Here's some coverage on Roberts' comments: cableworld.com
Sorry, don't understand how PVRs cannibalize "good 'live' programming." Please explain.
VOD Revs. Sorry. Don't have stats. Personally, I think VOD is way overrated, that revs are not gonna be there. I do know that most MSOs have presently offered VOD on a no-fee basis as a tool to reduce churn of their digital subscribership.
John, the way I see things, the PVR will take most of the thunder out of cable's VOD threat. The sole advantage VOD presents over the PVR is (1) impulsive purchases (i.e. ability to immediately view selected content on an on-demand basis) & (2) availability of most prized content (i.e. recently pulled from theatres) that studios are more likely to release to MSOs where content is stored, securely, on a remote video server, rather than "less-securely" on a sub's PVR hard drive. But until security & digital rights issues are resolved by the industry & Congress, this latter point, IMHO, won't become an issue.
Bottom line, expect to see the PVR blossom over the DBS platform, & remain more or less "flat" on cable. It'll will all be about retaining subs; revenue growth won't be the primary focus, at least for the foreseeable future.
JMO. |
