television

Your Next Cable TV Provider Could Be Google or Apple

Something big is going down in Kansas City. Google is offering lightning-fast Internet and television at ridiculous prices. And it's only a matter of time before Apple disrupts cable the way it redefined the music and smartphone industries.

Verizon Pays TiVo $250.4 Million to Settle Patent Lawsuit

Verizon will pay Tivo at least $250.4 million to settle a patent lawsuit related to its DVR technology. The companies agreed to dismiss all pending litigation, and have inked a licensing deal. The news sent shares of the digital video recording pioneer up more than 7% Monday morning.

PayPal Jumps to TVs With TiVo- Comcast Shopping Collaboration

If you think QVC is a state-of-the-art way to shop through your TV, just wait until you see what PayPal has in store: It's working with TiVo and Comcast on ways to let consumers really engage with commercials, and make transactions possible with a click of your remote.

'Mad Men' and Don Draper Should Buy Netflix a Drink

When "Mad Men" came back to AMC after a long break, the 1960s ad executives saw a 20% spike in ratings, and the reason why is as clear as a dry martini: Millions of viewers have streamed the first four seasons on Netflix.

Something Surprising Pops Up at TiVo

TiVo is finally clicking the green"thumbs up" button for its shareholders again. The digital video recorder pioneer ended its fiscal third quarter with 117,000 more subscribers than it started with -- its first gain in four years.

Netflix Revives a Cult Classic - and Its Own Fortunes

Eventually Netflix, had to stop doing stupid things and do a smart one -- and it did. It has made a deal to be the exclusive home of Arrested Development when the critically acclaimed comedy returns to TV in 2013.

For TV Buyers, 'Tis Really the Season

If you're in the market for a new television, you'd be wise to scoop up one of the sweet deals that will be available for the rest of 2011. TV manufacturers and retailers are desperate to unload inventory, so HDTVs, Internet-connected TVs and 3-D TVs will be going at deeply discounted prices.

Google May Be Your Next Cable Television Provider

If you're fed up with escalating cable bills, fuzzy satellite TV reception, and unresponsive customer service, Google is starting to think inside the box: The world's leading search engine may be ready to launch a broadband television service as early as next year.

Why Comcast Will Never Be Great Again

It isn't easy being a cable and Internet service provider these days. Consumers are turning to cheaper options, and they're tired of paying for channels they never watch. Networks are demanding more money. Add in performance issues, it's no surprise cable companies and wireless carriers among the country's most hated companies.

Rabbit Ears Redux: Free Antenna TV Makes a Comeback

Millions of TV lovers hit by the weak economy and fat cable bills are going old-school: They're using antennas. That's right: The rabbit ears your grandmother jiggled to tune in "I Love Lucy" can still receive dozens of digital channels on HDTVs. Here's how you can rule the free airwaves.

Watch Ads, Earn Air Miles? Yes, But It's a Long Trip

Most of us prefer to skip through commercials, or ignore them. At e-Miles, people watch loads of them, on purpose, with no actual TV shows on the schedule. In return, those viewers get airline miles, which allow them to inch their way toward cheaper air travel. So what's the catch? Read on...

When It Comes to Cell Phone Privacy, You're an Open Book

Few people would willingly carry around a device that tracks their movements, records their conversations, and keeps tabs on all the people they talk to. But, according to documents recently released by the American Civil Liberties Union, cell phone companies are doing all of that -- and may be passing the information on to law enforcement agencies.

Old TV Stars Fight Over Merchandise

The shows have been off the air for years, but the battle continues. Stars from television classics, including The Partridge Family and Happy Days, are suing their former studios over royalty money -- for toys, lunch boxes, board games, books and even slot machines -- that they claim is long overdue.

How Taryn Manning Learned Financial Survival

It's not enough to be a movie star and a singer. Taryn Manning learned early on that she also needs to be a business woman to keep afloat financially -- and to earn enough to keep doing what she enjoys. Here's her guide to saving money and boosting her income.

My 3 Cents: Fix It or Nix It? A Gadget Conundrum

Your favorite gadget just broke, and is no longer under warranty. Should you repair it or replace it? DailyFinance consumer advisor Regina Lewis examines the best options for your ongoing consumer electronics happiness.

Should Netflix Stream Its Video Business Into the U.K.?

Netflix is enjoying a period of rapid expansion, riding on the popularity of DVD-by-mail and online video streaming. The question for investors is: What's next? Netflix has signaled that it plans to expand abroad, and the U.K. is a likely target. But is Britain ready for Netflix?

After Blockbuster Deal, Dish Is Set to Take on Netflix

Most subscribers to Dish Network probably picked the satellite television provider based on its low cost. But now that Dish has purchased the library of one-time movie rental powerhouse Blockbuster, it's poised to compete with the likes of Netflix for the streaming-video market.

As TV Sales Lag, Philips Tunes Into Healthcare

Earlier this week, Royal Philips Electronics warned that its television business would post a first-quarter loss. While TV sales have declined, the company says it sees a growing opportunity in healthcare. Greg Sebasky, CEO of Philips's North American operations, discusses the trends driving the growth -- and the challenges ahead.

When the SATs Confuse Reality TV with Reality

In an effort to be hip, the College Board asked one-third of SAT-takers this year to write an essay on whether reality TV shows are beneficial or harmful. That was a bad choice on multiple levels, and an excellent metaphor for much of what's wrong with the whole college admissions race.

What Will the Networks Show If There's No Football?

As the NFL lockout continues, television networks -- which spent billions of dollars to secure broadcasting rights to National Football League games -- are scrambling to fill what could become a gaping hole in their programming schedules.

Is Charlie Sheen Insurable? His Career May Depend on It

Whether Sheen can resurrect his faltering career may depend on something as mundane as an insurance physical. Hollywood producers won't shoot a frame of film nor a second of video without insurance policies on their cast members in case they can't do their jobs.

Vizio Widens Lead in U.S. LCD Television Sales

Vizio widened its lead in the U.S. liquid-crystal-display television market in the fourth quarter, according to a new report from research firm iSuppli. Samsung and Sony lost market share from a year ago, although Sony gained ground from the third quarter.

Watch Out, Netflix: Amazon Launches Videostreaming Service

Is the world's largest online retailer getting ready to challenge movie-subscription service Netflix? Amazon.com on Tuesday unveiled a videostreaming service -- available to its Prime members at no additional cost -- that could position it for battle.

IBM's Watson Draws First Blood in Jeopardy! Challenge

IBM's Watson supercomputer wasn't The Terminator. But it did easily beat out two human champions in the first game of a much-anticipated Jeopardy! showdown between man and machine. The event is also proving to be a ratings winner for CBS.