Did You Multi-Screen The Oscars?

Big events, like the Oscars always seem to ask, how well did it do in the ratings compared to other years. And it seems this year, the social network element of the night seemed to invite more of a multi-screen presence. heck, even the co-host tweeted. So did the audience take advantage of the multi platform offerings?

"The Oscar.com website lured subscribers with 'exclusive cameras and content' at a price of $4.99. For 99 cents, customers could download an application for Apple's iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch that essentially offered the same package of privileged backstage views supplied by multiple cameras and supplemental commentary." I did not take advantage of this content. We dvr and watch with stops and starts. ANd while we were never more than a few minutes behind, we didn't fear missing a moment although there were hardly any amazing moments to miss.

What my wife and I did do was read our twitter feeds. Heck some of the comments (maybe most) were from these feeds and not the tube. It was the water cooler moment sharing what they liked or didn't like about the hosts, the presenters, and even the choices of winners. "The academy reported — via Twitter, naturally — that 1,600 Oscar-related tweets were being sent every minute at one point in the evening." Count us in that number.

And while the show was pretty dull, the other platforms did make the viewing more enjoyable for us. Did it affect the Nielsen ratings for the broadcast; we will soon find out. I suspect more people did watch simply to be a part of the conversation.

Cable Subs Not Being Lured to Dish Network

While cable has been losing subs and Direct TV recently announced that they added almost 300,000 customers in the last quarter, you would have expected that DIsh would announce similar growth. That is not the case. "The number of subscribers fell by 156,000 in the fourth quarter, Dish’s worst quarterly performance ever." So hard to believe, especially as Dish has positioned themselves in the marketplace as appealing to the budget conscious consumer. CEO Charlie "Ergen blamed the subscriber losses on a combination of a sluggish economy, a blackout of some News Corp. channels, heightened competition and poor execution by the company’s management." Can Dish turn it around. With what seems like an opportunity in the market, the telcos and Direct TV have found the winning formula.

Verizon FIOS, Your "Local" Cable Operator

Verizon Fios has started running television and radio advertising in the NYC market touting itself as your local cable operator. The spots feature installers and support staff talking about being your neighbors and in your community. A terrific ad positioning Verizon FIOS as more than just a business, but also part of the neighborhood.

The most amazing part about this new ad campaign is that it borrows from the cable operator playbook from a decade ago. Back then cable pushed its support of local community activities including parades, its local offices, and especially local management and staff ready to serve. It positioned itself against satellite as local and direct, not nationally based like satellite. It pushed this same advantage when the "phone" company became competition, first with its digital phone service, and then when FIOS was formed.

As the telcos became more competitive in the digital cable space, the cable operators responded by becoming less local. Through consolidation of offices, management responsibilities went from local to divisional to regional. The many local offices and management teams closed to be replaced by multi-state regional offices. Cable consciously left the local space to concentrate on economies of scale and cost efficiencies. And with that change, cable operators lost their market positioning as your "local" company.

With the latest Verizon FIOS ads, it is now the telcos positioning themselves as your "local" cable operator. How ironic for the cable companies to lose this competitive edge and so apparent that the telcos have become the aggressors in the market fight. Do consumers truly believe that either FIOS or cable are local; doubtful, but if you say it enough times, a percentage of people slowly begin to believe it is true.

TV Is A Multi-Screen Experience

TV watching is not only for one screen anymore. We blog about it, twitter opinions, and share experiences on Facebook. And when it concerns big events, like the Super Bowl and Academy Awards, we want to be as immersed in it as possible. "The most promising, and interesting, of the list is Oscar Backstage Pass. The app will work on iPhones and iPod Touches (as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection), but those with iPads will have a much better time with it.... ABC plans to provide users with options for eight camera angles not shown to network viewers. So if ABC’s on-air commentators are interviewing someone you care little for, you can watch elsewhere. The app’s live video feed continues during commercials." Viewer controlled experiences that change our behavior from passive to active. And that may mean a rise in ratings too.

