Is Amazon About to Scuttle YouView

PhoenixPhoenix Member Posts: 14
edited 3 May 2017, 11:39PM in Archived Posts
If the rumours about Amazon's TV streaming box via internet are true, Could this be a big challenge to YV. Anybody got any thoughts on the subject?:

Comments

  • drhowellsdrhowells Member Posts: 634 ✭✭
    edited 9 March 2017, 11:54PM
    I can't see it having Netflix :)
  • redchizredchiz Member, Super User Posts: 5,459 ✭✭✭
    edited 28 February 2017, 2:05PM
    I would reverse the question to be honest. From the little information out there it looks more like a late entrant into the Apple TV, Roku etc. type of market. If you already have a box capable of delivering a wider range of services - which YouView will be before this Amazon thing is likely to see the light of day - why buy another one?
  • PhoenixPhoenix Member Posts: 14
    edited 9 March 2017, 11:54PM
    I'm not sure if Amazon would need Netflix. Amazon has a vast library of it's own. All these streaming film channels have the same content.

    I see what you say redchiz but it could delay potential YV customers from buying a box until either the Amazon box is out or YV address the problems and lack of features that we are all waiting for.
  • stuart621stuart621 Member Posts: 616
    edited 28 February 2017, 2:05PM
    The box is being touted as a rival to Apple TV so it is a completely different beast to a YV box and not really in competition.

    I would question the comment about "problems and lack of features we're all waiting for." Now that the skipping issue has been sorted, I haven't got any problems with mine and it has all the features which were advertised at the time of purchase. I know that there are plenty of suggestions for extra features but most, if not all, are enhancements rather than addressing a lack, surely?
  • drhowellsdrhowells Member Posts: 634 ✭✭
    edited 20 December 2016, 5:21PM
    Phoenix said:

    I'm not sure if Amazon would need Netflix. Amazon has a vast library of it's own. All these streaming film channels have the same content.

    I see what you say redchiz but it could delay potential YV customers from buying a box until either the Amazon box is out or YV address the problems and lack of features that we are all waiting for.

    Amazon own LoveFilm. I highly doubt they would allow their main competitor onto their own box. That is what I meant.

    They don't all show the same content. They both have exclusive agreements with different studios to show different films and programs.
  • Lbear1Lbear1 Member Posts: 741 ✭
    edited 25 April 2013, 1:11PM
    stuart621 said:

    The box is being touted as a rival to Apple TV so it is a completely different beast to a YV box and not really in competition.

    I would question the comment about "problems and lack of features we're all waiting for." Now that the skipping issue has been sorted, I haven't got any problems with mine and it has all the features which were advertised at the time of purchase. I know that there are plenty of suggestions for extra features but most, if not all, are enhancements rather than addressing a lack, surely?

    No features were actually advertised apart from catchup. All references were to the YouView service and no box technical details were available apart from the size of the hard drives.

    The boxes do not meet the basic YouView specification in several respects. Of the firmware issues. the most blatant is the lack of USB socket functionality which at the minimum required in the specs should enable playback from external media. While recording to external hard drives is "not required", it should be possible with the Humax boxes as they already have the Linux routines from the HDR Fox T2. In the case of the two current boxes available, neither (appear to) have wi-fi built in so the specs require USB functionality for a dongle to provide the connection.
  • redchizredchiz Member, Super User Posts: 5,459 ✭✭✭
    edited 20 December 2016, 12:57PM
    stuart621 said:

    The box is being touted as a rival to Apple TV so it is a completely different beast to a YV box and not really in competition.

    I would question the comment about "problems and lack of features we're all waiting for." Now that the skipping issue has been sorted, I haven't got any problems with mine and it has all the features which were advertised at the time of purchase. I know that there are plenty of suggestions for extra features but most, if not all, are enhancements rather than addressing a lack, surely?

    *cough* I think perhaps we are more interested in content as opposed to features in this particular thread. Just to avoid any further axe-grinding about the same old things.
  • Lbear1Lbear1 Member Posts: 741 ✭
    edited 25 April 2013, 2:07PM
    stuart621 said:

    The box is being touted as a rival to Apple TV so it is a completely different beast to a YV box and not really in competition.

