Cable networks tend to schedule advertising with a “more is more” approach. But the added revenue comes at a cost to marketers and viewers. Marketers worry that the resulting “ad clutter” obscures their message. Meanwhile, the proliferation of commercial-free, OTT content has shortened the average viewer’s commercial tolerance, especially among the ever-valuable millennial demographic. In a move that truTV sees as a way for advertisers to “rise above the noise,” the cable and satellite channel is planning to cut down ad time and increase each slot’s value. Continue reading TruTV Cuts Ad Time, Hopes to Increase Value for Advertisers

While the cable industry is challenged by streaming services and cord cutters, Bloomberg reports that Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications “all exceeded analysts’ expectations for their third-quarter video businesses, countering a trend of precipitous decline in traditional pay-TV and reclaiming market share from some telecom carriers and satellite-TV providers.” Cable companies are responding to cord cutters by “offering cheaper bundles of cable, Internet and digital phone service, and Comcast is accelerating its roll-out of a new technology that allows subscribers to watch and store shows and movies on multiple devices.” According to Evercore ISI analysts, skinny bundles “played some part in the quarter’s success.”

With an eye on the Internet of Things, Verizon announced yesterday that it is building a new 4G LTE network core designed especially for devices that will require occasional bits of data. Currently testing the approach in its labs, Verizon expects to make the network available by the end of March. The plan is part of the company’s broader ThingSpace banner, which includes plans for managing IoT environments and data. “But while Verizon and others plan to begin testing as soon as next year, the standards haven’t been set and true commercial deployment is likely at least five years off,” reports Re/code. “Verizon doesn’t want to wait that long to start wiring up all manner of smart devices.”

The long-awaited upgrades to Apple TV will be available tomorrow — $149 for the new 32GB version and $199 for the box with 64GB of storage. “It’s clear that Apple worked its fingers to the bone on this; it works unbelievably well. You have to give a lot of commands before you find a failure,” wrote David Pogue for Yahoo. David Katzmaier of CNET noted, “To get the most out of Apple TV you need to be invested already in the Apple universe, with games, TV shows and movies you’ve purchased from iTunes and the App Store. That’s a shame since it offers the best streaming experience today, and more potential tomorrow once app developers go to town finding ways to exploit the big screen and that slick remote.” Visit Quartz to read a collection of early reviews.

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers has published a study group report on the high dynamic range imaging ecosystem, now available for download on the SMPTE site. The report provides a detailed summary regarding “the implementation of HDR in professional media workflows and addresses key questions that will arise for industry members as they move forward in taking advantage of HDR technology.” In addition, it provides recommendations for standardization efforts. According to SMPTE, the report reflects the efforts of 170 international experts. Continue reading SMPTE HDR Report Offers Recommendations for Standards

Snapchat launched a temporary Discover channel yesterday featuring advertiser-created content. Sony Pictures Entertainment paid for a “sponsored” Discover channel to promote its new James Bond film “Spectre,” which opened on Monday in the U.K. The Discover section currently includes 15 media partners, but the 007 channel (which is sharing multimedia content for the film such as behind-the-scenes footage, cast member testimonials and Bond trivia questions) represents the first time a brand has paid to be featured this way on Snapchat Discover. Continue reading Snapchat Tests Sponsored Discover Channel with James Bond

Time Warner Cable is reportedly launching the beta test today of a version of its TWC TV service for the company’s Internet-only customers in New York City. While the service plans to support a number of platforms, the current emphasis is on streaming via Roku’s set-top boxes (participants will receive a free Roku 3). In addition to Internet, a Starter TV package runs an additional $10 per month, while another option adds Showtime and Starz for $20 per month. Engadget notes, “for those who want all the usual channels but without a cable box, a Standard option with Showtime and Starz costs $50 per month.”

