God, I hope we don't end up with one set top box per media company

Filed in archive IPTV on February 8, 2006

NBC Universal has an on-demand deal with Apple Computer's iTunes and DirecTV. But now that they have caught the 'on demand religion' they may be going overboard. NBC has completed a deal that will give customers access to its movies and TV shows through a new cable set-top box.

The deal is with Aeon Digital, a maker of digital set-top boxes, which will launch a new product this spring that will allow consumers to access NBC Universal Television Distribution shows, "Blind Date," "The 5th Wheel," and a special uncensored episode of "Jerry Springer."

NBC Universal theatrical movies will also be available -- "Ray" and "The Motorcycle Diaries," "The Skeleton Key," and "The Wedding Date," as well as upcoming premieres of "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "The Constant gardener."

With the new Aeon set-top box, the DV-220, consumers can also access songs, radio programming, and thousands of theatrical films. In addition, the box has a built-in DVR, a wireless router, and access to the Internet. The box also includes an electronic programming guide (EPG) to locate favorite TV programs.