dex14

I think this is worth its own thread instead of posting in all of the individual ones.

Disney+, Hulu, Max will be bundled:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bu...le-1235894074/

Now it was announced - Comcast Unveils Peacock, Netflix, Apple TV+ Streaming Bundle:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bu...er-1235898522/

fujishig

It may be obvious but that comcast bundle will only be available to comcast customers. And we still don't know if there will be different tiers that include ad free.

Alan Smithee

Wonder if these will have a unified interface, and more usable than the regular ones?

Meathead

Probably not. Netflix, as of yet, has not allowed anyone to bundle their content in a different app.

lwhy?

So, the streaming services are bundling together like all the TV networks did to make cable bundles....

TheBang

Linear cable service is still in steep decline, and the cable companies are on their way to becoming big dumb (Internet) pipes. This is their way to try to stay in the revenue mix for video. That's why Spectrum negotiated the Disney+ bundling as part of the contract negotiations last year.

MLBFan24

Cable subscriptions will continue to decline as long as they have those excessive taxes and fees.

Before I switched to Hulu Live streaming in 2020, I was paying nearly $30 in local taxes and fees on my cable bill. And I also had to rent the DVR box. Ridiculous.

If Hulu has those fees, just have them bury it in the main price and don’t tell me . I don’t have to pay tax on Hulu Live (California), but my sister pays sales tax on it in Texas.

Meathead

At least with Hulu Live/YouTube TV the broadcast TV surcharge is buried. With cable it's not... Spectrum is up to $25.75/mo and they can raise that anytime they want no matter what promotion you may be on.

TheBang

I believe one of the new proposed FTC rules is that cable companies have to advertise the true total cost of service, so no surprises on the broadcast fees surcharges and other fees. The cable companies are fighting the proposed rule tooth and nail of course.

TomOpus

I already have Disney+/Hulu bundle so bring on Max.

I cut cable years ago so don't have Comcast but I'm sure other bundles will come. I'll get em if it's ones I'm currently subbing

Meathead

At least with Spectrum, they haven't been hiding the broadcast fee surcharge for years. The rule is now in effect but the cable companies are still fighting it.

fujishig

They still don't advertise it though, unless the rule allows it to be disclosed in the super tiny print or something.

Meathead

Yes they do... it's been pretty clear for a while now.

fujishig

When they advertise a price, they usually say like 79.99 a month... but all those fees raise the price up much higher. Am I misunderstanding what fees need to be disclosed and where they need to be on ads? I have Spectrum so I see all these fees on my bill.

TheBang

I had a few details wrong. It was the FCC, not the FTC. And as Meathead said, they have adopted the new rule already, 2 months ago:
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-29A1.pdf

The rule requires that operators prominently advertise "All-in" pricing, that is inclusive of all fees, surcharges, taxes, etc. This All-In price has to be the main, prominent line item for the service on your monthly bill also. They cannot advertise the price exclusive of all the fees. For example, when I go to Spectrum right now, they prominently advertise "TV SELECT SIGNATURE $64.99/mo for 12 mos". That will no longer fly under the new rule. Operators have until December 19, 2024, to be compliant with the rule, which is why you don't see it yet.

DJariya

Pricing for the Comcast bundle

X - Formerly Twitter

jpcamb

Max also has the benefit of having HGTV and other stuff on it already. It will be nice to see one bill form Hulu/disney/max

Red Dog

I assume Comcrap makes most of their money on the actual hardware charges - the boxes.