Dish Network Launches Over The Top "Sling TV" Services

Dish TV has launched their new OTT (internet) TV service called Sling TV.
Sling TV is a new live TV service that allows subscribers to watch several cable TV channels on their TVs, computers or mobile devices. These are live TV channels, just like cable, except they're delivered over the Internet. Sling TV is a subsidiary of Dish Network, the satellite provider, it's operated as an entirely separate service. You don't need a Dish subscription to get Sling TV.

Sling offers a selection of  channels from AMC Networks, Disney, Scripps, Time Warner, and Univision, most notably ESPN and ESPN2. Three add-on packs are available for $5 each: "Kids Extra" adds Baby TV, Boomerang, Disney XD, and Ducktv, "News & Info Extra" adds Bloomberg Television, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, and HLN, and "Sports Extra" adds BeIN Sports, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN Goal Line, SEC Network, Universal Sports, and Univision Deportes Network. Sling TV also features video on demand content, including catch-up programming from its channels, and original content from Maker Studios.

Note that Sling TV does not provide your local network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, CW, ION, etc) but it appears to be an ideal option for those that currently use an antenna for watching their local cable channels, or if you use Hulu to access content.

I have just signed up for the free trial and added the channel to my Roku players. I will report back with my review after my trial period is over.

The TRUE cost of Pay TV

*fine print: AFTER THE 6 MONTH PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, COMCAST’S REGULAR CHARGES APPLY UNLESS SERVICE IS CANCELLED. SERVICE MAY BE CANCELLED BY CALLING 1-800-COMCAST. Comcast’s current monthly service charge ranges from $56 to $62 for Digital Starter, $72 to $78 for Digital Preferred, and $105 to $130 for Digital Premier, depending on area. Limited to service to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes and franchise fees extra. May not be combined with other offers. Certain services are available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic Service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at the time of purchase. Converter and remote required to receive certain services. HD choices include HD channel lineup and HD programming available from Comcast On Demand. Choices and availability may vary by market. Call Comcast for full details and restrictions. DVR service may require a deposit. DVR service requires an additional monthly DVR service fee. Number of recording hours varies by model. Please call your local Comcast office for restrictions and complete details about service, prices and equipment. Comcast ©2010. All rights reserved. HD choices based on a comparison of satellite’s HD channel lineup to the combination of Comcast HD channel lineup and Comcast HD programming available On Demand.

Sure, that $29.95 offer from the pay TV sevices looks inviting.
But once the "promo" expires, whats it really going to gost you? Recent Surveys indicate the average pay TV subscriber pays about $70 a month. This price generally does not include "premium" channels or packages, or even an occasional Pay-Per-View. Even HD is extra for some providers. About a hundred channels, including lots of infomercial-religious-and useless,and about 4 local stations.