Why can't you stream/watch NBC, CBS, ABC online yet?

[EastCoasthandle]

If it's free OTA (Over the air) broadcasting why can't you stream/watch current scheduled shows online yet? I hate to see an idea like this exclusive xbox live (just an example of how someone can make you pay for service otherwise free with a TV and antenna).

I thought by now all OTA shows would be available to watch online no different then flipping a channel :shadedshu I was hoping that one day we could get HD quality channels streamed to us. I know, it's just a thought :roll:

[Dr. Spankenstein]

*looks around uncomfortably*

Now, I'm not normally into conspiracy theories, but I was FORCED by my local cable company to purchase a CableCard to get access to my standard OTA fare. This (coincidently) happened at the same time they cut-over to full digital.

So, pretty much, if your using cable-"You play by our rules!" which apparently are above the Federal rules which state that providers must broadcast these stations "in the clear". But with all the neophyte HDTV users out there, they get away with all manner of "Your tuner must be defective. Have you called the manufacturer?" or "Hrmmm, well if want to be able to get these stations again, a set-top box would fix everything PLUS you can get Pay-per-view!"

Sheesh! Don't think I haven't done some comparative antenna shopping...

/rant

[EastCoasthandle]

If they are doing it over in Europe, why not here?

Maybe it doesn't have to be as elaborate as "Flipping a Channel" but at least have the Prime Time shows available for streaming. Heck, if memory service me correctly BBC is doing just that. Let me look for a link.

Edit: Here it is (http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=49904)!
Here is another source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4187036.stm)
The BBC's TV channels will be made available on the internet, BBC Director General Mark Thompson has confirmed.

He announced plans for the MyBBCPlayer - which will allow viewers to legally download seven days of programmes - at the Edinburgh Television Festival.

He said he hoped the service would launch next year.

Mr Thompson said that unless the BBC adapted "we won't deserve or get licence-fee funding beyond 2016... that is very definitely not our plan".

A simulcast of BBC One or BBC Two, letting UK viewers see programmes on the web at the same time as they go out on TV, is also planned as part of MyBBCPlayer.

I think this is what the program, MyBBCPlayer looks lke:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/impguide.jpg
Depending on your internet speed all you do is click and watch. I mean this is too simple to not happen already here in the states!

[erocker]

Because they are trying to figure out how to make money off of it first.

[Dr. Spankenstein]

You got that right!!! They'd charge us for the sunlight if they could!:roll:

[kwchang007]

What are you talking about. Go to abc.com and click on full episodes. They are old episodes though...and I think some places only keep like 3-5 weeks worth of stuff. Same with alot of them.

[EastCoasthandle]

I'm talking about streaming what's on now. In any case
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/09/26/download-tvuplayer-to-watch-cable-tv-online-on-your-computer-for-free/

TVUPlayer should solve this problem as it matures.