google tv launch and intel and others…the next network?

(eyeball time: 1.5 minutes but you might read faster…)

the dea skinny on what’s happening:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/announcing-google-tv-tv-meets-web-web.html

looks like Oprah isn’t the only one attempting to break into the net tv space. google and intel are expected to announce a breakthrough technology into this space with the unveiling of its “Smart Tv” platform. this new platform will feature an intel atom microprocessor running the google android operating system on a sony bravia television set. this isn’t the first attempt of technology companies to penetrate the tv industry, however, as traditional television companies scramble to add web capabilities and content, google and intel are poised to benefit from such an opportunity.

the stakes:

the net tv trans-media craze is not a new concept. first attempted in 2008 and again with sony’s recent bravia television set, the market for this type of marriage has yet to really catch on. incumbent devices, such as apple’s tv or even gaming systems such as microsoft’s Xbox, continue to lead in delivering Internet content to the home. the digital living room is definitely on the horizon. will google and intel lead us to the promise land? nobody is entirely sure. there are several factors yet to be addressed such as:

• price points: traditionally, sony’s products are priced on the high-end. with the use of intel’s atom microprocessor, perhaps the prices will become more affordable.
• learning curve: while google maybe a staple in our vocabulary, adoption of the android platform has yet to become mainstream. adjusting to the operating system may be a deterrent at the beginning for the general public.

the dea takeaway:

this is great news for google developers. the company is expected to call on its android developer community to create applications for tv’s. this is also a great opportunity to showcase that its software could become popular while once again boosting advertising revenues for both online and tv manufacturers. google’s entry into the consumer electronics space adds yet another foot onto their already huge footprint. as the company continues to grow, it will be essential for their competitors to recognize either ways to disrupt its growth or ride their coat tails by getting with the program.

for more information, please contact us at 512.825.6866 to discuss the issues more fully and the specific impact & implications to your business. it’s free!

Oprah is OWN to her next venture

(eyeball time: 2.5 minutes but you might read faster…)

the dea skinny on what’s happening:

http://www.oprah.com/own

in april 2010, Oprah Winfrey unveiled her latest venture expanding the multi-billionaire’s already influential grasp into the world of broadcast television networks. partnering with Discovery Communication, the joint venture called OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, will be a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut to more than 70 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. Set to launch in January 2011, OWN serves as an excellent case study for the future of privately funded media ventures as well as user-generated content across digital entertainment venues and platforms.

the stakes:

The launch of OWN exemplifies the evolution of traditional television broadcasting as it faces continued competition from the internet. surprisingly, instead of putting up their arms in self-defense, television broadcast networks are embracing the internet with open arms. perhaps learning from the mistakes of other industries (i.e. music), traditional tv networks are leveraging the internet to expand their properties online. and let’s not forget it’s Oprah we’re talking about here.  tv shows are no longer limited to a single showing and can provide supplemental content to feed fan demand. clips and exclusive webisodes are creating a subset ecosystem resulting in additional revenue for media owners as well as advertisers.

this seemingly symbiotic relationship between the net and traditional tv networks is creating a new generation of hybrid consumers and producers. here is where OWN TV may set itself a part from other 24/7 channels. OWN looks to source its content directly from its consumers. Positioning its value as a network dedicated to the betterment of “you”, OWN encourages its viewers to share their stories either via video submission or simple Q&As. Coupled with projects hand-picked by Oprah herself, this new channel presents a very limited scope of content. although it may feature different perspectives on certain topics, it is still a niche channel – one that may be entering a highly competitive environment already dominated by channels such as Women’s Entertainment (WE) and the Lifetime Network. it will be worth watching to see if this collaborative model plays to Oprah’s advantage. but Oprah is a brand so it is probably game over and she will win.

the dea takeaway:

for those playing in the online video space, the OWN network has the potential to become an example of a future hybrid model. a model, which we at the dea recognize as a necessary evolution that considers an expanded ecosystem of users, consumers, distributors and producers. if your company fits in any of those categories, we recommend incorporating bite sized pieces (i.e. consumer submissions, social networks, exclusive online video, etc.) into your present day platform. the key will be in smoothly introducing and transitioning your customers to fully engage in these new features around your brand and desired audience experience.

for more information, please contact us at 512.825.6866 to discuss the issues more fully and the specific impact & implications to your business. it’s free!