Vidgo has been in the works for years, but it appears that the streaming TV service is finally jumping into the mix to take on fellow virtual MVPDs like FuboTV, DirecTV Now and Sling TV.
Light Reading’s Jeff Baumgartner confirmed that Vidgo “soft launched” last weekend ahead of Sunday's El Clásico soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Vidgo’s initial packages include Latino, which features 25 channels including beIN Sports for $19.99 per month, and Latino Mas, which includes 35 channels for $29.99 per month. Vidgo CEO Shane Cannon said an English-language focused channel package should launch in one month or two.
Device compatibility for Vidgo right now is limited to web browsers along with Android and iOS devices, though Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast and Apple TV support is in the works. Vidgo is also working on adding a VOD library and cloud DVR.
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By focusing on Spanish-language programming, Vidgo appears to be closely competing with FuboTV, Sling TV and DirecTV Now, all of which offer extensive Spanish-language programming. Fubo Latino offers more than 15 channels for $17.99 and offers additional channel add-on packages priced at $4.99 and $14.99.
DirecTV Now’s Todo y Mas offers more than 40 English-language channels and more than 50 Spanish-language channels together for $45 per month. Sling TV offers a Best of Spanish programming package with more than 15 channels for $10 per month alongside add-on packages with programming from Mexico, South America and Central America priced at $5 per month each.
But Vidgo’s current form is different from what the service promised in 2016 when it was still in its startup phase. Vidgo originally said it would allow users to build their own packages from programming including live local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS channels along with cable networks from Discovery, Disney and more. The service also said it would include live local sports alongside ESPN and the NFL Network.