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Your TV will be internet driven in 2011
2010 has been a big year, in fact the biggest yet for internet tv. Amongst all the launches, new developments and other shenanigans, the year has ended with some winners and some losers. Many that have had major blips would never have been predicted in a million years, yes i am talking about you Google TV. On the flip side, some companies getting a stronger foothold were surprising too, for example the Roku set-top box.
So to see where we are heading in 2011, we need a recap of 2010. The year was dominated by hardware that let viewers access online content on the big screen tv. The reasoning being that most viewers do not want complicated computers and loading software to watch tv, they want to press a button on the remote and watch tv shows and movies on demand.
Winners in 2010
One of the biggest players in internet tv hardware were led by Steve Jobs with the revamped Apple TV product. With a low $99 pricepoint and access to the massive iTunes library guaranteeing it’s success. The downside is of course that users are stuck with iTunes and the closed architecture means no other companies can get in unless approved by Apple. This domination puts many people off, but also would endear Apple to content providers.
Internet connected television Most big name tv manufacturers launched television sets that were internet connected from the box. Allowing viewers to access web content on the big screen tv. Services such as Youtube, Netflix and social networking were on offer from Sony, Samsung amongst others.
Other set top box creators are booming with hardware that basically adds Netflix, Amazon and other services straight to the tv set. Roku, have seen a doubling of sales this year, and D-link with their Boxee, launched a revamped product that was cheaper than Google TV and available Internationally.
Clampdown on online Piracy
Many websites were shut down in 2010 in a rash of takedowns by the Government. Many sites that are re-broadcasting content are in the middle of legal battles with the tv networks. Amongst them are FilmOn, Ivi TV and TVCatchup. All these companies are pleading innocence, but will they be able to win a battle with the tv companies?
Tablet Computers and Mobile Devices
Tablets really took off in 2010. dominated by Apple’s iPad. Many copycat tablets are being released including probably best of the bunch, the Samsung Tab which is a real rival to iPad running off the Android OS. It has been commented by many that the iPad was built for watching TV and it’s owners more likely to cut the cord.
TV On Demand
Netflix has had a great year, wrapping up new content deals on a regular basis, Hulu has had a tougher time and been criticised for their subscription service. But they are now making money and have a great online platform.
Losers in 2010
Google promised to seamlessly marry the tv with a web browser, but a high price point and negative reviews were followed by the TV networks blocking online tv streaming to the Google enabled TV set. It has got to the point where Google are asking manufacturers to hold off releasing Google TV hardware until it updates the software.
Yahoo were one of the earliest adopters of the internet tv concept but seemed to lose their way with the Yahoo! widget concept. The idea of tv sets running Yahoo software has been superceeded by the apps setup on most connected tv’s. Howeverhere are over 70 models that support it from makers such as Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio and Toshiba. They recently agreed a deal with Europes largest TV manufacturer Vestel, to distribute Yahoo powered tv sets into Europe.
Meanwhile, Netflix has been gathering up its own hoard of TV content to continue and expand its offering. It’s run into some roadblocks from certain Hollywood studios, but is still seeing more success than stumbling.
Internet TV the future
Online tv streaming is firmly established and will continue to grow, albeit behind paywalls and possibly hardware restricted (If Apple gets their way). Apple TV will continue to grow its user base, already this year they managed to shift one million Apple TV boxes.
Viewers time will increasingly be taken up by online activities. Netflix and Hulu will continue to ‘slug it out’ and one will end up on top.
Google will get their Google TV act together and with updated software will probably tie up deals with tv networks allowing for pay tv streaming on the system. They will also roll out the hardware on the International stage. There will also be lots more Android powered devices all capable of streaming tv and movies.
The TV Networks will finally sort out an online strategy. Currently blocking any streaming to the big screen, they will
Expect to see lots more tv on lots more devices, and expect to see shows when you want. Expect to discuss what your watching with friends and the worldwide community via social networking. Expect to be able to call up any details about the show or movie your watching in a seamless experience of tv watching and web browsing. Expect internet and the tv to finally merge as one in 2011.Image may be NSFW.
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