[opendtv] News: Britt: iPad is Just the Beginning
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: OpenDTV Mail List <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:02:14 -0400
http://www.multichannel.com/article/467414-Britt_iPad_is_Just_the_Beginning.php
Britt: iPad is Just the Beginning
Says Controversial iPad App Basis for Smart TV Applications
Mike Farrell -- Multichannel News, 4/28/2011 10:16:24 AM
Time Warner Cable chairman and CEO Glenn Britt told analysts Thursday
that its controversial decision to stream live television over iPad
devices inside the customer home is just the tip of the iceberg,
adding the technology will allow the cable operator to address the
emergence of Smart TVs.
Britt, on a conference call with analysts to discuss first quarter
results, agreed with an analyst that although 360,000 customers
downloaded the iPad app in the first month of its availability, he
realizes that not everyone will own the tablet device. But he added
the technology is the basis for other applications and products,
specifically Smart TVs.
Time Warner Cable has taken some heat for the app - several
programmers initially objected to their channels being included in
the service, but later reached deals with the MSO. Viacom has been
the lone holdout, the two have traded barbs in federal court with
Time Warner Cable asking for a declaratory judgment allowing it to
air the networks and Viacom countering with a claim of breach of
contract.
But Britt seemed unconcerned, adding that currently about 70 channels
are available on the app and by the end of the year nearly all of the
linear channels carried on the cable system will be available,
including broadcast stations in select markets. Next month the
product will be updated to include a remote control function and the
ability for the customer to remotely program their DVRs.
"I want to emphasize that our iPad app is not a one-off product,"
Britt said. "Rather we are investing in a development process and a
development team that will introduce capabilities to customers in
rapid succession. The consumer electronics industry is embracing the
idea of devices such as Smart TVs with built-in intelligence and
2-way communication capability all built on IP standards. The
technology we're using to simulcast video to iPads will eventually
feed all these devices. Over time this may lead to a world without
set-tops, which could enable a much better customer experience."
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- » [opendtv] News: Britt: iPad is Just the Beginning - Craig Birkmaier