Video wishlists

Count Verizon among the big carriers now promising to offer up some type of video service (see story below). Like SBC, the country's biggest local incumbent didn't really detail their video plans, but said they will roll out something in 2005.

Maybe it's because they're waiting to see what BellSouth or SBC does first, but I suspect it's more likely one of two issues: There is either no management infrastructure in place to head up the rollout or, if there is a manger in charge, he or she is scared to death to make a decision that will cost the company much public embarrassment, but not as much money as one might expect.

Several recent studies and initial deployments have suggested that telco video may not necessarily be a big revenue generator but will be a necessity if carriers are to retain the highest value customers who have shown repeatedly that they're willing to buy bundles of voice, data and video. In an effort to help out that unnamed manager, I've come up with my own wish list for any telco video offering. Feel free to pass it on or add to it:

• Tons of channels. The heck with John Malone's 500-channel universe. I want 1000 channels. I happen to be a sports freak and maybe I'm willing to watch cricket from Pakistan at 9 p.m. when my only other options are a West Coast baseball game and a "classic" clip of quot; Battle of the Network Stars."
• PVRs for everyone. I've said it a dozen times and I'll keep saying it until everyone believes me. The personal video recorder is this decade's microwave oven. Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Since telcos don't appear to be leaning toward integrating them with IP set-tops, make it a network function. Yes, there are legal hurdles but most consumers don't care. They just want it now.
• On-demand everything. There are millions of people that don't work 9:00 to 5:00. Why shouldn't they have access to whatever program they want whenever they want it? Tell your problem of legal woes with the studios to someone else. In a country where the vast majority of the population can have a burger in their hands inside of 10 minutes without getting out of the car, serving on-demand is everything.
• HDTV. Yes, the compression is not quite there and sets are expensive. But if you want a difference maker in the market, this is it. First one to solve the economic riddle behind this service wins a huge market share.

Got any other suggestions for your wish list? E-mail me at vvittore@primediabusiness.com.