This week brought yet another new twist in the sizzling broadband-to-the-TV convergence space, as Cablevision unveiled a technical trial of its "PC to TV Media Relay" service. Cablevision didn't release a lot of details, but from what it said, it seems that users will download software to their computer which will allow them to then share content to their Cablevision digital set-top box for viewing on TV.

If it works - and of course that's an if for now - Media Relay could have broad implications, first and foremost for those trying to either sell standalone convergence boxes (e.g. Roku, soon Boxee, Apple TV, etc.) and other CE devices trying to leverage convergence functionality (e.g. gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, Internet TVs). Depending on how Cablevision prices Media Relay, it may make a lot more sense for consumers to use it than to go buy a convergence device. Online content providers and aggregators like Netflix and Hulu would also benefit from seamless TV-based viewing. While TV Everywhere seeks to expand access to cable programming outside the home, Media Relay complements it by offering online content within the home, on the TV. It's a very interesting development and worth keeping an eye on to see if others emulate it.

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