Making More of IPTV
CROWDED HOUSE
The market for OTT providers is only getting more crowded as online movie storefronts, video rental companies and device manufacturers try their hand in the space. No one vendor has achieved the optimal mix of business model, content and presentation, but each has strengths and weaknesses.
|
| AT&T'S U-VERSE (IPTV) | APPLE TV | BLOCKBUSTER | MICROSOFT XBOX 360 | NETFLIX ROKU | NETGEAR INTERNET TV PLAYER | VUDU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COST TO CONSUMERS | Basic plans start at $69 for up to 120 channels, local channels and VOD. | $229 for the device; HD rentals start at $2.99. | $99 plus 25 movies. | $299.99 for device; Netflix membership starts at $4.99. | $99.99 for the device plus monthly Netflix subscription. | $199 for the device, available this summer. | $200 for the device and $1 to $20 for movie rentals and purchases. |
| CONTENT AVAILABLE | HDTV, Sports, Spanish language and Movie packages can be purchased. | Movies from nine movie studios and TV shows from 12 networks; 600 HD titles. | Movies and TV shows available within 30 days of DVD release. | Full Netflix library. | More than 12,000 movies and TV episodes. | Any online content: Amazon, BitTorrent, CinemaNow, MetaCafe, YouTube. | More than 13,000 movies and TV titles; 1300 HD titles. |
|
| AT&T'S U-VERSE (IPTV) | APPLE TV | BLOCKBUSTER | MICROSOFT XBOX 360 | NETFLIX ROKU | NETGEAR INTERNET TV PLAYER | VUDU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADDITIONAL CONTENT | Through U-Bar, consumers get access to sports, weather, local traffic, stock information and some interactive Web features. | iTunes music library, podcasts, photos, YouTube. | None. | Xbox Live games and message, chat and video chat with other users, TV shows, music videos. | Amazon's VOD service for purchase. | BBC.com, CNN.com, ESPN.com, EuroSport.com, NBC.com, PGATour and TMZ.com. | Flickr, Picasa, YouTube. |
| HARDWARE | STB for consumers. For AT&T, headend, STBs, remotes, fiber infrastructure. | STB and Apple remote. | 2Wire STB and remote. | Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming system and control. | STB and remote. Also can be embedded in game consoles, Blu-ray DVD players and LG TVs. | 4-inch Verismo device, no PC needed. | STB and scroll-wheel remote. |
| STRENGTHS | Operator has complete control of the customer relationship and experience. | “Giving
consumers that ability to watch content on their own terms is the kind
of thing that makes the Apple TV really attractive.” — Jonathan Hurd Altman Vilandrie & Co. |
“It's a smart idea in today's economic client because it sounds like a really good deal.” — Gerry Kaufhold, In-Stat |
“If
you are a gamer and made the investment in the platform, it's an added
perk that a lot of movie studios made the investment in the box.” — Bruce McGregor Current Analysis |
Netfilx is embedding its video service into as many devices as possible and also benefits from a recognizable name and history in video. | The lower price point and flexiblility of open Web surfing appeals to many consumers. | “Vudu
has evolved in offering HD and 1080p, which Apple offers in 720p. You
are getting higher quality, …but you have to take the time to wait for
that video to download.” — McGregor |
| WEAKNESSES | “[IPTV]
is not easy, it's expensive. … You are going to need all this
programming, extra hardware, other things — it's expensive.” — Danny Briere, TeleChoice |
STB is expensive and consumers are tied to iTunes for downloads. Plus, TV shows are only available for purchase, not one-time viewing. | Reviews have reported slow download speeds, an unattractive user interface and few appealling content choices due to slower release times. | Same limitations as Netflix. | Still a single-purpose device, although Netflix is beginning to open it up to other online services, including Amaz |
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