Another TV Show Arrives... Microsoft Competition?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Apple and ABC have posted another television show to the iTunes Music Store today. Commander in Chief (http://abc.go.com/primetime/schedule/2005-06/commander.html) is now available on iTunes.

NBC has also promised (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/12/20051207121710.shtml) that new shows would be added along the way.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Microsoft is not taking Apple's success lightly and plans on launching a subscription-based TV download service. The service would presumably offer either unlimited downloads or one with a high limit for a flat monthly fee similar to Napster's present music subscription service.

[dambro1978]

no way microsoft will beat apple in the media itunes things..

[Jeromie]

The subscription based method might actually make sense for television shows. After all, people are used to television being a transient medium. Subscription versus pay for download seems to be the distinction between replacing your cable connection and replacing your DVD collection. I think there is room for both in the market, and it will be interesting to see if consumers agree with me.

[DavidLeblond]

I agree. Subscription for music, I scoff at. Subscription for TV shows? Well, I already subscribe to TV shows by paying for cable. So if you deliver the shows I want at a lower price than cable? Yeah, I'd like that.

Pity the Microsoft approach would probably not work on my Mac. Dealing with Windows ain't worth it.

[Wonder Boy]

i can see a subscription model work for tv shows. i tried writing something to explain myself, but it just came across as bad writing. i'm too tired to think. but for some reason, only known to me, i think the subscription service could work.

[Mr_Ed]

I personally don't see the appeal of watching a TV show on a 2" screen, but if it means Apple is breaking ground once again, great. As for M$ getting in the game, I have not seen any previous attempt to compete with Apple (such as in the on-line music arena) amount to much of anything. They just don't seem to have it in them to do anything original and compelling anymore . . . (did they ever?)

[Chundles]

The more TV shows the better in my opinion. Not that we can get TV Shows over here but hey, it's nice to know they are available somewhere - it means they might be available here someday.

Yep, Microsoft download service will most likely equal WMP 10 involvement and that means that it will have zero impact on my downloading habits. Not to mention it will probably not work at all with the iPod and therefore is a bit of a waste of time on MS's behalf because as of this moment there are no really strong competitors to the iPod. You need a good product before you can deliver the content. Apple got the iPod in our frame of mind ages before launching the iTMS.

[andiwm2003]

microsoft often says they will enter this and that market but then nothing happens. i don't think the revenues in the tv show market will be high enough to justify setting up the infrastructure from scratch. itunes/ipod already existed so the setup wasn't too expensive for apple. but any other competitor would have to pay upfront for the set up. and for years to come the market will be relativley small because the cable/satellite subscriptions will remain.

[ifjake]

Apple is more like the DVD route just faster and lesser quality. i imagine that maybe being different than the normal way you get TV would be better. in my mind, if it's subsription, i might as well get cable and a DVR.

i think the main reason why FOX hasn't and probably won't sign on is because their DVD sales do so well. offering each episode individually up for sale could mean instead of buying the Simpsons season 6 DVDs you only buy a handful of episodes that you especially like. kinda like what happened to music.

i still think ABC should put Alias online. i think if the had, i might have been dumb enough to get every episode as it came out given that i don't have a TV right now.

[Super Dave]

microsoft often says they will enter this and that market but then nothing happens. i don't think the revenues in the tv show market will be high enough to justify setting up the infrastructure from scratch. itunes/ipod already existed so the setup wasn't too expensive for apple. but any other competitor would have to pay upfront for the set up. and for years to come the market will be relativley small because the cable/satellite subscriptions will remain.

Agreed. Why sink the capital into a market even more dubious than the music one? Microsoft can't keep throwing good money after bad in a half-butted attempt to take a tiny piece of Apple's pie. They're going to have to focus on their core competencies of business software, Xboxes and...servers?

The days when Microsoft could enter any market they chose (or pretend to enter any market) and frighten the competitors away are long gone.

David :cool:

[Stonecoldcleric]

Yeah - who cares about each and every show as they appear available in ITMS. At some point that story will be old - it already is to me.

I agree wholeheartedly about the fact that we already are 'subcribing' to tv shows. most of us have the upgraded dv recorder provided by our cable company so we can do that anyway. Only a few people would be interested in having those shows on the road. This video ipod is great in a novelty sense, but not for regular viewing of shows. We still want to watch good shows on a 60-inch plasma.

[DavidLeblond]

Apple is more like the DVD route just faster and lesser quality. i imagine that maybe being different than the normal way you get TV would be better. in my mind, if it's subsription, i might as well get cable and a DVR.

It all depends on the price for me. Right now my cable costs $70/mo (and thats not including Road Runner) and all I get for that is Standard cable with a DVR. And the DVR isn't always flawless, because if the show comes on the same day as a football game, you're guarenteed to only get to see the first 15 minutes of the show, if that. Hell Sunday night I got to see a whole 10 minutes of Family guy because our prez decided to beat his chest about the Iraqies voting.

