Aereo revamps pricing structure
August 3, 2012
By Colin Mann
Aereo, the start-up that takes live TV programming and sends it to mobile devices in New York, has revealed a new membership pricing structure which it says provides consumers with more choice and flexibility to experience Aereo’s television technology. A US District Judge ruled in July that Aereo could continue with its service, despite objections from major broadcasters.
In addition, the company also announced a new feature – Aereo Try for Free – which allows consumers the ability to access Aereo’s technology for a continuous one-hour period each day, free of charge. Aereo membership is currently only available to residents of New York City and the Aereo Try For Free feature is only available to people physically present in New York.
Aereo’s technology allows consumers to access live broadcast television on compatible Internet connected devices, at home or on the go. Aereo is currently available to residents of New York City and is supported on iPad, iPhone, Safari on MacBook, AppleTV and Roku.
“We know that one size does not fit all, that’s why we’ve designed our new pricing structure to work for a wide variety of lifestyles,” said Aereo CEO Chet Kanojia. “Whether you want a day pass to watch the ‘big game’ on your mobile device or an annual membership that provides you with 40 hours of DVR storage, we have a plan that works for you. Our pricing is designed to work with the consumer – not against them,” he claimed.
Aereo announced its new pricing structure two weeks after federal Judge Alison J. Nathan issued a ruling denying a motion for a preliminary injunction against Aereo filed in February 2012 by a group of 17 network broadcasters.
Aereo believes that consumers have a fundamental right to access over the air television that broadcasts on the public airwaves, and that enhancing and supporting public access to that local broadcast signal is important. Aereo says it allows consumers portable and simple access to that broadcast television signal. In times of emergencies and breaking news, access to timely, live information is crucial. Aereo can serve as another avenue for the public to access that important information, says the company.
In New York City, there are currently 28 broadcast channels available over-the-air, including major networks such as WABC, WNBC, WCBS, WNYW-FOX, WPIX-11, WNET-PBS, and PBS Kids, special interest channels such as NYC.GOV, NYC-LIFE, Ion and Qubo, and foreign language broadcast channels such as Telemundo, Azteca, Telefutura, Univision, Sinovision, NTDTV and CGN-TV. Aereo is currently supported on iPad, iPhone, Safari on MacBook, AppleTV and Roku. Additional device support, including PC’s and Android is expected later this summer.