    I would question the comment about "problems and lack of features we're all waiting for." Now that the skipping issue has been sorted, I haven't got any problems with mine and it has all the features which were advertised at the time of purchase. I know that there are plenty of suggestions for extra features but most, if not all, are enhancements rather than addressing a lack, surely?

    On the contrary, I was making the point to rebut the assertion by stuart that there are not features lacking and point two that should have been available at launch if these boxes complied with the YouView base specifications.

    One could add the ability to reliably record the programmes scheduled as well, which I would have thought would also be a basic requirement. The wider point is that even current YouView customers are getting a "pig in a poke" because of the very clever advertising and limited technical information that the various companies involved use.
  • redchizredchiz Member, Super User Posts: 5,459 ✭✭✭
    edited 20 December 2016, 12:57PM
    stuart621 said:

    The box is being touted as a rival to Apple TV so it is a completely different beast to a YV box and not really in competition.

    I would question the comment about "problems and lack of features we're all waiting for." Now that the skipping issue has been sorted, I haven't got any problems with mine and it has all the features which were advertised at the time of purchase. I know that there are plenty of suggestions for extra features but most, if not all, are enhancements rather than addressing a lack, surely?

    I know what points you were making, I have seen them made umpteen times before. I wasn't just referring to you but to stuart also when I suggested this was not the place to rehash the same old stuff.
  • PhoenixPhoenix Member Posts: 14
    edited 28 February 2017, 2:05PM
    When I said YV should address the problems and lack of features that we are all waiting for. I was including the inability to manually set record times, and several other features that have been discussed at length. I don't want to start another discussion over old ground just wanted to say some of us are still waiting before committing to a box
  • redchizredchiz Member, Super User Posts: 5,459 ✭✭✭
    edited 20 December 2016, 12:57PM
    Phoenix said:

    When I said YV should address the problems and lack of features that we are all waiting for. I was including the inability to manually set record times, and several other features that have been discussed at length. I don't want to start another discussion over old ground just wanted to say some of us are still waiting before committing to a box

    OK, fair enough. So what features do you think an Amazon box is likely to provide?
  • PhoenixPhoenix Member Posts: 14
    edited 25 April 2013, 7:00PM
    I'm not sure as a lot of it is speculation. Amazon will be streaming movies and also intend to broadcast 1 or more channels over the internet. They have already made 14 (I believe) pilot programmes some or all of which may be made into series.

    There is a lot of speculation so it is difficult to know exactlywhat it will entail. I believe they also intend to incorporate on demand players.

    The ondemand players appear to be a feature that will soon be available on all boxes and smart TV's. Once 1 TV manufacturer has led the way the rest will have to follow.

    It's worth googling it as there is a lot of information on the net.
  • tracestraces Member Posts: 199
    edited 24 November 2016, 7:25PM
    It may have Airplay type functionality with the kindle instead.
  • VisionmanVisionman Member, Super User Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭
    edited 26 February 2017, 1:39PM
    Here's a Telegraph article on it -

    Amazon is planning to introduce a set-top box to make it easier for customers to stream video to their television, according to sources.

    "The device is due to debut later this year and will offer access to Amazon's growing on-demand catalogue, which includes LoveFilm in Britain.
    It will intensify the online retailer's rivalry with Apple, which already sells a set-top box called Apple TV to make it easier to stream video from iTunes, and is rumoured o be preparing to introduce a full connected television.

    It will also set Amazon against Roku, which makes a device similar to the existing Apple TV, and Microsoft and Sony, which are both planning to promote their next games consoles as home entertainment hubs.

    The move will also concern cable and satellite broadcasters, who increasingly offer on-demand services as part of their packages. Amazon typically aims to undercut rivals when it enters new markets: the Kindle Fire, for instance, is among the cheapest tablet computers available.

