Google TV

Google TV launched in October after months of speculation. The Logitech Revue set-top box and a range of Sony TVs and other devices enable viewers to bring online video into the living room in a big way. At least that was the idea.

The problem is that all connected TV platforms need content to thrive. Unfortunately for Google, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and Hulu have all blocked Google TV from accessing their online video feeds, and there doesn’t seem much hope that they’ll change their minds anytime soon.

Not that Google is worried. Yet.

Making A Dumb TV Smart

Rather than bitching about the TV companies ruining the launch of Google TV, Google appears confident the mindset will change eventually. In the meantime, the company hopes enough content remains for Google TV to at least gain a foothold.

What Google has done is defend its position against the onslaught of criticism coming its way from the industry. According to NewTeeVee, Eric Schmidt addressed the issue at the Web 2.0 Summit, saying:

“They’ve accused us of trying to make a dumb TV smart. Yes, we’re guilty of that. There’s a fear that this enormous revenue stream is somehow going to be affected by all this Internet content… [But] we don’t want to create a situation where revenue goes to zero. TV is a big business, and… there are lots of new revenue sources there.”

Isn’t it amazing that trying to improve on something, making a dumb box in the corner smart, is seen as a bad thing? I know the TV industry has to protect itself but doing so in this way merely shows it up as being scared and very, very short-sighted.

Conclusions

What Schmidt says is so true. There will obviously be a difficult period of adjustment, but it’s not as though Google TV and the other connected platforms are completely removing the industry’s ability to make money. It’s just that the methods for doing so are going to have to change.

At the moment it seems the TV networks are making the same mistake the record labels previously made: attempting to hold on to a business model that no longer works in the digital age. Sad, really.

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Netflix Streaming-Only

Just a few days after CEO Reed Hastings described Netflix as “primarily a streaming company,” a new option for subscribers has been launched. Those who want to drop the DVD-by-mail portion of the service can now do so.

As originally noted by Engadget, Netflix has quietly changed the pricing of its plans slightly. The three cheapest tiers (offering unlimited streaming and one, two, and three DVDs at a time respectively) all now cost $1 more than they did previously. The rest have remained the same.

However, there is also a new Watch Instantly plan costing $7.99 which removes the option of receiving DVDs by mail entirely. This is very close to the amount Canadian subscribers pay for a similar service launched last month.

A Ready-Made Solution?

This opens up an intriguing scenario whereby Netflix becomes the default streaming service for the whole of the Web. And it ties in to the previous article here on WebTVWire about the U.S. TV networks blocking Google TV.

As Mark Cuban theorizes, while the networks are unwilling to allow their content to be streamed to the living room for free, they would likely be tempted if they were actually paid for the privilege.

Netflix ‘Watch Instantly’ is already available via Google TV. Were the networks to start dealing with Netflix directly, offering their content for an upfront fee related to the number of subscribers accessing the content, then it could keep all parties happy. Including Google, which can lure customers in using the big network shows once more.

The only problem would be Hulu, as Hulu Plus would suddenly look like a very bad deal indeed.

Conclusions

I’ve long said Netflix has the potential to own this space, and offering a streaming-only subscription option is the first salvo in its war to make this a reality. If the networks came on board as well, and didn’t charge an absolute fortune for their content, then I’d suggest it’d game, set, and match to Netflix.

Google TV Arrives…

The first Google TV products are on sale this weekend in the U.S., with Sony’s impressive yet expensive range of Google TV sets, and the Logitech Revue Google TV set-top box now being available to buy.

There’s no guarantee consumers are going to go for Google TV at this early stage of proceedings, but that isn’t stopping Google forging ahead with its plans to really push itself and its online video properties into the living room.

YouTube Leanback

It’s no coincidence that YouTube Leanback has been launched just ahead of the arrival of Google TV. And it’s had some work done to it in the three months since it made its beta debut in July.

YouTube Leanback is a user interface designed to make viewing YouTube videos feel much more TV-like. And though it works on the Web as a whole, it’s been designed for televisions and living room devices which connect to the Internet.

Since the above video was first aired, YouTube has made a number of improvements to Leanback.

All YouTube videos should now be viewable, but those more suited to the Leanback experience are promoted front and center. All will play in high quality and all will now come with the same pre-roll and overlay ads they would have on the regular YouTube.

Conclusions

YouTube Leanback is designed to turn YouTube into a TV channel to be viewed from 10-feet. And it handles this task with ease. While it’ll surely be improved upon as time progresses, it’s certainly ready for its Google TV debut.