And if you seek more interaction, there are other applications that will allow you to vote for your winners, the fashions, trivia, and other contents. It seems we are now no longer satisfied with just a sitback only experience. We want more and we want our opinion heard. These apps may be more prominent among the big night TV events, but it is heading across all TV, from sports to sitcoms. We seek more interaction and control to enjoy the show on our terms. And it just may help the content that we watch.

Cable Operators Cannot Win The Battle With Just Content

Attention cable operators, while linear and on demand content is an important element of the fight for subscription, it is not the only element. Content creators are selling their content to everyone. For example, CBS has sold their content to an over the top competitor, Netflix. Other content companies have done similar deals with them and Amazon and others. So no matter what store a customer goes into, their content is there to be viewed. And these competitors are selling their service for a fraction of what cable operators are charging.

Yes, content is king, and cable needs to also carry this same content. But to remain competitive, they must do more. TV Everywhere is one means to remain competitive. While on demand TV Everywhere is important, so is linear carriage on TV Everywhere. It is what Dish offers its customers through Slingbox. Cable operators have to be more price sensitive with packages to suit every economic level. And there is nothing like great service. Best Buy offers the Geek Squad; cable operators need to brand their service to help customers sort through their technological questions. Cable operators cannot underestimate how service can be valued by consumers.

Competitors are grabbing at cable operators' customer base. Some are cutting the cord altogether; others are going to less expensive alternatives like Direct, Dish, and the telcos. While operators are seeing declines in basic subscription, their competitors are enjoying growth. Operators can't keep squeezing more revenue from these remaining subs. They must recapture customers. Better set top box interfaces, better service, more technological innovation, and more competitive pricing are key to that growth. Otherwise, with the same content being offered to their competition and no longer remaining differentiated, customers will continue to flee for better pastures.

Social Media, Political Change

The internet has quickly changed the media landscape, eliminating paper and plastic in the form of letters, newspapers, cds and other manufactured products for digital ones. The rise of e-mail, iTunes, and of course Facebook and other social media tools. And the speed of this change and the convergence of devices have enabled quicker communications and sharing of information.

So is it no surprise that the internet has also made the world a much smaller place in collaborating ideas. The rise of these social media, sharing tools has provided a power for change unlike anything else in history. The speed of interaction and the breadth of coverage means more people are knowledgeable of what is happening both near and abroad. And it has given rise to political change.

The uprisings in Egypt, Libya and other nations, most notably where freedom is limited, all comes from this access to social media and communication tools. Where that change leads to is any one's guess. In Egypt, the movement was mainly peaceful although there were noticeable levels of violence. In Libya, the violence is more severe. The challenge remains though, at what cost freedom. Is there enlightenment among those involved in change that leads to a more democratic future or is it one that simply leads to more anarchy, terrorism, and hatred?

We ask, do the means justify the end but we should also ask do the ends justify the means. Will the end be more enlightenment of freedom for all, equality, and real justice? Social media may have quickened the pace of change but are these countries, ruled also by some religious beliefs that force ones ideology onto another, the best means for change. Can the more moderate factions outweigh the extremists who will fight to the death of all? One can only hope that with all the unrest in these third world countries, moderation and enlightenment can also emerge and prevail. Social media is an amazing tool and has now proven itself as a valuable means for sharing and disseminating information and knowledge in the fight for freedom. The hope is that the future is one that better serves the country and its people and the rest of mankind.

What if Your IPhone Was A Wristwatch?

The older generation love their wristwatch. It is a necessary article of clothing to keep us informed of the time. And it replaced the once fashionable pocket watch. But today's tech savvy generation don't need a wristwatch anymore. Their pocket watch is their cellphone or iPod. And as the Apple iPod Touch has gotten smaller, there is interest in making it the next generation wrist watch. "When Scott Wilson posted his idea for an iPod Nano transformed into a wristwatch on crowd-funding website Kickstarter, he hoped to raise $15,000 to bring his invention to life. Two weeks later, he had $600,000 and new record: Wilson's project shattered 20-month-old Kickstarter's previous fundraising tally."

