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>Who is still buying VHS tapes? Patrick Bateman probably. Jokes aside that was a really good read. This article raises an important point about the fragmenta
by abhiminator 6y ago
>Who is still buying VHS tapes?
Patrick Bateman probably.
Jokes aside that was a really good read.
This article raises an important point about the fragmentation of content across different services (with many movie production houses starting their own streaming platforms, like Lionsgate for example).
This fragmented streaming landscape really is a far cry from the idealistic "all content under one roof" posturing that steaming services generally took when launching their platforms. Another victim of the 'walled garden' problem plaguing the tech world.
- melomal 6y agoThe worst thing is, the more streaming services you buy the more scrolling you do. The less watching is done. Recently my TV melted and it took 2 months to get a new one. I had no choice but to watch what was on cable (in Poland) with only a select few channels showing movies in EN. The lack of choice actually made me enjoy what was given to me and aside from the ads, I didn't get FOMO thinking this was the wrong movie. So essentially, tech has broken up cable companies dominance by fragmenting the industry. I'm going to call it here first - there's a startup coming that will combine all streaming services into one package for a low-low cost of $30/month.
- ddingus 6y agoYup. And then the individual services will offer endless exclusives of some kind, churning accounts on a smallish time window. Honestly, I find it all super noisy and more or less abandoned TV. I am happy to watch a movie, or binge something good. But I am not gonna chase it all. My family is happy to, so it is their department now. And I get a nice benefit: When I do want something, I need only ask. They will set it right up and I am good to go. Perfect.
- melomal 6y agoI never thought it but to be fair some of the documentary content is pretty solid on Youtube. A silent video of a street food vendor preparing a meal is more than enough to keep me occupied for hours on end. I unfortunately fell for one of those 'exclusive' docu streaming services and within minutes wanted to get a refund.
- Broken_Hippo 6y agoOut of curiosity, which? I'm asking mostly because they make me real curious, and their prices aren't all that high for a year. It is a miracle I haven't yet gone down that path.
- arminiusreturns 6y agoI have been considering these also and would like to know. I was considering MagellanTV, which I heard about from one of my youtube history channels, History Time.
- melomal 6y agoCuriosity Stream. MagellanTV was one, or a similar sounding one, that I also considered but was immediately put off paying for the streaming. I honestly feel like the over abundance of choice is what puts me off.
- melomal 6y agoCuriosity Stream. I will give it another go but honestly, the level of quality on Youtube doc's is incredible. However, it looks like the going trend is to create a streaming version for the Youtube channel so I assume the quality and content will become more of a gateway to more content than the full deal.
- ddingus 6y agoI agree and won't go down that path yet. Good heads up.
- vasco 6y ago"There are only two ways to make money in business: One is to bundle; the other is to unbundle."
- melomal 6y agoThen repeat the process in a cyclical fashion.
- lotsofpulp 6y agoAnd then vertically integrate / automate and cut out middlemen.
- BrandoElFollito 6y agoOut of curiosity: why did it take two months to buy a TV? I am asking because when I was in Poland the choice was top-notch, with stores everywhere (not to mention Internet). On what were you watching the cable tv? And I agree about the choice, I also like this forced few selection when I am at a hotel, it is actually quite exciting to see what is available and be forced to be on time and everything.
- melomal 6y agoPurely from a laziness perspective. There is not much need for a TV as it's just used to watch something in the evenings to take a break from the small screens. Plus, I tried to take advantage of the 0% interest rates that everyone has at the minute as well but it was a mission to get it done. Nothing to do with the choice as your are right Poland has amazing choices. From high end brands to low-cost, high quality brands too.
- ant6n 6y agoBut op, but I have been mulling over getting a tv for 6 months. I want a big one but no spyware or built in ads. That didn’t seem to exist. Have been using an old 720p projector, maybe I’ll just replace that one instead of getting a tv.
- melomal 6y agoI probably would have stuck with the 720p historic LCD sony flat screen but I can't use a chromecast or plug my Xbox in either. So new screen was needed.
- eggsome 6y agoHere is a relatively recent HN discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24666968 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24666968
- arkitaip 6y agoI've been watching lots of regular morning TV after years of barely watching any at all, and freedom from choice can really be great sometimes. Even if the TV programming never is optimized to my specific needs, just watching it unfold is comforting and you realize there are valuable skills involved in curation for thousands or even millions of people.
- WalterBright 6y agoOnly if you can take 5 minute long commercial breaks, for the same commercials over and over.
- melomal 6y agoIs that not the same with Youtube? I'm looking at your Monday.com with the incessant pre-roll ad's over and over again. Scrolling through movies feels like the new-era of watching ads sometimes.
- melomal 6y agoIs this not a perfect example of our endless thirst for dopamine? During ads what's the first thing we do - grab our phones to fill that ad time with dopamine. A 5 minute ad could actually provide some respite from that dopamine hit by allowing you to get up and move around, make a tea and grab a bit of fresh air.
- pram 6y agoWell actually, Bateman only rented them.