[Wonder Boy]

i don't have a TV right now.

you poor bastard.

(after looking at the post, i realized "poor" could be interpreted as not having money as opposed to my intended meaning which implies pity)

[Photorun]

Wait, I'm shocked... SHOCKED... I tell you! Apple comes up with an idea and Microsoft copies it? That NEVER happens!

(COUGH)

Maybe someday M$ will, you know, actually innovate... nah, why should they, they've got a really big R&D department at 1 Infinite Loop.:rolleyes:

[ph0rce]

iTunes has it for music and i am pretty sure it will have it with video becuase of the iPod Video. Not many people are going to want a media player other than the iPod. because the iPod is cool. creative suck because theres are copies of apples products and they just try sueing apple becuase they are bad loosers. Microsoft is similar :) bad loosers :)

i say, bring it on microsoft, but be prepaired for apple to crush you in to a little ball and then feed you to a powermac!

[Websnapx2]

As much as I hate to admit it, the subscription service from M$ makes sense, but not focused with a portable player, this would be really cool through their media centre. Watch the show you want, when you want, then by extension move it over to a portable device to continue an interrupted viewing experience (if you have an appointment, for instance). This would really mess up cable television services as we know it, so hopefully Microsoft Won't get too much support from the network. Then that will buy apple more time.

[Chundles]

If we eventually get TV shows on the iTMS over here it could really be quite revolutionary. Cable TV here is not widely subscribed to, it's expensive, it doesn't offer anything all that necessary and all the good shows are on free-to-air.

Most people are just using regular old analogue TV for our 5 TV channels and don't complain cause all the big shows are on and they don't have to fork out a fortune to watch it.

My family is the first I know of to own a digital set top box with a built in HDD recorder so we can watch standard definition digital TV (still the same 5 channels plus two extra ones that are offshoots of two of the five). HD signal here isn't offering much over SD at the moment and the HD set top boxes are in the $700 range so for the average joe it's too bloody expensive.

So for the convenience of not having to set a VCR (yep, we still use VCR's and I don't see them going anywhere fast) we could just download to an iPod and plug it into the telly it would be nice to be able to access the TV shows on iTunes.

A subscription service here wouldn't go over too well as none of us subscribe for any of the shows already available on the US store (except Battlestar Galactica - I don't know if that's on cable or not here) so if they were ever available on some subscription service it would probably be fairly poorly received. We're most likely to just buy the odd show that we missed.

[evomac]

If it can't offer HD quality then why bother. Plus they have no viable device to play them on (other than the PC).

I personally would rather have a DVR box.

[SiliconAddict]

Honestly when movies/TV shows are concerned I would be very interested in an all you can eat $14.99 buffet. Just not at the quality available on iTunes. I do have some standards and anything downloaded from iTMoviesS looks like complete crap on my 24” display. I either have to watch it all pixel like full screen or sit 1’ away from the screen watching it in a Window. Umm thanks but no.

If Microsoft comes out with a higher res that isn't more expensive then iTMovieS I'll prob use them. I don't really care about DRM in thise case because I'll prob watch it once, maybe twice and delete.

If it can't offer HD quality then why bother. Plus they have no viable device to play them on (other than the PC).

I personally would rather have a DVR box.

HD isn't going to be possible for a while. Do you have ANY idea how much bandwidth would be required. The investment on bandwidth alone would kill any potential profit. Crap at this point I would settle for SD TV res.

[blilly]

It seems that Microsoft is also not taking the success of the Swiss Ski Team lightly . . . and plan to create their own ski team. And they will also be creating their own version of The Wiggles! . . and their own online bookstore! and a reliable hybrid car!! And the Colts are having a good season . . maybe they will create a football team!

And . . and . . . wait . . . they'll come up with SOMETHING people will care about! . . . no, really.

[evomac]

HD isn't going to be possible for a while. Do you have ANY idea how much bandwidth would be required. The investment on bandwidth alone would kill any potential profit. Crap at this point I would settle for SD TV res.

I completely agree, but you can get HD out of a DVR box. I'm simply stating that the downloading of TV Show service, while fun, is too far behind IMO:o

[SiliconAddict]

Wait, I'm shocked... SHOCKED... I tell you! Apple comes up with an idea and Microsoft copies it? That NEVER happens!

(COUGH)

Maybe someday M$ will, you know, actually innovate... nah, why should they, they've got a really big R&D department at 1 Infinite Loop.:rolleyes:

You mean like people coming out with MP3 players and then all of a sudden Apple's all over the market as if they invented it? :rolleyes: No biasness here. None at all. :rolleyes:

In this case the possibility exists for MS to come in and do it right. What Apple has put out so far isn't right. It’s a hodgepodge of shows, low resolutions, and a small screen on a single device.