But what if the next generation wrist watch was actually an iPhone. Add a bluetooth ear piece, and the iPhone Wristwatch would seem to me to be the must have device. No pockets necessary, always accessible, and small and unobtrusive. No need to place your phone on the dining table when eating. Not uncomfortable in the pocket when sitting. And so ergonomically practical. As devices get smaller, they are easily misplaced. Changeable wristbands would keep the device fashionable. It seems Apple would enjoy selling another product and an iPhone Wristwatch could be a nice complement to the iPad.

The Digital Divide

It once was important that every home have phone access. It became a basic necessity of life, along with food, clothing, and shelter. We hated our phone company, it cost a fortune to make a long distance call, but they got us service. And movies like "In Like Flint" enjoyed mocking them.

Today, phone service is an afterthought. Even cell phones are so last year. Today it is all about connection to the web. And today there is a digital divide between area that can access and places in America that can not. "As the world embraces its digital age — two billion people now use the Internet regularly — the line delineating two Americas has become more broadly drawn. There are those who have reliable, fast access to the Internet, and those, like about half of the 27,867 people here in Clarke County, who do not. In rural America, only 60 percent of households use broadband Internet service, according to a report released Thursday by the Department of Commerce. That is 10 percent less than urban households. Over all, 28 percent of Americans do not use the Internet at all." Of course there is a difference between having broadband and using it. For the health and wealth and welfare of this country, broadband access has become a necessity.

And where there is no broadband, dial up service remains the next best thing to connecting to the web. It is slower and more expensive, but remains an option.

Like the phone, there is a need to be connected 24/7 to all that is around us. Broadband access has made this world a smaller place. And as seen in Egypt, social networking via broadband access, has led to political change. That connection is essential to communication, information, and yes even entertainment. And when it goes down, the loss is felt. No access to email, Twitter feeds, websites, etc. In fact, a drop in service is more quickly felt than with the phone. if your phone doesn't ring, you assume that no one is calling, not that the service stopped. But when broadband is down, you quickly see that your website isn't loading.

Is Apple In Antitrust Violation?

Apple has built a powerful tablet in the iPad and the best mobile device with its iPhone. And it supports its products with an App Store to feed it content. It remains the most forward thinking company among scores of others. But that front runner status also causes trouble and the rise of online subscriptions through the App store is causing ripples. "The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission's interest in Apple's new subscription service is at a preliminary stage, and might not develop into either a formal investigation or any action against the company. But it comes as Apple has attracted growing antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe."

So Apple has built an aggregate site; why can't others. Shouldn't companies be allowed to build apps that can be downloaded without going through the Apple digital store. Perhaps that is the crux of the issue. The app site enables convenience and that convenience is worth something. If the apps store is what drives higher subscription rates, than perhaps the commission charge is justifiable. But if good marketing can push consumers to find apps outside the store, then all the better for competition.

"To make a case against Apple, antitrust enforcers would have to show that Apple has market power and is abusing it. That depends on how they define a market. Apple's iPhone is the phone of choice for many affluent consumers, but it has only a 16% share of smartphone sales and a sliver of the broader mobile-phone market." And the tablet market is still in its infancy. I hate to see government regulation slow down innovation, but it is also important that barriers to entry remain low to encourage more competition.

Online Movie Subscription Business Getting More Crowded

Watch out HBO and Showtime, stay on your toes Netflix and Hulu, be mindful Apple and Amazon, and be concerned cable operators, another movie on demand service wants to enter the field. Redbox, who has been offering a dollar a day DVD rentals through vending machines, is looking to add a subscription service. "The online service would be combined in some way with physical DVD rentals, they said. Coinstar said in July it was developing an Internet strategy, without specifying the model. In October, Redbox said it planned a partnership with an existing digital player." Unlike Netflix who already had a DVD subscription model, Redbox's appeal was a one off strategy where customers only paid for the time they spent with the DVD. Their challenge will be turning these types of customers into a sustainable monthly package.

