ivi Turns Up the Trash Talk Around Live TV to the Internet

ivi (www.ivi.tv) released its live TV application that the company claims enables anyone with an Internet connection to “cut the cord” and watch live broadcast TV anywhere in the world, anytime. The company describes its over-the-top (OTT), online system as the first traditional TV experience available on the Internet.The company offers a 30-day free trial to watch major broadcast channels including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, The CW, PBS, and others from a growing number of local affiliates, all available via a downloadable app at ivi's Web site. The basic ivi Air package contains more than 25 major broadcast channels for $4.99/month, after the 30 day free trial, with more air channels to be added each month for no additional cost. An upgrade offering time-shifting DVR functionality is available at an intro price of $0.99/month.Todd Weaver, founder and CEO of ivi, took a swing at cable ops in particular in a press release announcing the solution: “The cable industry has spent countless millions of dollars on so-called ‘TV Everywhere’ solutions in a blind effort to prop up outdated technology and business models. However, ivi empowers its users to experience TV Anywhere, offering them major broadcast channels delivered live to their laptop or desktop, anywhere on the planet. Whether eventually integrated into Google TV, Apple TV or meshed with an existing platform's digital strategy, ivi makes the set-top-box and any 'Web to TV' products obsolete,” Weaver stated.