Mike Benner

Another Format War?

Sep 5 by Michael Benner

Way back in the day I remember a jumble of cables and boxes stacked on top of our TV. There was a dial for rotating the antenna on the roof, a box with the work "ON" written on it, another box with "Z TV" and even one that said, "HBO". What was interesting is that they where just switches that you flipped and boom a movie (usually already running) was on your TV.

This was the beginning of cable TV, except only one channel per box. Over time there were mergers and acquisitions and of course, no one remembers the others and everyone knows HBO.

But, what does this have to do with the current format war? Well, I propose that Blu-Ray and HDDVD

is not the a) the only format war going on and b) is actually the smaller of the two. That's right, content and not just standard def, but HD as well is being fragmented and split all over the place. Much like iTunes and MP3's DRM is and formats are being injected to video content all over.

What is interesting is that iTunes now offers some DRM Free music, Amazon is launching 2 of the 4 major labels DRM free and I believe it is only a matter of time before the other two join the DRM free group as well. While this is all happening video content is not paying attention and is hurting themselves.

In case you are unaware, Apple and iTunes sell TV shows and movies (in standard def only at this time) that can be watch on iPods, appleTV and your computer (Mac or PC). While the variety provided is cool, the standard def is cool for smaller devices, but with an HD set and HD ability on the computers, it can be lacking. Microsoft has the Xbox 360 Live Marketplace and the pricing is the same, but only works with the 360 at this point. Not a real big deal, except it only came with a 20 GB hard drive. They also have a decent amount of content and in HD to boot (more about that later). These services let you purchase to own (sort of), but there are others, Joost is a great example of free content in a TV style format. I really like Joost and the ability to chat and watch the same show with friends from around the country, but with Joost, again no HD and since it is free it has commercials.

Next, take into account most major studios have there own website and offer there most recent week of shows for free online. In standard def and limited commercials it is yet another option available.

Now this is with the content we are aware of (NBC, SPIKE, CBS, etc), but there is also Revision3, Channel4, etc. These IPTV stations (for lack of better word) are original programming and are really starting to blossom and gather some real talent. There is also YouTube and the now defunct Google Video that offer random and not so talented video clips.

While this is a great thing (the fact that we are moving forward) it is also a pain to keep up with and feel comfortable you made the right choice for in supporting. Here is a couple of examples that have burned me in the past.

Instead of watching "The Kill Point" on Spike TV in standard def with commercials I opted to purchase the commercial free HD version of the series on Live Marketplace. the first 6 episodes were awesome, but then it was weeks before it showed up on Live for episodes 7 and 8, and when they did it was standard def only. What a let down. I will probably only purchased previous seasons from here on out.

The other issue is rather recent. NBC (and that mean more importantly SciFi) have said they will not be putting new content on iTunes. This outright sucks. I purchased all previous Battlestar Galactica content for my iPhone and now will not be able to get it from them. Yes there are ways around that (and with Media Center it is very easy) but that is not the point. I want to give NBC money for there COMMERCIAL FREE content, even if it is locked with DRM and yet they don't want to take it.

I think we have years to go before this will shake out and I have a feeling I will have content scattered all over the place (which kills the OCD side of me) and in varying formats. I just wish the studios would realize it is a good thing to be available in as many formats as possible and that they learn from the mistakes of the music industry and dump the DRM sooner than later and adopt technology more openly. Most people are will to pay for their content if it is good quality and easy obtainable.

So until then, use caution when choosing media formats and supporting hardware.

P.S. I have some Joost invites if you want them, leave me a comment and I will send one your way.

Comments (1)              | 255 Views | Tags: iPhone, TV and Movies, Music, General

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This just in...NBC left iTunes for yet another service...Amazon is not only going to offer music it appears. NBC will be selling the new shows on Amazon.com.

# Posted By Michael Benner | 9/5/07 1:12 PM

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