We’ve been thinking that we can just get rid of cable and get all of our TV shows from online, but cable companies are finding ways to keep us subscribing.  This became evident when I wanted to watch live events for the Olympics.  On the NBColympics.com page, it showed that some events were available to watch live in their entirety.  I was excited.  But, when I clicked on the link, the page asked me to provide information about my cable provider.  I only have local channels, so when I filled out the form, it denied me access to those live events.

It seems that you could only watch the live events if you subscribed to a cable package that included CNBC and MSNBC. The service is called “Olympics Online Connect.” It requires authentication from your cable provider to access those videos.  Alas, I was only able to get video snippets instead of the full event replay video streams.

Premium cable/satellite stations like HBO and Showtime let you see snippets, teasers, interviews, etc. by signing up on their page, but, again, will authenticate that you are indeed a subscriber before you can gain access to watch full episodes.

How long will it be until you can’t get your ABC, NBC, or CBS TV shows online without paying?

Indeed, TANSTAAFL – (there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch) – and soon there may be no such thing as free online TV shows.

Let’s enjoy the TV shows that are free for now, and be patient with the short 30 second advertisements that are embedded in the videos.  It may be the only way we’ll get to continue seeing those shows for free.