Time Warner Cable’s grand unification theory for TV Everywhere took a step forward this week as the operator launched a series of TWC TV app updates that enable the operator to deliver both live TV streaming and video-on-demand to its growing base of supported devices.
Eliminating earlier content fragmentation, TWC said the app now offers in-home access to both VOD and live TV channels on Roku boxes, Xbox 360 consoles and Samsung Smart TVs (2012 models and newer) without the need for a separate set-top box. Those devices now support about 5,000 VOD titles and 300 live TV streams, the operator said.
Before the unification, the TWC TV app was limited to live TV on the Roku and Xbox 360, and VOD on Samsung Smart TVs.
Those updates also put those apps in closer alignment with TWC’s TV Everywhere offerings for iOS and Android-powered smartphones and tablets. Also on Wednesday, TWC added TV Everywhere support for the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HDX tablets (see image at left). Authenticated subs can use those mobile devices to access more than 1,000 VOD titles and north of a dozen live TV channels outside the home.
TWC said its TVE app is now supported on seven platforms: Apple iOS; Android; PC & Mac; Roku; Xbox 360; and Amazon Kindle Fire.
"The addition of the Kindle Fire to our quiver and the expansion of TWC TV's existing applications on Roku, Samsung Smart TV and Xbox 360 bring new features, content and joy to our customers' viewing options,” Mike Angus, TWC’s SVP and general manager, video, said.
And there’s likely more to come.
Matthew Zelesko, TWC’s senior vice president, converged technology group, recognized as Multichannel News’ technology exec of the year in the operator category, noted in an interview (subscription required) that he is generally enthusiastic about sub-$100 streaming devices, such as the Google Chromecast, the $35 dongle that lets users fling over-the-top video to the TV.
“It’s safe to say that we’re talking to each one of these consumer device manufacturers,” he said. “They all have compelling and important platforms for us.”
TWC is rumored to be developing an app for the Apple TV, but the MSO and the CE giant have yet to announce any specific plans.
Zelesko also talked about bigger goals TWC has in mind, including evolving the TWC TV app from a complementary video component to one that can replicate all of the functions of a traditional set-top box, essentially establishing a system that encourages a bring-your-own- device regime.
“The prospect of a customer buying a box for $99 and using that as their set-top … as an additional outlet in the house or a house full of those is a really exciting proposition for us,” Zelesko said.
