"Bits are bits." - That's how Jason Krikorian of Sling Media took his place onstage at Spring 2006 VON today, drawing parallels between video over IP and VoIP issues:
Most solutions are created for the industry, rather than for the consumer. The value chain includes content --> networks --> cable operators, and back again, but not the consumer. The Slingbox, on the other hand, was invented when Krikorian and his brother needed a way to watch Giants game while on the road. Krikorian saw many stars align to enable this:
- Ubiquitous broadband
- Faster speeds
- Efficient codecs
- Ease of network connectivity (WiFi or otherwise)
- Emergence of 3G networks
Krekorian uses these trends to add consumer empowerment to the
traditional TV value chain. As he tours it, TV can now be viewed over a
variety of devices, networks, and/or locations, with no new service
fees. He actually went on to tie this flexible TV-watching to the whole
net neutrality
argument, and argued that the market won't protect Internet freedoms.
Net neutrality policies, on the other hand, can encourage investment
and innovation while still allowing the network operators to control
and price their customer relationships.
Tags: christine herron christine.net space jockeys technology net neutrality sling media von