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Ivi TV

Ivi TV is a new service from Seattle-based Ivi that launched just a couple of weeks ago. And lawsuits are already flying around all over the place.

The ivi TV app, which can be downloaded here, allows anyone around the world to watch the big U.S. networks (and some smaller channels too) live over the Internet for just $4.99 per month (after the 30-day free trial period ends).

Ivi TV effectively hijacks the live feeds of these broadcasts from cable affiliates in Seattle and New York and rebroadcasts them across the Web directly to people computers.

Although it sounds illegal, and will probably end up being judged to be so, ivi claims it is merely taking advantage of a loophole in the law.

Broadcasters Issue Lawsuit

As soon as ivi TV launched, several U.S. networks and channels issued cease-and-desist letters to the company. In response ivi then launched a pre-emptive lawsuit against the rights holders to try and secure a legal ruling that it isn’t breaking any copyright laws as they stand.

A week later and those same rights holders have issued a lawsuit aimed at taking ivi TV down. In all 14 affected companies have banded together to sue ivi, including those named in the title, MLB, Univision, Telemundo, Cox Media, and others.

The complaint, filed in New York federal court, accuses Ivi and its founder Todd Weaver of copyright infringement. Ivi is sticking to its guns and claiming the service isn’t doing anything illegal.

Legal Positioning

Ivi’s argument is that ivi TV is protected by merely re-transmitting the broadcasts without modifying them in any way. And as long as the company pays the appropriate fees to the U.S. Copyright Office, which can then be paid to the networks, it is doing nothing wrong.

Weaver said:

“Broadcasters fought against cable companies, then joined them. Broadcasters then fought against satellite companies, then joined them. Now it is our turn. History has a habit of repeating itself — and it is unfortunate they cannot learn from that and realize we strongly support broadcasters and their program suppliers, helping them monetize, increase their eyeballs, and ultimately get paid.”

“Ivi is not another Pirate Bay or Napster trying to gain from others’ works. Rather, Ivi wishes to work with content owners in helping them to realize new revenue streams and reach more viewers from around the globe.”

The problem is that history tells us ivi TV won’t last long. iCraveTV was shut down in 2000, and RecordTV followed suit in 2001. Both were offering services similar to ivi TV and both were sure they were protected by the law. They weren’t.

Conclusions

Weaver spent three years developing ivi TV, so he’s either really stupid or super-confident that it’s operating legally. I just cannot see ivi TV coming through this unscathed. Which is a shame because the service could provide a template for the next stage of online TV.

[Via PC World]

Google TV

After months of rumors, Google finally unveiled its plans to bring online video into the living room by announcing Google TV at Google I/O in May.

Google TV is a Web TV platform that will be integrated into Sony TVs and Blu-ray players, and have its own set-top box from Logitech to boot. Best Buy will be selling these devices, with a vague Fall launch date currently set.

The Google TV interface has now been revealed, but as great as it looks, potential content partners are reported to be dubious about the whole enterprise. And without content, Google TV will be doomed to fail.

Interface Revealed

The Google TV interface, essentially how it will look when we get to use and interact with it on our televisions, has been revealed at Comic-Con 2010. StuffWeLike was on hand to video the demonstration of some of its key features. Thankfully.

Google TV is, at this stage, looking great. Everything looks smooth, well-organized, and most importantly very user-friendly. There are only so many different ways you can set up an online TV platform, but the choices Google has made look to be good ones.

NewTeeVee has a more in-depth look at some key features of the Google TV interface, including Google Queue, some early apps, and the rather disappointing state of YouTube integration.

Content Partners

As nice as the interface is, Google TV will literally be nothing without content. Google is assured of having YouTube and other free online video sites working by the time the platform launches, but premium content is proving more difficult to get hold of.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the likes of ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are skeptical that there is enough worth in Google TV for them to risk it cannibalizing their existing businesses.

Some are even thought to be considering actively blocking the platform (and other devices) from accessing content. Which is something Hulu has previously done to Boxee.

Conclusions

This is all feels a little like deja vu, with the TV and movie industries now following the same path as the music industry has done over the past few years.

The Internet has changed everything, whether we like it or not. The networks need to get on board, while still staying in control and turning a profit, without sticking their heads in the sand and hoping the world doesn’t move on without them.

3DTV

3D has taken over Hollywood recently, with every other film released having a 3D after its name, and 3D elements added. Some films have worked well in 3D, such as Avatar, but others really haven’t made the grade. And now we’re expected to adopt 3D for the home as well.

