CBS Confirms Plans for Full HTML5-Based Video Offerings

[MacRumors]

In late March, we noted that U.S. television network CBS appeared to be preparing to launch HTML5-based video content on its CBS.com streaming site as an alternative to its existing Flash-based player.

Today, CBS Interactive executive Anthony Soohoo confirmed to NewTeeVee that by the start of the fall television season CBS will be offering its full CBS.com video content in an iPad-friendly HTML5 format.

Unlike ABC, which built an iPad app to deliver its full-length episodes and promotional clips on the device, CBS decided to focus on delivering video through its website, CBS.com. Since the Apple tablet doesn't support Adobe Flash, CBS has created a video site for the iPad through HTML5 instead. It's still early days, but Soohoo expects CBS to deploy more and more video that is iPad-ready, until it reaches content parity with what's available on the website through a PC.

Soohoo notes that HTML5 still requires some work to improve its features to be on par with Flash, but CBS is committed to HTML5 and iPad development. He also points to some unique features of the iPad such as Multi-Touch that will enable CBS to "doing some interesting advertising programs" on the platform.

Article Link: CBS Confirms Plans for Full HTML5-Based Video Offerings

 

[skeep5]

another one to jump on the HTML5 wagon... flash is so dead!

funny that the video clip is in a flash player

 

[Grimace]

Nail...coffin...

 

[bella92108]

The interviewer was rocking back and forth... and his persona was that of a 8th grade career-day interview, lol.

Thank goodness flash is going bye bye....

 

[scottparker999]

"doing some interesting advertising programs"

Seems more suited to a dedicated iPad app than a web-based service. What about the majority of users without multi-touch?

 

[macquariumguy]

We've been watching the Survivor extras at cbs.com on the iPad for a couple weeks now. It's extra nice so far there aren't any commercials at all (yeah, I know that'll change). Anyway, it works good, it looks good, it's good!

 

[PeterQVenkman]

He also points to some unique features of the iPad such as Multi-Touch that will enable CBS to "doing some interesting advertising programs" on the platform.

They can't wait to take over your device with iAd. Welcome to OS integrated advertising, people!

 

[thatisme]

bring it

 

[jaw04005]

Boom.

Fox you’re next (although you’ll probably start out charging $ for it).

 

[dvkid]

Seems more suited to a dedicated iPad app than a web-based service. What about the majority of users without multi-touch?

Browser detection will allow the site to serve different content to iPad users. The same technique will allow them to still serve the Flash version to desktop users.

funny that the video clip is in a flash player

HTML5 "embed" tags are not readily available on sites yet. If you want to post a video from another site on your website or blog and copy the so-called "embed" code from the site, the video will appear as a flash player. This is even true of Vimeo, which has complete HTML5 support.

 

[TheOrioles33]

Why wouldnt they cater to the 75% of the mobile browsing traffic that is using an iPad/iPhone/iPod?

I would change my website.

 

[TheOrioles33]

Boom.

Fox you’re next (although you’ll probably start out charging $ for it).

I hope FOX is next but does not charge. Not yet anyways.

 

[topmounter]

die Flash die!

 

[BrettJDeriso]

Go Abc!

Twist the knife, baby!

Edit: ABC?? Could swear I typed CBS... I'm just so giddy over Flash imploding, I can't even type straight anymore

 

[jaw04005]

I hope FOX is next but does not charge. Not yet anyways.

Unfortunately, Murdoch has it in his head that all his properties will be charging for their online presence.

We'll know in 3 or 4 weeks.

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/te...ne-paid-subscription-plans-20100506-ubdf.html

 

[JediZenMaster]

Unfortunately, Murdoch has it in his head that all his properties will be charging for their online presence.

Will know in 3 or 4 weeks.

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/te...ne-paid-subscription-plans-20100506-ubdf.html

That sucks but i would pay to watch Fringe though!

 

[skyehill]

"HTML5 needs work to be on par with Flash". Understatement of the year.

 

[SockRolid]

Good progress

The key point is that there are more metrics for tracking Flash video watchers. At the moment. But it's just a matter of time until CBS Interactive can track HTML5 just as well. Metrics = Monetization. CBS Interactive is all about monetization.

Also, since HTML5 is not a proprietary format controlled by one single vendor, there is no danger of that vendor ruining CBS Interactive viewers' experience with crashes, malware, and reduced battery life. (Looking at YOU, Adobe.)

And, of course, in the long run it will probably be less expensive to deploy content with HTML5 / CSS / Javascript. These are all open standards, and HTML5 is simply an extension of HTML 4.0. No specialized training is needed.

Bad news for Adobe and Flash "developers". Good news for the rest of the world.

 

[JakeTheMac]

It just shows how Apple not only leads the world in innovations but also can make things happen. Apple is the only company in the world that could make a tablet without flash and have every website trying to re-write there sites in HTML 5.

 

[SockRolid]

They can't wait to take over your device with iAd. Welcome to OS integrated advertising, people!

10 years from now, computing hardware will become so cheap that not even Apple will be able to make a profit from hardware sales. And that's where most of Apple's profit is today. Same with HP, Dell, and the Wintel horde.

So, Apple is planning ahead (like they always do). They will need to make money through content and ads. Period. I don't think HP, Dell, and the current horde of generic Wintel box-makers have any chance of doing that as successfully as Apple.

You may have heard that Apple is building a $1 billion data center in North Carolina. Well guess what that just might be for. Could it be for, oh, I dunno, maybe serving up iAds on a free MobileMe? To Apple and Wintel customers?

We'll see.

 

[emulator]

It just shows how Apple not only leads the world in innovations but also can make things happen. Apple is the only company in the world that could make a tablet without flash and have every website trying to re-write there sites in HTML 5.

Not the complete website kid, only the vid player. Huge difference.

 

[Jelite]

Seems like everyone is sucking Apples ..erm... apples!

 

[Xavier]

I have said it before.

Adobe, do you need any more evidence that Flash is a dying technology?

 

[kdarling]

Why wouldnt they cater to the 75% of the mobile browsing traffic that is using an iPad/iPhone/iPod?

Mobile Safari isn't 75% any more. According to statcounter, it's less than 50% in the USA and less than 30% worldwide.

That's still a lot. At the same time, a lot of people here claim they don't miss Flash at all, which means they don't go to websites that use Flash with their iPhone. So why change those websites for people who never come anyway? Kind of a chicken and egg thing.

With the coming ability to make decent Flash 10 apps that run on WP7, Android, Blackberry, WebOS and Symbian devices, I think that mobile Flash apps are going to become very popular to make and use. Each app can run on all devices. Except the iPhone of course.

 

[stagi]

Wow, it looks like Adobe is defiantly going to loose this battle