Ben Ball

Amazon and Apple Adding Video Options, Maybe

September 1, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
In the lead-up to Apple's annual event today, speculation is growing that the company will announce a deal with Netflix to stream movies to consumers through its new and cheaper version of the Apple TV set-top box. Where do you see the video download business heading?      [more...]

Having been an outspoken voice for "not so fast" on VOD for a long time, integrity compels me to say, "this is getting close." I don't have the numbers--but when Paula is referring to her circa 2006 TV as "limited capability" it tells me that a substantial number of consumers are now moving/moved into the world of Ethernet/HDMI capability. And now both cable and satellite systems are fully capable of high speed digital delivery.

Having said that, I stick by my comments yesterday on location based services--both will be around for quite a while. With HDTVs that have multiple HDMI and Ethernet inputs, Digital Cable with VOD, and an internet connection, not to mention a substantial home library of favorite movies--we still visit redbox at least twice a month and my wife even treks to Blockbuster occasionally to find something she just wants to watch that night. Heck, we even still go to the movie theater occasionally. As my kids used to say--"it's all good."