You're doin' fine, DaYooper.
To an extent, the two formats (DTV and anybody's streaming media) are unrelated. But think about it--they're both made up of bits, so they can "converge" in a PC. Your eyes and ears don't care whether you're receiving "streamed" digital media or "broadcast" digital media. What you care about is content, not where or how it originated. So, why shouldn't the same "player" (assuming you have a digital TV (DTV) receiver card installed in your PC) handle both, along with digitally broadcast radio as well? Now, take this one step further. If you have a cable broadband Internet hookup, all of these data types will be coming at you over the same wire--very convenient.
If HAUP makes a deal with RNWK, for example, then RNWK can become the first-mover in the race for leadership in the world of digital broadcasting PC "player" software. Over a period of time, RNWK can offer server-side products that enhance the value of broadcast bitstreams (for DTV and digital radio) and tie them to streaming media applications. The possibilities are endless.
So HAUP and RNWK seem to need each other, although HAUP could do the same deal with MSFT. If, however, HAUP merely establishes a strategic alliance with a portal or broadcast network, the opportunity to control the desktop is not secured. In my view (and given this early stage), the desktop, and not so much content, is the key beachead.
Thre's a lot more that can be discussed, but this seems a good place to start.
BAM |
