Steve Hausser just e-mailed me this article from the PR newswire. I didn't see it today, bit it looks like people are starting to get it:
Strategy Analytics Study: Interactive TV Has Edge On Broadband PC
>
>Interactive Video is Next Internet Battleground
>
> BOSTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet operators are shaping up to deliver
>video-based content via broadband networks, but broadcasters are ready to
>respond by adding interactive services in the battle for consumer dollars.
>According to a new report, broadcasters have the edge: 14% of households will
>have interactive TV by 2002, compared to only 7% with broadband PC.
>
>These conclusions are described in a new Strategy Analytics report,
>"Interactive Video Emerges - Broadband PC and Interactive TV prepare to do
>battle" -- available to subscribers to their "Interactive Home" strategic
>advisory service.
>
>A number of new and traditional players have staked their positions in this
>new market within the past few months, including service providers (AOL,
>@Home and Road Runner), network operators (Bell Atlantic, SBC, Deutsche
>Telekom, US West, BT and NTL), broadcasters (DirecTV, Echostar, BSkyB and
>BIB), and technology providers (GI, Scientific Atlanta, Philips, TiVo and
>NCI).
>
>Video and interactivity are the catalysts bringing these players into the
>same new marketplace: Internet providers offer enhanced content while
>broadcasters add interactivity.
>
>The emerging broadband PC market is a result of increasing ownership of cable
>and DSL modems. The analysts believe many consumers will not pay the current
>high costs of broadband Internet, and that DSL and cable modems are still
>unproven as far as full interactive video services are concerned.
>Nevertheless, they forecast that, by 2002, broadband modems will be in 7% of
>US households and 2% of European households.
>
>By this time, however, interactive TV services will be available in 14% of US
>and 23% of European homes. Many of these services will arrive "by the back
>door" as part of enhanced digital television services, allowing consumers to
>access home shopping, video-on-demand and interactive information services
>through their TV sets.
>
>"Interactive video will offer the Internet four great challenges," says David
>Mercer, Strategy Analytics Interactive Home Service Director. "There is the
>cost challenge, the usability challenge, the technology challenge and the TV
>challenge. Internet operators may ultimately find that the challenge from
>broadcasters is the greatest obstacle to success."
>
>Detailed market forecasts regarding European and US ownership are available
>on request.
>
>Strategy Analytics provides strategic insights to IT technology firms around
>the globe.
>
>SOURCE Strategy Analytics
>
>CO: Strategy Analytics
>
>ST: Massachusetts
>
> |
