Comments on: The Netflix Set-Top Box Will be a Hard Sell http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/ Startup and Technology News Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:43:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: David W http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1933506 David W Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:32:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1933506 Not a hard sell for me. I used Movie Beam for a while and although the content was lacking and they had their share of problems the concept was great and overall the box worked great. I would also definitely be in on this, especially if they end up being able to offer much of their current content. It would seriously out-class Unbox and that Vudu thing. Not a hard sell for me. I used Movie Beam for a while and although the content was lacking and they had their share of problems the concept was great and overall the box worked great.

I would also definitely be in on this, especially if they end up being able to offer much of their current content. It would seriously out-class Unbox and that Vudu thing.

]]> By: SeamusOTasty http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1923669 SeamusOTasty Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:51:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1923669 I think the claim that this will be a hard sell is sort of unfounded, especially with the "who needs another set top box?" argument. Apple has been trying to do this with iTunes even before they announced movie rentals yesterday. Now they are doing even more of a push. A proprietary set top box is really the only way to allow for movie downloads while keeping (most) users from getting at the data files. I agree that getting the functionality integrated with a cable box would be better, but unless the cable companies come up with some sort of open format for you to pick your rental service and access it through their interface it's going to be a harder sell to get that done. I would definitely put an additional box under my cable box to get Netflix content, especially if their interface is better than the crappy cable company ones. (with recommendations, my queue, user ratings, etc). I think the claim that this will be a hard sell is sort of unfounded, especially with the “who needs another set top box?” argument. Apple has been trying to do this with iTunes even before they announced movie rentals yesterday. Now they are doing even more of a push. A proprietary set top box is really the only way to allow for movie downloads while keeping (most) users from getting at the data files.

I agree that getting the functionality integrated with a cable box would be better, but unless the cable companies come up with some sort of open format for you to pick your rental service and access it through their interface it’s going to be a harder sell to get that done.

I would definitely put an additional box under my cable box to get Netflix content, especially if their interface is better than the crappy cable company ones. (with recommendations, my queue, user ratings, etc).

]]> By: Chuck Price http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1918610 Chuck Price Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:51:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1918610 I don't see how this business model, differs much from TIVO. If the price is right, I think it will, in fact, be an EASY sell. I don’t see how this business model, differs much from TIVO. If the price is right, I think it will, in fact, be an EASY sell.

]]> By: Rob Evans http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1900325 Rob Evans Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:55:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1900325 No walled garden box will ever work. I guess Netflix tried to do a low cost walled garden (Netflix only) box (See jambay's comments) gave up and did a smarter thing by partnering with other CE devices. Internet became what it is today because of its openness ... nobody told you could visit only xyz websites. Video on the Internet will be no different... No walled garden box will ever work. I guess Netflix tried to do a low cost walled garden (Netflix only) box (See jambay’s comments) gave up and did a smarter thing by partnering with other CE devices. Internet became what it is today because of its openness … nobody told you could visit only xyz websites. Video on the Internet will be no different…

]]> By: Blern http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1899446 Blern Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:54:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1899446 <strong>Blern Most Popular...</strong> This post has reached the Top 10 Most Popular list of blog and news articles on Blern.com... Blern Most Popular…

This post has reached the Top 10 Most Popular list of blog and news articles on Blern.com…

]]> By: Dave Malmstead http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1899226 Dave Malmstead Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:58:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1899226 The Netflix box will be shaped like a REALLY big red envelope. It comes with a 1 Petabyte harddisk which is capable of storing all of the 50,000 movies Netflix has to offer, unless you want high definition. Unfortunately it costs $5 million (EMC storage coupled with an HP Server Head), is very noisy, and it takes up MOST of your living room. It's still a better bargain than the $399 VuDu unit because you'll have ALL the movies. The Netflix box will be shaped like a REALLY big red envelope. It comes with a 1 Petabyte harddisk which is capable of storing all of the 50,000 movies Netflix has to offer, unless you want high definition. Unfortunately it costs $5 million (EMC storage coupled with an HP Server Head), is very noisy, and it takes up MOST of your living room. It’s still a better bargain than the $399 VuDu unit because you’ll have ALL the movies.

]]> By: Nikolay Kolev http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1899080 Nikolay Kolev Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:46:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1899080 Can't wait to get hold of the device! Even better if they release an addon to XBox 360. Can’t wait to get hold of the device! Even better if they release an addon to XBox 360.

