Skip to main content

Is Netflix sleeping with the enemy? Big Red may strike big deals with cable providers

5 shows to watch 05232015 netflix streaming 3 970x0
Image used with permission by copyright holder
How does the saying go again? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? It seems Netflix is going to live by those words with rumoured hopes of getting its app available through set-top boxes of cable, fiber, and satellite TV operators, reports Gigaom.

Making its app available through the Xbox and Sony PlayStation gaming consoles makes sense. Ditto for streaming sticks like the Google Chromecast and Roku Streaming Stick. Even smart TV platforms are a no-brainer. But why would TV providers – the very companies that are struggling to curb cord-cutters – want to make the very service that has been digging into their profits available through their devices?

Recommended Videos

Related: Netflix sneaks into cable boxes while denouncing Comcast/TWC merger

Netflix’s argument, of course, could be that making its service available through set-top boxes may entice customers to keep their TV service and view Netflix more as a complementary option, not a replacement.

All this said, Netflix has already made such partnerships with small cable providers Suddenlink and RCN, proving that some do find such a relationship mutually beneficial. But these guys are relative small potatoes when you consider that the larger TV providers, like Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner, and DirecTV, account for the majority of cable TV subscribers in the U.S.

According to Gigaom, Netflix already has a version of its app built for the platform that AT&T uses, which means it could be relatively easy to get an app up and running on that provider’s service should such a deal be in the works with them. But again, nothing has been confirmed. And remember, Netflix is already in bed with Verizon, which offers a free one-year streaming subscription  to new FIOS subscribers.

In the end, money talks, and, to use yet another analogy, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Trying to combat the beast that is streaming TV is a losing battle, and the traditional cable operators know that. If Netflix can get on board, it boosts Netflix’s profile while also allowing the cable operators to remain relevant, not to mention off Netflix’s back. With potential financial incentives, even subscriber traffic data, it could be a win-win for all involved.

But might such partnerships diminish the perceived value of Netflix? After all, the key demographic that opts for such services, aside from the heavy users (eh-hem, hand raised here) are those who don’t want to have traditional cable, and prefer to pay $8/mo. to binge watch shows after they air at their leisure. While it’s unlikely Netflix would only partner with the big guys, even doing so on the side may be perceived as selling out, so to speak. It’s sort of like that favourite ice cream shop in the back roads of your old town. If that shop started franchising out everywhere, the ice cream might be just as good, but the perception of it being your local, special place is lost.

If you ask any millennial, Netflix is winning the TV race. Why try to sweeten the deal for the customers of the very services your business model seems to contradict? This rumoured move would certainly raise Netflix’s subscriber numbers to new heights. But it could go either way for the company if passionate cord-cutters view the move negatively.

Christine Persaud
Christine has decades of experience in trade and consumer journalism. While she started her career writing exclusively about…
How to cancel Sling TV
Sling TV.

Sling TV delivers a top-notch streaming service filled with sports, movies, and plenty of shows to fall in love with. However, if you're not feeling the love after the season is over, it might be time to cancel your Sling TV subscription.

Sling TV is already one of the most affordable streaming options out there, thanks to its two-track system with Sling Orange and Sling Blue. While its well worth the price tag, especially compared with pricier live-streaming options like Hulu + Live TV, if you're not using the service, then it's time to cancel.

Read more
This smart 4K projector is nearly half-price in Walmart’s sale
The Wimius smart 4K projector on a desk.

If you've been thinking about installing a projector in your living room to create a cinematic experience, you won't want to miss this offer from Walmart. The Wimius smart 4K projector, which is originally priced at $360, is down by nearly half to only $190, for huge savings of $170. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this bargain ends though, so if you're interested, we highly recommend completing your purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Wimius smart 4K projector
Setting up a home theater projector is an excellent way to create a movie theater vibe at home, and you won't have to spend hundreds of dollars if you go for the Wimius smart 4K projector. Its projection size ranges from 50 inches to as large as 300 inches, so if you've got a big enough wall or projection screen, it will really be like you're watching movies at the cinema. The projector is capable of 4K Ultra HD resolution, and it has an extremely long lamp life of 200,000 hours so it will be a long time before you need to replace its bulb. It also offers auto focus and keystone correction technology for even better visuals.

Read more
These Sony OTC hearing aids offer optimized audio and all-day comfort
Man wearing Sony CRE-C10 OTC hearing aids.

There's a lot to be said about OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. They're more accessible, usually because they're more affordable, and you don't need a prescription to get some. That's precisely why they're called "over-the-counter." Of course, they're really meant for mild to medium hearing loss, however. If you experience severe hearing loss you'll need to go to your local physician, as you might expect. But also one of the great things about this relatively new, untapped category of sound devices is that there are a lot of great options from brands you wouldn't expect. Take Sony, for instance, which has several OTC hearing aid options, and they're available at Best Buy of all places.

You can walk in, off the street, and walk out with them same-day, or buy them online and have them shipped to your house. How's that for excellent service and accessibility? But if you need a quick introduction to some of Sony's best OTC hearing aid options, we've got you covered.

Read more