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New 'ivi' App Lets Subscribers Stream Live Network-TV for $4.99

by Caleb Johnson on September 13, 2010 at 02:30 PM

ivi live-streams network TV
A new application called 'ivi' differentiates itself from other TV subscription services by letting users live-stream the major networks rather than cherry-pick shows from different channels. For $4.99 a month, PC, Mac and Linux users can stream 25 channels -- including Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and the CW -- on the 'ivi' app without experiencing any buffering delays. Too good to be true? It sort of is, because 'ivi' avoids buffering delays by slowing the frame rate down to a sluggish pace. Plus, some channels are broadcast in low-definition -- the modern equivalent of watching TV without color. On the positive side, for an extra $0.99 a month, subscribers gain access to the app's DVR feature.

If nothing else, 'ivi' offers a true-to-TV experience on the Web. While streaming channels instead of letting users handpick shows and episodes is an interesting model for those who use a computer as their main viewing device, new-school users probably won't pick it over the living room. After all, the Internet is about what we want and getting it now. If we're going to watch a show when it's actually broadcast, we'll just park on our couch and watch it in HD.

Tags: hulu plus, HuluPlus, Internet, ivi, streaming, streaming video, StreamingVideo, television, top, tv

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