The ubiquity and multifunctionality of boxes which contain the capacity for multiple video solutions is moving faster and faster and as this article points out, blurs business models. Nonetheless, it's all good news.

I have been saying for years that the tv and net media are on a colliosion course, and are bond to merge. the advent of HDtv, and tv with computer hook up, and now, web-enabled tv, have been bring this closer to happening. The many boxes one can connect to the tv to bring web content into the tv sphere is increase just as the amount and content that is available is increasing. Adding the the fact that more and more laptops are coming through with HDMI outputs on them, thus giving one instant Web Tv. What the content producers and creators need to understand is that their content is going to be expected to be able to be viewed on a number of platforms and formats, Thats not even including the Apple IPad, and the new Mac Mini which is also now positioning itself as a living room friendly, and HD friendly media pc.
For more of my ideas on media and tech see my blog.
Ken Lawson

Lawsonreport.info

Thanks for looking.. I don't post as often as I'd like but its usually worth reading when I do.. You made my night, both by looking at the blog, and commenting back to me,, I appreciate it

Ken

Will, the Clearleap-Roku partnership is yet one more positive indication that some forward-looking executives within the traditional pay-TV space are prepared to experiment with alternative business models.

And, rather than miss the opportunity to attract consumers that no longer value the old "channel tier-centric" model (plus VoD option), they can quickly enter the "good enough" OTT pay-TV service arena by partnering.

As I've said before, U.S. pay-TV segmentation data indicates that the market is ripe for new offerings. Plus, I now believe that opening the Roku platform to an independent developer community would likely gain more traction than Google TV (in its current proposed form).

"...are all early evidence that the future of video distribution may be more about the Internet co-existing with, rather than undermining, Pay-TV incumbents."

I believe that the channel (ISP) believes in this trend. They understand that they have to make money from an echosystem that allows a xOD (everything on Demand).

Good post.

Observed that many small, remote, indie telcos are reluctant to get into the content biz, most are nowhere near the glass cut-over phase. Where's the canned low risk package for these guys?? How do they penetrate the Satcos?
In other words...How about the small guys?