    Many set-top boxes already give access to Amazon's video catalogue via apps. By building its own device, the firm will get more direct access to consumers' living rooms, while giving developers another reason to create applications for Amazon’s digital ecosystem.

    Related Articles
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    Amazon is in the midst of expanding its hardware product range. It already makes Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets, and as well as a set-top box, is expected to introduce a smartphone this year.

    This strategy, combined with the firm's massive international scale and unmatched distribution network, means Amazon it is seen by industry obsevers as one of the four or five giants poised to battle it out over the full "ecosystem" of hardware, software and services in the next few years. The others are Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung. Facebook is also seen as a major force, but shows no interest in competing in hardware.

    "It would certainly make some sense," said Jason Krikorian, a venture capitalist at DCM and internet television specialist.

    "They have a ton of content, an existing billing relationship with millions of users."
    Amazon's set-top box, along with its other hardware products, is being developed by Lab126, a secretive unit that the firm has rapidly expanded by poaching staff from rivals. Malachy Moynihan, a former vice president at Cisco, who worked on the networking giant's various consumer video initiatives, is in charge of the set-top box project. In the late 1980s and 1990s, Moynihan spent nine years at Apple.

    Amazon has been ramping up its efforts on video content for several years, too. This week in Britain, it announced plans for a customer vote on which of 14 pilots should be turned into a full original series. The plan is LoveFilm's answer to Netflix's critically-acclaimed remake of House of Cards."

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology...

    So the journalist Christopher Williams is postulating that this is a battle between Amazon and LoveFilm Vs Netflix, Apple, Google (Ha! if that ever gets off the ground) and Samsung.

    And none of the above are a threat to YouView. As they are all aimed at a completely different market.
    I'm now happy with the disagree icon, because its gone.
  • gomezgomez Member Posts: 2,073 ✭✭
    edited 26 April 2013, 5:47AM
    Just another crippled offering box. For full access to what is out there you need a media PC or I make use of a nettop PC permanently connected to my TV complete with wireless mouse and keyboard.
  • RoyRoy Member, Super User Posts: 17,692 ✭✭✭
    edited 3 May 2017, 11:39PM
    Amazon to Scuttle YouView? Is this a new Broom that will make a clean sweep, or just scuttlebutt?
    ‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’ Wm Morris
  • ScuttlebroomScuttlebroom Member Posts: 279 ✭
    edited 26 April 2013, 3:27PM
    Roy1 said:

    Amazon to Scuttle YouView? Is this a new Broom that will make a clean sweep, or just scuttlebutt?

    LOL!!!
  • churchwardenchurchwarden Member Posts: 795 ✭
    edited 2 December 2016, 7:27PM
    Roy1 said:

    Amazon to Scuttle YouView? Is this a new Broom that will make a clean sweep, or just scuttlebutt?

    chuckles quietly to himself ......
  • roadrunner2roadrunner2 Member Posts: 11
    edited 18 July 2013, 9:50AM
    Another Amazon branded vending machine.. No matter how cheap they will be, they'll be just that, another vending machine.
    Not a happy bunny right now. If they go ahead with it that would be the end of our hopes of having LoveFilm Instant on youview
  • VisionmanVisionman Member, Super User Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭
    edited 26 February 2017, 1:39PM
    roadrunner 9 minutes ago
    Another Amazon branded vending machine.. No matter how cheap they will be, they'll be just that, another vending machine.
    Not a happy bunny right now. If they go ahead with it that would be the end of our hopes of having LoveFilm Instant on youview
    Actually no, roadrunner. As Amazon will still want to monetise Lovefilms content via as many other avenues as possible. What usually happens in situations like this is that the content is made available more cheaply on the incumbent box than via any other services (to make the above new box look favourable).