Their entry into the movie digital distribution field only creates more competition for the other players. Cable has the edge offering transactional, premium, as well as free on demand content for a low price. But that amount rises the more premium subscription and films are purchased. And cable customers get the sticker shock when their total bill, which also includes phone, cable, and broadband service rises above levels that customers want to pay. The Redbox traditional model of buying only what you watch at a low daily cost appeals to the budget conscious customer. The others, with their subscription packages, are appealing as their rates aren't combined with other services and so the customer is more comfortable spending $10 a month verse $200.

Having Redbox enter should ultimately help the customer. Competition in a free economy pushes pricing down. The low price verse high service models allow customers to choose which provider best serves their needs. Can Redbox adapt its model and grow its business? Clearly in a digital age, physical copies of content are becoming less necessary. It seems an inevitable move in order to remain competitive.

Sirius Expectations Don't Match Results

While Sirius is seeing growth, subscribers and revenue are both up, their results don't meet the expectation of analysts. And while debt remains high, they are working hard to reduce the amount they owe. In addition, continued growth of the automotive industry as well as increased spending in the advertising community should help push Sirius higher. "Sirius XM had about 20.2 million subscribers as of Dec. 31, up from approximately 18.8 million a year earlier. It added about 1.4 million net subscribers in 2010. Looking ahead, the New York company predicts 2011 revenue of about $3 billion. Analysts expect revenue of $3.08 billion. Sirius XM anticipates it will add another 1.4 million net new subscribers in 2011." Unfortunately, analysts expected more.

For Sirius, the bigger question is competition with web based applications. Sirius owns the road, but the home belongs to the web. Web-based music subscription services like Pandora may simply try to push into Sirius territory. Whether wifi can work better in the car verse satellite is debatable. And Sirius may have exclusive content, like NFL, MLB, and of course Howard Stern. But its exclusivity is challenged by some web based subscriptions like what the MLB offers on the computer and mobile devices.

Perhaps the opportunity lies not in competition but developing a partnership program that brings the two sides together. Sirius and Pandora could potentially both benefit from such an arrangement. And certainly the customer gets easier access to the content.

Not Y2K Again, But We've Run Out Of IP Addresses

Back in 1976, when the Internet (Big I) was created, 4.3 billion unique IP addresses seemed plenty. But the popularity of the internet (small i), and the abundance of devices has created a shortage 35 years later. Luckily, scientists have been working on this knowledge for some time and it appears a solution is at hand. It is not so simple as creating more addresses, a new internet protocol is needed. "This new standard will support a virtually inexhaustible number of devices, experts say. But there is some cause for concern because the two systems are largely incompatible, and as the transition takes place, the potential for breakdowns is enormous."

So depending how old your internet device, be it computer, game console, mobile phone, may be, you may find it working or failing. Alas we may face a Y2K potential for system failure. And so test are planned prior to deployment. Both Comcast and Time Warner, as well as a number of other companies are working toward the test scheduled for June 8. Called World IPv6 Day, the test should help determine how problematic the switchover will be. And hopefully for the consumer, it will occur without any hiccups.

As consumers, the internet has replaced the phone as the most important device to communicate with others. It needs to continue to improve to support new addresses but to also address security issues, speed, and connectivity. Most consumers know or care about the backbone that makes the internet run; they simply want it to run. That it has taken over 30 years for us to run out of IP addresses is impressive. That more is needed is a necessity.

Movie Theater Chains to Own and Distribute Films

With the approval of Comcast's purchase of NBC and distribution owning content, the movie theater chains are going back to old behaviors. "Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment Inc. are close to launching a joint venture to acquire and release independent movies, according to people familiar with the situation, a part of the business historically dominated by the Hollywood studios." Where antitrust laws once stopped this content-distribution partnership, the rise of competitive distribution platforms now are encouraging it. Ultimately, these antitrust laws were meant to protect the consumer, ensuring that movies, regardless of their ownership, would reach into your town. Today, those laws no longer apply.

