[opendtv] The Boldest Dumb Idea I've Ever Seen

That was a great little report.  I'm pretty sure most of us aren't going 
to trade in or displace our TV's for a cell phone, and sure - its 
technology chasing a viable business.  But, the goal I think is 
ubiquitous (sorry for that descriptor) access to video content.   Its 
simply a comm channel and people are trying to figure out how to make 
the most of it.  Qualcomm obviously has deep pockets. 
Whether the video actually shows up on my "phone" or some other portable 
device is basically irrelevant in my mind (but certainly not QC's). 

Case in point, I recently learned about orb.com.  It lets me watch/see 
my stored video's, photos, audio etc over the internet.  Its got 
"slingbox" like capability.  I can share my photos with friends without 
having to upload them Shutterfly or something.....but thats not the 
point.  Right now, I have to buy an MLB subscription to listen or watch 
(on the internet) my hometown baseball games when I am traveling.  MLB 
owns the content.  Now I use my PC tuner at home and watch on the road.  
This is the "battle" with content owners as I am sure you know.  I am 
paying for my cable at home, does that mean I have to be there to watch 
it?  I can record it and watch it later....can I record it and watch it 
5 seconds later??   These are real industry challenges.

My kids watch watch mostly pre-recorded TV at home.  A portable box that 
would allow me to get that video anywhere the kids where  - like in the 
car - or waiting in the Dr's office - is something I would personally 
buy...cost and service fee permitting. 

So companies are pushing ahead to make the comm channel work while 
simultaneously trying to figure out what value they can bring to 
consumers. 

"portable/mobile video" isn't dumb, IMHO, we just haven't figured what 
makes sense and how to do it....
Of course, the reason QC talks some much about "content providers" is 
they hold all the cards and they want to make sure it stays that way.   
I dont think it will, but thats another story....
 
 
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