Within the past 12 months, no less than five virtual MVPD (multichannel video programming distributor) services from major operators like Comcast have debuted. While some, like Stream, are in the trial phase, others are full-fledged consumer products -- and they could revolutionize the pay-TV industry, whose video subscriber rates have stagnated.
Dish Network, of course, led the way with the launch of Sling TV last winter. Time Warner Cable, Cox and Sony, along with Comcast, have followed in its wake -- with varying degrees of success.
With the magic formula for OTT success elusive, which of these virtual cable services will still be around in two, five or even ten years? FierceCable takes a closer look in this special report.