some operators also are interested in the added leverage a tie-up with Netflix could afford them during carriage-fee disputes with TV channels. If Netflix’s library had old seasons of programming from a channel, then in the event of a channel blackout, an operator could point its customers to Netflix as an alternative.
Still, there are potential stumbling blocks in the negotiations. A concern for at least one operator is that Netflix could eventually use the app as a “Trojan Horse” to sell pay-per-view movies or other services that compete directly with the operator’s video offerings, the people familiar with the matter say.
At a recent investor conference, Netflix Chief Financial Officer David Wells said the company would “love to reduce the friction to the end consumer” by being available on cable set-top boxes. It is up to pay-TV operators, he said, “to decide how much of a competitor they view us as or a complement.”
Comcast, the largest U.S. pay-TV provider, earlier this year said it had no plans to add apps from online video services to its new Internet-connected set-top box, dubbed X1. But since rolling out the box in many markets this year, Comcast has become more open to having such conversations, people familiar with the matter say. Comcast is in talks with several other online video services about app deals for its set-top box, some of the people say.
Adding a Netflix app would be the latest move by pay-TV operators to transform set-top boxes from clunky devices into Internet-connected gadgets that are easy to use and come with popular consumer offerings.
Blac Chyna, Tyga, New Bestie Kim K & More At Baby King Cairo's 1st Birthday Party
Rapper Tyga and his baby mama Blac Chyna gave their son King Cairo a huge Mickey Mouse Club themed 1st birthday party, as expected. And Chyna had her new bestie & fellow new mom Kim K. there, along with all the Mickey Mouse Club members.
Break out your mouse ears...because baby King Cairo just turned 1!
Over the weekend at their Calabasas home, YMCMB rapper Tyga and Blac Chyna had the whole neighborhood in the mix (including neighbor and new bestie Kim Kardashian) as their baby boy celebrated his first big birthday.
And Kim came bearing gifts that Chyna thanked her for on Twitter:
A matte black mini Lambo and a matte black Range Rover. Of course. And mommy and daddy had to take a test run around the house first of course.
And outside at the party:
The baby was spotted opening his presents with his parents and hitting up the petting zoo they had there.
Chyna's mama was there for her grandson's big day....and helped her with the piñata.
Looks like fun times were had by all. And King Cairo is officially the youngest person in the world with 2 luxury whips....
Is Jenny McCarthy’s Job Already in Jeopardy on ‘The View’?
*Will she last through the holidays?
Jenny McCarthy debuted last month as the newest host of “The View,” replacing original co-host Joy Behar, and rumors have already started that she’s on her way out.
According to Radar Online, the former Playboy model is proving less popular with viewers than former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck according to new figures, allegedly prompting ABC to consider letting her go.
“ABC has begun doing deep research on Jenny’s work on the show and the initial findings are that viewers want to tune out the second she opens her mouth,” a source told RadarOnline.com. “The data has revealed that she is far more off-putting than Elisabeth.”
The decision about whether to fire McCarthy is said to lie entirely with head honcho Barbara Walters, 84, who is retiring from the show next summer.
The production insider added: ”[Barbara] isn’t looking for a replacement for Jenny yet, she is obsessed with ratings and the longevity of the show, so Jenny needs to turn it around or she will be gone.
“If Barbara wants her out, they will buy out her contract. Right now they’re just trying to adjust Jenny’s performance on the show so that she comes off as more appealing, but that’s an uphill battle.”
Before McCarthy’s first day, she was under fire for claiming her nine-year-old son Evan’s autism was caused by childhood immunizations.
According to The Wrap, “The View” has seen minor dips in viewing figures since Jenny joined, averaging at 3.023 million total viewers compared to the 3.239 million it had in the first three weeks of its last season
The Game Signs To Cash Money Records
This news should make Bloods and faux-Bloods gang members (that are YMCMB fans) happy. Compton rapper The Game has signed with Cash Money Records.
Bryan "Birdman" Williams dropped the news via Twitter in his normal fashion. "S/O 2MY@thegame Westcoast makit Official.RICHGANG.YMCMBusine$$," he tweeted yesterday evening (Oct. 12). "S/O thagame shit to real whtup 5 west coast whts popin RICHGANG YMCMBusine$$," he followed up with on Instagram early this morning (Oct. 13) along with a photo of a pair of Cash Money chains.
The Game, who recently left his longtime Interscope label home, then confirmed the move, tweeting "time to close the door on these niggas !!!! R$CHGANG."
Apparently, Baby also has his eyes on some NYC rappers, too. "Sh*t just startin 2014 a Movie ahead of tha Game we just sign some Great NY.Rappers connectin tha dots Richgang YMCMB," he added.
Reportedly, Tyga presented Game with a YMCMB chain at last night's How The West Was Won concert in Irvine, CA after they performed "Faded" together.
The Game's new OKE mixtape is out now.
Mona Scott-Young ‘ADDS New Flava’ To Love & Hip Hop LA, Houston & New Orleans
If this is true this may be the BEST cast she’s ever had in the history of the Love & Hip-Hop family… We’re talking drama, drama, drama, sex and LIES!! We peeped this over at Sandrarose.com
My west coast connect poured this TEA a few minutes ago. The TEA is hot! So please sip with caution. Love & Hip Hop producer Mona Scott Young is reportedly casting for 3 new spinoffs of VH1′s popular Love & Hip Hop franchise series. Mona isn’t going to be happy that this TEA has been spilt.
Hello Sandra,
How are you, I hope all is well, I miss talking to you. I wanted to spill some tea to you even though I know you aren’t using reality tv shows, but my friend ________________ shipped me some Lipton tea about the casting and I wanted to send it to you first.
