Time Warner Cable has something new for its fanatics: in the coming week, it is reportedly set to beta test its Internet-only TV in New York City, aimed for those who wish for a cable TV without the cable box.
Engadget, citing anonymous sources, says the company is planning to focus on streaming TV via Roku's set top boxes.
Interestingly, TWC promised participants of the beta test will obtain a Roku 3, free of charge.
Packages Offered
Customers who select a Starter TV package will need to fork out $10 every month.
Another option, adding Starz and Showtime to the starter bundle, costs $20 per month. Meanwhile, those who wish to get all the usual channels, a Standard option with Starz and Showtime is offered at $50 monthly.
Although akin to Sky's Now TV in the U.K., what is unique with TWC's Internet service is that users can still use any other Internet applications they want, including Hulu, Netflix and a lot more.
Customers who prefer the Internet service over the cable TV service should anticipate a similar TWC TV experience they are getting from the cable TV, just without the need to sign up for cable.
With the TWC's Internet service, users will get the chance to stream up to four devices. Support for the TWC TV apps are presently available for Android, iOS, Xbox One/Xbox 360, Kindle Fire, Fan TV and Samsung's Smart TVs.
It is worth noting that TWC TV is intended for use in subscribes' homes. However, Engadget notes video on-demand and live TV are still available via any Wi-Fi connection.
In the meantime, Dish Network owns Sling TV, a similar live TV service aimed at cord cutters. Recently, Comcast also took the wraps off its own streaming TV service, which it billed Stream.
Time Warner Cable has been recently acquired by Charter Communications in a merger valued at 55 billion dollars, confirming previous speculations.
Charter believes the merger with TWC will "create a leading broadband services and technology company serving 23.9 million customers in 41 states."
To date, TWC is deemed the country's second largest cable operator next to Comcast. Charter Communications, however, is in the fourth place.
Photo : Erik Kristensen | Flickr
