Paramount+ (Formerly CBS All-Access)

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

It won't. $5.99 for AVOD and $9.99 for SVOD - same as the CBS All Access pricing.

I'm not sure that fact is "written in stone" quite yet. Even though CBS:AA has finally opened their portal for TV E watching, a "free" tier would at least place them even with, and not behind Peacock. Rebranding gives VCBS an opportunity to make changes consistent with the direction the industry is going instead of relying on 6 yr old policies. Even if its not instituted at launch, adding it later can only increase brand awareness and help to avoid confusion ("where did CBS go?"). Plus, given that both Peacock has it now and HBO Max is planning on adding it this year should be an incentive to at least consider it, otherwise its simply CBS:AA with a different name...and I think Bakish wants THIS to be not only what CBS:AA wasn't, but also something competitive not only with Peacock & HBOM, but with other services to come.

Some will say Pluto TV fits that requirement, but Pluto while worthwhile, has a different ad-revenue scheme altogether. You cannot finance "studio grade" programming with Pluto...and really what IS the purpose of a "free" tier, it's to "tease" the programming available on the premium level to get you to buy! P+ can do THAT a whole lot better within their service then relying on Pluto TV to deliver that for them.

[Lee A Stewart]

Originally Posted by tjritter79

I'm not sure that fact is "written in stone" quite yet. Even though CBS:AA has finally opened their portal for TV E watching, a "free" tier would at least place them even with, and not behind Peacock. Rebranding gives VCBS an opportunity to make changes consistent with the direction the industry is going instead of relying on 6 yr old policies. Even if its not instituted at launch, adding it later can only increase brand awareness and help to avoid confusion ("where did CBS go?"). Plus, given that both Peacock has it now and HBO Max is planning on adding it this year should be an incentive to at least consider it, otherwise its simply CBS:AA with a different name...and I think Bakish wants THIS to be not only what CBS:AA wasn't, but also something competitive not only with Peacock & HBOM, but with other services to come.

Some will say Pluto TV fits that requirement, but Pluto while worthwhile, has a different ad-revenue scheme altogether. You cannot finance "studio grade" programming with Pluto...and really what IS the purpose of a "free" tier, it's to "tease" the programming available on the premium level to get you to buy! P+ can do THAT a whole lot better within their service then relying on Pluto TV to deliver that for them.

HBO Max will be introducing a lowered priced AVOD version. Peacock is the only studio backed streamer that offers a free with ads limited content version.

Netflix: SVOD
Amazon Prime Video: SVOD
Disney+: SVOD
Hulu: AVOD and SVOD
Apple+: SVOD
HBO Max: SVOD
Discovery+: AVOD and SVOD
CBS All Access: AVOD and SVOD
Peacock: Free AVOD (limited content), AVOD and SVOD

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

HBO Max will be introducing a lowered priced AVOD version. Peacock is the only studio backed streamer that offers a free with ads limited content version.

Netflix: SVOD
Amazon Prime Video: SVOD
Disney+: SVOD
Hulu: AVOD and SVOD
Apple+: SVOD
HBO Max: SVOD
Discovery+: AVOD and SVOD
CBS All Access: AVOD and SVOD
Peacock: Free AVOD (limited content), AVOD and SVOD

Again, I'm not sure that's a "final" draft for the HBO Max service. Read this article, special consideration to the comparison of ads to Peacock. Seems the HBOM ad-infused tier (due to the NCAA tournament) may be offered at no cost to the consumer. Or perhaps I AM reading too much into this....
"The company has set an asking price for its initial advertisers and shared how many ads the streamer will air per hour of programming. However, the company has not told the agency executives whether people will have to pay to access HBO Max’s ad-supported tier."

https://digiday.com/future-of-tv/war...20the%20matter.