[Websnapx2]

Actually, I just got the AV cables from apple for my iPod and the video look quite decent, not quite dvd, but quite good. You don't have to watch on your screen, ordinary video on a high resolution monitor (like a comp monitor) never looks perfect. That's just fact.

[Porchland]

i can see a subscription model work for tv shows. i tried writing something to explain myself, but it just came across as bad writing. i'm too tired to think. but for some reason, only known to me, i think the subscription service could work.

Apple may be headed the same direction. I have a hunch we may see some sort of a "season pass" for content on a Mac mini media center, maybe for "American Idol," "24" or "Scrubs" or a whole lot of shows.

There are obviously some issues to be worked out for how you market content that you could download to your TV and your iPod: Do you use the cable model and allow all you can eat for a flat fee and a little extra for premium content? Do you use the iTunes model and continue to charge $1.99 per show? Do you split up what works on your TV from what works on your iPod and use different models for each?

This is basically the same issue Apple faced when Napster started getting some buzz for the subscription model, and Apple came down on the side of the per-download model.

The per-download seems less workable for content that you would watch on your TV, since nobody's going to pay $1.99 a pop to watch 30-minute and one-hour shows on their TV. (Even if you replaced your cable completely, watching an average of two shows a day would cost you $120 a month. That is just not going to happen.)

Big decisions coming if Apple is going to get into the set-top market.

[SiliconAddict]

I completely agree, but you can get HD out of a DVR box. I'm simply stating that the downloading of TV Show service, while fun, is too far behind IMO:o

Yah. DVR's are the way to go. I don’t have one yet but that is simply because its cost prohibitive to run another long from the DirectTV dish for now. Actually I've always thought the NetFlix method is the way to go. In between being a DVR and a NetFlix system using the net as the mailing medium. So you plug in your Apple Mac Mini. Connect it to the net. Bring up the iTMS and the all you can eat option. Select 10 or more movies \ TV Shows you want to view. The first 3 movies \ TV shows start downloading at a high transfer rate. Once those are downloaded everything after that downloads at a much slower rate. Almost 56k modem speed. Day and night. As long as you have your movie list stocked you should be fine. Its not video on demand but its close.

[bigandy]

i'll be much amused if Microsoft pitch theirs as an "open" standard again, seeing as their wm3 codecs - both audio and video, don't function on Macs... at all.

call that open?

[Yvan256]

The subscription based method might actually make sense for television shows. After all, people are used to television being a transient medium. Subscription versus pay for download seems to be the distinction between replacing your cable connection and replacing your DVD collection. I think there is room for both in the market, and it will be interesting to see if consumers agree with me.

Can't agree more. Music? Yeah, I want to own it, listen to it hundreds of times. TV shows? I'll watch it once, maybe a few times if it's good or I didn't understand some parts (or catch a joke, etc). But 2.29$CAD per episode is way too expensive (may be ok for Pixar shorts though, but the resolution is too low for the price).

Steve is right when he says that people want to buy their music (and not rent it). But he's wrong if he thinks people won't want subscription for TV shows. Sure they've sold a lot of shows so far, but a lot of people bought one or two videos "just to see".

[strange days]

you poor bastard.

(after looking at the post, i realized "poor" could be interpreted as not having money as opposed to my intended meaning which implies pity)

well, you may be shocked, but i don't have a TV either, and it's choice i made 15 years ago; i could watch TV in my APPLE LC630 ( before the PowerMac ), at friend's houses on special occasions, at bars / pubs / etc..., and Radio shows in the car give you plenty news as well.

Life without TV is a bliss; there are ALWAYS means to watch that particular show you're interested in, let alone movies. Apple with their iTMS is just providing us with yet another reason NOT to be a cable sheep. :eek:

[Porchland]

In this case the possibility exists for MS to come in and do it right. What Apple has put out so far isn't right. It’s a hodgepodge of shows, low resolutions, and a small screen on a single device.

Apple's TV Shows store on iTunes is what it is: A place to download TV shows for your iPod at $1.99 a pop. You're criticizing a terrier for not being a labrador.

If Apple comes out with something you can watch on your TV, I doubt seriously that the resolution would stay the same as it is. Also, the NBC people have already said more is coming, "Commander in Chief" landed today, and it's almost certain that we'll get new TV content at MWSF.

Relax.

[evomac]

So you plug in your Apple Mac Mini. Connect it to the net. Bring up the iTMS and the all you can eat option. Select 10 or more movies \ TV Shows you want to view. The first 3 movies \ TV shows start downloading at a high transfer rate. Once those are downloaded everything after that downloads at a much slower rate. Almost 56k modem speed. Day and night. As long as you have your movie list stocked you should be fine. Its not video on demand but its close.