With the world having adopted HDTV pretty conclusively by now, tech manufacturers are keen to push the next big thing. Which many companies, such as Sony and Toshiba, gambling heavily that 3D televisions will be the next big mainstream consumer trend.

But wait. It looks as though the real future lies in Internet TV.

Internet TV

Television sets which connect to the Internet are already available. But they’re set to increase in availability and popularity. This is going to be helped by the emergence of several big connected TV platforms.

Google TV is the big one, purely because Google is such a big name with such a major influence. But the U.K. is getting Project Canvas (likely to be renamed YouView) led by the BBC, and there are plenty of others in the offing as well.

iSuppli Forecast

iSuppli recently published a forecast suggesting Internet-Enabled TVs (IETV) will far outsell 3DTVs over the next four years.

Starting with 2010, only 4.2 million 3DTVs will be sold, while 27.7 million IETVs will be sold. iSuppli predicts IETV shipments will grow by more than 50 percent for the next two years, with double-digit growth continuing on after that.

Riddhi Patel, Director and Principal Analyst for television systems at iSuppli, said:

“Despite aggressive promotions from the industry and intense consumer interest generated by the blockbuster Avatar and other titles, the 3DTV market in 2010 will be limited to a small pool of enthusiastic early adopters.”

“In contrast, IETV is entering the mainstream in 2010. This is because 3D is still dealing with a number of barriers, including cost, content availability and interoperability, while IETV provides immediate benefits by allowing TV viewers to access a range of content readily available on the Internet.”

Conclusions

I agree with that summing up. 3DTV may well be the future, but it’s the far future rather than the near future. Instead, I fully expect Internet TV to grow in leaps and bounds over the next five years. Which excites me far more than watching stuff in 3D does.

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However, BSkyB and Virgin Media still aren’t happy, and are looking to continue the fight against the joint venture.

Project Canvas

Project Canvas, likely to be renamed YouView (an amalgam of YouTube and Freeview) before launch, is the proposed IPTV standard which could bring on-demand video content to every home in the U.K.

Canvas emerged in the aftermath of the death of Project Kangaroo, killed off by the Competition Commission after preemptive complaints were made by satellite broadcaster BSkyB and cable operator Virgin Media.

The Canvas project currently boasts BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Arqiva, TalkTalk, and BT as parties on board. And these partners want to build a content platform and set-top boxes which will bring online video to the masses in their living rooms

It looks more likely to actually become reality than its precursor Kangaroo, which went on to become SeeSaw.

BBC Trust Approval

Project Canvas received preliminary approval from the BBC Trust in December, with a further period of consultation and various conditions set out at the time. Six months later and final approval has finally been given, although more conditions have been added. Don’t you just love red tape?

The BBC Trust is insisting the industry as a whole is welcomed into being part of Canvas, with all content providers and Internet service providers able to participate. This should ensure Canvas cannot be stopped by vested interests.

The technical specs of Canvas must be published in the next 20 days, with these finalized at least eight months before the first set-top box goes on sale. Which means 2010 is out, with a summer 2011 launch most likely.

BSkyB, Virgin Media Respond

The usual suspects aren’t happy with this turn of events, with The Guardian posting details of statements from two rival broadcasters. Both, coincidentally, commercial ventures whose very existence is threatened by the rise of online video.

BSkyB said:

“The BBC’s involvement in Canvas is an unnecessary use of public funds. The BBC Trust’s announcement is a predictable decision from a body that has shown little inclination to think independently or set meaningful boundaries on the BBC’s activities.”

Virgin Media said:

“We are disappointed the BBC Trust has approved Canvas and ignored the significant concerns raised by the commercial sector about the proposal. Our position on this matter remains unchanged. As it stands, Canvas will severely restrict competition and innovation and ultimately this will harm consumers.”

Conclusions

I’m excited about Project Canvas. Freeview and Freesat are excellent services, but adding a layer of IPTV on top of these platforms could revolutionize the way we watch television. The only question remaining is whether Canvas will be able to compete with the forthcoming Google TV?

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YouTube

YouTube is, and has been for a long time, the biggest and most-popular online video site. It has a full range of videos, from long, professionally-produced clips, to a lot of user-generated content.

The site is now five-years-old, and celebrated its birthday by hitting the two-billion video views a day milestone. However, one thing that’s been missing from the site is a video editor, apart from the short-lived YouTube Remixer from a few years ago.

2007’s YouTube Remixer was a Flash video editor based on Adobe Premiere Express. It was quickly discontinued after users complained it was slow and buggy. So YouTube has gone back to the drawing board.

