Television viewed through the internet is no doubt the future. But how much of that future is a reality now? With SmartTV’s coming down in price, and new set-top products being released every month, the concept of “cutting the cord” with your cable or satellite company is becoming far more realistic than it was just a few short years ago.
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Consumers aren’t the only ones taking notice, as a plethora of television and electronic manufacturer’s are looking at ways to bring the internet directly into your living room–without any hassle. This seems to have cable companies worried, and for good reason, especially with more and more users switching to online services like Netflix, Amazon Instant, and Hulu Plus to get their entertainment fix.
HBO is leading the charge when it comes to embracing online content, while other networks fumble around looking for ways to increase their numbers the old-fashioned way. That is not to say HBO is not mindful of their image with HBO Go, and that is part of the reason it has been so successful for the company.
“We have to view ourselves not only as a television network but as a technology company,” said Eric Kessler, Co-President of HBO. “That’s why we’ve made an investment in streaming. If HBO Go isn’t good, if the content is buffering, viewers associate that directly with HBO.”
Other’s like the company Roku, which produces online streaming devices that you can connect directly to your television set are searching for ways to ensure their products live on after SmartTV’s begin ruling the roost with their more advanced technology and online capabilities.
“Our strategy for SmartTV’s is multiphased,” said CEO Anthony Wood. “We’re working with companies to bundle the Roku Streaming Stick, which is our player on a thumb-drive-size dongle, with their TVs.”
“We’re also partnering with manufacturers so that four years from now, the majority of streaming TVs will stream with Roku inside,” Wood continued. Gone are the days where you needed an cable connection to experience content on your brand new television–now all you have to do is connect it to the internet.