Thats not a bad idea at all. I have a DVR and it is the best investment I've made in awhile (not literally). I would however be willing to try your idea, considering Cable's OnDemand has crap as far as choice goes (since they want you to pay extra for the good stuff).

As far as cost goes, one OnDemand Cable offering is around 5 dollars a day. Rent two of those each day for a month and add that up!

[Yvan256]

Apple may be headed the same direction. I have a hunch we may see some sort of a "season pass" for content on a Mac mini media center, maybe for "American Idol," "24" or "Scrubs" or a whole lot of shows.

The per-download seems less workable for content that you would watch on your TV, since nobody's going to pay $1.99 a pop to watch 30-minute and one-hour shows on their TV. (Even if you replaced your cable completely, watching an average of two shows a day would cost you $120 a month. That is just not going to happen.)

I'd be interested in subscription for particular shows: it would lower my cable bill (which I'd drop to "basic") and subscribe to shows I like (Family Guy, Battlestar Galactica being examples).

It would also give free marketing tools to studios. If your show gets a lot of subscriptions, well, that means your show is popular. Can't get more direct than this! :cool:

[boombashi]

HD isn't going to be possible for a while. Do you have ANY idea how much bandwidth would be required. The investment on bandwidth alone would kill any potential profit. Crap at this point I would settle for SD TV res.

Many Markets already have on demand HD through cable boxes, and MS Media Center already supports HD Recording and HD over the network to Media Center Extenders (ie XBOX 360). I think some may be looking at the whole thing from the wrong perspective. The future of "on demand" television isn't necessarily through the typical internet backbone - there are other dedicated means of delivering Television content that are more efficient that over the internet. I think Apple is aware of this, and chances are they will release a competitor to the MS Media Center, and most likely kick the crap out of it, since the MS implementation sucks. I should know I have one :(

It will be interesting to see who starts buying up cable and satellite providers first :rolleyes:

[dernhelm]

In this case the possibility exists for MS to come in and do it right. What Apple has put out so far isn't right. It’s a hodgepodge of shows, low resolutions, and a small screen on a single device.

I pretty much agree with you here - Apple's current position is not where they want to end up. They haven't really overstepped anything (or missed long, if you get my meaning), but they are a long way from arriving. Curiously, they seem to be taking a very cautious approach to this whole thing. I'm not really sure why, but they don't seem completely sold on the idea of a video download service as anything much more than a novelty. Perhaps it is the absurd amount of bandwidth they would need to turn it mainstream, I don't know.

But I think this is something that I might find quite compelling, and a possible replacement for Satellite or cable TV. But certain things would need to happen first:
1) More content. A LOT more content
2) An easier way to get it piped to my TV (e.g. a new video-based Airport express hooked up to an s-video, composite input. Maybe longer term switch to component/DVI/HDMI input.)
3) Movies should at least be in widescreen format (480p)

I'm also interested in their marketing strategy, and whether or not they will jump to a subscription model like Netflix, or simply stay a pay-per-download service.

[SiliconAddict]

Apple's TV Shows store on iTunes is what it is: A place to download TV shows for your iPod at $1.99 a pop. You're criticizing a terrier for not being a labrador.

If Apple comes out with something you can watch on your TV, I doubt seriously that the resolution would stay the same as it is. Also, the NBC people have already said more is coming, "Commander in Chief" landed today, and it's almost certain that we'll get new TV content at MWSF.

Relax.

In which case we are talking Apples (sorry) to Oranges in terms of what Microsoft vs. Apple is offering so its a moot point. Yes they are adding content but look at what iTMS debuted with when it opened vs. what they came out with when they launched video. Not exactly a huge selection by any stretch of the imagination. What happened to Apple’s unofficial motto of “If you are going to do something do it right.” Me thinks that two things happened. Apple wants to push iPod sales with video support which would happen as long as they have some content. Or Apple was nervous that all the rumored talks of MS talking with the various production studios was/is about to lead to something big and they hit the panic button that in this case launched movies on iTMS.

[Kevin Nelson]

Mark me down for the subscription based service - I buy DVD's all the time and I use my Alchemy DVR Card to tape shows from basic cable to watch later, I will keep buying my music though.
Being able to subscribe to a service where i can do all that for say 29.99 - 39.99 a month let's me skip joining Netflix and paying more for cable just to watch a handful of shows. Even at the high end, it would be cheaper than cable TV.
This is not jsut a battle against Microsoft however, Cable companies are going to start wising up to program based subscriptions soon if the FCC announcement a couple months (weeks?) agao is to be believed.

[scotty321]

Two-step plan for running Microsoft:

1. Watch what Apple does.
2. Copy it.

[LastLine]

The day TV starts appearing on iTMS UK I'll start getting excited :mad:

[Stella]

if microsoft can get TV offerings to the rest of the world before Apple, then I'm all for it.

