With linear cable television on its way out and online subscriptions on its way in, Apple TV is trying to set itself apart from its competitors. Channel subscriptions via the web have already been introduced, but what makes them unique are the special savings subscribers can get instead of having to pay for a bunch of channels they do not use.

But now, according to re/code, Apple wants to compete with those online services by offering all the national network channels, plus local TV programming. It would be a first for Internet based TV subscriptions packages to a national market.

Although Sony and Dish's Sling TV have offered new micro-sized subscriptions, there have only been a few select cities with the local offering. That is bound to change when Apple unveils its new Apple TV, although it would likely be delayed due to negotiation rights.

Basically, what that means is that Apple's original hope to make its new box ready for fall, which it told programmers, may not be likely. The negotiations process will take a considerable amount of time.

ABC spent nearly two years obtaining the rights to stream live programming via its Watch ABC app. Even still, those live streams remain limited to audiences in eight cities, if that gives you any indication as to how long it could take Apple to close these deals for its entire domestic customer base.

But linear TV is not quite edging its way out just yet. As the report states, Sony and Dish have both agreed to stream linear programming in addition to video on demand, which is basically the same thing cable and satellite companies do now.

One of the big leaps for Apple in this venture is that the box was only originally used for streaming media to a consumer's TV. But now, Apple is getting into the subscription market due to poor TV viewing experiences currently available and trying to set itself apart from its only competitors, for the time being that is.