US satellite provider Dish Network is targeting cord-cutters with a US$20-per-month OTT service.

At launch, expected this quarter, content partners for the streaming service called Sling TV will include traditional TV networks like Cartoon Network and Disney Channel.

Among those programming partners is multi-channel network and digital content creator Maker Studios. The “best of online video” offering from Maker will include both original programming and videos created by YouTube talent within the media company’s network. Long-form, genre-driven programming from Maker will come to Sling TV later this year.

In order for consumers to get the Sling TV service, announced on Monday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, they don’t need to sign any contracts or install hardware. A core programming package includes 12 Nielsen-rated sports, lifestyle, family and news networks: ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, Travel Channel, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and ABC Family.

But Dish isn’t shedding the cable business model entirely. Additional programming “packs” will cost an extra US$5. For instance, there’s a kids programming add-on that includes Disney Junior, Disney XD, Boomerang, Baby TV and Duck TV. For news and reality TV junkies, a different package add-on includes content from HLN, Cooking Channel, DIY and Bloomberg TV. According to a statement, a fuller sports package is coming soon.

Sling TV is expected to be supported by nearly all the major set-top boxes including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google’s Nexus Player, LG Smart TVs and Xbox One. VOD controls mean consumers are in charge of how content is streamed, paused or replayed. Some channels also include a three-day replay feature.

From Stream