[asphalt-proof]

well, you may be shocked, but i don't have a TV either, and it's choice i made 15 years ago; i could watch TV in my APPLE LC630 ( before the PowerMac ), at friend's houses on special occasions, at bars / pubs / etc..., and Radio shows in the car give you plenty news as well.

Life without TV is a bliss; there are ALWAYS means to watch that particular show you're interested in, let alone movies. Apple with their iTMS is just providing us with yet another reason NOT to be a cable sheep. :eek:

I'm with you though I actually do have a TV but only watch about 2 hours a week and that's only when I am rcking my son to sleep. I depend on my computer and the newspaper for my news, entertainment, etc and i have netflix for movies that I play on my computer. No need for an expesive cable bill. That said, I would pay a subscription fee to download TV. How much? Maybe $15 a month for unlimited/high limited usage. There are only a couple of shows on right now that really interest me. THe thought of being able to watch only what I want to watch, when I want and without commercials is very appealing. I think that this is one 'innovation' Steve should copy from Bill.

[dernhelm]

The day TV starts appearing on iTMS UK I'll start getting excited :mad:

This will also be the day when the quality of the content goes up.
:)

[evomac]

well, you may be shocked, but i don't have a TV either, and it's choice i made 15 years ago; i could watch TV in my APPLE LC630 ( before the PowerMac ), at friend's houses on special occasions, at bars / pubs / etc..., and Radio shows in the car give you plenty news as well.

Life without TV is a bliss; there are ALWAYS means to watch that particular show you're interested in, let alone movies. Apple with their iTMS is just providing us with yet another reason NOT to be a cable sheep. :eek:

I like your idea, but it has a few flaws. If your watching a movie on your computer then no one else in the family gets to do anything.

Although I hate being forced to pay a huge bill each month to watch Scrubs and college football, There is no alternative!(?) :confused: {none of these will offer live sports so they are not viable replacements-just supplements}
:(

[Peace]

I like your idea, but it has a few flaws. If your watching a movie on your computer then no one else in the family gets to do anything.

Although I hate being forced to pay a huge bill each month to watch Scrubs and college football, There is no alternative!(?) :confused: {none of these will offer live sports so they are not viable replacements-just supplements}
:(

It's also a good example of marketing creating a need for something people really don't need..

[aegisdesign]

It's also a good example of marketing creating a need for something people really don't need..

Altogether now...

"Television, the drug of the Nation
Breeding ignorance and feeding radiation"

[maya]

Love the show. :)

As far as M$ mimicing it, who knows it might happen. I believe they tried out a beta version of they MOMs and it didn't work out well. What a surprise? :rolleyes:

[maya]

Altogether now...

"Television, the drug of the Nation
Breeding ignorance and feeding radiation"

Depends how you watch that television. On a CRT based tube, etc... ;)

[maya]

It's also a good example of marketing creating a need for something people really don't need..

Hold on, M$ creating something we do not need. Get out of here with your comments. ;) :D

[Motley]

Frontrow on an iMac/MacMini using a subscription service actually sounds like a pretty good idea. Who needs to set a DVR when the show is available immediately from a download/streaming service (minimize the buffering though) and have the ability to load onto on iPod or burn to a cd or DVD. Add me to the own music subscribe to TV set.

[Peace]

Frontrow on an iMac/MacMini using a subscription service actually sounds like a pretty good idea. Who needs to set a DVR when the show is available immediately from a download/streaming service (minimize the buffering though) and have the ability to load onto on iPod or burn to a cd or DVD. Add me to the own music subscribe to TV set.

Personally I'd rather watch a higher definition tv show recorded on my DVR than a bandwidth eating downloaded m4v file.

[ericdano]

Screw that show. It's contrived, lame, and weak. ABC, give me BOSTON LEGAL.

I for one will be a regular at the iTunes store for new episodes of Battlestar Galactica......If they would have Stargate on there I could cancel that part of my cable service....

[evomac]

Personally I'd rather watch a higher definition tv show recorded on my DVR than a bandwidth eating downloaded m4v file.

:) The exact reason I say too little too late for these so called subscription television services. Plus, how many people are going to actually cancel their cable when/if these become available. None. Which means that you can add another 30-40 to your monthly bills.:(

Slightly analogous to having a landline and a cell phone.:rolleyes:

[FaasNat]

I was hoping Apple would do something like this with FrontRow or something. I would be willing to pay a monthly fee for access to the TV shows on iTMS (maybe something like unlimited viewing, but pay if I want to download). As long as their offering are comparible to what my local cable company is providing -- would be good if they could offer local programming in your area as well.

If M$ starts doing this and bundles it with their Media Center and Apple doesn't do something similar, it may be a great alternative to a CableTV/TiVo setup.

