Call the cable TV provider in your area, because you’re going to want broadband Internet for the upcoming “Streaming Wars”.

When Dish Network satellite TV bought the failing Blockbuster video, many wondered how Dish would turn it into a money maker.   Well, the first attempt is being made as we speak.  After Netflix announced significant price hikes to come, Dish Network saw an opportunity to grab new customers.

Netflix took its single disc/streaming video product and broke it into two products.  What was once $9.99 a month for both is now $7.99 a month per product.  Obviously, Netflix users are miffed.  Dish Network offers a one disc rental package for $9.99, but the Blockbuster package does not include streaming video.  At least not yet.
However, according to a BizJournals.com article, Dish Network satellite TV / Blockbuster video feels customers would switch from Netflix for early access to new releases and video game rentals.  The Blockbuster package is $2 more a month than the single disc package from Netflix, so only time will tell.  What’s more important, saving $2 or having access to newer new releases and video games?

It looks like Dish Network satellite TV is heading in the direction of the other satellite Internet providers.

According to a story on Multichannel, “A U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge approved Dish Network’s proposal to purchase TerreStar Networks for $1.375 billion Thursday, giving the satellite giant access to wireless spectrum for a possible broadband play.”  That looks pretty cut and dry.  Dish Network satellite TV appears to be moving into satellite Internet territory and why wouldn’t they?  People need broadband all over the world, even if cable lines can’t get to their houses.

After winning a successful bid for the rights to broadcast the world renown tennis tournament, ESPN has made history by bringing the tournament solely to cable TV providers for the first time ever.  At the same time, you tennis fans will have to make sure you’re up to date with the cable TV providers in your area.

Moving the entire tournament over to cable TV for the first time ever, NBC lost the rebroadcast rights to ESPN at the culmination of the final game this year.   As reported by AdWeek, ”Terms of the 12-year pact were not disclosed, although the deal will move all live coverage of Wimbledon to cable for the first time. That said, some tape-delayed matches will air on ABC, including replays of the men’s and women’s finals. The broadcaster will also air a three-hour highlight show on the middle Sunday of the tournament.”

The move ends the 43 year relationship between Wimbledon and NBC.  Although, it seem there is no ill will.  NBC recognizes that ESPN was simply willing to spend more to retain the rights to broadcast the tournament on cable TV.