Imagine that Comcast goes to Google and says “We love your stuff, you should really be in the set-top box business, think of what you could do for television!” And Google listens because they’ve got major investments in video through YouTube and Google Video but also in their EchoStar partnership. Comcast wants to beat Dish Network to the punch, especially since Dish has it’s own DVR system and Comcast has been slow to roll out it’s partnership with TiVo (but that’s OK since cable operators have shitty DVRs, like Moxi and such).
So Google figures out how to use their search algorithm and AdWords with cable television. It’d be a lot easier to do over FiOS or some other switched infrastructure like IPTV from AT&T, but let’s say Comcast can pull it off.
The Google box operates both on search (similar to existing on-screen guides) but also on clicks. If most people choose to watch a network in your node (neighborhood, city, state) that channel appears higher in results. Channels and numbers would be fluid, eliminating the jockeying that goes on for higher position (which actually does impact viewership, it’s been shown).
Additionally, your television ties into the internet in a couple of key ways. You can share the data of your shows (name, description, actors, etc) with your friends and Comcast will let you view the shows via a branded portal site, essentially making your set-top box a Slingbox. You’ll also be able to remotely schedule shows, see additional content (behind-the-scenes, deleted scenes, interviews) from the official network sites and fan reactions/mash-ups and the like as it appears on YouTube et al. The whole thing would look like a windowed, squeeze-back video experience you see on the satellite boxes when the guide is on-screen.
Lastly, Google would be helping Comcast sell ads just like they do for EchoStar, only now they’re selling text ads and display ads on the interface in addition to the bidding marketplace for the video ads in programming time.
Sounds like a far-fetched scenario, right? I wouldn’t bet on it. If any player is positioned to take advantage of the internet, television and search as a platform (all three combined) it’s Google.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I have no idea what plans Google, AT&T, EchoStar or Comcast have. This post is pure speculation. Semi-informed speculation, but speculation nonetheless.
Speculation about speculations sometimes makes a truth (and sometimes it doesn't)
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1 comment:
Thanks for linking to me, but you've excerpted pretty much my entire post, which isn't too cool.
Also, I can't quite tell if you're agreeing with me or pointing out what a dunce I am. I'm flattered in either case.
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