]]> By: Matt Fellows http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898803 Matt Fellows Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:36:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898803 Netflix is about as sticky as shortening or PAM cooking spray. They don't have ANY "subscribers"---zero---nada---none. They claim to have 7 million "customers", but even those are more transient than a guy living underneath the Burnside Bridge. It's going to be hard to throttle the VOD customers they way they do ovies-by-mail folks now....maybe they'll actually stop movies in the middle and you'll have to watch the second half a few days later. Maybe you can watch the first 10 minutes of a bunch of different movies---and if you like one--they'll mail it to you in a couple of days....or maybe your neighbor already has the disk and the 'flix will tell me where to go pick it up (Netflix peer-to-peer). Maybe if you watch a bunch of targeted advertising and "suggestions" regarding movies you already own or have already seen dozens of times...they'll let you watch part of a NEW (and completely unrelated) movie starring Rebecca Romijn Stamos. Yes...it's genius...I can't wait to buy the $800 LG/Netflix radio and start getting all 10 of the satellite movies the studios have allowed to be released yet ANOTHER way. Movies on papyrus is coming early next quarter---so it's good that Netflix is ahead of the curve. "Who Killed the Electric Car" was never available on MovieBeam, but I sure hope that "StartUp.com" comes preloaded on the LG box when it hits the street. My copy of Honeymoon in Vegas came glued to the top of a Domino's Pizza, but I am sure the consumer can't wait for another movie delivery mechanism that demands a $20-per-month lifetime commitment. I wish I could subscribe to Pizza! Maybe then Dominos would tell me what kinds of Pizza others are eating...and provide me with some suggestions. My wife bought the kid a VideoNow for Christmas (I wish I was joking) and I am now distilling every movie ever made into a 152 x 73 -- 15 frames per second MPEG4 with a 40 minute runtime. Ironically, this is the best way to watch "Georgia Rule". Netflix is about as sticky as shortening or PAM cooking spray. They don’t have ANY “subscribers”—zero—nada—none. They claim to have 7 million “customers”, but even those are more transient than a guy living underneath the Burnside Bridge.

It’s going to be hard to throttle the VOD customers they way they do ovies-by-mail folks now….maybe they’ll actually stop movies in the middle and you’ll have to watch the second half a few days later. Maybe you can watch the first 10 minutes of a bunch of different movies—and if you like one–they’ll mail it to you in a couple of days….or maybe your neighbor already has the disk and the ‘flix will tell me where to go pick it up (Netflix peer-to-peer).

Maybe if you watch a bunch of targeted advertising and “suggestions” regarding movies you already own or have already seen dozens of times…they’ll let you watch part of a NEW (and completely unrelated) movie starring Rebecca Romijn Stamos.

Yes…it’s genius…I can’t wait to buy the $800 LG/Netflix radio and start getting all 10 of the satellite movies the studios have allowed to be released yet ANOTHER way. Movies on papyrus is coming early next quarter—so it’s good that Netflix is ahead of the curve. “Who Killed the Electric Car” was never available on MovieBeam, but I sure hope that “StartUp.com” comes preloaded on the LG box when it hits the street.

My copy of Honeymoon in Vegas came glued to the top of a Domino’s Pizza, but I am sure the consumer can’t wait for another movie delivery mechanism that demands a $20-per-month lifetime commitment. I wish I could subscribe to Pizza! Maybe then Dominos would tell me what kinds of Pizza others are eating…and provide me with some suggestions.

My wife bought the kid a VideoNow for Christmas (I wish I was joking) and I am now distilling every movie ever made into a 152 x 73 — 15 frames per second MPEG4 with a 40 minute runtime. Ironically, this is the best way to watch “Georgia Rule”.

]]> By: Sandman http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898553 Sandman Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:39:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898553 Jambay, When did your wife test this ? would this be a netflix box or LG box. ? Jambay,

When did your wife test this ? would this be a netflix box or LG box. ?

]]> By: Greg http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898438 Greg Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:09:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898438 Another box - no way. Why don't they just write a Tivo app for this. If Amazon ubbox had a good enough selection, I would have canceled my Netflix account already. Another box - no way. Why don’t they just write a Tivo app for this. If Amazon ubbox had a good enough selection, I would have canceled my Netflix account already.

]]> By: Wii Lover http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898299 Wii Lover Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:43:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898299 Think Netflix on the Wii!!! No need to wait for hardware! Think Netflix on the Wii!!! No need to wait for hardware!

