Cablevision Offers Showtime, ESPN 'TV Everywhere' Products

Cablevision Systems Wednesday announced it has launched TV Everywhere apps from Showtime and ESPN to its authenticated Optimum TV subscribers.

Subscribers of the Showtime premium service will now have access to Showtime Anytime, which provides original Showtime series such as Homeland and Dexter – as well as pro boxing and other sports content – via Internet-connected computers, iPad, iPhone and Android smartphones, the company said.

Subscribers using Showtime Anytime can create a personalized line-up using the "My List" feature as well as automatically add new episodes of their favorite series as they premiere, said Cablevision officials.

The WatchESPN service allows Cablevision subscribers to view live feeds of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPNU on computers via WatchESPN.com, on mobile devices via the WatchESPN app, or on XBOX consoles. The package also includes enjoy ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater on WatchESPN when those channels are in season.

Cablevision also said the WATCH Disney Channel,WATCH Disney XD and WATCH Disney Junior will also be available to Optimum tv customers in the near future. The offerings were included as part of Cablevision’s new distribution deal with Walt Disney Co. reached last October.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.