More AppleTV competition?

[Tilpots]

Couple of new web based video solutions...

Zillion TV

Unlike some other Internet-to-TV services, such as Netflix's movie rental service, ZillionTV does not require a subscription. It also doesn't require users to buy an expensive box, such as Microsoft's Xbox 360, Apple's AppleTV, or even Roku's $99 digital video player. Instead, for a nominal activation fee of less than $50, users will get the Z-bar and remote. And then they will be able to view up to 15,000 titles of TV shows and movies through the service without having to sign up for a monthly subscription.

Roku adds Amazon Video on Demand

Users can browse Amazon's Video on Demand menu right form the TV, or they can watch movies or TV shows that have already been downloaded from the service to their computers. Current Roku customers will receive a free and automatic update so they can access the Amazon Video on Demand service.

Twerdahl says the Netflix and Amazon deals are just the beginning for Roku. Ultimately, he said Roku hopes to provide consumers with a replacement for cable service.

"Our mission is to help you cut your cable cord," he said. "We want you to be able to watch anything from the Internet on your TV. And we are working with content providers and we'll be releasing an SDK soon to allow content owners to create their own channels."

 

[iSaygoodbye]

im defiently getting the zillion tv it sounds awesome

 

[Tilpots]

im defiently getting the zillion tv it sounds awesome

Right! I hope Time Warner (my internet provider) hops on board...

The three different ways to watch and pay are nice, too: 1. A la carte rentals let you pay as you watch with no commercials, 2. purchase and download to own without commercials and 3. watch for free with 50% less ads than broadcast TV. This seems to be the tiered pricing model to please everyone.

Sounds like it might be a year off, though. I'm keeping my eyes and ears out for news on these guys.

 

[iSaygoodbye]

Right! I hope Time Warner (my internet provider) hops on board...

The three different ways to watch and pay are nice, too: 1. A la carte rentals let you pay as you watch with no commercials, 2. purchase and download to own without commercials and 3. watch for free with 50% less ads than broadcast TV. This seems to be the tiered pricing model to please everyone.

Sounds like it might be a year off, though. I'm keeping my eyes and ears out for news on these guys.

yeah it said q4 2009. perfect christmas present. they also have sony and a bunch of other big companies. im never gonna buy anything just watch a few adds

 

[dmm219]

I really really hope zillion tv is successful. It hits the right business model perfectly. Unfortunately, it is a start up...and doesn't have the support of a large corporation...which just oozes "vaporware". Even if it does launch, its content will be less than stellar for a couple of years. At best, I'd be looking to pick one up around 2012 or 2013.

The best thing about it however, is that its competition what will hopefully get Apple off its ass when it comes to ATV. Its current itunes model for tv shows and movies is not sustainable over the long term. If a service like zillion releases well and pulls a "vonage"...it will destroy Apples itunes store when it comes to movies and tv shows.

If apple were smart, they'd adopt this business model SOON the cut off the competition.

Or maybe has an even better model up their sleeves.

In my mind the ATV is the current leader in terms of cable/sat replacement. But it is just barely passable at the moment. The itunes models and delivery need significant enhancements to be a viable long term money maker. So far, Apple has shown very little "vision" when it comes to ATV.

One thing no one is sure of yet...will Zillion be HD?

 

[Tilpots]

I really really hope zillion tv is successful. It hits the right business model perfectly. Unfortunately, it is a start up...and doesn't have the support of a large corporation...which just oozes "vaporware". Even if it does launch, its content will be less than stellar for a couple of years. At best, I'd be looking to pick one up around 2012 or 2013.

I think the article said they were in talks with most of the "important" content owners right now, so when the launch, they should have the content from the start. As for vaporware, you just never know. Somebody's gotta step in with these guys for them to get off the ground. Right now with this economy, not too many players jump out as being willing and able.

The best thing about it however, is that its competition what will hopefully get Apple off its ass when it comes to ATV. Its current itunes model for tv shows and movies is not sustainable over the long term. If a service like zillion releases well and pulls a "vonage"...it will destroy Apples itunes store when it comes to movies and tv shows.

If apple were smart, they'd adopt this business model SOON the cut off the competition.

Or maybe has an even better model up their sleeves.

I agree that competition is best for the consumer. I've been waiting for an acceptable Apple Solution for my needs, but it still hasn't happened. Even with all the increased competition, nobody's really speculating Apple's next move. This is the time they could come in and end the game, like they did with the iPod. Their moment of opportunity to dominate the living seems to be slipping away.

In my mind the ATV is the current leader in terms of cable/sat replacement. But it is just barely passable at the moment. The itunes models and delivery need significant enhancements to be a viable long term money maker. So far, Apple has shown very little "vision" when it comes to ATV.

I wouldn't call anybody a leader, just yet. Apple's doing their thing, and lots of people here love it, but mass market wise, nobody's won. This could change real quick with the right piece of hardware. Everybody's got the same pool of content to draw from, so what a manufacturer needs is the right equipment to differentiate itself. I'm personally for an all-in-one type TV solution (Blu Ray/1080P, DVR, internet, and apps). If anybody's going to do it right, it'll be apple, but I'm not holding my breath. Seems like a no-brainer to me, I'd love to know why they're not seeming to head down this path.

One thing no one is sure of yet...will Zillion be HD?

I'd think it has to be. Especially if they're talking about dedicated bandwith just for this service. But you're right, I don't think they mentioned it.