iPTV...The Future of Television?

We all know how the Internet and the iPod contributed to the demise of terrestrial radio. But could both of these disruptive technologies lead to the demise of cable television? According to a report conducted by the online publication, The Nation, there is a "bright future for Internet television". In this article, Pichaya Changsorn reports on Thailand's desire to launch an iPTV service.

iPTV stands for "Internet protocol TV" and deals with streaming television in real time via the Internet. iPTV is essentially "video-on-demand" and will allow its users to subscribe to a service that streams television programs and movies from a computer. There is also a device in the works that will allow the streams on a computer to sync with a television monitor, similar to Apple's iTV. So far Sony, Fox, Intel Capital, Warner Bros., YTC Group (Singapore), Macquarie Bank group, Coote/Hayes Production, and Eros InternationalFox, are shareholders in Anytime (the company investing in this technology). These investors are offering the rights to their content for the iPTV service. By the end of the year, iPTV could grow into a "substantial business" in Thailand. After Thailand, Anytime has its sights set on launching an iPTV service in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Korea, and China.

What does this mean for the United States? iPTV targets the on-demand generation. If any demographic is aware of this, it's the youth of America. Even the heavy-hitters at the major networks are tapping into this technology. Currently networks like ABC and NBC are offering free streams with limited commercials for previously aired episodes. Initially, ABC offered their service for a two-month free-trial. But once it gained popularity, ABC continued to offer the service to viewers. Even television service provider Comcast offers "On-Demand", a program which allows subscribers to view previously aired episodes of their favorite shows on networks such as MTV, E!, VH1, HBO, and Showtime, whenever they want.

It seems as though American television corporations are taking the right steps toward incorporating an iPTV-like service into their daily lives. Clearly, Americans are expressing an interest in having what they want and when they want it. An iPTV service will offer just this--but in real-time, a thing American technology has yet to take full-advantage of. If implemented correctly in the United States, a very profitable business could result. I guess we will just have to wait and see how successful iPTV is abroad.