The Future of TV
By Aldo Cugnini
Consultant, Insight Media Earlier this month, online video provider Hulu announced a content agreement with Viacom to bring The Daily Show and The Colbert Report back to Hulu. Each of the shows will be available the morning after they originally air. As part of the agreement, a selection of additional current programming from MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, TV Land, BET and other Viacom channel brands will also be added to Hulu Plus. In the coming weeks on Hulu Plus, they also will be adding more than 2,000 episodes of shows from Viacom’s library, including The Hills, Reno 911, and others.
So what, you may ask? While the announcement may not mean much to DVR-equipped TV viewers, an accompanying blog by Hulu CEO Jason Kilar, entitled in part "Hulu’s thoughts about the future of TV," starts to paint a very interesting picture of how the content food chain could change, and could encompass much more than the living room screen. Kilar says that, "Consumers have spoken emphatically as to what they want and what they do not want in their future television experience." He goes on to list the following trends: - Traditional TV has too many ads
- Consumers want TV to be more convenient for them
- Consumers are demonstrating that they are the greatest marketing force a good television show or movie could ever have, given the powerful social media tools at consumers’ disposal
His conclusion? "We believe that there is going to be tremendous near-term innovation in the pay TV distribution business," he says. "In 2007, we began the process of building what is now the leading online video advertising service. Hulu’s video advertising service is roughly 2x as effective as traditional TV video advertising services."
In effect, he is saying that the existing advertising model for free TV (pricing ad space on expected viewer stats) is broken, something that broadcast execs have been quietly mumbling in board rooms for years. At the same time, he proposes that the combination of ad-supported TV (using targeting and consumption verification) and subscription services will become the new norm for content owners. And, Hulu may have its sights on becoming "cable TV on the Internet," perhaps a less controversial version of what mavericks ivi TV and FilmOn have attempted.
So, how does this sit with content owners? Not too well, according to various news sources. The Wall Street Journal, for instance, says that Hulu’s owners — NBC Universal, News Corp. and Walt Disney Co. — "are increasingly at odds over Hulu’s business model." Apparently, the companies disagree with Kilar on how much content should be free, says the Journal, with Fox parent News Corp. and ABC parent Disney "contemplating pulling some free content from Hulu." And, ABC has already annoyed Kilar when it offered its own iPad app, which provides free streaming TV programs, before Hulu did.
To this, some reporters remarked, "you would think ABC wants Hulu to succeed," since it’s a part-owner in Hulu. But the content partners of Hulu are not in it to make money as investors in a potentially lucrative startup. They are there for control, not only of the content, but of their own future. The Journal also says that ABC and FOX "are moving to sell more programs to Hulu competitors… including Netflix, Microsoft and Apple." (The latter being more evidence that consumption on handheld devices is the next frontier.) This helps expains the tension between content owners and distributors, who are not always synched up in their business goals.
Will content owners be able to maintain control? At the source, yes, by carefully crafting agreements with the right content distributors. (But this can go awry, too: the Department of Justice and FTC, for instance, are looking at how Apple is handling — and charging for — content through iTunes. But that’s another story.) Ultimately, content owners want their content consumed on as many devices as possible, and that’s the "Pandora’s Box" in the food chain: with video being consumed on every imaginable device, how do you price it consistently, and how do you deal with pirated content? Given enough motivation, content protection has been broken before, and often relies on the average consumer "doing the right thing." While you can build DRM into all kinds of devices, in the end, it has to come down to convenience at the right price. The service (and device) that balances those factors will be the winner.
Aldo Cugnini is a consultant for Insight Media. Reach him at aldo@insightmedia.info Leave a Comment
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Hello, Analog Sunset: Part 2
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist This is Part Two of a two-part series on the Analog Sunset. To read Part One, click here.
In one sense, the Analog Sunset and the Image Constraint Token are a little like the iPad: once there had been little, if any, chatter, and then POW, suddenly it’s splashed all over the blogosphere and the tech forums and it’s all that anybody seems to want to talk about.
In the prior installment, we began discussing the issues of the Analog Sunset and the Image Constraint token. Today, let’s explore the hardware side of the issue. Central to the concerns of integrators is the sheer number of residential and commercial projects that were wired for video distribution with component video. With a Blu-ray disc playing when ICT is enabled, those video displays won’t be able to show an HD-resolution image; the video will only output 480p or 576i, as opposed to the 720p or 1080i that clients were sold on.
Add to that how since as of December 31, 2010, all new model Blu-ray players will only output SD via the component video outputs, so as new Blu-ray players are added to existing installations, the only option to get HD video to displays will be through HDMI. What’s an integrator to do?
