[malcy30]

The new update of the iOS ITV Player app released today includes the addition of live streams for ITV3 and 4 to go with the existing ITV1 and 2 streams.

There is however a big BUT they are charging for them !

Given the TVcatchup app gives all the streams for free are they going to demand the ITV3 and 4 streams are pulled like the Sky channels or are they just stupid and think people will pay.

[ovbg]

^^ It is an interesting business model they are diving into. First of all, they do offer a couple of other things for the £3.99 per month.
1) The live ITV3 and ITV4 channels you mentioned.
2) Additional live event streams (sport and music for instance) when these become available.
3) No in-video advertising (I believe on all catch-up services)

Now, personally, unless this is at the very least standard definition, I would not be too interested. But I don't see any mention of that at all. I am in contact with them regarding this.

As for the value, I agree, it seems a bit odd to charge for ITV3 and ITV4 (since I don't think I have even watched those channels live as there is nothing ever on them for me).

But people did want an ad-free environment, and without ads, they would need an additional revenue stream, so that is fair enough.

If ITV added HD streams as well for this price, I wouldn't be too concerned, though it would still be disappointing to see a FTA network in the UK turn to such a pricing model.

And there is so much more to discuss here. Wouldn't it be better to instead have a combined service like Hulu if we are going to be forced behind a paywall, so we at least get some value for money in regards to greater content?