[Lee A Stewart]

AT&T Eyes AVOD on HBO Max to Widen ‘Available’ Customer Base

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/att-ey...customer-base/

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

AT&T Eyes AVOD on HBO Max to Widen ‘Available’ Customer Base

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/att-ey...customer-base/

https://imagen.io/resources/what-are...advertisements.

"Unlike SVOD and TVOD services, AVOD is free to consumers. However, much like broadcast television, consumers need to sit through advertisements. You can see AVOD in action when watching DailyMotion, YouTube and 4OD, where ad revenue is used to offset production and hosting costs. "

Just saying when this is promoted from a BUSINESS standpoint, THIS is how its presented!
And yes, you did show that its done otherwise....so we'll have to see I guess.

[Lee A Stewart]

‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run’ to Debut on Paramount+, PVOD March 4

Paramount Pictures’ animated film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will premiere on ViacomCBS’s streaming service Paramount+ and on PVOD as a $19.99 rental from Paramount Home Entertainment March 4.

The film was released theatrically during the summer.

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-sp...-pvod-march-4/

[tjritter79]

MASSIVE annual discounts on CBS:AA/Paramount +

$29.99-with ads ($2.50 per month paid annually)
$49.99-ad free ($4.17 per month paid annually)

...if you pay for one year in advance. The CBS:AA app will automatically change to Paramount+ on March4th.

https://slickdeals.net/f/14790121-50...s-annual-plans

This deal is also good at https://www.paramountplus.com/

"Sign up for a CBS All Access annual plan today and for a limited time we'll sweeten the deal with 50% off your first year. Then stream even MORE shows, movies & originals when your subscription transitions over to Paramount+ on March 4. Offer expires on 03/03/2021 11:59 PM GMT. Terms and conditions apply. Code PARAMOUNTPLUS will be automatically applied upon checkout."

[Lee A Stewart]

Paramount Has Steep SVOD Mountain to Climb

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/paramo...tain-to-climb/

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

Paramount Has Steep SVOD Mountain to Climb

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/paramo...tain-to-climb/

Yes, CBS/Paramount has had an identity crisis for quite some time, even before the recent merger both companies while still acknowledging close ties (Star Trek Kelvin Trilogy for one) they seemed to have different strategic ideals regarding their programming. Viacom appeared to sell their wares "anywhere & everywhere" they could get revenue which means selling to Prime, Netflix and while I'm happy that they made a deal with Peacock for Yellowstone, business-wise that is still a head-scratcher.

For Para+ to succeed, they MUST unite on a single course of action. Right off the bat they NEED more Paramount film titles. I count about 40 currently (give or take) it should be close to what HBO Max offers which is about 1000. Second, they have to jump-start their brand-awareness beyond SVOD. I still say March 4th is the PERFECT time to bite the Disney bullet and officially become a member of Movies Anywhere. If that springboard doesn't stimulate the Paramount brand in the states, nothing will IMO.

Hold the horse for me Lee, while I beat it! Para+ NEEDS a limited content, ad-supported free tier if they're EVER going to compete or reduce the jump start Peacock got. At least mirror the free CBS broadcast shows on the free tier. Now, I know their argument will be "our ad-supported stuff can mainly go to Pluto TV" which is BOTH a blessing and a curse since Pluto is not only a separate app, but their ad-structure is vastly different (as is the generated revenue) then what they generate via SVOD or even via broadcast TV. Without the "free" tier, they are disenfranchising the millions of CBS viewers via cable/satellite who are accustomed to watching a linear distributed service and don't see the "sense" in having to pay a surcharge to see "free programming with ads". Let alone those who may have streaming capability but prefer the "free" experience OTA as opposed to streaming.

Aside of that, V/CBS needs to acquire or exhibit additional content to at least expand their variety. Smaller or niche vendors if you will and then exclusify that within their services. You HAVE to have MULTIPLE reasons for people to want to go to Para+. Aside of Star Trek and originals like the TZ remakes and The Stand which "stand" out (sorry for the pun) I see very little currently regarded as "must see" by the masses.