Mona has been granted by VH1 to have another Love and Hip-Hop city spin-off out of Houston, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. She can only pick one city out of the three. ____________ [identifying information redacted] she told me they have casted Tyga and Blac Chyna, Miss Joie (Bow Wow’s baby mama), Karrueche Tran (Chris Brown’s girlfriend), Lola Monore (Wiz Khalifa’s former artist), Jasmine Sanders (Chris Brown’s and Young Jeezy’s ex girlfriend), Jas Prince (Christina Milian’s boyfriend). And if the LA one gets the final greenlight by Mona it will be co-proudced by Ray-J who is bringing on his protege rapper Yung Berg, and will feature Ray-J’s own drama with his two side pieces, Teairra Marie and Princess Love (former #2 of Floyd Mayweather).
If you decide to post this please block out __________’s name. She really wants the LA one to get picked up since ____________ and Mona said the cast with the most hype on the internet will likely get the greenlight from execs at VH1. Thanks!
And yes that is some TEA!!!!
And yes that is some TEA!!!!
Rihanna Poses With The Animals On Day Out In South Africa
Rihanna recently touched down in South Africa, to perform for her Diamonds World Tour. Ahead of her show in Johannesburg, the Bajan star enjoyed a day out in the park with the animals.
Rockin’ a pair of over-the-knee camo boots, and a printed white tee, RiRi posed along with cheetahs and a giraffe.
Rihanna rolls into Cape Town, South Africa on today Wednesday (Oct. 16th), to rock the Cape Town stadium with her scheduled performance.
Vince Young to NFL’s Texans: ‘I’m In Shape and Ready to Go’
*It’s gotten so bad with the Houston Texans that several fans actually cheered when quarterback Matt Schaub went down with an ankle injury during Sunday’s loss against St. Louis.
Free agent Vince Young may not have been that classless, but he did seize upon the opportunity to throw his hat in the ring for the job.
As Houston was getting beat down and backup T.J. Yates unable to help, Young told his thousands of Twitter followers that he’s “in shape” and available.
Young, who hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2011, was born in Houston and led the Texas Longhorns to the national championship in 2006.
Atlanta Housewives Get Competitive In Bailey Bowl: Kenya Moore, NeNe Leakes, Kandi Burruss & RHOA Cast Attend
A few Atlanta Housewives, traded in their red bottoms for sneakers this weekend, in Cynthia Bailey’s ‘Bailey Bowl’ event. Check out the photos.
The entire cast participated, showing their competitive spirit, rocking shirts like Team Twirl (led by Kenya Moore), Team Bailey (led by Cynthia Bailey) and Team ‘I’m VERY Rich’ (led by NeNe Leakes). Of course the BRAVO cameras were rolling and caught all the action. What’s more? This is where the alleged altercation took place with NeNe, Marlo and executive producer Carlos King.
Madonna Allegedly Called Person "Enslaver" During 12 Years A Slave Screening
Despite global fame, it appears that singer-songwriter Madonna broke some etiquette rules late last week during a film screening for 12 Years A Slave in New York. Allegedly, the Pop music icon called a person an "enslaver" for telling the star to stop texting during the movie, which get herself banned from the theater in the process.
During a star-studded screening of Steve McQueen's slave drama at high-end movie chain Alamo Drafthouse, reports from an attendee say that Madonna broke one of the house rules of the theater by hammering away on her Blackberry. When a patron asked her to put the phone away, things got a little ugly, according to an account a former student of film critic Charles Taylor.
From Charles Taylor's Facebook:
[A] mysterious blonde in black lace gloves who wouldn't stop texting on her Blackberry throughout the first half of the movie. Eventually, a woman next to me tapped her on the shoulder and told her to put her phone away, and the blonde hissed back, 'It's for business... ENSLAVER!' I turned to the shoulder tapper and loudly said, 'THANKS!' and gave her a thumbs up. The rest of the movie, I kept thinking about how I wanted to tell the blonde what a disgrace she was.
At the film's end during a standing ovation, the blonde slipped away and was later revealed to be Madonna. Tim League, the founder of Alamo Drafthouse, took to Twitter and issued a public ban on Madonna attending events at the movie house until she formerly apologizes. The chain takes its "no texting" rule quite serious, warning patrons just once before a second violation gets the person tossed without a refund.
Madonna has yet to respond to the ban or apologize. We wouldn't hold our breath.
‘MasterChef’ Finalist Josh Marks Dies From Apparent Suicide
Chicago – “MasterChef” finalist Josh Marks has been found dead in a Chicago alleyway.
Judge Graham Elliott, one of the three judges on the show, Tweeted about 10 p.m. Friday night: “My heart goes out to the family of #MasterChef finalist Josh Marks, who passed away on (Oct 11th).
A rep for the Chicago PD says they received a call from a woman screaming for help Friday evening, and after arriving to the alley found a 26-year old male with a gunshot wound to the head.
Marks was arrested July 31 after a bizarre confrontation with University of Chicago police in which he told officers he’d been possessed by Gordon Ramsay – who turned him into God. Three officers tried to subdue Marks with batons and pepper spray, but he broke free and took off running. It took 5 officers to chase the 7-foot-2 tall Marks down and cuff him.
In February, Josh released a video for the “Make a Sound Project,” an organization dedicated to helping people struggling with suicidal thoughts, in which he revealed he suffered from bipolar disorder.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘BANANARAMA’
Well fortunately for Yoshifan49 here he already has his banana hammock ready for those bananas.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment