Cable operators and content networks have always had a difficult relationship as buyer and seller. In the early days of cable, their relationship was more harmonious with launches coupled with marketing activities to assure that subscribers saw value from the network and networks built awareness and hopefully ratings. But the proliferation of cable networks, a loss of brand as niche networks began looking more and more like UHF channels, and a price only mentality have turned these negotiations bitter and untrustworthy. The result has been broadcast and cable network drops, followed by ads telling subscribers how horrible the other side is behaving, and then finally a relaunch.
Consumers are changing too. No longer do they seek content simply from a cable operator; now, they can watch TV shows and movies via a broadband connection. And while broadband subscription rises, cable subscription is dropping. Cord cutting is a fact. Recognizing that the cable operator is not the only distribution platform anymore, content networks are constructing deals on OTT platforms. Most recently, it was announced that AMC, IFC, and Epix are joining the Sling TV digital platform. For as little as $20 a month, subscribers can get these nets as well as ESPN, HGTV, TNT and a few others. Less networks than a cable operator subscription package but at a lower cost to the consumer.
HBO has also announced that it too will offer its network without the requirement of a cable operator. Tentatively titled HBO Now, it helps them to compete in the same new world that Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others compete in. With cable nets building alternative avenues for access, the pressure for more cord cutting will only continue to mount. And as negotiations with cable nets lead to drops on cable systems, the likelihood that these networks will relaunch may become a distant memory. Networks can simply advertise an alternative way to get the networks they love without the cable operator as the middleman.
Cable operators have done little to compete in this changing media environment. TV Everywhere is not available to subscribers for all its nets; rather only certain networks offer authenticated carriage, some only inside the home, and with no aggregated way to easily search across a line-up. Cable boxes remain clunky and hard to navigate unlike IP devices. New packaging is not being created to drive down the subscriber price point to enable stronger retention. Rather, prices continue to go up to keep revenues stable.
What does the future hold? I see cable operators dropping cable networks that don't perform. Smaller packages of cable networks but at lower price points. I see operators needing to invest in new generations of cable boxes, embracing the TiVo type boxes that access both cable and internet content and bring it to the TV screen. And I see the emergence of a la carte pricing where a home can buy a particular network through their cable box for access across all their devices.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Connectivity Brings Le Freak Out
The issues of security and privacy will not go away; as long as there exists devices to stop unwanted entry, there are people destined to break in. The latest security breach is called "Freak" and affects mobile devices including iPhones and Android, as well as Mac computers. So get ready to Super Freak, to Get Ur Freak On, to Le Freak, or simply Freak Like Me. Okay, enough song title references.
According to re/code, "The vulnerability in Web encryption technology could enable attackers to spy on communications of users of Apple’s Safari browser and Google’s Android browser, according to researchers who uncovered the flaw." Once discovered, corrections are being made and software updates will follow. But it is only a matter of time till another bug is discovered, another flaw exposed, and folks with dishonesty on their minds will seek to take profit from it.
This cycle of hacking to exploit data for nefarious means will never end. The more sophisticated the encryption, the bigger the challenge and drive to try and expose it. Never ending, we will be faced with stories like these for many, many years. Think The Imitation Game but with bad individuals hacking into our personal and financial information. Perhaps The Matrix is right, we might need to consider getting off the grid.
According to re/code, "The vulnerability in Web encryption technology could enable attackers to spy on communications of users of Apple’s Safari browser and Google’s Android browser, according to researchers who uncovered the flaw." Once discovered, corrections are being made and software updates will follow. But it is only a matter of time till another bug is discovered, another flaw exposed, and folks with dishonesty on their minds will seek to take profit from it.
This cycle of hacking to exploit data for nefarious means will never end. The more sophisticated the encryption, the bigger the challenge and drive to try and expose it. Never ending, we will be faced with stories like these for many, many years. Think The Imitation Game but with bad individuals hacking into our personal and financial information. Perhaps The Matrix is right, we might need to consider getting off the grid.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Will Wearable Devices Create More Security and Privacy Breaches?
Next week, Apple plans to unveil their Apple Watch with availability in April. Already out in the market are other wearable devices including Fitbit, Pebble smartwatch and others. In the meantime, we have become more and more tied to our smart phones and tablets and see opportunities for being connected to other devices as the next best thing. But are there also risks and concerns?
The opportunities for wearables are tremendous. From collecting health information to replacing physical credit cards. Apple Pay is a great new feature that makes purchasing more convenient. Adding that functionality to its watch enables an even better experience. But the idea of wearable devices can be extended to multiple applications. It could unlock and even start a car as we get near it, unlock our front door without scrambling for our house keys. Houses with alarms enabled could recognize the device and instantly disable without the need to punch in a code. Heck, a wearable device could make physical keys a thing of the past.
But what about privacy and security? Are we opening up additional risk that these kinds of locks could be more easily opened with other sophisticated technology? Will our health information, like our bank and credit card data, be at risk as well? Is there something to be said for a physical lock as opposed to a digital one? These seem like huge challenges that have not been fully addressed. As more and more consumers suffer from credit card fraud, are we opening Pandora's box?
A lost key can be replaced. It may be on a keychain but it tends to lack personal information that tells the name of the owner, where they live and how to reach them. A smartphone or smartwatch could be a different issue. These devices aggregate all our data with the possibility that once unlocked, could be very dangerous to our privacy and security. Could we be possibly be opening ourselves to too much risk?
The risk verse reward balance of connecting our devices to the environment we move around in is a serious one. How we can protect ourselves from stolen data, fraud, and possible invasion and theft is one that has to be baked into the technology. And marketed in a way to allay our fears and demonstrate how much grander the rewards can be.
The opportunities for wearables are tremendous. From collecting health information to replacing physical credit cards. Apple Pay is a great new feature that makes purchasing more convenient. Adding that functionality to its watch enables an even better experience. But the idea of wearable devices can be extended to multiple applications. It could unlock and even start a car as we get near it, unlock our front door without scrambling for our house keys. Houses with alarms enabled could recognize the device and instantly disable without the need to punch in a code. Heck, a wearable device could make physical keys a thing of the past.
But what about privacy and security? Are we opening up additional risk that these kinds of locks could be more easily opened with other sophisticated technology? Will our health information, like our bank and credit card data, be at risk as well? Is there something to be said for a physical lock as opposed to a digital one? These seem like huge challenges that have not been fully addressed. As more and more consumers suffer from credit card fraud, are we opening Pandora's box?
A lost key can be replaced. It may be on a keychain but it tends to lack personal information that tells the name of the owner, where they live and how to reach them. A smartphone or smartwatch could be a different issue. These devices aggregate all our data with the possibility that once unlocked, could be very dangerous to our privacy and security. Could we be possibly be opening ourselves to too much risk?
The risk verse reward balance of connecting our devices to the environment we move around in is a serious one. How we can protect ourselves from stolen data, fraud, and possible invasion and theft is one that has to be baked into the technology. And marketed in a way to allay our fears and demonstrate how much grander the rewards can be.
Friday, February 27, 2015
FCC Rules ISPs Are A Utility
The internet is now classified as a regulated utility and net neutrality is enabled. Certainly, for content creators and consumers, content must now flow freely and equally to your devices. But what was the problem and do these regulations really solve them. Weren't we getting access to all our content already? Did you really see that certain content was not getting to you?
While nothing will change immediately, what will not be a surprise will be how many lawsuits will arise to fight this new law before it can initiate. Given how long it takes decisions to get through the court system, it should be tied up for quite a while. The greatest example is the Janet Jackson Super Bowl example regarding on air decency. That case took years to finally decide that there was no fine to be levied. Still it clogged up the courts. So too will this new internet regulation law.
The hope is that during that time that new innovation arises to improve speed and efficiency of broadband, new competitors grab a share of the marketplace via a wired and wireless approach, and that the fast pace of change in this industry makes the law irrelevant before it has time to take effect. My biggest concern is that regulation only slows down innovation and growth, doesn't drive a competitive marketplace, or lower prices. Yes, net neutrality as a concept is a good thing; all content should be able to reach its destination as fast as possible. But wrapped in other regulations, the internet as a communication highway only gets hurt more.
While nothing will change immediately, what will not be a surprise will be how many lawsuits will arise to fight this new law before it can initiate. Given how long it takes decisions to get through the court system, it should be tied up for quite a while. The greatest example is the Janet Jackson Super Bowl example regarding on air decency. That case took years to finally decide that there was no fine to be levied. Still it clogged up the courts. So too will this new internet regulation law.
The hope is that during that time that new innovation arises to improve speed and efficiency of broadband, new competitors grab a share of the marketplace via a wired and wireless approach, and that the fast pace of change in this industry makes the law irrelevant before it has time to take effect. My biggest concern is that regulation only slows down innovation and growth, doesn't drive a competitive marketplace, or lower prices. Yes, net neutrality as a concept is a good thing; all content should be able to reach its destination as fast as possible. But wrapped in other regulations, the internet as a communication highway only gets hurt more.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Net Neutrality Vote
Lately, our cell phone provider has been sending us messages telling us that we are reaching our covered monthly limit on our internet usage. And the culprits tend to be our kids who forget to turn on their WIFI on their cell phones to watch You Tube or Netflix. Truth is there are a limited number of providers for broadband service and so prices continue to rise. Cable operators have done the best job of delivering high speed broadband service across a majority of the nation. Telephone companies have managed with DSL service but it doesn't deliver the same speed as cable. In some markets, FIOS and U-verse have overbuilt larger cities with alternative high speed service, many with fiber right to the home. And some regional providers like RCN, WOW, and other also offer cable, broadband, and phone.
But newer competition is rare. The biggest entrant so far has been Google Fiber, starting first in Kansas City and expanding into a few other markets. After that you have cell phone companies with data plans that get quickly used up on video consumption. I know from firsthand experience. Their speed is also no match to cable yet but the hope is that they can become a better provider.
Today, broadband, like food, water and shelter, is being treated very much like a utility and so the government seems determined to regulate it as one. Hence the vote today by the FCC to reclassify broadband service as such and assure that that all content delivered across the internet is delivered identically, whether a video stream or email message. That is net neutrality. But the concern of big government regulation in business is that it limits new entrants, innovation, and disruption.
Consumers have very little choice in deciding what broadband service provider to use. Where we live determines who is capable of supporting us. Cable operators still strike franchise agreements to exclusively cover cities and towns. More competition is needed. New spectrum needs to be opened up. Investments in technology to increase speed and capacity should be encouraged. Net neutrality laws may seem like a short term fix but not a long term solution. And as we continue to become a more connected universe, it is the long term that is more at stake.
But newer competition is rare. The biggest entrant so far has been Google Fiber, starting first in Kansas City and expanding into a few other markets. After that you have cell phone companies with data plans that get quickly used up on video consumption. I know from firsthand experience. Their speed is also no match to cable yet but the hope is that they can become a better provider.
Today, broadband, like food, water and shelter, is being treated very much like a utility and so the government seems determined to regulate it as one. Hence the vote today by the FCC to reclassify broadband service as such and assure that that all content delivered across the internet is delivered identically, whether a video stream or email message. That is net neutrality. But the concern of big government regulation in business is that it limits new entrants, innovation, and disruption.
Consumers have very little choice in deciding what broadband service provider to use. Where we live determines who is capable of supporting us. Cable operators still strike franchise agreements to exclusively cover cities and towns. More competition is needed. New spectrum needs to be opened up. Investments in technology to increase speed and capacity should be encouraged. Net neutrality laws may seem like a short term fix but not a long term solution. And as we continue to become a more connected universe, it is the long term that is more at stake.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
They Said What?!?!
I believe that I need to constantly remind my kids that they should be mindful of what they say, write, and do for their actions will follow them throughout their lives. Treat others as you wish to be treated and you should be ok. It is that same advice that most of us should have learned in kindergarten that has been forgotten by many today.
What you say in an email, on a tweet, in a video, and yes even in person resonates loudly. Mistakes are made with the likely response to forgive but not forget. But lately common courtesy and mindful manners have been forgotten. Just this week, two such examples can be found. First comes Keith Olbermann who sadly uses Twitter to diss someone who raised money for charity, simply because of his dislike for their college, Penn State. It was both unnecessary and uncalled for.
The other misspeak comes from the Pope in what he obviously thought was a private e-mail exchange. In it he disparaged the Mexican people by characterizing the increased drug trafficking in his native Argentina as the "Mexicanization" of the country. And while the e-mail was meant to be private, the Pope, like my kids, needs to be reminded that nothing is private anymore. Every email, every selfie, every post has the ability to be shared over and over again. Nothing is private once it is shared with another.
And yet these two examples are only a small sampling of situations where we speak or act before we think. Just as A-Rod or Bill Clinton faced with the lies they told that had to be recanted. Apologies always come from such actions. We forgive (eventually) but hardly ever forget. Our digital world makes that impossible because unlike a physical letter, our digital communications are never truly erased. It is a lesson that keeps getting relearned time and time again. And a lesson that I hope my own kids truly understand.
What you say in an email, on a tweet, in a video, and yes even in person resonates loudly. Mistakes are made with the likely response to forgive but not forget. But lately common courtesy and mindful manners have been forgotten. Just this week, two such examples can be found. First comes Keith Olbermann who sadly uses Twitter to diss someone who raised money for charity, simply because of his dislike for their college, Penn State. It was both unnecessary and uncalled for.
The other misspeak comes from the Pope in what he obviously thought was a private e-mail exchange. In it he disparaged the Mexican people by characterizing the increased drug trafficking in his native Argentina as the "Mexicanization" of the country. And while the e-mail was meant to be private, the Pope, like my kids, needs to be reminded that nothing is private anymore. Every email, every selfie, every post has the ability to be shared over and over again. Nothing is private once it is shared with another.
And yet these two examples are only a small sampling of situations where we speak or act before we think. Just as A-Rod or Bill Clinton faced with the lies they told that had to be recanted. Apologies always come from such actions. We forgive (eventually) but hardly ever forget. Our digital world makes that impossible because unlike a physical letter, our digital communications are never truly erased. It is a lesson that keeps getting relearned time and time again. And a lesson that I hope my own kids truly understand.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
2015, The Year Of Truthfulness And Fact Checking
It seems that this year is turning out to be one where public figures are being judged by their truthfulness. It started out with Brian Williams and fact checking around his assertions regarding certain incidents. And while he has since apologized for his misstatements, we continue to have fun at his expense.
But Mr. Williams may be old news as allegations around news reporting by Bill O'Reilly over 30 years ago comes to the forefront. True or not, hasn't the statute of limitations run out by now. Is this latest challenge meant to move the focus off of Brian Williams or is it to become a witch hunt against all other news reporters and anchors? While we all expect our news and its reporters to be credible, we also know that there is clearly little impartiality in news these days. Some stations lean farther and farther to the right while others push a more left agenda. Still we hope that they are reporting facts and not lies and innuendos.
With the latest target on Bill O'Reilly, I wonder what is truly the motive for the report. Is it to show the public that Mr. O"Reilly has been systematically lying to the public since 1982? Certainly that has been facing Mr. Williams that he has being stretching more than a few stories surrounding his news reporting. Ethics should exist as a black and white benchmark to all of us. Unless Bill O'Reilly has been telling multiple "stories", this 30 year old story seems like mud throwing.
We all like to tell tall tales, some more than others, and some stories clearly taller than others. For those whose careers put them in the public eye, egos can sometimes get in the way. Perhaps it would be best to follow Will Rogers' advice: "Get someone else to blow your own horn and the sound will carry twice as far".
But Mr. Williams may be old news as allegations around news reporting by Bill O'Reilly over 30 years ago comes to the forefront. True or not, hasn't the statute of limitations run out by now. Is this latest challenge meant to move the focus off of Brian Williams or is it to become a witch hunt against all other news reporters and anchors? While we all expect our news and its reporters to be credible, we also know that there is clearly little impartiality in news these days. Some stations lean farther and farther to the right while others push a more left agenda. Still we hope that they are reporting facts and not lies and innuendos.
With the latest target on Bill O'Reilly, I wonder what is truly the motive for the report. Is it to show the public that Mr. O"Reilly has been systematically lying to the public since 1982? Certainly that has been facing Mr. Williams that he has being stretching more than a few stories surrounding his news reporting. Ethics should exist as a black and white benchmark to all of us. Unless Bill O'Reilly has been telling multiple "stories", this 30 year old story seems like mud throwing.
We all like to tell tall tales, some more than others, and some stories clearly taller than others. For those whose careers put them in the public eye, egos can sometimes get in the way. Perhaps it would be best to follow Will Rogers' advice: "Get someone else to blow your own horn and the sound will carry twice as far".
Monday, February 23, 2015
Scotty, We Need More Power
The Internet Of Things, Connectivity, Accessibility, and Always On are the buzzwords we hear these days as our smartphones and tablets and other online devices are discussed. But what runs all these devices, heck, what runs Tesla cars and other cars that Apple and Google and others may be developing, are batteries. The power from these charged devices let us move, connect, share, and do so many more things. All good until the power runs out. I mean how many times has your smart phone used up all its battery before the day was over?
How far can a Tesla drive on a single charge, how long will an Apple Watch last before it needs to be plugged back in. We are constantly seeking cords and outlets to keep our smartphones and tablets charged, hoping that they will last the full day (and perhaps longer) before running on empty. But as we look to connect more and more devices without being constantly plugged in, we put a lot of faith in our batteries to maintain and run without failing us before we are done with them.
What seems to be needed is a quantum leap in battery capacity and perhaps even the ability to recharge without being physically plugged in. Can outdoor usage with solar and wind help new electric cars to maintain or even add power to the existing battery? Can the concept of kinetic movement help a smartwatch or smartphone to wind itself and power the internal battery? Or is there possibilities from organic matter that creates generation of power? Along the way we hear Apple, Samsung, Google, and others focusing on the batteries that inhabit all of our devices to take us to the next generation of power and capacity. It seems to me to be the next great innovation that we need to support our reliance on being constantly connected. Until then, we will continue to search for charging stations, power cords with the right ends, and of course electrical outlets to keep our devices charged and ready.
How far can a Tesla drive on a single charge, how long will an Apple Watch last before it needs to be plugged back in. We are constantly seeking cords and outlets to keep our smartphones and tablets charged, hoping that they will last the full day (and perhaps longer) before running on empty. But as we look to connect more and more devices without being constantly plugged in, we put a lot of faith in our batteries to maintain and run without failing us before we are done with them.
What seems to be needed is a quantum leap in battery capacity and perhaps even the ability to recharge without being physically plugged in. Can outdoor usage with solar and wind help new electric cars to maintain or even add power to the existing battery? Can the concept of kinetic movement help a smartwatch or smartphone to wind itself and power the internal battery? Or is there possibilities from organic matter that creates generation of power? Along the way we hear Apple, Samsung, Google, and others focusing on the batteries that inhabit all of our devices to take us to the next generation of power and capacity. It seems to me to be the next great innovation that we need to support our reliance on being constantly connected. Until then, we will continue to search for charging stations, power cords with the right ends, and of course electrical outlets to keep our devices charged and ready.
Friday, February 20, 2015
TV Trying To Hasten Its Death
It seems to me that television wants to quicken its demise. Both higher subscription fees and an increase in advertising spots only pushes viewers to seek alternatives. The more you push us, the faster we leave. And rather than learn from its mistakes and seek ways to pull us back in, cable television prefers to drive another stake into its own coffin.
The latest effort was unearthed earlier this week in The Wall Street Journal. According to WSJ, "As they contend with steep ratings declines, many top cable networks are jamming more ads into programming to meet audience guarantees made to advertisers and prop up revenue despite falling ad prices." How they do it is by speeding up shows and movies and cutting extraneous seconds from programming. With every :30 seconds or so you can produce, another ad gets sold.
Frankly, it is not so innovative; networks have been doing this for a while. Just try watching the end credits to see just how fast they can scroll down the page. Need to squeeze more time out of a show, just watch how the opening of one show starts even before the prior show has finished. At some point, you can expect that networks will get rid of credits all together. So how can viewers watch shows the way they were created? Subscribers can watch seasons of syndicated and new shows on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and elsewhere without any of this gimmickry.
Why too are networks measuring current TV viewership beyond same day to encompass +3 or +7? The push to increase ad load leads to current cable subscribers to DVR or TiVo content that can later be watched while fast forwarding through the commercials. With ads accounting for 12 minutes or more of every half hour program, TV watchers can more efficiently watch their shows without this dreadful overload.
Bottom line, the cable networks are watching ratings decline as viewers are fleeing their television set. Revenue is trying to be maintained by increasing rates to advertisers and pushing more ads into shows. But this short term strategy is only hastening television's erosion. Certainly content will flourish on other distribution platforms as television keeps pushing viewers away.
The latest effort was unearthed earlier this week in The Wall Street Journal. According to WSJ, "As they contend with steep ratings declines, many top cable networks are jamming more ads into programming to meet audience guarantees made to advertisers and prop up revenue despite falling ad prices." How they do it is by speeding up shows and movies and cutting extraneous seconds from programming. With every :30 seconds or so you can produce, another ad gets sold.
Frankly, it is not so innovative; networks have been doing this for a while. Just try watching the end credits to see just how fast they can scroll down the page. Need to squeeze more time out of a show, just watch how the opening of one show starts even before the prior show has finished. At some point, you can expect that networks will get rid of credits all together. So how can viewers watch shows the way they were created? Subscribers can watch seasons of syndicated and new shows on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and elsewhere without any of this gimmickry.
Why too are networks measuring current TV viewership beyond same day to encompass +3 or +7? The push to increase ad load leads to current cable subscribers to DVR or TiVo content that can later be watched while fast forwarding through the commercials. With ads accounting for 12 minutes or more of every half hour program, TV watchers can more efficiently watch their shows without this dreadful overload.
Bottom line, the cable networks are watching ratings decline as viewers are fleeing their television set. Revenue is trying to be maintained by increasing rates to advertisers and pushing more ads into shows. But this short term strategy is only hastening television's erosion. Certainly content will flourish on other distribution platforms as television keeps pushing viewers away.
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