]]> By: Chris http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898169 Chris Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:28:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898169 The innovation I am waiting for is for someone to create a search engine for all these on-demand services. I already have a Tivo, xbox, digital cable and I can download movies to burn to DVD on my PC - but I hardly ever use any of these for movies because its so hard to browse the different UIs and find something of interest. The innovation I am waiting for is for someone to create a search engine for all these on-demand services.

I already have a Tivo, xbox, digital cable and I can download movies to burn to DVD on my PC - but I hardly ever use any of these for movies because its so hard to browse the different UIs and find something of interest.

]]> By: buster http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898163 buster Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:25:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898163 it's funny how most of the comments have keyed in on this being some sort of netflix hardware. the title is incredibly misleading and i hope that techcrunch will reevaluate it's use of words. netflix is clear that the are not building "another set top device." instead netflix will be baked into set top devices you and everyone will purchase in the future, even TVs. is this so hard to understand people? it’s funny how most of the comments have keyed in on this being some sort of netflix hardware. the title is incredibly misleading and i hope that techcrunch will reevaluate it’s use of words.

netflix is clear that the are not building “another set top device.” instead netflix will be baked into set top devices you and everyone will purchase in the future, even TVs. is this so hard to understand people?

]]> By: SG http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898132 SG Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:07:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898132 Hi, I had sent out this email to Reed last year about a similar type of a box that I was designing. Although my idea was still better than just trying to stream real-time. ;-) =================================================== Interested in discussing on an idea that I am working in the IP TV and movie distribution space....Reply to all Forward Reply by chat Filter messages like this Print Add to Contacts list Delete this message Report phishing Report not phishing Show original Show in fixed width font Show in variable width font Message text garbled? Why is this spam/nonspam?Sukanta Ganguly to reed.hastings show details 2/21/07 Reply Hi Reed, My name is Mr. Sukanta Ganguly. I am an entrepreneur and have founded a couple of startups in the past, the first one focussed on Broadband Networking and Triple Play and the next was in content security and Quality of Service. I am working on an idea that is quite early stage and I would like to request some time to discuss it with you. It is in the media (Movies, Sit-Coms and TV Serials, etc) distribution space and it addresses the issue that one faces with Video-On-Demand. My method solves that problem and is not reliant on the Cable Network providers services. I address the deferred approach of movie delivery to the customer via an IP network, providing the facilities and convenience of the model that currently companies like NetFlix and some others offer, where it comes to the customer rather than the csutomer going to get it. It also solves of the issue that VoD provides where in once the movie is ordered, one has to finish watching it or start all over again and pay for it again. The flexibility of my model creates a solution that takes best of both the worlds and approaches the elements of security and privacy protection via state of the art protection mechanisms. I know that NetFlix has been quite successful with the "DVD-mailed-out" approach and you folks are also trying to build up and deploy the media "download-to-watch-now" model. That is great but it opens aup another segment that I build up on this phenomena could be huge if archirtected, developed and deployed properly and judiciously. I would love to have 45 minutes of your time showing you my model and the architecture that I am working and what it takes to get the solution to market. I am talking to a couple of angel investors now and also to some strong players in India, where this model will fly in abig way, due to the customer base. Please let me know if you are interested in talking about this. Thank you for your time. Warm regards SG =================================================== Hi,
I had sent out this email to Reed last year about a similar type of a box that I was designing. Although my idea was still better than just trying to stream real-time. ;-)

===================================================

Interested in discussing on an idea that I am working in the IP TV and movie distribution space….Reply to all
Forward
Reply by chat
Filter messages like this
Print
Add to Contacts list
Delete this message
Report phishing
Report not phishing
Show original
Show in fixed width font
Show in variable width font
Message text garbled?
Why is this spam/nonspam?Sukanta Ganguly to reed.hastings
show details 2/21/07 Reply

Hi Reed,
My name is Mr. Sukanta Ganguly. I am an entrepreneur and have founded a couple of startups in the past, the first one focussed on Broadband Networking and Triple Play and the next was in content security and Quality of Service.
I am working on an idea that is quite early stage and I would like to request some time to discuss it with you. It is in the media (Movies, Sit-Coms and TV Serials, etc) distribution space and it addresses the issue that one faces with Video-On-Demand. My method solves that problem and is not reliant on the Cable Network providers services. I address the deferred approach of movie delivery to the customer via an IP network, providing the facilities and convenience of the model that currently companies like NetFlix and some others offer, where it comes to the customer rather than the csutomer going to get it. It also solves of the issue that VoD provides where in once the movie is ordered, one has to finish watching it or start all over again and pay for it again.
The flexibility of my model creates a solution that takes best of both the worlds and approaches the elements of security and privacy protection via state of the art protection mechanisms.
I know that NetFlix has been quite successful with the “DVD-mailed-out” approach and you folks are also trying to build up and deploy the media “download-to-watch-now” model. That is great but it opens aup another segment that I build up on this phenomena could be huge if archirtected, developed and deployed properly and judiciously.
I would love to have 45 minutes of your time showing you my model and the architecture that I am working and what it takes to get the solution to market. I am talking to a couple of angel investors now and also to some strong players in India, where this model will fly in abig way, due to the customer base.
Please let me know if you are interested in talking about this.
Thank you for your time.

