NBC has followed in ABC’s footsteps and released an update for its iOS app that introduces live streaming of the network’s content directly to an iPhone or iPad. Similarly to ABC’s offering, the feature is only available in a few select cable markets that this time and requires a subscription to a cable or satellite partner.
All users will be able to take advantage of the other new feature added in version 3.0, however. NBC has expanded its in-app library of classic shows to include full episodes of The A-Team, Miami Vice, Battlestar Galactica, and more. The episodes are viewable directly in the app and require no cable or satellite login to access.
You can download the free NBC application from the App Store now.
What’s New in Version 3.0
* Live video stream of NBC programming available for cable/satellite subscribers in select markets.
* Expanded full-episode library of classic NBC shows available, including The A-Team, Miami Vice, Kojak, Battlestar Galactica, The Incredible Hulk, Knight Rider and more!
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Where does one find out if your market can get live streaming? I see no icon anyone on the app.
The app uses Location Services to automatically determine if you have access to live streaming. If you don’t see the option on the main page, you don’t have it.
Why can’t it just work everwhere in the US? I usually have location services turned off for most apps.
Typically broadcast networks can’t just start streaming to everywhere in the US because of their relationship to the local affiliates.
For example, in my home market of Chicago, the over the air station that runs NBC programming is WMAQ-TV. This is also the station broadcast to local cable services and picked up on by the satellites. WMAQ is a station actually owned and operated by NBC proper, so it can just decide to allow that station to be streamed. Other affiliates in other markets may not be owned by NBC but just have a contract in place to air NBC programs–they may also air some local shows, etc in non-Primetime slots not decided on by NBC. These contracts were likely written before NBC decided what strategy they wanted to take on streaming so they don’t have the rights to stream these local stations. In fact, they probably have an agreement in place that within a certain geographic area that no other station can broadcast NBC content–the NBC app would violate this. Therefore they need to work with the local affiliates to amend the contract to either allow streaming of the local station (at which point they’d need to get the local affiliates own programming,commercials,etc.) OR write in a provision to allow a generic NBC stream (non-localized content) through the app.
This is just informed speculation–I’m not sure if this exactly why. But it’s not just NBC/Comcast being difficult for the sake of being difficult/out of touch.
Is there something evil about live streaming these days when all the networks live streamed over the airwaves? Is there a difference between the two?
I also notice that NBC news is shutting down it’s podcasts of NBC Nightly news and Meet the Press, and MSNBC is shutting down the highlight podcast of Morning Joe. Very disappointed. The only alternative being offered is now.msnbc.com. The streams on that site require credentials from your cable provider. Cable Cutters are screwed. I’ve been watching the Morning Joe podcast every morning for years.
Why can’t I view The New York feed from LA? Streaming is streaming to expend the audi
ence.