Comments on: Is There Still a Need for Network DVRs? http://newteevee.com/2009/01/13/is-there-still-a-need-for-network-dvrs/ NewTeeVee Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:17:22 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Justice Dept. Sides with Cablevision Over Remote DVRs http://newteevee.com/2009/01/13/is-there-still-a-need-for-network-dvrs/#comment-261982 Justice Dept. Sides with Cablevision Over Remote DVRs Fri, 29 May 2009 22:47:54 +0000 http://newteevee.com/?p=15839#comment-261982 <p>[...] to see the DOJ made the decision it did. Of course, we’ve also wondered if technology has leap-frogged the whole mess. With Hulu and just about every network putting its content online, watching TV programs whenever [...]</p> [...] to see the DOJ made the decision it did. Of course, we’ve also wondered if technology has leap-frogged the whole mess. With Hulu and just about every network putting its content online, watching TV programs whenever [...]

]]> By: Waiting for the TV (and DVD, and Phone, and DVR) of the Future http://newteevee.com/2009/01/13/is-there-still-a-need-for-network-dvrs/#comment-261734 Waiting for the TV (and DVD, and Phone, and DVR) of the Future Wed, 27 May 2009 18:32:22 +0000 http://newteevee.com/?p=15839#comment-261734 <p>[...] my TV. And these devices could be arriving soon. Now that the courts have ruled that these devices do not violate copyright law (though the Supreme Court passed on the case, it asked the Justice Department to weigh in on the [...]</p> [...] my TV. And these devices could be arriving soon. Now that the courts have ruled that these devices do not violate copyright law (though the Supreme Court passed on the case, it asked the Justice Department to weigh in on the [...]

]]> By: SR http://newteevee.com/2009/01/13/is-there-still-a-need-for-network-dvrs/#comment-252486 SR Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:08:46 +0000 http://newteevee.com/?p=15839#comment-252486 <p>A few thoughts.</p> <p>Network DVRs are really just another name for VOD. RIght now all programmers control what shows are offered for VOD and where, and they usually get some direct benefit from making their programming available that way. These benefits may include additional fees from cable companies, additional ad revenue from VOD-specific ads and opportunities for exclusive placement (FOX shows only on FOX.com and Hulu, for example.)</p> <p>If cable operators can turn every linear feed into a VOD service, all of those benefits go away. And of course, satellite providers don't presently have the technology to do the same, so it would give cable a huge advantage.</p> <p>I don't have any numbers handy but I don't think DVR penetration is that big yet. Essentially doubling or tripling the number of DVR-using households through a network DVR service would dramatically increase commercial networks problems with ad skipping and time shifting. The Nielsen overnights would be useless.</p> <p>It's only a matter of time before this becomes the reality anyway, but I think programmers are eager to do whatever they can to delay it so they can squeeze every last cent out of their current business model.</p> <p>We as viewers benefit from some kind of everything-in-one-place VOD service that connects seamlessly to our TVs. It ultimately doesn't matter if that's via the cable company, a website, a subscription service (like Rhapsody is for music) or something else. We'll eventually get there, though some current players will be dragged kicking and screaming - and others may find themselves out of business entirely.</p> A few thoughts.

Network DVRs are really just another name for VOD. RIght now all programmers control what shows are offered for VOD and where, and they usually get some direct benefit from making their programming available that way. These benefits may include additional fees from cable companies, additional ad revenue from VOD-specific ads and opportunities for exclusive placement (FOX shows only on FOX.com and Hulu, for example.)

If cable operators can turn every linear feed into a VOD service, all of those benefits go away. And of course, satellite providers don’t presently have the technology to do the same, so it would give cable a huge advantage.

I don’t have any numbers handy but I don’t think DVR penetration is that big yet. Essentially doubling or tripling the number of DVR-using households through a network DVR service would dramatically increase commercial networks problems with ad skipping and time shifting. The Nielsen overnights would be useless.

It’s only a matter of time before this becomes the reality anyway, but I think programmers are eager to do whatever they can to delay it so they can squeeze every last cent out of their current business model.

We as viewers benefit from some kind of everything-in-one-place VOD service that connects seamlessly to our TVs. It ultimately doesn’t matter if that’s via the cable company, a website, a subscription service (like Rhapsody is for music) or something else. We’ll eventually get there, though some current players will be dragged kicking and screaming – and others may find themselves out of business entirely.

]]> By: Rick http://newteevee.com/2009/01/13/is-there-still-a-need-for-network-dvrs/#comment-252485 Rick Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:44:53 +0000 http://newteevee.com/?p=15839#comment-252485 <p>Time Warner recently began offering a Start Over feature on several channels in Manhattan. It's very cool to be able to watch a show from the beginning, even if you've tuned in at the very last minute.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the don't allow fast forward or rewind, so the novelty quickly wears off.</p> Time Warner recently began offering a Start Over feature on several channels in Manhattan. It’s very cool to be able to watch a show from the beginning, even if you’ve tuned in at the very last minute.

Unfortunately, the don’t allow fast forward or rewind, so the novelty quickly wears off.

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