I think this is typically just what happens when a big, non tech company tries to do IT. It never works out like it does at tech-first companies.
I expect the UX will be terrible too. Just look at NowTV.
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I would hardly say that Netflix engineers quickly built out their infrastructure for 4k TV.
Netflix launched as a streaming platform in 2009, and then it’s first 4K show was season 2 of House of Cards in 2014.
They had the advantage of being able to scale up their 4K service as more programmes and films became available - they didn’t suddenly have a huge back catalogue of 4K stuff to dump on the service all at once.
With the difference pricing structure between the UK and US service, I wouldn’t be surprised if when the 4K service is launched, it’s charged more,
I also wonder if maybe the lack of 4K at launch is linked to the Sky agreement. Paramount and Sky have maybe agreed that Sky Cinema customers can only get the HD version of the channel and not the 4K version>
That was relatively quick for 2014, it was before a lot of people had devices and internet connections that could support 4K.
It’s 2022 now I think 4K should be standard for a streaming service.
Anyone know what is going to happen with the handful of Paramount+ shows that are also on Now? I assume they will both have these shows for a short while.
Bit of a poor launch day, when it’ll be 5 weeks behind what’s currently been shown elsewhere. Wouldn’t hurt them to just add every episode so that everyone is then at the same rate of viewing.
I’m already up to date, but for those subscribing it’s a bit of a ball ache.
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I dont think they have done a good job at sharing what they have on offer to be honest. They seem to be relying on Star Trek and Halo, as well as a handfull of other shows. Is this really going to encourage people to spend £6.99 on yet another streaming service. Even Star on Disney+ probably had a better marketing strategy than Paramount+ so far.
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You’re right, you do have too many. IPlayer isn’t really free, though, and neither are My5 or 4OD if you watch content which is currently being broadcast. In fact, if you don’t watch terrestrial TV iPlayer is the most expensive of the lot.
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It does depend which Netflix plan you have, with the premium one being more expensive than the license fee.
Plus, Now splits up sport, entertainment and cinema so whilst an individual entertainment and cinema membership is cheaper, both together will be more expensive.
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You did forget ITV Hub, although that is becoming ITV X with Britbox merged into it.
I do expect some of them to merge into each other or have some sort of deal where if you get two together, you get a cheaper price. This obviously requires companies to cooperate, but i cant see the current market working for too long where every company has there own service, especially when so many are making a loss currently.
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Tv licence who? 
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I was going to shout out ITV, and the other ‘big’ one missing is UK TV Play, for all your ‘replacement Taskmaster’ needs (that is, it’s Dave’s streaming service. Also Drama, W and Yesterday, but I’d never registered two of those channels before).
To be fair, W was only added to it recently when it brcame free to watch so its not surprising if you hadnt noticed that one.
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Just out of interest, has Paramount+ said anything about what films they will have? The only one I’ve seen and can remember is Cliffard the Big Red Dog which isnt really a draw for me.
With only 1080p stereo I’m not sure I’d bother with films they did have…
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All of the Mission Impossible films, the Indiana Jones films and obv Star Trek ones as well.
There’s a few more listed here
The Jackass movies if you like those, The Godfather, the Scream Films.
I wouldnt use that the say what will be on the service here. That is about the US. Disney+ didnt launch with some of their films as other services still had the rights.
From the press release about the UK launch, they only mention this
Blockbuster Movies
Paramount+ will offer unlimited access to blockbuster movies with new releases like Scream 5, time proven classics such as Grease and Star Trek , and family friendly selections like PAW Patrol: The Movie, Clifford The Big Red Dog and more.
So - also definitely ‘PAW Patrol’ as well as Clifford the Big Red Dog.
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