Zatz Not Funny! » Video

Return of the Android Set-Top Box

Dave Zatz — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:52 +0000

Just a few weeks back we heard noise of Google heading into the set-top box space. With DISH Network. At the time, it wasn’t clear if this was merely a rehashing of the upcoming DISH apps or a more significant Android set-top platform play. As it turns out, it does look like Google aims to conquer the television with a dedicated offering. And why wouldn’t they take their open source platform and ad serving business to a larger screen? Following in the footsteps of Yahoo TV, Google has also partnered with Intel and is going with the generic “Google TV.” Beyond DISH, other likely launch partners include Sony and Logitech. Although no concrete functionality, timing, or pricing has been revealed. From the NY Times:

For Google, the project is a pre-emptive move to get a foothold in the living room as more consumers start exploring ways to bring Web content to their television sets. Based on Google’s Android operating system, the TV technology runs on Intel’s Atom chips. Google has built a prototype set-top box, but the technology may be incorporated directly into TVs or other devices.

While the space is getting crowded, television-based Internet content delivery is still in its infancy compared to the mobile marketplace where we’re starting to see some real polished, mature platforms and consolidation. And as you’d expect, the incumbents are firing back. Roku’s CEO says a Google box requires an expensive chip and could run over $200, compared to their highly regarded $99 unit. However, I could easily see Google’s solution subsidized by carriers or advertising. Maybe both. It’s good to see new players and experimentation, but I’m guessing it’ll be at least 2011 before we more clearly see the path forward. Which is also about when I expect the cable industry to start opening up.

Netflix Video Streaming Coming to Windows Phone

Dave Zatz — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:18:05 +0000

At MIX10, Microsoft’s developer conference, in addition to Pandora, Sling and Xbox gaming, it looks like the new Windows Phone 7 platform may also host a Netflix streaming video app in their upcoming marketplace. Given Netflix’s previous integration of MS video and DRM technologies (Windows, Silverlight, Xbox), today’s demo shouldn’t come as any surprise. I only hope the shipping version is a bit easier on the eyes. Branding is important, but can we dial down the (Verizon) red? Actually, I have two more hopes. Additional, premium content. And an iPhone client.

Google Headed to DISH Set Tops

Dave Zatz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:26:58 +0000

Seems the blogosphere got itself into a bit of a lather upon learning DISH and Google were collaborating on set-top box functionality, including search and YouTube video. But anyone who follows DISH/EchoStar shouldn’t be entirely surprised… Just check out the picture I shot of DISH’s app store (above) at CES 2009 on their yet-to-be-released VIP 922 DVR. Featuring a Google tile. It’s unclear if the recent “news” represents merely the piloting of an enhanced Google app, or a more significant Android-based set-top experience (as many have concluded). Regardless, the broadcast and broadband lines are quickly blurring. And DISH surely needs to do something dramatic to recoup the hundreds of millings they’ll soon (?) be depositing at the First National Bank of TiVo.

Zillion TV, Not Dead Yet

Dave Zatz — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:31:18 +0000

Zillion TV continues to sputter along… Originally backed by a few studios, amongst others, in what sounded like a “Hulu box”, the startup has seen all manner of turmoil. Including blown 2009 launch plans, a restructured sales model, a CEO replacement, and unflattering commentary by pilot testers. However, buried within a lawsuit (more turmoil!), we’ve learned Qwest Communications has thrown Zillion a $10 million lifeline “in return for exclusive rights to offer the IP-delivered video-on-demand service in the telco’s footprint.” Yet, it remains to be seen if ZillionTV will actually launch with any telcos in the second half of 2010 as intended. They could always pull a Vudu and figure out how turn it around. But I wouldn’t bank on it. Qwest didn’t… “[We] made a very small, or immaterial, investment in Zillion.”

Let the March Madness Begin Again

Mari Silbey — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:51:51 +0000

TiVo, blah blah, TiVo, blah blah blah. Let’s move on to something important, like March Madness.

With the best month in college basketball kicking into gear, I thought I’d take a look at my options for following all of the NCAA action. First up is the official March Madness On Demand Player from CBS Sports. The powers that be keep adding features to the MMOD player, and no wonder. CBS brings in tens of millions in revenue, and last year streamed roughly 6.5 million hours of March Madness video. New this year, CBS Sports is adding a picture-in-picture feature and real-time overlay stats. As before, you can choose between Silverlight and Flash players (Silverlight for higher quality video), listen to Westwood One radio broadcasts, and access game highlights and archives.

Speaking of archives, the NCAA has also launched its own site, the NCAA Vault, with a library of archived tournament games from the last decade. Need to get in the mood for a big game, or engage in a little trash talking? You can use the site to find clips of your favorite teams and players of yesteryear, and the Vault includes integration with Facebook and Twitter so you can post links to specific time codes and share your favorite blocks, dunks, and fast breaks. (Kudos to Thought Equity Motion, which powers the service.)