    But I agree with your comment its just another Amazon vending machine. And also gomez's comment its 'just another crippled offering box' too.
    I'm now happy with the disagree icon, because its gone.
  • roadrunner2roadrunner2 Member Posts: 11
    edited 26 April 2013, 8:08PM
    Visionman said:

    roadrunner 9 minutes ago
    Another Amazon branded vending machine.. No matter how cheap they will be, they'll be just that, another vending machine.
    Not a happy bunny right now. If they go ahead with it that would be the end of our hopes of having LoveFilm Instant on youview
    Actually no, roadrunner. As Amazon will still want to monetise Lovefilms content via as many other avenues as possible. What usually happens in situations like this is that the content is made available more cheaply on the incumbent box than via any other services (to make the above new box look favourable).

    But I agree with your comment its just another Amazon vending machine. And also gomez's comment its 'just another crippled offering box' too.Don't think so mate. If it was true they wouldn't have cripled the android to only work with Love Film Instant if you use their own Kindle Fire. They could have gone the route of letting everyone having access to Love Film Instant, but chose to lock it to their own platform only. Can't see them giving it away to youview. Stupid imho, as they would get the money on sub without investment in hardware, no matter how cheaply they sell their box it will still be too expensive, as the youview box you can get for free with phone line. I can understand the concept of Kindle with its library and so on.. but another streaming box? ...
  • VisionmanVisionman Member, Super User Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭
    edited 26 February 2017, 1:39PM
    roadrunner 4 minutes ago
    Don't think so mate. If it was true they wouldn't have cripled the android to only work with Love Film Instant if you use their own Kindle Fire. They could have gone the route of letting everyone having access to Love Film Instant, but chose to lock it to their own platform only. Can't see them giving it away to youview. Stupid imho, as they would get the money on sub without investment in hardware, no matter how cheaply they sell their box it will still be too expensive, as the youview box you can get for free with phone line. I can understand the concept of Kindle with its library and so on.. but another streaming box? ...
    Sky are allegedly bringing out they're own too, under a Roku badge. They see a piece of a market. They want it.

    And Microshaft once got done big time for they're crippling practices. Yeah, 732,000,000 times for it too -

    http://article.wn.com/view/2013/03/06...
    I'm now happy with the disagree icon, because its gone.
  • TomWTomW Member Posts: 508 ✭✭
    edited 27 November 2016, 6:35PM
    I don't see this as a direct competitor to YouView. I also don't think it would preclude Lovefilm instant being made available on YouView since it's already available on PlayStation, Xbox, iOS and many Smart TVs. In fact I think it will be Amazon that will have a problem because ultimately what people want is all the major on-demand and catch-up services on one device. Other content providers (Netflix, Sky, Blinkbox etc) are in direct competition with Lovefilm which is owned by Amazon so I think it's unlikely those other services will ever be made available on an Amazon branded product. Is anyone really going to buy yet another black box just to watch Lovefilm instant when it's probably already available on one of their existing devices?

    I think the competition for YouView will be game consoles, Bluray players and smart TVs. Up until now one of YouView's unique selling points was access to all the terrestrial catch-up services. The only other device (connected to a TV) to offer that has been the Playstation. That is all about to change, however, Samsung now offer all the terrestrial catch-up players, plus Netflix and Lovefilm, on their latest Smart TVs and Blu-ray players which can be bought for as little £120. Other TV manufacturers are sure to follow suit, most of them are only missing one or two before they have the full selection. Xbox almost has the full selection too, it's only missing itv player and that is sure to come soon, and it also has Sky Go. I like some aspects of YouView and I think it's a great concept but if I were to already have access to all the catch-up and on-demand services I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend £250 just for the PVR functionality which, lets face it, isn't all that great anyway (lack of padding etc).

    I wouldn't write off Apple either. It remains to be seen what a new upgraded Apple TV might look like and there are clearly issues with regard to regionalisation but they're obviously working on something in the TV space. There are rumours that Apple will launch an app store for Apple TV and given that Apple TV runs a version of iOS it should be fairly easy for the full gambit of catch-up and on-demand players - which are already available on iOS - to be made available on Apple TV. There are also rumours that they plan to have PVR functionality, iCloud integration, intuitive EPG, voice and gesture control, built in camera for FaceTime etc. If they offer even half of that stuff then YouView would really need to up their game.
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