We can already watch TV over the internet, stream movies with Netflix and Hulu, and connection speeds are only getting faster. Currently we have enough bandwidth with average connections to stream standard def movies and compressed HD movies.
Verizon (and other companies, including Sprint in my area) is putting in fiber optics with package plans of 15-45Mbps d/l and lightning fast upload speeds along with it. At the upper end of the bandwidth scale, it could be possible to stream minimally to completely uncompressed HD signals.
Just like with satellite radio, it could be possible to offer many more channels to a person than they could get locally, for a fairly low price (likely cheaper than cable) so long as they have a highspeed connection.
Will broadband take over TV/Satellite companies?
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Looneybomber
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MinisterofDOOM
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Re: Will broadband take over TV/Satellite companies? (Looneybomber)
The biggest issue with broadband TV as it is now is that you have to watch it on your PC. Generally PCs aren't connected to TVs and aren't in places where one can comfortably watch a movie.
Although that is changing (the Microsoft/Netflix partnership coming this fall, for instance). If we could get the same services available through our TVs without need for a PC, it would take off.
Although that is changing (the Microsoft/Netflix partnership coming this fall, for instance). If we could get the same services available through our TVs without need for a PC, it would take off.
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Looneybomber
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Re: Will broadband take over TV/Satellite companies? (MinisterofDOOM)
That certainly is changing. With the introduction of many very compentent and cheap video cards and rack friendly PC cases, more and more people are making HTPC's. And wireless multimedia players are eliminating the need from having an HTPC by wirelessly accessing your computer.http://www.pcmarket.com.au/117...e.php
Some can even output 1080p, although I forgot the make & model or else I would have linked to it.
For being a guy with a cable modem and bunny ears on his [roomates] TV, watching TV on my computer is not uncomfortable at all. I plug in the laptop to the TV via S-video. Soon I will build another PC that will function as both a gaming machine and HTPC.
Some can even output 1080p, although I forgot the make & model or else I would have linked to it.
For being a guy with a cable modem and bunny ears on his [roomates] TV, watching TV on my computer is not uncomfortable at all. I plug in the laptop to the TV via S-video. Soon I will build another PC that will function as both a gaming machine and HTPC.