14 DAY TRIAL // Content providers are still reluctant to refresh their business models and renounce wired solutions, but they’re barging. NBC is the latest network to start offering free, uninterrupted live streaming of its daily programming through a dedicated client application on iOS and Android.
In a brief update posted to the iOS App Store and Google Play store, the National Broadcasting Company announces that its smartphone and tablet apps are now capable of live video streaming of NBC programming.
The option is available solely to cable and satellite subscribers in “select markets,” basically those where NBC owns the local station. NBC asks interested parties to note that use of the app is limited to the United States and its territories.
It gives new purpose to your smartphone or tablet
“Now you can watch your local NBC station (including network programming) LIVE in select markets. Just sign in with your TV service provider user name and password to start watching,” says the broadcaster.
As a bonus, users get an expanded library of classic NBC shows. Customers can watch full episodes of The A-Team, Miami Vice, Kojak, Battlestar Galactica, The Incredible Hulk, Knight Rider and other old-school titles. When you find something awesome, you can share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or email. This doesn’t send over the actual TV show, as you’d imagine.
NBC offers closed-captioning support on shows that display the CC icon in the player controls. Users just touch the icon to enable close-captioning.
On Apple devices, the NBC app requires iOS 7.0 or newer and works with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad for all intended purposes. Video is accessible not only on Wi-Fi connections, but also on 3G, 4G, and LTE. Needless to point out, streaming hours of content on a cellular network will heavily impact your monthly data allowance.