DISH To Launch Streaming Service With Channels Including ESPN
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Cable customers looking to "cut the cord" with their service providers will be able to view channels including CNN, ESPN and HGTV on DISH Network's Sling TV streaming service.
The service is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2015 and will deliver sports, lifestyle, family, news and information channels, Video-On-Demand and online video to broadband-connected devices at home.
"Sling TV provides a viable alternative for live television to the millennial audience," said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH president and CEO, in a release. "This service gives millions of consumers a new consideration for pay-TV; Sling TV fills a void for an underserved audience."
The service will cost $20 per month, and will require no commitment, contract, credit check or hardware installation. Sling is expected to be available on devices including Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google's Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One.
It will also be available by downloading the app to supported versions of iOS and Android, or by visiting the upcoming Sling website from Macs and PCs.
"Consumers can now watch their favorite shows on their favorite devices that they already use to watch video. Live television, including ESPN, for $20 per month with no commitment or contract, is a game changer," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV, in a release. "The arrival of Sling TV lets consumers, who've embraced services like Netflix and Hulu, take more control of their video entertainment experience."
"The Best of Live TV" core package includes 12 Nielsen-rated sports, lifestyle, family and news networks: ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN. It also includes Video-On-Demand entertainment along with unique content from Maker Studios.
For an additional $5 per month, consumers can add additional programming, with "Kids Extra" add-on with Disney Junior, Disney XD, Boomerang, Baby TV and Duck TV, and a "News & Info Extra" add-on with HLN, Cooking Channel, DIY and Bloomberg TV.