Following in the footsteps of NBC, CBS, and ABC, Fox Broadcasting today started to block Google TV from accessing its content.
Sources say the main reason for the block by Fox executives is that they thought Google’s “footprint was too small.” Basically, this means that Google didn’t have enough Google TV customers for the network to make it worthwhile.
The decision by the broadcasting networks to block Google TV and other TV services such as Boxee hasn’t gone too well with many tech sites and blogs on the Internet.
Industry Reactions and Criticisms
Lauren Weinstein, a blogger and tech activist, had this to say about the move: “Imagine the protests that would ensue if Internet services arbitrarily blocked video only to Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers, or if Hulu and the other networks decided they’d refuse to stream video to HP and Dell computers.”
Weinstein’s comments highlight a broader concern about the implications of such blocks. The move by Fox and other networks could set a precedent that might limit consumer choice and stifle innovation in the streaming and smart TV markets. Critics argue that these blocks are a way for traditional broadcasters to maintain control over content distribution and resist the shift towards more open, internet-based platforms.
Impact on Consumers and the Market
For consumers, the blocks mean fewer options for accessing their favorite shows and potentially higher costs if they need to subscribe to multiple services to get the content they want. This fragmentation of content can lead to frustration and a less seamless viewing experience. Additionally, it raises questions about net neutrality and whether internet service providers and content creators should have the power to restrict access based on their business interests.
From a market perspective, the decision to block Google TV could slow down the adoption of new technologies that aim to integrate traditional TV with internet capabilities. Google TV, for instance, offers features like voice search, personalized recommendations, and the ability to browse the web on your TV screen. By blocking such services, networks may inadvertently hinder technological advancements that could benefit consumers in the long run.
Moreover, this move could push consumers towards alternative solutions such as VPNs or other methods to bypass these blocks, which could lead to a cat-and-mouse game between content providers and tech-savvy users. It also opens up opportunities for other tech companies to step in and offer more consumer-friendly solutions, potentially disrupting the market further.
The debate over blocking services like Google TV and Boxee is part of a larger conversation about the future of television and how content should be distributed in the digital age. As more consumers cut the cord and move towards streaming services, traditional broadcasters will need to adapt to changing viewing habits and find ways to coexist with new technologies rather than resist them.
What are your thoughts on the blocks of both Google TV and Boxee? Do you think this is a fair move by the networks, or do you believe it stifles innovation and consumer choice? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Via CNET
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