Movie houses are concerned that the content they receive is going directly into the home too quickly, reducing the amount of income a film can earn. The rise of on demand and digital download, improves in home theaters, and the rising costs of going out to the movies has lowered attendance. "And with attendance flat over the last five years and down 5% in 2010, theater owners have been experimenting with ways to draw more people into their venues, such as showing live sports events and concerts." And yet revenues are rising because ticket prices are rising. 3D and IMAX both encourage going out to the movies, but 3D TVs are already in the home and home-IMAX may not be too far away.

Owning content means controlling its distribution to other competitive platforms. Is this antitrust behavior? Does this bring government back into the entertainment world again? It seems the slippery slope of distribution owning content is only getting steeper.

QR Codes Added to USA Today

If you are on of the 33% of smartphone users, your mobile experience is not complete unless you are accustomed to using QR codes, those graphical boxes on print materials, that link to online content on your phone. And USA Today is introducing these QR codes, more specifically, the Microsoft Tag, to their daily addition. "Microsoft is enthused about the partnership, as it brings big potential market share to their Tag system. 'We’re excited that USA TODAY is using Tag to engage with readers in a more interactive way. Microsoft Tag makes the world around you clickable, and now with the scan of Tag, customers will get a richer, more enhanced experience from the pages of the newspaper,' said the director of Tag, Bill McQuain."

Smartphone penetration continues to rise. The launch of the Verizon iPhone will only push penetration further. The smartphone has become the must have device, connected to most of us 24/7. It connects us with voice, test, GPS, email, and more. It can be our still camera, our video camera, our radio, and even as a wallet. The Microsoft Tag or QR code enables us to enjoy a more interactive experience with the information and content we encounter. Adding it to newspapers like USA Today seems like a no brainer, yet it is only just now being added. Tags don't have to be just for advertising; they add more value to editorial as well and hopefully that connection will only serve to make USA Today a more desired newspaper.

Is Cable Against the Google TV Revolution?

Sometimes I come across articles like this one that really captures my attention. I have not bee a fan of the CableCard and believe that cable has worked hard to make it a difficult solution for consumers to access content outside the set top box. Google has a device that would seem to truly create a convergence of cable and internet programming, desired by the consumer, that is also easily managed by the consumer. But it needs the push by the FCC to make Google TV work most efficiently. "That's at the heart of the FCC's proposal for an AllVid system, which Google very loudly supports. AllVid doesn't exist yet, but the idea is to mandate an industry-wide gadget that you could plug into your broadband router and connect to your cable TV provider, then watch online video and pay channels through a variety of AllVid-friendly devices. Not surprisingly, Google and Sony love this idea, because it could transform the Google TV from just a neat product into a revolution."

Is cable truly fighting this or is this also an opportunity to partner in a way that still protects the cable operator. I believe a win-win solution can exist. A partnership of internet and cable would improve functionality, interactivity, sharing, and viewing. The CableCard is a failed experiment; it is time to try something else.

Would You Watch 3D TV?

I must first admit to not being a fan of 3D movies. Despite its excessive price tag, I find the glasses uncomfortable and the viewing experience unsatisfying. That being said, its popularity in the theaters has helped ticket revenues and encourage even more 3D movies to be made. And while 3D is a value added to the theater business, I wonder if it is as important for the little screen.

Sales of 3D TVs have not been as impressive as sales of HDTV. And it is the slower rate of adoption that makes me wonder if it is necessary for the home. Obviously the greatest impact would be on the most watched genres: movies, sports, news, and perhaps music/concerts. Is 3D just as necessary for documentaries, TV series, and other programming? Sony, Discovery, and IMAX think so. "A general entertainment service, 3net will feature natural history, documentary, action/adventure, history, lifestyle and cooking, to name a few genres."

Its first carriage agreement is with DirecTV. But do they support enough 3D sets to deserve a license fee? And what about the commercials? I doubt that many will be filmed in 3D. Today many are still not filmed in HD. For these companies, the belief is that 3D is the next generation of device in the home, for others, it may simply be a fad that will lose steam. Like the video phone, it may take many, many attempts before it is more embraced. A more realistic 3D experience, without glasses. For now, Discovery and DirecTV are putting down a placeholder for the future.

And to answer the question. No, I would not watch 3D TV. Not in its present form. Give me my big screen HDTV any day.

