Circle the wagons, FilmOn, which in September rolled out a $10-a-month Internet TV service offering a raft of content from the networks--apparently without their permission--has just launched a mobile live television service that doesn't require an app download, working instead with the device's built-in media player.
FilmOn said the service uses a proprietary encrypted service to broadcast live television in HD over a basic 3G connection to mobile devices including iPads, Android and BlackBerry phones.
More than 20 channels, including Los Angeles affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, plus KCAL, Azteca América (KAZA), Telemundo (KVEA) The CW (KTLA), Univision (KMEX), PBS (KOCE), ION Television (KPXN), My Network TV (KCOP), and Universal Sports, are being included in the rollout. A company spokesman said it plans to add more local affiliate channels from major cities including New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Seattle in the coming weeks.
"FilmOn is providing the next logical step in entertainment as mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives," said Alki David, founder of the company. "Free television has always been available to TV set owners. I believe television should be equally as free and readily available to all mobile device owners as well."
FilmOn Mobile is available to mobile users with an Internet connection with at least 3G speed. Mobile users can log on to www.filmon.com from any compatible mobile device. The device will automatically begin streaming the FilmOn platform. The built-in interface allows users to switch channels from the channel icons.
"FilmOn will provide TV station and cable channel partners with a dynamic branded distribution platform that prevents content piracy while providing a worldwide promotional platform and an intuitive advertising user network that produces detailed viewer analytics that will facilitate new online advertising revenues," Said David Ferrara, FilmOn president. "FilmOn is currently in negotiations with major cable providers and plans to provide complete syndicated cable television services throughout the U.S. in 2011."
FilmOn also provides a premium package of stations that includes adult content, specialty content genre channels such as Horror, Thriller, Documentaries and Sports and international channels that include a mixture of music, movies, sports and news.
FilmOn currently is facing legal challenges from a number of broadcasters who claim the company's retransmission of their signals is copyright infringement.
For more:
- see this release
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