DISH To Stream ESPN, 11 Others For $20/month

(RTTNews) - Sling TV LLC., a subsidiary of Dish Network Corp. (DISH), will launch a web-based television service that will deliver live sports, lifestyle, family, news and information channels, including ESPN, Video-On-Demand entertainment and the best of online video to Internet-connected devices.

Dubbed Sling TV and priced at $20 per month, the service will be available in the first quarter of 2015. It won't require commitment, contract, credit check or hardware installation.

"Consumers can now watch their favorite shows on their favorite devices that they already use to watch video. Live television, including ESPN, for $20 per month with no commitment or contract, is a game changer," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "The arrival of Sling TV lets consumers, who've embraced services like Netflix and Hulu, take more control of their video entertainment experience."

At launch, Sling TV is offering a core programming package as well as two optional add-on packs. "The Best of Live TV" core package, which is priced at $20 per month, offers 12 popular live television channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN. The package also features an array of Video-On-Demand entertainment and the best of online video with unique content from Maker Studios.

With add-on packs, customers can have access to additional programming at $5 per month. Sling TV will offer a "Kids Extra" add-on with Disney Junior, Disney XD, Boomerang, Baby TV and Duck TV, and a "News & Info Extra" add-on with HLN, Cooking Channel, DIY and Bloomberg TV. A "Sports Extra" package is coming soon.

Sling TV expects to expand its core package, Video-On-Demand content, online video and add-on packs throughout 2015.

Sling TV is expected to support a wide range of Internet-connected streaming devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google's Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Mac and PC.

Customers will be able to pause, rewind and fast-forward most live channels and Video-On-Demand content. For certain channels, the service includes a 3-Day Replay feature that gives customers the ability to watch some shows that have aired in the past three days; no DVR is needed.

Sling TV is not a complete replacement for the conventional cable TV. Basically, it is targeted at more internet-savvy, and more cost-conscious consumers, mostly youngsters.

However, ESPN's entry into online streaming is noteworthy, as it is the most popular cable TV channel in the United States having rights to telecast the hugely popular football and basketball matches.