The use of the Internet to deliver television and video content is increasing rapidly, but the infrastructure to do so isn’t quite ready to cope with demand. Enter HDi, technology promising high-definition video streaming over existing networks.
Online Video Growth
Online video is big business, and seemingly becoming even bigger every day. But with bandwidth issues and slow Broadband still being the order of the day, is the Web ready for the revolution?
FilmOn.com is a video streaming site just like any other, at least on first sight. But Alki David, its founder and chairman has, along with Rich Crosby, a television engineer from Miami, has developed a technology called HDi which could lift it above its rivals.
FilmOn HDi
HDi went live on the site this week but deals have already been signed with high-profile content providers such as Turner Network Television, and many more are expected to be announced soon.
What’s more, the British telecommunications giant, BT, is thought to be interested in the technology. And David and Crosby are also contemplating offering set-top boxes to allow people to watch Internet video on their televisions.
Founder Speaks
Mr David told The Times:
“The way we watch film is changing. People used to dress up to go out to the cinema. Then it was a trip to the video store. Now you’re at home with your plasma TV and an Internet connection.”
“We’re trained to watch what’s on the box, but audiences are not fools and it doesn’t take long at all to change. The YouTube generation is a good example. You can seek what you want to watch when you want. We’re the next step. It’s a natural evolution to qualitative distribution.”
Connection Issues
Currently, high-definition video such as that now added to YouTube, can be viewed online but often succumbs to huge loading lag or juddering playback due to slow Broadband connections.
The developers claims HDi eliminates these issues using compression technology which squeezes the signal. Despite this, HDi can run over copper or wireless networks, eschewing the need for connections plumbed directly into people’s homes.
Revolution Or Marketing?
FilmOn currently offers over 7,000 streaming movies and documentaries, many of which are free. The titles that have to be bought cost £3.99 ($7) to stream for 24 hours, or £5 ($8) to download and own.
Whether the HDi technology is as revolutionary as claimed or is just being used to promote the video site remains to be seen. But let’s hope something is being done to prevent ISPs being able to determine the growth of Web video.
