In a move sure to upset the Television execs, TiVo has announced that it will provide a service allowing the transfer of television programs onto iPods and PSPs. While totally awesome for consumers (someone buy me TiVo for Christmas!) this is actually a pretty big wrench in the plans of the TV Execs.
With the advent of high speed internet, DiVX technology, torrents and digital television, the whole concept of sitting and watching a television show is rapidly becoming outdated. The TV Execs have missed the boat and the potential revolutionary business model and left it up to Apple to sell digital tv shows the day after they air for $1.99. While rumors have been circulating lately of a plan to sell shows via cable ‘on demand’ haven’t gone anywhere. There’s been too much infighting and greed. TiVo’s announced ability to download shows (legally and free) onto portables via TiVo will absolutely revolutionize television for the mass audiences. While I’m able to watch my TV shows in China by downloading torrents and watching them on my laptop, most people don’t this. With the prevalence of TiVo and portable, high-definition portable video players, the whole concept of commercials and specific times to watch shows will change drastically in the next several years.