英特爾公司(Intel Corp.)據(jù)稱已經(jīng)加入一些計(jì)劃正式投入電視戰(zhàn)場(chǎng)的高科技公司之列。根據(jù)一些媒體報(bào)導(dǎo),英特爾已經(jīng)提出一個(gè)透過該公司設(shè)備而實(shí)現(xiàn)的網(wǎng)際網(wǎng)絡(luò)電視(Internet TV)服務(wù)概念。
Google和蘋果公司(Apple Inc.)都是更早前即試圖搶進(jìn)電視領(lǐng)域的科技廠商。蘋果公司開發(fā)出可讓用戶從 iStore 、 NetFlix 及其它服務(wù)來源觀賞電視節(jié)目的數(shù)字媒體接收器;而Google初步進(jìn)軍網(wǎng)絡(luò)電視后(提供類似的電視節(jié)目服務(wù)選項(xiàng))的進(jìn)展并不大。
對(duì)于打算把握智能手機(jī)和平板電腦等行動(dòng)媒體裝置熱潮的任何廠商而言,展開這一項(xiàng)行動(dòng)當(dāng)然是十分合理的決定。尤其是以硬件業(yè)務(wù)起家的廠商(如英特爾與蘋果) 有能力開發(fā)出足以改善觀賞體驗(yàn)的設(shè)備。例如蘋果的新款 iPad 可提供令人難以置信的顯示器性能──只是至今還沒有很多人真的看過,而英特爾則制造出全球最快、最強(qiáng)大的芯片。
然而,電視硬件產(chǎn)品至今看來仍然毫無新意。
Google TV所用的機(jī)上盒與遙控器在使用上并不特別具有用戶友善接口。新款設(shè)備預(yù)計(jì)將在今年發(fā)布。
據(jù)報(bào)導(dǎo),真正阻礙這些公司進(jìn)展的原因是主要互聯(lián)網(wǎng)公司為了保護(hù)與有線電視公司之間的協(xié)議而抗拒。為此,英特爾公司已經(jīng)制定了一套透過網(wǎng)際網(wǎng)絡(luò)提供節(jié)目的方案。不過,IntelTV的節(jié)目?jī)?nèi)容是否專為網(wǎng)絡(luò)最佳化性能而開發(fā)或者是否與現(xiàn)有的服務(wù)采用任何不同的方式,目前仍不得而知。另一方面,內(nèi)容開發(fā)商與授權(quán)廠商越來越懷疑內(nèi)容已經(jīng)變得太容易取得了。
有線電視當(dāng)然有其缺點(diǎn)存在,其中之一就是存在著線纜的問題。但是,影響用戶對(duì)于Google TV、Apple TV或Intel TV裹足不前的原因并不在于缺乏行動(dòng)性,而是由于節(jié)目?jī)?nèi)容的不足,以及潛在的成本。由于大部份的家庭都已經(jīng)擁有電話、網(wǎng)際網(wǎng)絡(luò)以及有線電視服務(wù),那么使用Internet TV通常也是免費(fèi)的。如果有線電視將對(duì)此服務(wù)進(jìn)行收費(fèi),那么我一定會(huì)視之如燙手的山芋地取消這項(xiàng)服務(wù)。此外,目前Internet TV所安排的節(jié)目大部份都與我們已經(jīng)擁有的一些隨選視頻節(jié)目重復(fù)了,甚至包括與在HBO與Showtime上播放的影片一樣。
那么,英特爾必須如何開發(fā)其Internet TV,才能引起像我這樣的觀眾有興趣去訂購(gòu)服務(wù)呢?也許來個(gè)工程師荒島求生記的真人實(shí)境秀(reality show)吧?
編譯:Susan Hong
本文授權(quán)編譯自EBN Online,版權(quán)所有,謝絕轉(zhuǎn)載
參考英文原文:I Want My IntelTV?,by Barbara Jorgensen
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I Want My IntelTV?
Barbara Jorgensen
Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) reportedly has joined the list of high-tech companies planning to throw a hat into the TV ring. Several news outlets are reporting today that it is floating the idea of an Internet TV service powered by Intel equipment.
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) and Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) are among the tech companies experimenting in the TV space. Apple makes a digital media receiver that lets users watch programming from the iStore, NetFlix, and other outlets. Google's first foray into Internet TV (which offered similar programming options) didn't take off.
Such a move is the logical next step for any business that wants to capitalize on the boom in mobile media devices such as smartphones and tablets. Companies that started out in the hardware business (like Intel and Apple) could develop devices that improve the viewing experience. Apple's new iPad offers an unbelievable display -- not that many people have actually seen it. Intel makes the fastest, most powerful chips in the world.
But so far, the TV hardware offerings have been ho-hum. The box and remote powering Google TV weren't particularly user-friendly. New devices are scheduled to be released this year.
What's really holding these companies back, according to reports, is resistance from major networks that want to protect their agreements with cable TV carriers. Like its predecessors, Intel is pitching a package of programs to be provided over the Internet. There is no mention of whether that content will be unique, developed for better Internet performance, or in any way different from the current offerings. Moreover, content creators and licensors are increasingly leery about making content too available.
Cable TV definitely still has its shortcomings, one of them being the cable itself. But it is not the lack of mobility that seems to be keeping users from flocking to GoogleTV, AppleTV, or IntelTV. It's the lack of content, as well as the potential cost. In the Boston area, Comcast/Xifinity offers a streaming TV option. Since we already have our phone, Internet, and cable with Comcast, the service is free. If Comcast were to charge us for this service, I'd drop it like a hot potato. The programming largely overlaps with the on-demand programming we already get, including movies carried on premium channels such as HBO and Showtime.
What would Intel have to develop to prompt viewers like me to subscribe? Maybe a reality show featuring engineers stranded on a desert island?
責(zé)編:Quentin