RSS on Your TV?
Sony thinks you can’t get enough news so they are adding RSS capability to many of their HDTV’s debuting this spring. It’s called “BRAVIA™ Internet Video Link” and it will be supported on Sony’s BRAVIA S-series flat-panel LCD high-definition television line which was also announced at CES. Of course, it won’t be just news - it will be anything streamed from the internet plus some Sony content.
Here’s what Sony says about how it works: “The module links the television set directly to a user’s broadband Internet service provider via an Ethernet connection. The content can then be accessed directly on the TV without use of a personal computer.
Content, which includes Internet video, music videos, movie trailers, user generated videos and RSS feeds without any additional charges.”
No additional charges? Gee, does that mean free? I think not. I can’t even guesstimate how much the TV and module will cost? Anyone want to try? I’ll keep track of the estimates and when pricing is announced, I’ll tell you who got closest.
Rss on your TV? Do we really need that?
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5 opinions for RSS on Your TV?
David Rothman
Jan 14, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Cathy, I think you’re missing the point.
First, it isn’t about NEED. Entertainment products never are. Did anyone NEED a TiVO? Hell, no- but I wouldn’t give up my PVR without a fight now. Second, you seem to be indicating that this would be useless.
Imagine being able to subscribe to, store, and view podcasted video and audio on your television. Imagine subscribing to and watching any video that appears in a number of online video services about the town in which you live, or about a topic you care about.
Paul Watson
Jan 15, 2007 at 3:32 am
Yup, we need it. Convergence is happening and soon you won’t think “TV vs. Computer” it will just be “Digital Information” and whatever screen is nearest you delivers it.
Cathy
Jan 15, 2007 at 7:36 am
Thanks for the thoughtful comments.
David - Before TiVo I couldn’t record programs. Do I need that - no, but it makes more sense than RSS on your tv. I can do all that now on my computer. If you thought I was implying that it’s useless, that wasn’t my intent at all. I am just questioning its usefulness at what I know will be a very high price.
Paul - I still don’t think we ‘need’ it but as I think about it there are many things we don’t ‘need’ but that we want. I guess I’m one of those who doesn’t jump on the technology bandwagon the moment something comes out. Are you going to get an IPhone? I’m not.
Paul Watson
Jan 15, 2007 at 7:43 am
I am excited about the iPhone, it has great potential, but it is not guaranteed that I will get on. If it lives up to its potential and the reviews are good then I imagine I will get one. But it might be a flawed reality when it emerges in which case I won’t be jumping on it.
As for “need” vs. “want” I think RSS itself is closer to a “want” than a need at present, whether it be on a computer, TV or mobile phone. Google Reader is my RSS reader of choice but I don’t need it.
RSS on a TV would be useful. In the mornings it would save me time as the TV comes on before I boot up my laptop. There are also feeds that would work well on a TV, feeds that are visual (videos, flickr photo feeds etc.) and feeds that are for quick scanning such as news headlines.
Mainly though I think TV and personal computers are merging and there won’t be a distinction in the future.
Cathy
Jan 15, 2007 at 12:50 pm
You have made me see where it ‘could’ be useful. Thanks for your cogent thoughts.
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