[vertigop1ayer]

Originally Posted by tjritter79

Aside of that, V/CBS needs to acquire or exhibit additional content to at least expand their variety. Smaller or niche vendors if you will and then exclusify that within their services. You HAVE to have MULTIPLE reasons for people to want to go to Para+. Aside of Star Trek and originals like the TZ remakes and The Stand which "stand" out (sorry for the pun) I see very little currently regarded as "must see" by the masses.

I still think it's a risky moment to (re)launch with no big "wow" new series or other content that could create a real moment for the emerging P+ brand.

Disney had something special with The Mandalorian, and that's a success difficult to replicate. Across Hollywood, we saw HBO Max launch without anything particularly hyped and it's been a much slower path despite the variety and quality of their content.

I haven't dreamed up what kind of show would theoretically do the trick, but the fact that it's launching with mostly a collection of legacy content is only going to be compelling for people already interested in some of it, not new viewers.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by vertigop1ayer

I still think it's a risky moment to (re)launch with no big "wow" new series or other content that could create a real moment for the emerging P+ brand.

Disney had something special with The Mandalorian, and that's a success difficult to replicate. Across Hollywood, we saw HBO Max launch without anything particularly hyped and it's been a much slower path despite the variety and quality of their content.

I haven't dreamed up what kind of show would theoretically do the trick, but the fact that it's launching with mostly a collection of legacy content is only going to be compelling for people already interested in some of it, not new viewers.

Eh, I think that may slightly trend into A&O territory? Disney was completely NEW. It's not like they were transferring existing Disney cable content to Disney + and relying on that. Plus, Disney had the advantage of a head-start AND not having their opening impacted by the pandemic...that came later when several of their expected opening months titles....like WandaVision...were delayed by the virus as well as HD remasters of some of their archival movies/TV shows that didn't get HD treatment after previously airing on "The Disney Channel" in its earlier, premium channel years.

HBO Max was an existing brand who also had quite a lot of originals planned the first year...and that was the reason for their offering $3 off for the first year when these were delayed...of course they didn't know then the theater situation either which I think has worked well to their advantage.

Paramount+ DOES have a CGI SpongeBob, return of Dora, more Star Trek including the Capn. Pike series whose name escapes me at the moment, and I'm too lazy to Google it as well as Lower Decks, Picard season 2 and....not public knowledge yet so I can't spoil it, sorry!

Then there are the Paramount franchises and certainly the vault of films that rival ANY studio. Yellowstone has a prequel series coming (I think that was announced during the SB or maybe before?), Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones, The Godfather (Coda?), Cloverfield, Bad News Bears, Naked Gun/Police Squad, Transformers, Top Gun, TMNT, and even Rugrats. Any of these could certainly be worthwhile candidates to create a movie or TV series around as a retro or reboot type to bring in audiences. I think in time Viacom will see the VALUE of keeping most creative content "in-house" and its possible we may see content formerly delivered by Netflix and Prime come back under Paramount+ control much as we saw with Disney, Warner and Universal content return to their creators. Paramount DOES have a archival collection that truly rivals any other studios productions now...and if they continue originals as good as "The Stand" was, they'll be fine.

[filmbuffTX]

I subscribed to CBS All Access a few months ago to watch the Twilight Zone series reboot. Then kept it and saw a bunch of films I had never seen, but had been wanting to: Harold and Maude, Let's Scare Jessica To Death, Body Parts, To Catch a Thief, and the CBS ALL Access Original - Console Wars.

The parent company of my local CBS affiliate was in a fight with my cable provider (AT&T) and we were without CBS for many weeks and couldn't watch NFL football. Having CBS All Access saved the day as it allowed me to watch my local Houston Texans football games on Sunday.

I'm looking forward to see what new they have to offer with the rebranding. I hope they have a lot of classic MTV content. It's already been announced that they're briging The Real World back with the original cast from season one in the same NYC loft.