Will Smartphones and Tablets Replace Computers?

Do we need the desktop computer anymore? Especially in the home, can we get by without even the laptop as tablets and smartphones provide all the surfing we need? It seems when it comes to sales, smartphones are outselling computers. "While advanced mobiles are selling like crazy, the PC market has been far more subdued. In fact, it barely even registered any year on year growth in the 4Q of 2010." Perhaps it is the simple fact that a smartphone is a one user product while a computer gets shared in the household. For a family of four, the simple math is that smartphones take a 4 to 1 lead. Add to that the lower price point of smart phones and you see quicker obsolescence and a willingness to keep buying a new phone every 2 years.

And the rise of the tablet demonstrates that everything a PC can do can be easily accomplished with an iPad. "There’s no denying that 14 million iPad sales took a chunk out of the laptop market, and it’s evident in the sales stats." Since the house is wireless enabled, communication and printing is just as easily managed. And yet the computer is not going away so quickly. It's role as the server to household products will continue to play an important role. And business still relies on the computer for daily functions.

The rise of smartphones and tablets simply reshapes the use of the computer and its role in the household. The ability of these devices to talk to each other and facilitate efficient functionality is key. Today iPads and iPhones can talk to cable boxes. Sharing content inside the home from phone to computer and back means a much richer experience. And this link will only continue to grow.

Apple Dominates the Movie Download Business

It should come as no surprise that Apple knows what the consumer wants and knows how to deliver it. Before the iPod, mp3 players and other portable devices were hard to operate or too bulky. Apple streamlined the process and made the download process idiot-proof. It started with music and that expertise has expanded into the video download world. "Apple's iTunes accounted for 64.5 percent of all the money spent in 2010 on electronic sell through (EIS) and Internet video on demand (IVOD) despite facing increased competitive pressure from Microsoft's Zune (Xbox), Amazon, Sony's Playstation, and Wal-Mart." Two thirds of all movie downloads were through the Apple iTune store. Impressive. In fact, that percentage is down. "In 2009, iTunes held 74.4 market share, and its share fell 9 percent last year, according to iSuppli. The good news is that the overall market grew by more than 60 percent." And by all accounts the size of this business will only continue to grow.

And where are the cable operators in the mix? Sure VOD offers rental opportunities but what about a download to own option. What if I like what I rent and I want to keep it. Cable could incent with a discount attached to the on demand rental. They could enable the purchase and take a share of the revenue. Liked Harry Potter, push the button to get a download to your account. It seems like a missed opportunity given the dollars going toward the digital business, and yet cable operators keep watching this content being sold through other distributors, like Apple.

And Apple continues to own the music download business too. Their ability to be content feeders to iPads, iPods, iPhones, Macs, and other devices cements the Apple brand as the aggregator of all content. So what is next; how about digital subscriptions of newspapers and magazines. Content and distribution working together to give the consumer what they demand. Certainly, competition will continue to push Apple to work harder to maintain its lead. Its share may drop a bit but as they continue to innovate, the growth of the business will more than offset. And as long they can continue to adapt to the changing demands of the consumer, Apple will continue to lead the change.

Should Apple Buy Sirius or Perhaps Direct TV?

Its early in the year and the talk is of acquisitions. With AOL buying the Huffington Post and Apple flush with cash, I wonder if it is time for Apple to make a purchase. The linked article describing Sirius's new website and link to iTunes makes me wonder, should this relationship be even more connected? Should Apple buy Sirius? Is it time for Apple to own a distribution platform?

A Sirius purchase would give Apple a mobile connection and perhaps lead to a stronger connection. And adding a Sirius subscription not only to the car but also to iPhones and iPods would be a consumer benefit. Could Sirius also drive video through its subscription, Apple would gain even more of a platform share.

But if not Sirius, the other platform that would seem to make sense for them could be Direct TV. Both in its reach and content delivery, it could add another dimension to Apple TV. The challenge of satellite, for both Sirius and Direct TV is the one way nature of the signal. Designing a solution to correct that issue would be another game changer in the entertainment and communication landscape. And I have no doubt that the folks at Apple are up to the task.

