I wrote about this back on 4/3/2005, Cable system DVR’s are not the future, and yesterday Apple released new iPods that can play video. Immediate reaction of people- who wants to watch TV on a little iPod screen- that’s right up there with the IBM chairman Thomas Watson Sr. estimating the global market for computers at ‘about five or six’ in 1946.
The big deal isn’t seeing video on the iPod- it’s that you can now buy last night’s episode of Lost for $1.99. I’m not sure if that’s with or without commercials, but, soon, imagine it’s $1.99 without commercials- or free (or cheaper) if you download and ACTUALLY watch commercials that are targeted to you.
That is the future- and it just came to you via Apple computer.
Currently the video is not high resolution to play on your TV- but, that will change as codec’s improve. TiVo may just be seeing the end of their business model, or it may be the beginning, if they figure out a way to sell programs direct too.
A message to the “Broadcast” industry- your days are numbered. To the producers of quality content, you may be seeing a bigger piece of the pie coming your way. How many people will skip paying HBO and buy the Soprano’s direct? A season subscription for $50- I’d buy it.
What do you think?
I don’t know how much longer people will pay for “TiVo” when Microsoft is pushing Media Center, it’s being integrated into the new xBox360 – apple is now allowing you to purchase TV show’s so I’m sure apple is working on a media center equivelant system… and the fact that anyone who has any bit of technical skill can whip together a cheap PVR from spare computer parts around the house –
I guess I don’t see why ANYONE is paying for TiVo other than those who simply don’t want computers – or would rather not deal with the technical side of things.. but that will soon be over too when every computer is capable of transmitting a signal from their computer to TV wirelessly.
I think TiVo and similar are going to be part of the past very soon.
Also don’t forget how easy it is for anyone to find episodes of LOST or Sorprano’s for free. It’s kind of a toss up whether apple can really even charge – like you said I can easily see the price dropping or becoming free very soon for basic broadcasting such as LOST. Sorprano’s is a little different since it comes on HBO which is premium –
Going to be interesting over the next few months.