It would be awesome if they could get the complete library of The Real World and Road Rules on the streaming platform. Those shows were produced by Bunin-Murray productions, so MTV doesn't own them outright, but it would be awesome if they could make a deal for them.

I'd also like to see True Life and even Sex in the 90s.

Their Super Bowl ad was one of the best all night.

[mysticwaterfall]

They really need to bulk it up for it to be worthwhile though. The New Trek shows are good but after they are over I have nothing to watch on it.

I was excited when they started adding Viacom stuff, but its sort of a joke. For instance Paw Patrol is a favorite of my son. You get 3 of 7 seasons, so its all old episodes. This is pretty much the case for the cable shows. I get waiting to get the current season (even though it would be awesome if they did next day eps like the cbs stuff does), but you could at least have all the other seasons.

Edit: Seems I made this same point about 3 weeks ago and forgot about it, lol. Its a shame New Trek got delayed for covid, otherwise the annual plan discount might actually be worth it.

[tjritter79]

The discounts as I mentioned in my previous note above, are SO substantial, that even if you're ONLY interested in SIX MONTHS of programming, its still a significant deal and savings.

[Lee A Stewart]

FAQ: Paramount Plus Is the Latest Streaming Service, But Do You Really Need It?

Paramount Plus will be offered with two subscription tiers, a $5.99/month ad-supported tier and a $9.99/month ad-free tier.

But those interested in paying ahead and saving a little bit of money have the option of buying 12-month subscriptions for $59.99 and $99.99/respectively.

Furthermore, if you sign up before March 3, you can use the code PARAMOUNTPLUS to only pay $30 your first year of the service. That’s a 50% discount which you can access here.

https://spy.com/articles/lifestyle/e...ce-1202737071/

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

FAQ: Paramount Plus Is the Latest Streaming Service, But Do You Really Need It?



https://spy.com/articles/lifestyle/e...ce-1202737071/

Yes, and when that code is applied to an annual ad-free subscription, it comes out to $4.17 monthly, or $49.99.

The 50% option (whichever you choose) is automatically applied at checkout.

[bladerunner6]

I signed up for the monthly plan with Roku.

When I went to my CBS account it referred me to Roku.

I canceled my service so I can use the coupon. Is there anyway for me to take advantage of this offer?

Thanks.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by bladerunner6

I signed up for the monthly plan with Roku.

When I went to my CBS account it referred me to Roku.

I canceled my service so I can use the coupon. Is there anyway for me to take advantage of this offer?

Thanks.

You may have cancelled through Roku, but your subscription will stay active through the end of the current cycle. For example if you have a month-to-month subscription and your cycle date is the 22nd of the month, you could have cancelled today but that cancellation wouldn't take effect until AFTER the 22nd....till the end of your "cycle date" CBS will continue to refer you to Roku.

Once that date passes, you should be able to sign up through the paramountplus.com site with the same code PARAMOUNTPLUS to get the 50% discount for whichever plan you desire.

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

FAQ: Paramount Plus Is the Latest Streaming Service, But Do You Really Need It?



https://spy.com/articles/lifestyle/e...ce-1202737071/

1. If you have CBS All-Access already, then you’ll transition to Paramount+. Even subscribers via Apple TV channels get it.

2. Out of all the paid “network” apps and even free “network” apps, you get more with AA/P+. Shows are usually available to stream a few hours after airing and wifh 5.1 audio. The NBC and Hulu app offer next day streams but NBC app is limited to 2.0 audio and only selected devices offer 5.1 sound. Peacock has 5.1 audio but you may have to wait a week to watch a show on Peacock.

Also, AA/P+ offers HDR/Dolby Vision and even 4K while the other apps are limited to HD SDR only.

[Flyers99]

If these Beavis And Butthead episodes are the full ones with music videos & aren't just the Mike Judge Collection, they get my sub