This article was originally written for Satama Voice.
Ever since Real Networks came to marketing in mid 1990s, tech-savvy people have been eagerly exploring the possiblities of streaming media content through the internet. It all started with radio and sports (and adult stuff). Yet over the past year the introduction of media centers and home streamers (e.g. Streamium, Kiss Technology, MS Mediacenters etc.), IPTV and recordable PVR with an internet connection, have changed the situation dramatically. It’s now possible to access streams not only through PC, but also with a modern set-top-box connected to the livingroom telly.
Yet, so what – there is X-Box Mediacenter + Xbox 360 + the new Sony PS3. Sure, think about non-tech-savvy people using these. Will not be the primary device. How I see the picture is during the next few years we will see and explore a massive battle of convergence devices, i.e. devices mixing consumer electronics and computers. Have you yet not e.g. noticed that your DVD-player is also (with 75 % certainty) also a MP3-player? How about burning your images to a CD and showing them with your DVD – should work! There you go, you have already the first generation convergence device at home. The 2nd generation devices will also have an built-in internet connection.
But what to consume via these marvellous/monsterous new hyper-devices, such as the Dutch Lamabox. Yep, entertainment and more, of course. I had the opportunity to scan of what kind of solutions already exist within the cyberspace for consuming stream content (please fill in you sources to comment field, if you know more, thanks). Here are some of the most interesting new souces for video content:
Video
OK, so huge amount of content is out there. Still we should not forget, that images are an essential part of the audiovisual experience. Thus, I see that Flickr, Yahoo! Photos etc. are also a logical extension to the emerging on-demand media consumption environment. We will be immersed with content that we will and want 1) when to see we want; and 2) to match our preference settings. Or will it be so, what do you think?
Anyway, one thing that I am certain about, is that televison channels will in the very near future be exposed to competition from sources that they never knew to have existed, online streams “channels”. Some segments want to see their videos from their favourite online sites with their television. If so, the time that they spend is out from the advertising exposure commercial media is basing the bets on. Think about it, in the online you can measure all impressions, the absolute number viewers per stream and their following actions, e.g. to brand sites. In traditional television this is not possible. If you were an advertiser, which medium would you choose in the long run?
OK, now time for discussions:comments, ideas, thought, contributions – very much welcome. I will be writing this on this topic to the Satama Voice. If you have ideas, examples etc. on it, please let me know. Meanwhile, keep on streaming!
