According to at least one online source, Amazon is getting ready to offer a paid TV service in the near future. Amazon has been working with some of the largest entertainment companies about getting the approval and license to their content for a new online service. This new service would be separate from the already popular Amazon Prime Instant Video service. Just like with any new service, Amazon is not alone in the new venture. According to reports, Google and Sony have been doing something similar, with Apple also tossed into the rumor mill for good measure.
Reports from a couple of months ago suggested that Amazon was getting a Roku style television box ready to sell, but since then the box has reportedly been put on hold. Amazon is also reportedly working on content that is original and paid for. Before the company can do anything, the television networks are going to have to agree to license the content and in some cases more than some already do. Amazon would stream the service over the internet bringing competition directly from cable TV and satellite providers all over the country.
The source also claims that things are in the very early stages so many things could change before the service is rolled out. Since there is no official word regarding this, the speculation is thick and assuming the service would work with Kindle Fire tablets, Amazon is looking to give you more reasons to pick up one of their affordably priced devices. The company recently put the popular Kindle Fire HDX on sale through its website and even though it was a very short sale, the device priced at $199 was likely getting added to carts all through the day.
Amazon is typically very quiet about new ventures and since this was first reported the company has come forward to offer an explanation into the rumors. Amazon released a statement to Variety saying that it “We continue to build selection for Prime Instant Video and create original shows at Amazon Studios, but we are not planning to license television channels or offer a pay-TV service”. Even though the company is quoted here, that does not mean the idea is completely being shot down. Companies are likely to deny anything new, especially if it is in the early stages development.
