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18 Oct 2005
Despite the hype surrounding Apple's high profile video iPod launch last week, industry experts remain pessimistic about the device's potential to ignite the nascent market for mobile video and TV.
According to analyst firm Gartner it will be much tougher for Apple to muscle into the mobile video market than it was for the firm to carve out a slice of the online music market.
"Gartner remains cautious about the immediate impact of portable video and about any high expectations that may result from Apple's rapid ascent to the top of the online music sector," warned a Gartner analysis written by Mike McGuire, Van L. Baker and Allen Weiner.
The analyst firm went on to warn that TV content and the TV business are very different from music and the music industry, where Apple has enjoyed exceptionally strong growth with its iTunes business.
Nonetheless, Gartner accepts that Apple has set up an "impressive platform that shows the potential to radically alter notions of TV content and how it is delivered".
Gartner went on to praise Apple's ability to secure current episodes of two of the most popular US television shows, Lost and Desperate Housewives, the day after broadcast.
"Demand for TV shows is clearly highest the day after an episode airs, among viewers who have missed the episode, and Apple fulfils their needs," said the research paper.
"What's missing is an RSS subscription for the shows. Questions remain as to whether service providers or content entities will provide the RSS capabilities."
The report went on to advise Apple and other hardware vendors to evaluate possible partnerships with TV-over-the-web companies, such as Brightcove and Blinkx, as content options to boost the appeal of portable media players.
Gartner also suggested that it is time for broadcast and cable TV executives to develop closer relationships with Apple.
"Disney/ABC's willingness to experiment with a new distribution system and business model is an indicator of a much-needed new approach to a media industry facing change," the analyst stated.
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Do you agree?
iPod happy
I am a proud owner of a new iPod video and I can say for sure that Apple has a winner here. I've already downloaded several tv shows and music videos. Having a busy schedule, I never get to see shows like Desperate housewives and I'm looking forward to seeing what the buzz is about on MY TIME, not network television's time. I hope more networks will get on the band wagon. Afterall, their content is already developed and paid for. What's wrong with earning a few extra bucks from iTunes and securing their fan base? I'd also like to download my favorite old episodes of Seinfield, X-Files, and Frasier.
Posted by: Rosie Haller 18 Oct 2005