Apple and Paramount Considering Discounted TV+ Streaming Bundle

[Sakurambo-kun]

It would need to be a pretty large discount. There's not much of worth on Paramount unless you're a Star Trek fan, and at least here in the UK nothing is in 4K Dolby Vision with Atmos audio, and it looks bad. Not the worst by any means, but still pretty poor on a big TV. The quality gulf between Paramount+ and Apple TV+ in terms of PQ/AQ is absolutely massive.

Personally I sub to P+ when Star Trek Strange New Worlds is on, then I cancel. Not being locked into contracts is one of the main upsides of the move to streaming, even if the market is way, way too fragmented now.

 

[webkit]

Essentially DirecTV Stream is just that; but nobody seems to mention it.

As far as streaming services are concerned, how is DirecTV Stream different from many cable/satellite providers which offer ala carte or packaged premium streaming service options (sometimes at a discount)?

 

[JBGoode]

YMMV. Me... Hulu "ad-filled" was such a miserable experience that I wouldn't use it even if they, paid me, to do so, let alone being $1/mo (which is practically free)

I couldn’t agree more. The number of ads in that tier is unacceptable. They basically forced me to get the ad free version so I could comfortably get through some shows. Hulu/Disney are getting cancelled this month.

 

[shadow puppet]

I'm interested in this part. Reed Hastings famously implied Netflix could charge its customers any amount and they'd pay it. With the recent price hikes, I haven't seen any data demonstrating consumer reaction (if any) in the form of cancellations.

I cancelled my Netflix during one of their price hikes. It's been two years now. If ever something comes on I want to watch, I'll sign up for one month, binge, then leave again. The greedier these services get, the less I'll be around. I love the freedom of watching what I want, when I want, ala carte. So does my bank account.

 

[370zulu]

One or two headlining shows makes it tough to justify the cost of some of these subscriptions. The remaining content that is produced and hosted is tough to justify the cost of the subscription.

 

[Henry S]

Meh, I got Paramount+ free from T-Mobile for a time, and the only thing I watched on it was The Offer.

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[iJulio]

I don't see how Apple TV+ and Paramount+ complement each other to be honest. I would have imagined a Disney+ and Apple TV+ bundle at some point in the future, that seemed more likely, but this one leaves me scratching my head. I just don't see how they mix well...

I'm OK with Apple TV+ as a standalone subscription, but I don't have any interest in Paramount+ nor would I even watch the programming if it was free.

 

[RowellE]

Does Apple TV+ even have enough of a library to warrant that new price? I would rather prefer a Paramount+/Peacock bundle. And Disney+ already has a bundle with Hulu.

 

[Octavius8]

I got a price increase notification for next month, very few content for me in that platform, so I cancelled it. It should be free for 1 year with the purchase of an iphone or ipad or computer. If something like Severance or Servant then I will subscribe again for 1 - 2 months. Remember: with streamings you can cancel and activate again at any time, that is the advantage over cable TV, even no need to call the Cable company!. Cancel each streaming 2 months and keep rotating.

 

[ackmondual]

Does Apple TV+ even have enough of a library to warrant that new price? I would rather prefer a Paramount+/Peacock bundle. And Disney+ already has a bundle with Hulu.

Should be enough for at least one month. Depending on what's your calling, and how much time you have to devote to it.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

I think this is a strategic “rumor” meant to prop up stock prices of some of the streaming companies — and it looks like it worked to some extent. I think there will be consolidation in the future, probably in 24/25. Apple will not buy any streaming service. Amazon, on the other hand, may. Netflix will remain the highest price offering, but eventually Amazon will overtake them.

 

[JDHiro]

I actually cancelled my Netflix. There is nothing interesting to watch while charging me more money. So I said goodbye.

+1 here.

Netflix feels like it's become a place for trash reality TV shows. I just find nothing of interest there, so I cancelled.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

Except for DirecTV 'stream', which actually has most everything.

I was one of the original DTV Stream subscribers. Great deal at the time. $35 for everything, including NFL Network, HBO for $5, plus a free ATV box for prepaying the first three months. I was grandfathered in, which meant that although my rate went up, it never was anywhere near what new subs paid. I finally dropped it a couple of months ago when the latest price hike pushed it to $75.

Another factor was Max. With the addition of Discovery programming, Max had about 95% of what I watched on DTV Stream. So Max basically has become my cable provider.

 

[a.jfred]

An annual option for this rumored bundle? Because there already is an annual paramount+ ad-free plan.

Right - apologies, I should have been more specific.

Annual ad-free option for the bundle (because it's usually less expensive); I doubt it, because they can 100% bilk people for more money by going month-to-month, but it'd be nice.