What is the Internet, Anyway

Great video from the Today Show with Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel. Boy have we come a long way since 1994.

Apple's Lemming 1984 Ad Keeps Coming True

Apple's Super Bowl commercial, modeled after 1984 and showing lemmings all in a line marching to their death is all coming true, and ironically it is due to Apple. With each new release of product, consumers are waiting in line for hours for their turn. Today, that line is for the Verizon version of the iPhone. "After less than one day Verizon sold out of its online pre-order stock of iPhones. When the phone goes on sale in stores in a week, we fully expect to see people lined up for blocks." And this need to follow the pack and wait in line with the hope of receiving a phone is a little too much. You can't wait a few more weeks for things to settle down. Afraid you might miss something. I simply find this need to wait in a line amusing and a little sad. Of course, it is all good business for both Apple and Verizon. With inventory selling out, the demand over supply mentality only builds more want. All I can say is chill. A couple more weeks to wait won't kill anyone and you will probably get better service getting your iPhone authorized.

Cord Cutters Rejoice, Hulu Adding More Content

For those tired of their cable bills and eager for more web content, more is coming your way. Viacom and Hulu have partnered again to allow Viacom content to be viewed across the web. "Content under the agreement to be added to the Hulu Plus $7.99 monthly subscription service will come from Viacom media networks including Comedy Central, MTV, BET, VH1, Spike TV and TV Land." In addition to the subscription portal, Viacom will be providing content into the free space as well. For those with kids though, the exception is its Nickelodean content including Dora, Spongebob and other shows. It has been about a year since Viacom pulled its content off Hulu so this new agreement is good news for those consumers waiting patiently for the return of shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

And with the Comcast NBC deal signed, Comcast retains an ownership stake in Hulu but not a voice in its strategic direction. A lost sub to a Hulu subscription is certainly not a zero sum game. Still as Hulu continues to grow, NBC and its new owner Comcast will find some benefits of this arrangement. And Comcast continues to push itself through TV Everywhere and its own mobile content. The more content Comcast enables on computers and smartphones, like the recently announced Turner deal, the more Comcast remains connected to its consumers' needs.

XFinity TV App Now Offers On Demand

Quick, update your iPad and iPhone XFinity App, with new on demand deals struck, Comcast is making video content available on your mobile device. "The free app initially offers several hundred titles to customers, with access contingent on their cable TV tier. Full episodes include HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Showtime's Weeds and TNT's The Closer. According to Comcast, the streaming feature is available over any Wi-Fi connection." The most recent mobile video deals are with Time Warner networks including HBO, TBS, and TNT. And while on demand access is one step closer to TV Anywhere, missing still is accessibility to linear content.

Take for example today's unrest in Egypt. Having a linear feed of CNN on your mobile device means access to current news and information. And extra eyeballs should also mean higher ad revenue. It is the next step to true TV Everywhere and Anywhere.

Till then, it is nice to enjoy more video content on the go. This updated App is a strong step forward. But please, lets not stop.

Netflix May Be Worried

I love competition. Competition makes everyone work harder. Competition pushes innovation. And it keeps the economy humming. And hopefully, it keeps prices to the consumer at reasonable levels. As digital media becomes the product of the future, it pushes companies to reinvent themselves in this space.

Netflix has done it, converting from a mail house of DVDs to a streaming media mecca. And at the same time raised the competitive eyebrows of cable. But just as quickly as Netflix is chasing cable, Amazon may be chasing Netflix, based on a rumor circulating around. What is Amazon's true competitive play. The article also speculates a purchase if Redbox as well as distribution deals with premium providers.

And where does Apple want to be in this competitive arena. How does Apple TV partner or compete with this cord cutting rivals? "Netflix may be vulnerable, according to Michael Pachter, an analyst with WedBush Securities. 'It's a giant opportunity, and Amazon and Apple are the only two guys that have all the elements necessary to effectively compete: access to content, big balance sheets, good technology to deliver content, and some installed customer base they can easily market to.'" I couldn't agree more.