ZillionTV just launched this week and, in doing so, is adding another interesting service/device to the growing list of set-top boxes that deliver video content to your TV through the internet. Content providers include some major movie studios and networks, although service will only begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 (looks USA-only for now).
CNET has lots of details in their “Start-up offers alternative to subscription TV” article (and the ZillionTV.tv site is decent - not sure about the naming, though), but I think it’s great just to see companies building themselves up around this concept. It gives it that sense of the inevitable, that change will actually come.
And ZillionTV not requiring a subscription is another great indicator of the adaptability that I think is required to navigate this complex space in the coming years (especially given that nobody has critical mass). Further to this, Zillion TV will offer purchasable content, as well as ad-supported and fee-based rental options.
So while it’s a drag that this won’t be outside the US in the near future, at least there’s another model of how (if it’s well-implemented) TV, movies, and other video content can be brought into the internet-dominated 21st century in a relatively seamless and flexible way - because that’s what viewers want (and we have more power than ever now to change this).
I spent two weeks in the States late last year and every day I spent an hour or two just browsing those “restrictions apply” websites. It was heaven.
Yeah, it’s kind of dreamy. Ridiculous that we don’t have the same thing in Canada.
CANADIANS: Is this a CRTC thing or the cable companies or who is responsible for this? My understanding is that it’s basically Canada’s fault that there is this barrier, not the US. Anyone have some more info for us?
Are you aware that the amazon video on demand store has been added to the roku/netflix player? They’ve also just announced another 10 “Channels” and a search for the Amazon store.
Very cool, bumpershire - thanks for the tip!
(I think I had a “JRR Tolkien” Freudian slip typing out your username, bumperSHINE
)