PlayStation Vue subscription streaming service launches on Apple TV App Store

Following availability on iOS and the PlayStation 4 game console, Sony on Thursday expanded its PlayStation Vue cable cutting service to the Apple TV.

The free PlayStation Vue app gives users access to the subscription service on their fourth-generation Apple TV. It includes live TV programming, cloud DVR, simultaneous streaming, and no long-term contact commitments.

Networks included in the service are ESPN, AMC, FX, HBO, Showtime, and NFL Network. Plans start at $29.99 or $39.99 in select cities.

PlayStation Vue has offered live TV capabilities on Apple's iPad since mid-2015. While it initially launched in a handful of major U.S. cities, availability has since expanded to include more areas.

Users can check access and channel lineups at the service's official website, where a free trial is also offered.

Rumors have suggested Apple has sought to offer a similar service, but the company's plans are said to have been internally delayed due to roadblocks in negotiations with content owners.

Apple will, however, launch a new unified television experience next month with a new "TV" app for tvOS and iOS. It will feature a single sign-on for existing cable providers to stream content, and also make it easy to find where programs are available across a variety of apps and services.

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15 Comments

cali

said about 7 years ago

And so it begins. I have a feeling soon all services will be available on Apple TV.
Now if Sony could get their subscription games service on Apple TV that would be crazy.

One thing Apple needs to do is SELL. If Apple TV sold more, Amazon and others would have no choice but to jump on board like they do on iOS.

cali

said about 7 years ago

sog35 said:

BOOM. Apple is so slow with their TV package. I gave up on them. I gave Apple 1 year from the release of the new AppleTV and still nothing.

I signed up for this. Can't wait to use it.

I tried Sling TV for 7 days (free trial) and it was a mixed bag. The stream was absolutely horrible during Sunday night football. And of course Sling has no DVR which is really awful. Did not like the Sling interface either. CANCEL.

This is my cord-cutting setup now:

1. Digital Antenna + HD HomeRun + Channels App on AppleTV and iOS devices

This allows me to watch all the local broadcast channels in beautiful HD (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS). The quality blows away my HD feed from my cable company. I didn't want to use an Antenna because its ugly and I needed to buy 2. But with HD Homerun+Channels I can have my Antenna hidden in my office and access it through my router on my 2 AppleTV's and 5 iOS devices ( 2 at a time). Awesome. Still not perfect since I can't record shows yet.

2. Playstation Vue - for cable channels - ESPN, CNN, TNT, ect

Right now I'm saving about $70 a month on my TV bill. Plus I was getting a promotional deal from my cable company so I'm actually saving $100+ after 12 months.

Pro's of cord cutting:
Better broadcast HD picture
Can access all channels on iOS devices (cable company had many limitations)
Can access Playstation Vue channels off of network (cable company only allowed ESPN)
Save $70 a month
Only have 1 box running everything in my living room (AppleTV). No need for a cable box and another remote

Con's:
No recording OTA channels

Wait, the ugly HD homerun box doesn't have to be connected to your Apple TV or HDTV?

mike1

said about 7 years ago

sog35 said:

BOOM. Apple is so slow with their TV package. I gave up on them. I gave Apple 1 year from the release of the new AppleTV and still nothing.

I signed up for this. Can't wait to use it.

I tried Sling TV for 7 days (free trial) and it was a mixed bag. The stream was absolutely horrible during Sunday night football. And of course Sling has no DVR which is really awful. Did not like the Sling interface either. CANCEL.

This is my cord-cutting setup now:

1. Digital Antenna + HD HomeRun + Channels App on AppleTV and iOS devices

This allows me to watch all the local broadcast channels in beautiful HD (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS). The quality blows away my HD feed from my cable company. I didn't want to use an Antenna because its ugly and I needed to buy 2. But with HD Homerun+Channels I can have my Antenna hidden in my office and access it through my router on my 2 AppleTV's and 5 iOS devices ( 2 at a time). Awesome. Still not perfect since I can't record shows yet.

2. Playstation Vue - for cable channels - ESPN, CNN, TNT, ect

Right now I'm saving about $70 a month on my TV bill. Plus I was getting a promotional deal from my cable company so I'm actually saving $150+ after 12 months.

Pro's of cord cutting:
Better broadcast HD picture
Can access all channels on iOS devices (cable company had many limitations)
Can access Playstation Vue channels off of network (cable company only allowed ESPN)
Save $70 a month
Only have 1 box running everything in my living room (AppleTV). No need for a cable box and another remote

Con's:
No recording OTA channels Cost with Cable - $145 - 2 DVR's, 200+ channels, 100 Mbs internet. Regular price for this plan is $200

Cord cutting cost - $42 for 100 Mbs internet, $32 for Playstation view (this includes all tax and fees) = $64

Sure I'm missing some channels. But I wasn't even watching those crappy channels anyway. I'm not missing any channels I even care about or use.

Of course there was hardware/software costs to cord cut:

Digital Antenna $30
Channels App for ATV and iOS $40
HD Home run $95
Total $165 - which I will recoup after 2 months of savings on cable. After that I will be saving $1000 a year. Even more if cable jacks up prices even more.

Unfortunately the deal breaker for many is local HD channels via antenna. Just live too far away from the city. (NYC in my case)

techprod1gy

said about 7 years ago

I feel Apple has really dropped a major egg here. I know it is tried and true they will wait and roll out a service after everyone else has paved the way because they can. Sometimes it is OK to lead the way. It inspires people. They continue to make good stuff but they sure don't have me on the edge of my seat.

stickista

said about 7 years ago

sog35 said:

really?

Have you tried an attic antenna? Most people can get good reception with an indoor antenna or a larger attic antenna.

Yes, really. Believe it or not, there actually are a lot of people who don't get OTA. not just distance but large objects like mountains in the way.