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HD and Convergence Themes Pick Up Steam at NAB Show
Two highly related broadband video themes - HD delivery and convergence between broadband and TV - are both picking up steam at this week's NAB show. Among the key announcements are:
Adobe extending Flash into digital home devices
Move Networks acquiring Inuk Networks (announced just this morning)
Akamai detailing HD monetization opportunities in new white paper with IDC
Microsoft releasing "Smooth Streaming" HD delivery feature in its IIS Media Services
Limelight supporting Microsoft's IIS and Adobe Flash Media Server 3.5
CDNetworks commercially deploying first Adobe Flash Media Server 3.5 for first time
And separate from the show, TiVo and Roku supporting Amazon VOD HD titles
The entire broadband video ecosystem is getting more and more focused on both HD delivery and convergence. However, the former, which is primarily an infrastructure upgrade, is easier to execute on than the latter, which almost always requires users to buy and install some new device (either single or multi-purpose). Given the lousy economy and natural replacement cycles, this means that for many users, those gorgeous online HD experiences will be viewed on their computers for some time to come.
I think that's actually OK though. By proliferating online HD delivery, users will increasingly be getting a taste of what would be available to them if their broadband was connected to their TVs. Further, plenty of early adopters will become evangelists, showing off online HD experiences for their friends and families. Making things more tangible will help create the necessary promotional tailwind that convergence devices need to succeed.
Convergence has been a long time in coming, but the elements are now beginning to fall into place. I believe that the more HD content that's available online, the faster the convergence device market will develop.
What do you think? Post a comment now.
Topics: Adobe, Amazon, Brightcove, CDNetworks, Limelight, Microsoft, Move Networks, Roku, TiVo