Warm regards
SG
===================================================

]]> By: Ryan Spahn http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898034 Ryan Spahn Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:34:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1898034 I say not a set top box, but rather build such into LG's TVs! Though hooking ur PC up to a LCD TV(use a handheld mouse - Firefox with mouse gestures to enlarge text) provides the best way to experience all of the Internet. I say not a set top box, but rather build such into LG’s TVs!

Though hooking ur PC up to a LCD TV(use a handheld mouse - Firefox with mouse gestures to enlarge text) provides the best way to experience all of the Internet.

]]> By: stebeballmer http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897970 stebeballmer Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:44:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897970 Amazing break through by netflix! fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com Amazing break through by netflix!
fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com

]]> By: Wedding Photographers http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897943 Wedding Photographers Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:19:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897943 I think this is a cool idea. Although, if the box is too expensive, it won't be worth it in the end. But I like the direction we are headed in. I think this is a cool idea. Although, if the box is too expensive, it won’t be worth it in the end.

But I like the direction we are headed in.

]]> By: Greg Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897876 Greg Andrew Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:29:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897876 This is not about a Netflix box, and it's not about the initial price point of that box - few will buy something that only does nothing but allow Netflix subscribers to view "Watch Now" on their televisions. But imagine the Netflix tech coming as part of a tivo, or a dvd player, or an Xbox, or as part of your next HDTV - that is what this is about. This is not about a Netflix box, and it’s not about the initial price point of that box - few will buy something that only does nothing but allow Netflix subscribers to view “Watch Now” on their televisions. But imagine the Netflix tech coming as part of a tivo, or a dvd player, or an Xbox, or as part of your next HDTV - that is what this is about.

]]> By: Kyle http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897870 Kyle Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:27:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897870 I agree with most others in that "Most people won't rush out and buy this set top box" but it's nice that a company such as Netflix is looking into the future of media and not relying on a business model that supports only "hard physical media" as time's are a changin'. If only the RIAA had been as smart, lol. In my opinion for this to work we all need a universal box that would accept cable (via cable card), serve as DVR, and also allow for streaming. The price of the unit would be better justified instead of a costly unit just for the convenience of streaming movies to our sets. A set as described above does exist (Windows XP Media Server) and it could use some vast improvement. I've already used the Netflix streaming via the PC with success but the titles offered seem to be older and new releases seem to be nonexistent. Anyone know why?? I agree with most others in that “Most people won’t rush out and buy this set top box” but it’s nice that a company such as Netflix is looking into the future of media and not relying on a business model that supports only “hard physical media” as time’s are a changin’. If only the RIAA had been as smart, lol.

In my opinion for this to work we all need a universal box that would accept cable (via cable card), serve as DVR, and also allow for streaming. The price of the unit would be better justified instead of a costly unit just for the convenience of streaming movies to our sets. A set as described above does exist (Windows XP Media Server) and it could use some vast improvement. I’ve already used the Netflix streaming via the PC with success but the titles offered seem to be older and new releases seem to be nonexistent. Anyone know why??

]]> By: Randall Green http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897862 Randall Green Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:21:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897862 This will go down in flames as another Moviebeam play. Paying money for a closed box in a open system (the Internet) is like going to the South Pacific on vacation and not being able to leave your hotel room. The only closed model that has succeeded is Apple and the Ipod (which is showing signs of cracking) and that is because people show off their Ipod as an fashion accessory. A nondescript box under your television is not a fashion accessory... I'll keep my S Cable and my laptop and a host of broadband VOD providers (Cinemanow, Movielink, Butaca.tv) - quality is fantastic! This will go down in flames as another Moviebeam play.

Paying money for a closed box in a open system (the Internet) is like going to the South Pacific on vacation and not being able to leave your hotel room.

