TV on the telephone line

February 16, 2005

sbcWith all the discussion of convergence among media platforms today, I suppose it’s no shock that we have another service, once relegated to another facet of the market, now trying to play TV provider. First it was DBS satellite trying to hone in on cable’s action and then more recently TV on DVD. Now comes word that SBC Communications intends to offer IP based interactive television services.

The service which is really just a glorified VDSL modem in a set-top box, in my opinion doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. With DVR’s and on-demand programming already available from the cable companies in full bloom, I’d be surprised if such an offering was enough to lure CATV and DBS subscribers away. One small caveat to this I suppose would be the ‘live’ element to it, with program guides able to provide fresh listings and news with ease.



Posted by B.Greenway | | Filed Under Home Theater News


Comments

  • http://www.atmasphere.net/wp Jonathan Greene

    I think you may have missed the box…

    http://www.2wire.com/?p=11

    It looks like the best of everything. HD, Multi-room DVR with Media Portal capabilities as well. If SBC offered service where I live I would have a hard time not switching from cable.

  • http://www.atmasphere.net/wp Jonathan Greene

    I think you may have missed the box…

    http://www.2wire.com/?p=11

    It looks like the best of everything. HD, Multi-room DVR with Media Portal capabilities as well. If SBC offered service where I live I would have a hard time not switching from cable.

  • B.Greenway

    Yeah I saw the box, and while 2wires page does state a partnership, I also read that Microsoft will be involved. Which would break my promise to never allow Billy into my living room. My “just a glorified VDSl modem in a set top box” comment was aimed more at how it works, than the user experience behind it.

    I think joe consumer at large has voted several times against (interactivity). I remember in the early nineties when some local cable companies gave it a try here in Georgia, it flopped hard. Seems like most folks just want to watch a flick, granted lots of users (myself included) would like it, but in the past cable and satellite have shrugged new competitors off with ease. You could be right though; this might be the new sliced bread.

  • B.Greenway

    Yeah I saw the box, and while 2wires page does state a partnership, I also read that Microsoft will be involved. Which would break my promise to never allow Billy into my living room. My “just a glorified VDSl modem in a set top box” comment was aimed more at how it works, than the user experience behind it.

    I think joe consumer at large has voted several times against (interactivity). I remember in the early nineties when some local cable companies gave it a try here in Georgia, it flopped hard. Seems like most folks just want to watch a flick, granted lots of users (myself included) would like it, but in the past cable and satellite have shrugged new competitors off with ease. You could be right though; this might be the new sliced bread.