YouTube Video Editor

Google is pushing for cloud-based services to become the norm. Google Docs offers office applications in the cloud, Picnik offers photo editing in the cloud, and now the YouTube video editor brings simple editing into the cloud as well.

Make no mistake, this isn’t going to compete with video editing software suites such as Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro, but that’s not the intent. Instead, YouTube is trying to make it easier for normal users to be able to do simple video editing on the fly.

The YouTube video editor has a simple and intuitive UI which operates by dragging and dropping videos and segments of video to create a new clip. Trimming videos to give them new start and stop points is easy, as is adding a title, tags, and metadata.

There’s also the option to add music from Google’s AudioSwap library. Overall, it’s simple and effective, and could help non-geeks improve the quality of video they upload to YouTube.

Conclusions

The YouTube video editor could prove to be very useful, particularly for YouTube users uploading video clips to the site via mobile devices such as smartphones and the Apple iPad.

Cloud-based services aren’t perfect, or suited to every product. But on this occasion I think it’s a good fit.

[Via Google Operating System]

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Apple iPad Video Apps

The iPad has arrived, and it’s already selling well enough that Apple has had to delay its international release. Online video obviously plays a big part in the iPad’s appeal, with Apple aiming the device at people who want to consume media on the go.

The ABC Player iPad app is showing the potential the iPad offers to purveyors of online video. But ABC, and Netflix alongside it, aren’t going to be the only companies making an effort to appeal to iPad owners.

Boxee iPad/iPhone App

Boxee is now actively seeking developers to help create an app for the iPad and iPhone. Advertising on its Jobs Board for a ‘Lead iPad and iPhone App Developer’, the company states:

“We consider ‘other screens’ as important as TVs for enjoying video. In that spirit, we seek a lead iPad and iPhone developer to be the first member of our Mobile Applications team.”

Objective-C expertise is seen as a must, as is experience for developing apps for Apple’s devices. Interestingly, “Android development experience” is listed as a plus, strongly suggesting that once the iPad/iPhone apps are in the bag, that Boxee wants to move on to other devices.

A Boxee iPhone app already exists, but it only turns the smartphone into a remote control. The new app is instead likely to offer a similar experience to the main Boxee interface, bringing a range of online video content to users in one locale.

Support For Adobe Flash

There is obviously still a big question mark hanging over a Boxee app on the iPhone and iPad, because neither offer support for Adobe Flash. However, Boxee CEO Avner Ronen told NewTeeVee:

“The lack of Flash on the iPad is a big issue, but we believe many sites will follow the path of Vimeo, YouTube, etc. and will introduce support for HTML5.”

Boxee needs to hope so, because any sites that fail to convert to please Apple will be unusable.

Tablet Form Factor

The iPad is only the first of many tablet computers to be released, with Microsoft, HP, Dell, and Toshiba all developing entries in the new form factor. And Boxee is keen on supporting them all, stating:

“We are very bullish on the tablet form factor. We think people will consume short and long form videos on tablets in the living room, bed room and on the toilet.”

I’m not sure about the toilet, but I definitely think tablets are going to become an important way we consume media, online video included, in years to come.

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Google

Google is, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest name on the Internet right now. The search giant controls the search sector, is making gains with its Chrome Web browser, has Maps, Street View, and all those other cool apps, and, of course, owns YouTube.

Google has also made the move to smartphones with its Android operating system. But it’s yet to venture into the living room, at least until now.

Google Living Room

There have been rumors of Google attempting to enter the living room by way of a set-top box for a while now, but nothing was really known about the efforts, and whether they would actually amount to anything.

But the New York Times is now reporting that Google TV is its name, it’s very real, and Google already has partners lined up.

Google TV

Google, Intel, and Sony are alleged to be jointly developing the Google TV platform. Google TV would take the form of both hardware (set-top boxes) and software (built into TVs) and bring Google right into the living room.

Google TV would be based on the Android operating system and be open to software developers. The intention being to create a similar buzz and number of applications as experienced by the Apple App Store and other smartphone app platforms.

Google TV would allow users to browse and search the Web, watch online video via Web-based apps including YouTube and Hulu (although Boxee’s efforts to do the same thing have been shuttered), and play downloadable games.

Google isn’t doing this for nothing: it would allow the tech giant to place ads on the system and put it at the forefront of the move to connected TV platforms, of which there are an increasing number.

Conclusions

Google has enough clout to not only make this happen but to sweep away all the other connected TV platforms already out there or emerging from development. But it cannot afford any mistakes on this score, and there’s still no real evidence that people want these platforms in any great number.

More details, and an official announcement from Google and/or its partners are definitely needed before I’ll be getting too excited.