Subsidized devices for audio and video content services: taking TV Everywhere beyond the PC

TV Everywhere, the industry initiative to bring on-demand pay TV to the general public, continues to gain train traction, but its programs currently focus on delivering services to PC-type platforms. The next step, which is what really interests people, is actually already here: leveraging DLNA-compatible solutions to fill the entire home with paid audio and video content across a variety of devices. Once you’ve brought the media into your house using a service like TV Everywhere, DLNA is the technology standard you’ll be looking for to play it on your TV or stereo, or other multimedia device in any room.

Innovative in-home audio and video solutions already exist, such as those provided by AwoX. These solutions give consumers access to Internet-based content from regular home entertainment products. One example is the company’s Orange Hi-Fi Decoder, which began shipping in August, 2009. This Wi-Fi device lets you use your home stereo to play digital media content from both the Internet and your computer. Orange sells the product to customers for 79 Euros, or one Euro with a 6 Euro/month subscription.

Another example is the AwoX video solution, which began shipping in June, 2009 as the CanalPlay Box. This product is a set-top box that enables you to choose what you want to watch on a pay-as-you-go basis via the CanalPlay Video On-Demand site.

Just like the prices of mobile phones are subsidized by carriers, we are clearly entering an era in which the vast market for connected on-demand media devices will also benefit from operators and content providers. These subsidies are certain to have a huge effect on consumer awareness and adoption, as well as the industry product offer in general.

Now’s the time to come and talk us about the possibilities of creating your own products with these new capabilities. AwoX will be at CES, Las Vegas, January 7-10 in South Hall 3, Booth #3120.