According to a report in today's Financial Times, BT is in discussions to develop set-top boxes that would connect broadband internet and television sets. Viewers would then be able to download films and other content to watch on their TVs. The boxes are likely to retail at £129, according to the newspaper.
This little article certainly made me pay attention. Firstly because it suggests BT are getting ready to enter into competition against the likes of ntl, Telewest, Freeview and BSkyB, and also because of the convergence of home entertainment in the form of Internet & TV.
The true Video on Demand (VOD) system that is being described, is I think, very attractive to the general public, and will certainly be a big win when it arrives. Are BT the only company aiming to deliver this? I doubt it. I know there are other firms with this kind of technology but few with the kind of marketing and business clout of BT. BSkyb though do not really have the same technology. They would have to enter into a relationship with a network provider to have something similar because of the need for a return path (although I am willing to be corrected on this).
The cable companies should have delivered on something like this a while ago but haven't I guess because of financial difficulties and the high level of risk associated with new technology. This move by BT will have to be countered I suspect, sooner or never.
BTW Kingston Communications already do this. I always knew Hull was the centre of the known universe, ever since I lived and studied there :)