“YouTube already lets users watch a smattering of TV shows for free, with advertising. Now it envisions something similar to what Apple and Amazon already offer: First-run shows, without commercials, for $1.99 an episode, available the day after they air on broadcast or cable,” Kafka reports. “The biggest stumbling block may be consumers. That’s because Google is talking about streaming the shows, instead of letting consumers download them to their computers, as both Apple and Amazon do.”
MacDailyNews Note: Both Apple and Amazon also already stream content via rentals.
Kafka continues, “Executives at YouTube and TV insist that the disparity is simply a perception problem, and cite studies that show that most people who download TV episodes only watch them once, anyway. But that’s a tough sell.”
Kafka notes, “In addition to its a la carte offering, Apple is [reportedly] trying to create a monthly subscription service.”
Full article here.
In related news, Vizio is preparing a new 802.11n WiFi enabled HDTV.
According to reports, “Vizio’s goal isn’t to try to recreate the experience that takes place on the browser, but to develop an individual environment that is similar to that of the iPhone. One of the craziest things about this new TV is how technologically advanced it will be. The TV will come equipped with 2GB of flash memory as well as a Bluetooth remote that has a QWERTY keyboard similar to that of a T-Mobile Sidekick or a Blackberry. The remote will also have basic game controls that users can use to play app games on the TV. The new line of Vizio TVs are going to set the standard in TVs for a long time to come.”
Hmm, this new Vizio WiFi TV sounds a lot like the Apple TV – iPhone eco-system.. Things are getting curiouser and curiouser!
LAME.
I’ve rewatched The Office episodes downloaded from iTunes tons of times. I’m not gonna pay 1.99 to stream a show *once.*
Insanity.