[maya]

:) The exact reason I say too little too late for these so called subscription television services. Plus, how many people are going to actually cancel their cable when/if these become available. None. Which means that you can add another 30-40 to your monthly bills.:(

Slightly analogous to having a landline and a cell phone.:rolleyes:

Does you landline ever require its battery to be recharged or loose its reception in the middle of a call. :rolleyes:

Both services have they pros and cons. :)

[evomac]

Does you landline ever require its battery to be recharged or loose its reception in the middle of a call. :rolleyes:

Both services have they pros and cons. :)

Well I have been withouth a landline for ~5Yrs. So no it doesn't. And yes I do have difficulties with reception. A small price to pay, considering im savind $50 a month......$600 a year. Thats $3000 the last 5yrs.:D

Anyway....This has nothing to do with my point...which was there is always another add-on.:eek:

[mashinhead]

i'm also down for subscription for tv and movies only. Great idea. you don't watch things as often as you listen to them. so far i've only bought off iTunes, but i would use a different service for tv if it was subscription based, no question.


and come to think of it. since i only really by off iTunes anyway, might as well make the whole thing subscription based, save a lot of money.

does anyone here by music off anything but iTunes anyway?

[sigamy]

You mean like people coming out with MP3 players and then all of a sudden Apple's all over the market as if they invented it? :rolleyes: No biasness here. None at all. :rolleyes:

In this case the possibility exists for MS to come in and do it right. What Apple has put out so far isn't right. It’s a hodgepodge of shows, low resolutions, and a small screen on a single device.

I'm no iPod fanboy, but I disagree. Apple did innovate with the original 5gb iPod in a few ways: 1) it was the first decent player with the idea of taking your *entire* music collection with you 2) the UI was perfect and 3) the tight integration with iTunes for seamless sync.

[EricNau]

Yay! I've been waiting for Commander in Chief!

I hope my next wish comes true also, that Microsoft may fall in a large pit somewhere and never come back out. :p

[maya]

Yay! I've been waiting for Commander in Chief!

I hope my next wish comes true also, that Microsoft may fall in a large pit somewhere and never come back out. :p

What an evil thing to say. You know very well that cockroaches find some way of surfacing and resurfacing. ;) :D

[EricNau]

What an evil thing to say. You know very well that cockroaches find some way of surfacing and resurfacing. ;) :D
Does this mean not even a nuclear bomb could wipe out Microsoft? :eek: Uh-Oh, run away! :D

[B. Hunter]

Microsoft offering TV downloads?
:eek:

I might be in the minority, but when will Apple start offering video downloads from other countries? I would like to see shows from Canada offered in itunes.ca

[SiliconAddict]

I'm no iPod fanboy, but I disagree. Apple did innovate with the original 5gb iPod in a few ways: 1) it was the first decent player with the idea of taking your *entire* music collection with you 2) the UI was perfect and 3) the tight integration with iTunes for seamless sync.


My point being to the original poster is that all they did was come into an already existing market and create a cleaned up product. So here comes Microsoft and its all "they are copying Apple. DAMN THEM!"
No more so then Apple copied everyone else in the market at the time.

[iHavenolife]

Microsoft has and will always copy because they are jelous!

[Stella]

My point being to the original poster is that all they did was come into an already existing market and create a cleaned up product. So here comes Microsoft and its all "they are copying Apple. DAMN THEM!"
No more so then Apple copied everyone else in the market at the time.

Two excellent posts, SA.

Its also possible that ms could do a better job than Apple....

[Fukui]

Two excellent posts, SA.

Its also possible that ms could do a better job than Apple....
All the more reason for apple to do even better. (Improve)

[Stella]

All the more reason for apple to do even better. (Improve)

Competition is Good.

[Seasought]

Meanwhile, there are reports that Microsoft is not taking Apple's success lightly and plans on launching a subscription-based TV download service. The service would presumably offer either unlimited downloads or one with a high limit for a flat monthly fee similar to Napster's present music subscription service.

Competition is a good thing. That's about the only constructive comment I can make with regard to Microsoft riding upon the coat tails of anything even remotely innovative.

[Fukui]

Competition is a good thing. That's about the only constructive comment I can make with regard to Microsoft riding upon the coat tails of anything even remotely innovative.
What was that song that said, "Always look at the bright side of your life..."

It may end up a good thing that apple can distract MS enough to get thier "eye off the ball" and someone can make a move where it hurts. (Desktop) Its not always a bad thing MS is busy busy busy copying/"innovating," that just means you control the game, the trick is staying in control.

[gooddog]

I want:

South Park, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report

[Peace]

If Apple could grab CBS and put on David Lettermans musical guests throughout the years I'd start to like this model.