Of course if you’re in front of your TV at home, not only can you watch this year’s games live, but you can also see March Madness highlights via numerous VOD sources. Last year the major cable and telco providers got into the game with VOD offerings, and presumably this year will be no different.

Which brings us to mobile. CBS debuted a March Madness iPhone app last year for viewing live games. It only works over Wi-Fi, which has its drawbacks, but at least it’s something. So far, however, there doesn’t appear to be an Android complement. I’ve found a couple Android apps for tracking scores (NCAA Basketball Scoreboards, and the free College Basketball Live), and a company call Pure Concepts just launched a PocketBracket app for the iPhone (an updated version) and Android devices (new) today. Unfortunately, live Android streaming looks like a no-go. What, me worried? Nah, I’ll make do with my TV and netbook. Bring on the Madness!

CinemaNow VOD Headed to the Moxi HD DVR

Dave Zatz — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:11:14 +0000

I’ve been obsessively following the Moxi HD DVR AVS thread these last few weeks while awaiting my loaner Moxi Mate. (It’s here, I’m pleased.) And it’s amazing the things one finds in the forums. A ding against Moxi, compared to a cableco DVR or TiVo, has been a lack of video-on-demand (VOD) offerings. Now it looks as if that need is about to be addressed. Somewhat. By CinemaNow.

Although Roxio’s CinemaNow on Moxi web page has been pulled. But I’ve been blogging long enough to take a snapshot prior to reaching out to the press relations folks. As I did yesterday. Because things companies aren’t ready to discuss have a tendency to disappear and emails go answered. All reinforced yesterday. And if my chopped up screengrab (above and below) isn’t sufficient evidence of what’s coming, Google’s cache still contains the hard evidence.

While I’m quite happy to see Moxi round out their offering with VOD (in the near future?), the reason I say ’somewhat’ above is due to this little fact from the FAQ:

Are High Definition (HD) programs available from CinemaNow?
No. High Definition movies are not supported at this time.

Haven’t we already been down this path with Amazon and TiVo? It’s 2010 folks, anything other than HD is a disappointment. But, perhaps, this is why Roxio and Moxi(o) aren’t ready to make an announcement. And HD is on the way. I’m crossing my fingers.

Click to enlarge:

Cablevision Channels Zeevee?

Dave Zatz — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:52:14 +0000

Cablevision has always danced to the beat of a different drummer. Unfortunately, their ambitious (and quite logical) network DVR was tied up in a costly, multiyear battle with the studios. Now they’re at it again and will surely ruffle feathers as they pilot a “PC to TV Media Relay” service this summer. Basically, Windows software captures the audio and video from a PC to ultimately present the content via a television. However, unlike say a SlingCatcher or Netgear’s Push2TV software-to-set-top screenscraping, this feed is transmitted back up to Cablevision’s headend and broadcast back down as a private channel on one’s cablebox. Which is more reminiscent of the original ZvBox that utilized coax and clear QAM for in-home distribution. Piping the feed beyond the home does seem a bit inefficient. But it’s surely cheaper than replacing or retrofitting every broadband modem and/or cablebox. But where’s the controversy, you ask? Beyond personal photos and videos, you know this service is best suited for watching Hulu on the big screen. And their dinosaur studio genes naturally fear evolution.

Wal-mart Dabbles In Vudu

Dave Zatz — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:13:00 +0000

Wow. The rumor was true. Wal-mart is indeed acquiring Vudu. Given their prior failed attempt at digital media distribution and MediaMemo’s way-off financing stat, I had a difficult time buying it. But the deal is done – so congrats to the Vudu team.

Vudu’s story arc is interesting. From the beginning, and like many, I found the idea of a premium priced, dedicated movie box problematic. And suspected we had another Moviebeam on our hands as Vudu nearly folded late in 2008 when they discovered what most of us already knew. But after a few rounds of layoffs, a new strategy to port the Vudu experience to 3rd party hardware, a press relations agency upgrade, and additional financing, they quite successfully weathered the storm.

With Best Buy embracing TiVo and Napster it sort of makes sense Wal-mart would want a digital distribution partner of their own. Although the investors recouped their cash, consumers probably aren’t the big winner here. I fully expect Vudu’s AVN channel will be the first thing axed. And Dan Rayburn anticipates the whole enterprise, under Walmart’s stewardship, will fail.

I do hope the original stand-alone boxes see one more software upgrade to move them off P2P distribution and onto the CDN in use by all other Vudu devices. Rather than a complete shuttering. Also, in light of the acquisition, my plan to find a deal on a LG BD390 is on hold.