Hulu, Akimbo, TiVo: Blend Your Boxes!

Filed in archive Internet TV on December 19, 2007

Internet television is finally on the brink of stardom but one major road block keeps the stars from shining, clutter! There are just too many device options available. Between Apple TV, TiVo and the Akimbo player, consumers have too many options. The Wall Street Journal explored this scenario in a recent article. Let's face it. We have seen the same problem with online music download services. In the end the best device won.

The concept of internet video is almost becoming a thing of the past. Hardware will determine which online television content providers will reach the largest consumer market. A television that is capable of connecting to the internet as well as receive regular over-the-air high-definition broadcasts and cable broadcasts will give consumers the most options. But internet through a traditional television defeats the purpose of 'internet TV' right? Yes it does. My point is that at some point the internet will be viewed through televisions and mobile phones more than they will through regular computers. Desktop computers are soon becoming a thing of the past. Newer laptops are configured more like televisions, with widescreen HD LCD screens and TV tuners. High bandwidth access will lead the way.

Along with joint ventures such as hulu, between News Corp's Fox and General Electric Co's NBC Universal, content providers also need to partner with consumer electronics manufacturers that design devices for high-speed internet access.