My perspective is that it might not matter. While we’re still waiting for the actual final number for 2010, most media sources cite that Blu-ray disc sales accounted for anywhere from 11 to 15 percent of all movies sold. At the same time, sources are tossing around the same market share numbers for downloads. Yet, to my thinking, unlike downloads, Blu-ray sales have nowhere to go but down.
Further good news lies in the fact that we as an industry have a much better understanding of how to make HDMI work for distribution solutions than we did a year ago. Given how many of the HDMI distribution boxes available depend upon Ethernet connections, retrofitting existing installations to upgrade from component video to HDMI is less onerous and not nearly the minefield it was in years past.
Put in that context, it’s tempting to think that in the coming year, integrators are going to be far more concerned with learning how best to integrate streaming media sources than having to retrofit the architecture of their installed base of video distribution systems. Since, so far at least, digital broadcast and streaming media boxes are not bound by the Advanced Access Content System (AACS), it’s hard to get too worked up about the transition at this point.
Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top CEDIA is Your HDMI Resource As HDMI technology becomes more prevalent, it is essential for electronic systems contractors to be familiar with basic installation and troubleshooting techniques. CEDIA has released three HDMI white papers to help guide you through common problems and hang-ups with this ubiquitous technology. The resources include:
Introduction to HDMI Interface – This white paper introduces the background and history of the HDMI standard, and provides a top-level overview of the cable and cable labeling guidelines.
HDMI Installation Best Practices – Learn the best practices in HDMI distribution, including topics such as how to pull HDMI cables and basic HDMI tests. The paper also gives an overview of common interoperability issues.
HDMI Design and Initialization Sequence – This white paper is the newest installation of the HDMI series. It discusses the basic design of HDMI devices, the HDMI initialization sequence, and features in the 1.4 specification.
CEDIA members have access to these resources free of charge; non-members can purchase each paper for $9.99. Get your copy today at www.cedia.org/marketplace. Stay tuned for new white papers on HDMI and other key topics from CEDIA throughout the year.
In addition, CEDIA has also developed hands-on courses focusing on HDMI Technology. CEDIA University will be traveling to various locations throughout the year, including EHX held March 17-19 in Orlando, FL. A total of 21 courses are being offered by CEDIA University, giving attendees the opportunity to earn up to 57 continuing education units. Some of CEDIA’s most popular courses will be offered at EHX, including IP for Technicians and HDMI Troubleshooting.
Again, this year CEDIA is offering an all-inclusive education pass available at EHX 2011. Take as many courses as you can fit into your schedule for one low price. You can still take advantage of advance pricing. Learn more about the package offerings and view course listing at www.exhweb.com. Package | Advance Pricing March 1 – 16 | On Site Pricing March 17 – 19 | Business Owners Opportunity Package | $179 | $199 | New Opportunities Pass | $129 | $149 | Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Electronic Lifestyles Magazine Showcases Your Work Get your best projects in front of 25,000 design and build professionals when your company is featured in CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles Magazine. CEDIA is looking to highlight projects that show the collaboration between electronic systems contractors and architects, builders, or interior designers.
Electronic Lifestyles Magazine provides a great opportunity for your company to gain valuable exposure. In addition to being distributed to design and build professionals, the magazine is also distributed to hundreds of industry tradeshow attendees year-round. An electronic version is also available for convenient online viewing.
CEDIA is looking for projects to showcase in the Fall 2011 issue of Electronic Lifestyles. The magazine will feature a mix of new construction and retrofit homes, MDUs and special projects, with a focus on the latest trends, including sustainability and home health.
To learn how to submit your project, email press@cedia.org or visit www.cedia.org/ELmag. All materials must be received by April 6, 2011 for consideration.
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Receives UL Accreditation to Self-Certify Safety Tests Extron Electronics announced this month that that Underwriters Laboratories® – UL has awarded its in-house regulatory compliance testing facility with two accreditations: Client Test Data Program – CTDP and Supervised Manufacturer’s Testing – SMT.
CTDP was established by Underwriters Laboratories to allow manufacturers to use their own testing facilities to test and certify product samples in support of UL mark certification. SMT accreditation certifies that a manufacturer's testing laboratory meets ISO standards for operation and recognition of test results generated at that facility. In-house testing allows products to reach the market sooner.
The two accreditations awarded to Extron cover standards for Audio Visual IEC/UL 60065 and Information Technology Equipment IEC/UL 60950-1. Additionally, the SMT program entails strict adherence to all ISO 17025:2005 testing and calibration requirements.
For more information, go to http://www.extron.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Stampede Adds New Stops to 2011 Big Book of AV Tour AV distributor Stampede has announced the locations for its 2011 Big Book of AV Tour, increasing from five stops in 2010 to 14 in 2011. The tour starts March 16 in New Orleans, and other spring shows include Miami, Cleveland, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. The fall tour has stops in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Montreal and Toronto.