The only closed model that has succeeded is Apple and the Ipod (which is showing signs of cracking) and that is because people show off their Ipod as an fashion accessory.

A nondescript box under your television is not a fashion accessory… I’ll keep my S Cable and my laptop and a host of broadband VOD providers (Cinemanow, Movielink, Butaca.tv) - quality is fantastic!

]]> By: Jon Meyers http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897780 Jon Meyers Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:22:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897780 Reading the prior responses, two key things occurred to me on this one: 1) I agree that price point for any new Netflix device is key. If it's no/low cost, it seems that Netflix could get some early adopters pretty quickly from their existing base, and see where they can drive from there. 2) I'm curious about what the Netflix licensing arrangements are for the titles in their inventory. I'd be hesitant to assume that they are as restrictive about digital broadband distribution as some indicate, and could perhaps be renegotiated if they were. What I'm driving at is that it seems that there's a combination of low price point plus sufficient available titles to drive early adoption. That gives Netflix the opportunity to learn about the market and partnering opportunities pretty fast. Reading the prior responses, two key things occurred to me on this one:

1) I agree that price point for any new Netflix device is key. If it’s no/low cost, it seems that Netflix could get some early adopters pretty quickly from their existing base, and see where they can drive from there.

2) I’m curious about what the Netflix licensing arrangements are for the titles in their inventory. I’d be hesitant to assume that they are as restrictive about digital broadband distribution as some indicate, and could perhaps be renegotiated if they were.

What I’m driving at is that it seems that there’s a combination of low price point plus sufficient available titles to drive early adoption. That gives Netflix the opportunity to learn about the market and partnering opportunities pretty fast.

]]> By: cablevet http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897772 cablevet Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:16:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897772 the cable MSOs will soon release OCAP from cablelabs which will be an open cable appliation protocol for TV apps. It will run on millions of low end STB already deployed in the market. Meaning - what is there for google and android? or any other special box with special apps? a competing OS for boxes that google does not sell or license? more slingboxes? until consumers really shift from watching TV on big screens in their living rooms, the cable distributors are in the best spot to control the TV interface and those apps, since they make getting a box affordable (rent) to the masses). seems like more wasted brain power at the googleplex in their effort to own it all, and a real non-story about netflix doing a deal that today does not lead to a single sign up.. the cable MSOs will soon release OCAP from cablelabs which will be an open cable appliation protocol for TV apps. It will run on millions of low end STB already deployed in the market. Meaning - what is there for google and android? or any other special box with special apps? a competing OS for boxes that google does not sell or license? more slingboxes?

until consumers really shift from watching TV on big screens in their living rooms, the cable distributors are in the best spot to control the TV interface and those apps, since they make getting a box affordable (rent) to the masses).

seems like more wasted brain power at the googleplex in their effort to own it all, and a real non-story about netflix doing a deal that today does not lead to a single sign up..

]]> By: Adam http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897769 Adam Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:14:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897769 This seems like it would be rather pointless for anyone who already subscribes to digital cable or satellite service. The "On Demand" packages offered are continually expanding their selections, plus HD is available. I'm not sure how they match up price-wise, but I would think it would be cheaper to add on such a package than to subscribe to Netflix and possibly have to purchase a set-top box. This seems like it would be rather pointless for anyone who already subscribes to digital cable or satellite service. The “On Demand” packages offered are continually expanding their selections, plus HD is available.

I’m not sure how they match up price-wise, but I would think it would be cheaper to add on such a package than to subscribe to Netflix and possibly have to purchase a set-top box.

]]> By: Chris http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897753 Chris Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:59:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897753 @22, expect lately with streaming services. Akimbo. MovieBeem. Soon to be Vudu. These worked real well, right? @22, expect lately with streaming services. Akimbo. MovieBeem. Soon to be Vudu. These worked real well, right?

]]> By: Steve http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897728 Steve Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:42:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/03/the-netflix-set-top-box-will-be-a-hard-sell/#comment-1897728 "The problem is that nobody is going to go out and buy a set-top box that can only let you watch movies from Netflix." That's the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard. A set-top box would be "stupid easy" to use for the "stupid easy" general public. Plus, the idea of having a "box" connected to your TV to receive programming you pay for seems to have worked a few times in the past... “The problem is that nobody is going to go out and buy a set-top box that can only let you watch movies from Netflix.”

That’s the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard. A set-top box would be “stupid easy” to use for the “stupid easy” general public. Plus, the idea of having a “box” connected to your TV to receive programming you pay for seems to have worked a few times in the past…

]]>