Instagram has launched a new app called Boomerang that allows users to record 1-second video clips and share them on social media. The app records a burst of five photos and then stitches them together into a video loop, similar to an animated GIF, and plays the loop backwards and forwards to create the Boomerang effect. The app, available on Android and iOS, does not require an Instagram account. This is the third standalone app from Instagram; Layout is used to create collages to upload to Instagram, while Hyperlapse lets users create time-lapse videos. Continue reading Instagram Answers Competitors with Short Boomerang Videos

Comedians Redd Foxx and Andy Kaufman, who died in 1991 and 1984, respectively, are about to take the stage again. Hologram USA announced that it plans to use likenesses of the two comedians and parts of their recorded routines to produce hologram shows that will tour the U.S. in 2016. Alki David, founder and chief exec of Hologram USA, says the company is also “working with other estates of famous funny guys and funny girls.” According to The New York Times, future plans include “holographic versions of Billie Holiday to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and of Whitney Houston for a worldwide concert tour next year.” Broadcasts will also be made available on David’s FilmOn website.

On stage at WSJDLive, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the company’s next-gen Apple TV streaming box will ship next week. Cook describes it as “the foundation of the future of TV.” Apple is also introducing its new tvOS operating system, hoping it will lead to an array of TV apps, including games. To get things rolling, the company is currently accepting app submissions from developers for review. “Apple is providing developers with guidelines for supporting major Apple TV features like the touch-sensitive remote, as well as more esoteric additions such as the layered parallax effect on app icons,” reports The Verge. The new Apple TV will run $149 for the 32GB version and $199 for the 64GB model.

Valve plans to release the first of its Steam Machines, a hybrid between PC-based and console gaming, to consumers on November 10th. The Linux-based device will be produced by Alienware, and combines the graphical capabilities of a traditional desktop PC with the usability of a home console. Coupled with the Steam Machine will be a new gamepad featuring two haptic touchpads that Valve claims will offer the precision of a mouse and keyboard control scheme. It will launch in three models ranging from $499 to $749. Continue reading Valve to Launch New PC-Based Console for the Living Room

Pandora Internet radio service announced yesterday that it has reached a $90 million settlement with record labels over royalties for older songs. A similar $210 million settlement took place in June between the labels and Sirius XM. Sony, Universal, Warner and Abkco sued Pandora last year for nonpayment of royalties. The argument centered on the fact that “federal copyright protection applies only to recordings made after 1972, with a patchwork of state laws applying to earlier recordings,” reports The New York Times. “We pursued this settlement in order to move the conversation forward and continue to foster a better, collaborative relationship with the labels,” said Pandora CEO Brian P. McAndrews.

Yahoo plans to live-stream Sunday’s game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. The matchup, being played at London’s Wembley Stadium and produced by CBS, will be streamed globally for free via Yahoo’s platforms including Screen and Tumblr. Streaming the game could be a possible first step for Yahoo and the NFL in developing online offerings alongside broadcast and cable TV deals. The NFL has been pushing for new revenue opportunities and has considered partnerships with Silicon Valley in the past. Continue reading Live-Streaming NFL Game Could Be Big First Step for Yahoo

At the YouTube Space in Los Angeles yesterday, YouTube execs formally introduced the company’s anticipated $9.99 per month subscription service. YouTube Red will offer consumers ad-free access to YouTube’s enormous catalog of music, gaming and how-to videos. The company also unveiled YouTube originals during the event, a collection of original programming that will be available exclusively through the new subscription service. YouTube Red will launch next week across the YouTube site, YouTube’s gaming app and the Google Play music service. Continue reading YouTube to Launch its Subscription Service in U.S. Next Week

Disney plans to launch its DisneyLife subscription streaming service next month in the United Kingdom. The service will offer Disney and Pixar movies, music, books and archived Disney Channel shows for £9.99 a month (about $15.45). “Disney plans to make the streaming service available across Europe next year in France, Spain, Italy and Germany, but it does not have any plans to introduce it in the United States for now because of current agreements with cable and satellite companies,” reports The New York Times. Disney’s service could compete with Netflix, which is pushing forward with its international expansion.