At the shows, dealers can see live projector and display shootouts, talk to manufacturer representatives, and take classes on 3D, digital signage and more for CTS and DSCE credit. rAVe's own Gary Kayye will present at some of the stops.
Stampede expects more than 8500 dealers to attend. Early bird registration for the Big Book of AV Tour 2011 is open now at www.bigbookofavtour.com. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Sanus iPad Mount Adapter Makes It VESA Compatible Sanus just announced the release of a mount adapter that allows easy attachment of an iPad to any TV wall mount that is VESA 100×100 compatible. Dubbed the VisionMount VMA301, it allows an iPad to be mounted anywhere in a home, office or kitchen.
Available now, the VMA301 includes a custom molded material for a snug fit, a cool release tab and a Virtual Axis 3D cup-shaped faceplate for achieving portrait and landscape positions (this feature is compatible only with SANUS mount models MF202, MF209, MF215, MC1A and MD115).
More information can be found on the $24.99 VisionMount VMA301 iPad Mount at: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/mount-adapter/VMA301
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Share Article Back to Top Audio Authority Debuts Modular 12-Source Home Matrix Switcher Although HDMI is the signal of the future, Audio Authority is hoping there’s still a need for component video switching out there since it launched its newest matrix called the HLX System. The new HLX System is an 8- or 12-source (component video and audio) modular matrix that they say can send signals up to 1000 feet using Cat5 wire (obviously, signals are converted from component to Cat5 inside the switcher) to up to 16 or 24 outputs. Capable of being controlled via Ethernet, serial and IR control, Audio Authority says the switcher can handle signals up to 1080p.
For more information or specs, go here: http://www.audioauthority.com/page/hlxhomepage Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Channel Vision Shows Web Camera Server Channel Vision just announced the release of what they are calling the W-1001 Video Server to its line of IP Surveillance Solution products. This one-channel video server with a built-in web server allows a single input analog camera to be converted to a digital IP Camera and viewed over a network. Video can be viewed in real-time (via a browser) from a PC, Mac or 3G phone since it uses the H.264/MJPEG/ MPEG4 video compression technology.
More information on the $400 W-1001 can be found at: http://www.channelvision.com/index.php/Web-Camera-Server/W-1001/flypage.tpl.html
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Share Article Back to Top New Crestron Keypads Aimed at Lighting Control Last week, Crestron announced the release of two new Prodigy wireless keypads, which enable streamlined wireless control of lighting and multi-room audio distribution system. The P-CBDEX Prodigy Wireless Keypad and P-KPLEX Prodigy Wireless Lighting Keypad connect directly to a Prodigy home control system and feature a built-in wireless gateway so there’s no need to set up a separate wireless network.
You can see all the specs at: http://www.crestron.com/prodigy Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Onkyo Goes Retro with Needle-Based Amp Onkyo has launched a new range of hi-fi separate components with a style reminiscent of the classic stereo models of the 1980s. All three models, the P-3000R pre-amplifier, M-5000R power amplifier, and C-7000R CD player, incorporate what Onkyo’s calling its Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry (DIDRC), though we’re not sure exactly what that is as they don’t have specifics on their website yet. But the really cool thing is the design itself. Check it out in the photo (as they’re not on the Onkyo website yet). Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top ClearOne Finally Adds iPod Dock to NetStreams Line ClearOne recently introduced the first iPod dock for its NetStreams DigiLinX and ClearOne VIEW A/V distribution and control systems. The new dock, dubbed the IPD100, enables system-wide delivery of music from an Apple iPod (or iPhone) and features built-in metadata, including cover art or other associated images, to any number of devices connected to ClearOne's IP-based DigiLinX or VIEW system.
All the specs can be found here: http://www.netstreams.com/resproducts.php?ID=2&PId=147 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top SnapAV Intros High-End In-Wall Speaker SnapAV launched a new series of in-wall speakers, dubbed the Episode 900 that they’re touting as the company’s first high-end speaker line. Incorporating what SnapAV says is high-efficiency 4.5-inch Kapton ribbon tweeters, large Natural Cell Structure (NCS) drivers, compensation EQ switches and integrated sealed ¾-inch MDF back boxes, the series represents SnapAV’s highest performing speakers to date. The first two available speakers are the dual 7-inch woofer In-Wall HT950 ($1,999 MSRP each) and the dual 6.5-inch woofer HT900 LCR ($1,199 MSRP each). The HT950 LCR weighs in at 41 pounds and measures nearly 40 inches high; the HT900 is a more modest 26 pounds and measures only 30 inches high. For applications where the center channel is placed horizontally, the HT900’s tweeter can be rotated. A switch to optimize the crossover network is integrated in accordance with the tweeter rotation. For more complete specs, go to: http://www.episodespeakers.com/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2011 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |