Post by dkennedy on Jun 15, 2007 5:23:00 GMT -5
Sony's Net TV Device Ships In July
The $300 device is designed for High-Definition sets.
June 14, 2007
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
Sony next month will ship a $300 module that will stream Net-based video to select High-Definition TVs.
That's according to an article from Information Week.
The module, called the Bravia Internet Video Link, was first introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The product will compete with Apple TV, TiVo and other companies that are offering streaming video from the Net to your television.
The Sony module, however, will only be compatible with seven Bravia brand HDTVs.
Unlike Apple TV, which transmits video from the PC to the TV, the Sony device will connect directly to the high-def set using the USB and HDMI ports. The compatible Bravia set will come with a bracket on the back that will hold the device.
Users will be able to access web video from Sony's movie and music units and company partners, such as Yahoo, AOL and Grouper.
The video available on the Bravia HDTVs will be free. Most of the content initially will be non-HD, but some movie trailers and music videos will be in high-def.
Both Sony and Apple are correct that Internet video will ultimately become part of the television viewing experience. Many Americans will enjoy having the ability to call up a short video on a multitude of subjects and watch it on the big screen rather than on a PC.
In addition, the Internet's storage capacity is far greater than today's TV set-tops, potentially giving the viewer more programming options.
However, before Internet TV goes mainstream, two things must happen:
1. The quality of the video must improve.
Apple TV's current video picture is grainy and nearly unwatchable. It's a total embarrassment and it should disturb a company with Apple's reputation for quality. I'm told that Sony's Bravia Link will look better, but we'll see.
2. The Internet TV feature must be part of the consumer's existing TV service
This one is critical. Americans have set-top fatigue and they are not going to the store to buy yet another one just so they can watch a short video from the Internet on their TVs.
Now, I realize that both Sony and Apple will say their devices are not really set-tops. But it is in the mind of the consumer. It's another device that he/she has to connect to an already crowded back of the television. (Or, in the case of Apple TV, the consumer has to set it up somewhere near the TV so he/she can send the files from the PC to the TV.)
It's too much to ask people to do -- not to mention asking them for $300 to do it.
When Internet TV is a seamless service offered by your cable or satellite operator for a monthly fee (and no upfront equipment cost), it will begin to generate a serious audience in this country.
The $300 device is designed for High-Definition sets.
June 14, 2007
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
Sony next month will ship a $300 module that will stream Net-based video to select High-Definition TVs.
That's according to an article from Information Week.
The module, called the Bravia Internet Video Link, was first introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The product will compete with Apple TV, TiVo and other companies that are offering streaming video from the Net to your television.
The Sony module, however, will only be compatible with seven Bravia brand HDTVs.
Unlike Apple TV, which transmits video from the PC to the TV, the Sony device will connect directly to the high-def set using the USB and HDMI ports. The compatible Bravia set will come with a bracket on the back that will hold the device.
Users will be able to access web video from Sony's movie and music units and company partners, such as Yahoo, AOL and Grouper.
The video available on the Bravia HDTVs will be free. Most of the content initially will be non-HD, but some movie trailers and music videos will be in high-def.
Both Sony and Apple are correct that Internet video will ultimately become part of the television viewing experience. Many Americans will enjoy having the ability to call up a short video on a multitude of subjects and watch it on the big screen rather than on a PC.
In addition, the Internet's storage capacity is far greater than today's TV set-tops, potentially giving the viewer more programming options.
However, before Internet TV goes mainstream, two things must happen:
1. The quality of the video must improve.
Apple TV's current video picture is grainy and nearly unwatchable. It's a total embarrassment and it should disturb a company with Apple's reputation for quality. I'm told that Sony's Bravia Link will look better, but we'll see.
2. The Internet TV feature must be part of the consumer's existing TV service
This one is critical. Americans have set-top fatigue and they are not going to the store to buy yet another one just so they can watch a short video from the Internet on their TVs.
Now, I realize that both Sony and Apple will say their devices are not really set-tops. But it is in the mind of the consumer. It's another device that he/she has to connect to an already crowded back of the television. (Or, in the case of Apple TV, the consumer has to set it up somewhere near the TV so he/she can send the files from the PC to the TV.)
It's too much to ask people to do -- not to mention asking them for $300 to do it.
When Internet TV is a seamless service offered by your cable or satellite operator for a monthly fee (and no upfront equipment cost), it will begin to generate a serious audience in this country.