Pay-TV eye the future as video subscribers decline

• The pay-TV industry in the U.S. posted its first-ever decline in video subscribers during 2013, according to data compiled by SNL Kagan.
• The group (TWC, CVC, CHTR, DTV, DISH, VZ, T) lost 251K subscribers during the period.
• Even a late charge in Q4 by Comcast CMCSA couldn't turn the tide.
• What to watch: Online TV services which offer limited programming packages are expected to start cropping up this year to put additional pressure on pay-TV operators. Companies such as Dish Network plan to walk a tightrope of enticing cord-cutters and cord-nevers to sign on without cannibalizing current video subscriber counts.