[sw26]

The subscription based method might actually make sense for television shows. After all, people are used to television being a transient medium. Subscription versus pay for download seems to be the distinction between replacing your cable connection and replacing your DVD collection. I think there is room for both in the market, and it will be interesting to see if consumers agree with me.

Speaking of pay subscription --
I was doing searches to see if there was anything out there for subscribing to stuff like TV shows, Loveline, etc and stumbled upon this thread and then this site --
http://www.subscribecast.com
Anyone have any info on this or know anything more beyond the scant details provided?

[Norse Son]

Apple may be headed the same direction. I have a hunch we may see some sort of a "season pass" for content on a Mac mini media center...

There are... issues to be worked out.. Do you use the cable model... all you can eat for a flat fee... extra for premium content? Do you use the iTunes model and continue to charge $1.99 per show?...

... nobody's going to pay $1.99 a pop to watch 30-minute and one-hour shows on their TV... (... watching an average of two shows a day would cost you $120 a month...)

Right now I pay about $95 bucks a month for Time Warner basic cable & hi-speed internet. And it royally sucks to be paying about half that for the tv part, when most of the stuff is pure crap. The (US) FCC & Congress are going to start talking about ala carte pricing for cable & sat. tv, which is fine by me, because I avoid the "Networks" (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN, WB...) with their "retard-reality" love-fest [I only tune in during the NFL season]...

However, the ala carte solution wouldn't work: it is for picking the channels you want, not just the programs you want. And in the past couple years even the basic cable channels I watch "dipped their snouts in the reality trough"... History, Discovery, Learning, Bravo, Sci-Fi, etc. - they are just reeking with that crap.

Here are my suggestions to Apple:
• Widen the choices beyond just the Networks (and BSG, Monk, etc.).
• Have a fee of, say, $15.00 per month for the present bit-rate on a subscription model (streaming video - all you can watch)... And $2.50-3.00 (more for feature-length & miniseries) per download for a higher bit-rate that you "own" (your computer and iPod/vPod, and a security-backup copy allowed on DVD-R?
• At MWSF '06 intro the following:
•• vPod - basically an "iPod with video", but featuring S-ATA 80/100/120GB drive-choices, 802.11g or (if ratified) 802.11n WiFi, and a 5.5" screen... It would be about the size of a 150-200 page paperback novel...
•• iMac DVR 20" or 23" - wishful thinking - with 2.1GHz Yonah dual-core and Front Row 2.0 (with TV/DVR functions), plus what was in the recent upgrade...
•• "BIG mini" - not a replacement, but an expansion of the mini-line (I think the present mini will get single-core Yonah in May-timeframe). It would have much the same specs as Yonah iMac, sans display & iSight...
•• iLife '06 with Front Row 2.0 (DVR functions) and Bluetooth remote...
•• .Mac makeover to include a "premium-level", where members who pay, say, $150.00 per year would have access to a "Global iTMS", wherein they can preview and pay/download music, tv shows, music videos, animated shorts, short films, etc. from ANY of the International versions of iTMS, regardless of country... Apple would handle the currency exchange for their "premium" members...

If Apple did that - especially the last part, with .Mac Premium and a Global iTMS - then I'd drop my basic cable and just keep the high speed internet. Then I could download just the shows I wanted to watch, and no more ads or shows about whiny & needy reality tv 'tards...

[freiheit]

The subscription based method might actually make sense for television shows. After all, people are used to television being a transient medium. Subscription versus pay for download seems to be the distinction between replacing your cable connection and replacing your DVD collection. I think there is room for both in the market, and it will be interesting to see if consumers agree with me.

True, but the vast number of VCRs (and TiVos, etc.) sold indicates people like to be able to record and even share what they've seen on TV. Not to the extent of owning CDs for instance, but with DRM on such subscription based television will come an abrupt end to any such recordability and share-ability (making up words as I go along).

[Motley]

but with DRM on such subscription based television will come an abrupt end to any such recordability and share-ability (making up words as I go along).

That's where the iPod comes in, you can download shows onto it and take it to friends to watch. I'd also suggest something like the share with x number of people that itunes use, but I don't really think that would work as well.

[maya]

Its also possible that ms could do a better job than Apple....

As long as its not a rehash of MOM'S. :eek:

[maya]

Does this mean not even a nuclear bomb could wipe out Microsoft? :eek: Uh-Oh, run away! :D

Microsoft stole the idea of a nuclear bomb as well; its called, Windows XP. :eek: :p ;) :D

[arn]

Correction...

Reportedly Microsoft's service will be a Movie service, not a TV one.

though I see value in a TV one.

arn

[strange days]

Right now I pay about $95 bucks a month for Time Warner basic cable & hi-speed internet. And it royally sucks to be paying about half that for the tv part, when most of the stuff is pure crap. The (US) FCC & Congress are going to start talking about ala carte pricing for cable & sat. tv, which is fine by me, because I avoid the "Networks" (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN, WB...) with their "retard-reality" love-fest [I only tune in during the NFL season]...

