Did you hear the rumor that Apple is trying to get networks to have their content sent via iTunes for a $30/month subscription fee. I have wondered why this has taken so long to develop. I am thinking it was the networks who didn't want to jump in to this model since it might disrupt the whole TV universe of distribution. With cable and advertisers screaming foul. Hopefully this time Apple can make the deal.
Link to article
This article talks about the whole thing coming together by the beginning of next year. Another article I read even went a step further saying that they would integrate the whole thing into the rumored tablet computer. But I don't really get why this would be a breakthrough. Who wants to hold the screen to watch TV? Anyway it would obviously be linked to play on your computer, and iPod/iTouch/iPhone, and AppleTV. Depending on how much they can swing with the networks. Up to this point no one has been able to convince the networks to go this route. Trying to develop Hulu on their own. But I don't think that Hulu is that big of a success. They are rumored to be developing a paid service too. But it would still lock you to viewing from your computer. Which I think is a small market, most people want a seemless way to view on their TV. Will AppleTV need to be beefed up for this? Given how well movies flow, I don't think it would necessarily. This will help to keep the cost down too. It does sound like an exciting posibillity. Especially if you would be able to pick "a la cart" style which networks you wanted. Time will tell.
1 comment:
Stitch, I think you hit it on your last thought. "A la carte" is the thing of the future. You are so right that the networks are risking cash flow by disrupting the cable business. I think AppleTV has to be a part of this because software is Apple's forte, and they could hit it out of the park by going through iTunes and/or AppleTV. People don't want to be force fed garbage they don't want, whether it be crap TV or crap music. You are also right that the networks themselves may be dragging their feet a little bit. They're used to a steady business environment, whereas Apple is used to pioneering the new products and business models. It's like two very different people starting a relationship together - they have to try really hard to meet in the middle!
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