The end of Live Tv is on the way

The gap between the TV and the internet appears to be closing.

Steve Borris writes that

Microsoft is closing the “last 50 feet” between PC’s and TV’s with software that supports wireless set-top boxes called “media extenders.” Microsoft’s hardware partners will provide these units for as little as $300 this Christmas season.

What this development will mean is that the technology is now in place for the Television to become an easy extension of the services on the internet,thus giving the viewing public in theory at least complete control over their viewing habits.

In the UK,this will give easier access to Internet only based programming as well as the ability to watch BBC I-player services,ITV and 4 on demand on the big screen.

Will this,along with the Sky + box mean an end to live television

More change to our viewing habits

The Times this morning carries an article on the broadcast of Tv through the internet.

The week has already seen some momentous news in both the BBC AND ITV announcing launches of recently archivable downloads of programmes.

This is an extension of what viewers via a Sky+ box or similar can already do and the BBC has had the listen again facility for radio on its website for some time as well as the odd programme such as Newsnight.

This, though is a new development, in that

"These moves represent a significant change. Until now free content has been dominated by clips and extracts, as found on YouTube, rather than full episodes – what the new wave of internet broadcasters want to offer now are full television shows, from EastEnders to Coronation Street. "

One problem though says the Times

"Each UK broadcaster wants would-be viewers to download their own media players, while YouTube uses the simpler Flash.
will people want to watch TV on their computer after a hard day at the office? That will change as people become familiar with sending video files from their computer to the television, but despite this week’s rash of launches, there is still some way to go. "