TV & Monitor

Cable Service | NBC, ABC Create Own IPad Apps As Viacom Battles Cablevision, TWC

While Viacom ( NYSE: VIA ) battles Cablevision ( NYSE: CVC ) and Time Warner Cable ( NYSE: TWC ) over the MSOs’ efforts to broach Viacom programming around Apple’s ( Nasdaq: AAPL ) iPad device, NBC and ABC have launched their owniPad apps–although conjunction app focuses on live streaming TV.

NBC Live offers second-screen amicable features and interactivity that syncs with shows being televised and ABC Video Bookstore packages archived headlines footage with print galleries and interactive timelines. Both applications are right away live on Apple’s App Store, and are giveaway to download (consumers can make use of ABC’s in-app payments to purchase particular video books).

Meanwhile, the imbroglio between Viacom and two of the nation’s largest MSOs continues. Time Warner Cable filed fit against Viacom in U.S. District Court in New York’s southern neighborhood on April 7, claiming that its iPad app is authorised and permissable. Viacom dismissed right back with its own fit accusing TWC of violating its placement consent with the programmer.

Viacom has not nonetheless sent a cease-and-desist e-mail to Cablevision, but it is waging a fight of words.In a matter expelled April 8, Viacom mentioned Cablevision “seized placement rights that Viacom has not granted.” The programming hulk mentioned itgrants rights to apportion its calm formed on definite technologies and devices.

“We have endless interaction with dozens of placement companies who attend to us sincerely and broach excellent consumer practice on a accumulation of platforms,” Viacom mentioned in its statement. “These interaction are formed on satisfactory chartering agreements that supply apt worth for everybody involved. We will take the stairs vital to make sure that Cablevision respects our rights.”

For its part, Cablevision maintains it’s carrying out what its stipulate with Viacom allows and contends that an iPad is no not similar than a TV set. “Optimum App for iPad simply turns the iPad in to other radio in the home, and a it is worth observant our customers are anticipating quite beguiling and easy to use,” Cablevision mentioned in a statement.

Meanwhile, NBC is hoping to gain on the fact that that more of its viewers arewatchingits programming around smartphones and tablets. The new iPad service serves uptrivia, quizzes, polls and commentatries that are synchronized with the uncover that is being watched by the user. ABC Video Bookstoreoffers “video books” mixing ABC News video footage with text, photos and interactivity.

For more:
- CNET has this story
- eCommerce Times has this story
- the Guardian has this story

Related articles:
Viacom assails Cablevision iPad app, claims it violates agreements
Time Warner adds 17 channels to iPad app

Tags: cable service