Aereo says its online streaming and DVR service that features local broadcasters will launch in Utah on 8/19, with Chicago to follow on 9/13. This time, though, the service isn’t launching just in Salt Lake City, but across the state. The announcement follows its expansion earlier this summer to the Boston and Atlanta metropolitan areas. It initially launched in NYC.
Aereo works on tablets, smartphones, laptops and PCs. Aereo is currently supported on iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Chrome, Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Safari, Opera, AppleTV (via airplay) and Roku devices. Android support is expected later this year.
“We’re excited to be launching our technology in Utah, or what is fast becoming known as the Silicon Slopes,” said Aereo CEO and Founder Chet Kanojia. “Utahns are connected, tech-savvy and interested in innovations that can add value to their lives. When it comes to how you watch television, Aereo’s technology will bring more choice and flexibility to Utahns across the state, whether you live in Salt Lake City, St. George or Ogden. We believe consumers want and deserve a better television experience and our work is focused on delivering the best customer experience with the highest quality technology.”
Aereo membership begins at $8 per month, for access to Aereo’s cloud-based Utahns who pre-register at Aereo.com will receive priority access to sign up. Aereo’s technology will be available to all consumers across all 29 counties on August 19.
In Utah, consumers will be able to use Aereo’s unique antenna/DVR technology, to record and watch major networks such as KSTU-HD (FOX), KSL-DT (NBC), KUTV-HD (CBS), KTVX-HD (ABC) and KUED-HD (PBS), as well as other over-the-air special interest and foreign language channels, including BYU-TV, AntennaTV, ION, Qubo, Estrella TV and others. In addition, consumers will also have the ability to add Bloomberg Television.
Aereo membership begins at $8 per month, for access to Aereo’s cloud-based antenna/DVR technology and 20 hours of DVR storage. For an additional $4, consumers can upgrade their subscription and receive 60 hours of DVR storage for a total of $12 per month. Consumers who join Aereo will get their first of month of access for free.
RBR-TVBR observation: Like we’ve said and like our readers are now saying: If you want to stop Aereo, local TV stations should stream their signals live and for free as soon as it can be legally worked out. Band together and get it done, because the courts are not coming to your rescue anytime soon on this.