However, the ala carte solution wouldn't work: it is for picking the channels you want, not just the programs you want. And in the past couple years even the basic cable channels I watch "dipped their snouts in the reality trough"... History, Discovery, Learning, Bravo, Sci-Fi, etc. - they are just reeking with that crap.

Here are my suggestions to Apple:
• Widen the choices beyond just the Networks (and BSG, Monk, etc.).
• Have a fee of, say, $15.00 per month for the present bit-rate on a subscription model (streaming video - all you can watch)... And $2.50-3.00 (more for feature-length & miniseries) per download for a higher bit-rate that you "own" (your computer and iPod/vPod, and a security-backup copy allowed on DVD-R?
• At MWSF '06 intro the following:
•• vPod - basically an "iPod with video", but featuring S-ATA 80/100/120GB drive-choices, 802.11g or (if ratified) 802.11n WiFi, and a 5.5" screen... It would be about the size of a 150-200 page paperback novel...
•• iMac DVR 20" or 23" - wishful thinking - with 2.1GHz Yonah dual-core and Front Row 2.0 (with TV/DVR functions), plus what was in the recent upgrade...
•• "BIG mini" - not a replacement, but an expansion of the mini-line (I think the present mini will get single-core Yonah in May-timeframe). It would have much the same specs as Yonah iMac, sans display & iSight...
•• iLife '06 with Front Row 2.0 (DVR functions) and Bluetooth remote...
•• .Mac makeover to include a "premium-level", where members who pay, say, $150.00 per year would have access to a "Global iTMS", wherein they can preview and pay/download music, tv shows, music videos, animated shorts, short films, etc. from ANY of the International versions of iTMS, regardless of country... Apple would handle the currency exchange for their "premium" members...

If Apple did that - especially the last part, with .Mac Premium and a Global iTMS - then I'd drop my basic cable and just keep the high speed internet. Then I could download just the shows I wanted to watch, and no more ads or shows about whiny & needy reality tv 'tards...

second that :D ...and come out with a 480x360 or 640x480 version of the iPod current 2006 ( larger screen ? ), so that when people want to DL decent rez movies they can watch them on the big screen...

[EricNau]

Microsoft stole the idea of a nuclear bomb as well; its called, Windows XP. :eek: :p ;) :D
Except with Windows XP, it doesn't require anyone to press a large red button, it just self-distructs! :D ;)

[iJaz]

If people cared so much about watching films on the go, why haven't portable DVD players been selling better?

[Norse Son]

Correction...

Reportedly Microsoft's service will be a Movie service, not a TV one.

though I see value in a TV one.

arn

• That sounds to me like pay-per-view, like video-on-demand... And that sounds like the "Billie & Steve Circus" is not afraid to step on the toes of the big cable companies...

• I 'spose it works through the xBox 360... hehehehehe... Imagine watching Backdraft on the 360 and not knowing what's a special effect and what's real flames until the fire dept. has to pry the controller from your charred paws in order to prep you to get skin grafts at the hospital.

Alright, so I stretched the imagination a bit, but it "plays well on public access...

[Chundles]

Tapping feet, patiently waiting for iTunes TV shows in Oz. Will be more excited when I can get some BBC docos from iTunes. Nothing on there now really piques my interest, except maybe the 2nd season of Lost, we have to wait until February I think to get that on Channel 7.

Having the shows online here would be great because most of the networks have decided that Thursday night is ratings night and it's also one of my main work nights so I never get to see anything.

[aafuss1]

Tapping feet, patiently waiting for iTunes TV shows in Oz. Will be more excited when I can get some BBC docos from iTunes. Nothing on there now really piques my interest, except maybe the 2nd season of Lost, we have to wait until February I think to get that on Channel 7.

Having the shows online here would be great because most of the networks have decided that Thursday night is ratings night and it's also one of my main work nights so I never get to see anything.
Me too-I'm still waiting to be able to download Lost. I'd love to see some Nicktoons Networks shows (http://www.nicktoonsnetwork.com) such as Invader Zim, Catscratch, The X's on the iTMS. Some of their videos are in QT format

Also, I'm pleased to see that Commander in Chief was added.

[nicbrisbane]

Speaking of pay subscription --
I was doing searches to see if there was anything out there for subscribing to stuff like TV shows, Loveline, etc and stumbled upon this thread and then this site --
http://www.subscribecast.com
Anyone have any info on this or know anything more beyond the scant details provided?

I also came across SubscribeCast while looking for a way to fund a podcast that is currently in production. I would like to steer away from the imbedded advertisement route. I've visited the website, but was wondering if anyone else has checked them out. Besides their website I haven't heard much about them. Any thoughts??