Get ready for 'over-the-top' TV

[Commentary] The future looks like a mash-up of these two modes of viewing -- a bundle of channels that are streamed via the Internet to any and every screen.

Lowell McAdam, Verizon's chief executive and others call the concept "over the top," and the idea came closer to fruition when The Walt Disney Company -- the owner of ESPN and ABC -- and Dish Network joined forces. If lots of people dropped the TV subscription, Time Warner Cable (which is trying to merge with Comcast) could respond in a few ways. It might raise prices on broadband to compensate. It could promote new discounts to keep me paying for both broadband and TV. Maybe it would sell its own "over the top" service, or try to distinguish itself with exclusive content.

[March 7]