Cox Communications has launched a beta version of Turner Broadcasting System's TV Everywhere services for TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and TruTV -- as well as HBO's HBOGo.com -- providing access to full-length episodes within 24 hours after they air, in all of its markets.
The operator kicked off an initial test launch Dec. 16 with limited content, according to Cox spokeswoman Erin Lambremont. The companies expect to more widely launch the service to the MSO's customers in the first quarter of 2011.
TNT and TBS's "TV Everywhere" sites -- at www.tbs.com/tveverywhere and www.tnt.tv/tveverywhere -- are available to customers of participating affiliates.
In Cox's current beta test, full-length shows available for viewing include TNT's The Closer, Southland and Men of a Certain Age, and TBS's Conan, House of Payne, Meet the Browns and Lopez Tonight. The test also provides access to HBOGo.com, with such shows as Boardwalk Empire, plus Turner's TruTV, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim TV Everywhere sites.
Currently, three other pay-TV operators provide authenticated access to TNT and TBS programming: Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV and Dish Network. HBO Go is offered by Comcast, FiOS TV and AT&T U-verse TV.
Turner's erstwhile corporate cousin, Time Warner Cable, announced plans in mid-2009 to test TV Everywhere with programming partners including TNT and TBS but has not yet enabled access for its cable TV customers.
Cable programmers and pay-TV operators see TV Everywhere as a way to enhance the value of video subscription packages and potentially expand audience reach -- as well as to provide a disincentive for consumers to "cut the cord."
For the TNT.tv and TBS.com TV Everywhere sites, Adobe Systems is providing the authentication capability and media-streaming via its Flash platform. Turner is using ad-serving network FreeWheel.
