A trio of announcements this week highlight that MVPDs are starting to leverage the Internet to improve the TV experience.
AT&T announced it had integrated its U-verse TV service with four social TV apps for smartphones and tablets. The apps talk to the U-verse set-top box over the home network, figure out what the user is currently watching and allow her to chat live with others watching the show.
Verizon announced it has integrated all of its current FiOS apps into a single Android app called My FiOS. This unites remote control functionality, entertainment, customer service and home security into a single application. iOS versions will follow later this year.
Finally, Virgin Media in the UK is trialing an update to its TiVo service that adds multi-room streaming over the home network. As well, the update adds compatibility with TiVo's own iPad app, integration of BBC iPlayer and the streaming music service, Spotify. The update is expected to rollout more broadly before Christmas.
These actions highlight that some operators are beginning to realize the potential of the Internet and connected devices to improve the experience of their service and help differentiate them from competitors. Somewhat disappointing is that MVPDs are still not working directly with content providers to help them do this. The fact that content companies are choosing to enhance their TV shows themselves - as in the announcement this week by USA Network and Yap.TV - is a missed opportunity by MVPDs to truly make their PayTV experience shine.
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