This week, we’ve been following the latest carriage dispute — this one between Google’s YouTube TV and Disney. Elsewhere, DIRECTV STREAM confirmed incoming price hikes, and Best Buy pulled TCL’s Google TV models off store shelves. And several big-name streaming companies are reportedly interested in streaming rights for Major League Soccer.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
YouTube TV Lost ABC, Disney, & ESPN This Week
Earlier in the week, YouTube TV warned that it could lose several Disney-owned channels if a deal could not be reached by December 17th. The channels went dark on the streaming service on Friday night, just before the midnight deadline.
Check out the latest on the dispute between YouTube TV and Disney here.
DIRECTV STREAM Confirms Price Hike for January 2022
This week, we learned that DIRECTV STREAM plans to raise prices on several plans in January, 2022. The actual increases depend on the plan, and whether or not the package has been grandfathered in, but many options are going up by several dollars per month.
Check out the details on DIRECTV STREAM’s price hike here.
5 Things To Watch For At CES 2022 (HDMI 2.1, NextGen TV, and More)
We’ve got just a couple weeks left until the start of CES 2022 and now felt like a good time to discuss what we expected to see at the annual consumer electronics trade event. More TVs with HDMI 2.1 or NextGen TV support? Fancier flexible displays?
See what we’re predicting for CES 2022 here.
Apple Users Can Now Watch Disney+ With Friends Via SharePlay
Recent updates to Apple’s core software platforms have enabled the company’s SharePlay feature. And now, Disney has updated its Disney+ app to include support for the group watching option.
Learn how to use SharePlay in the Disney+ app here.
Hardware Spotlight
A look at the latest streaming and cord-cutting gear.
PSA: Not All Displays With HDMI 2.1 Ports Support All HDMI 2.1 Features
We’re starting to see more TVs and displays with HDMI 2.1 inputs on board. However, it’s definitely worth reminding consumers that not all HDMI 2.1 models necessarily support the long list of new features the new standard allows for.
Learn more about HDMI 2.1 support here.
Best Buy Stops Selling TCL Google TVs After Reports of Poor Performance
Following multiple reports of poor or unstable performance, retailer Best Buy has opted to pull certain TCL TVs that run the Google TV software platform. TCL says it’s working on software updates to improve the experience and expects those models to return to store shelves soon.
Check out the latest on TCL’s Google TVs here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Apple, Amazon, & Others Are Reportedly Interested in MLS Streaming Rights
A bevy of big-name streaming companies are apparently lining up to claim streaming rights to Major League Soccer. Players like Apple, Amazon, and Disney have all been named in recent reports.
Find out the latest on the fight for MLS streaming rights here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Amazon Fire TVs and Devices are On Sale Up to 40% off Right Now
Amazon’s Fire TV devices are currently on sale, just in time for some holiday shopping. Check out the deals at the link below.