Comcast & TV Online

Comcast COO Steve Burke was in Bellevue, WA today talking with media about his take on the future of television. I personally was not there so my comments are based on other articles written by the local media.

Let me first build a little perspective on my point of view. I unfortunately spend a lot of time away from home. What little time I do have at home is spent with my wife and children. I, like any great American, love television. So about 90% of my TV watching is done online. If it's not online I'm not watching it.

Reading John Cook's article at TechFlash, Burke is quoted "(Streaming) video on the Internet is not a substitute for -- it is really complementary -- to what you get on cable." I'm not sure I agree with this. I think he may be underestimating the direction this is taking and it's exponential growth. Why are networks spending millions in putting their programming online? There is obviously a growing trend. Yeah, right now the majority may be watching a linear channel. But for how long? The ball is rolling and you can't just ignore it and assume business will be as usual. Maybe not, but that's how it seems.

Now I know that Comcast and the other cable ops are trying to work out a happy medium with the networks for online content. My fear is that while trying to preserve their customer base, they will negatively affect the progress of online programming. Already networks are limiting the amount of programming you can watch online. Just 6 months ago you could watch entire seasons of shows online, now most networks only have the last few episodes available.

As video compression gets better and internet gets faster, it is only inevitable that television goes online. We are quickly becoming a non-linear society. Accessing content when we want it and where we want it. Even television manufactures are seeing this trend and matching it with internet ready televisions. Networks have even become aware of the growing penetration of the internet on advertising dollars. Some have even embraced this change.

I don't envy Mr. Burke. He needs find a way to innovate his company without losing his customer base. But Mr. Burke, don't underestimate the direction of internet and it's growing symbiotic relationship with television. Instead continue to embrace it an squeeze. You're halfway there with Fancast. Now just show me programming from the other cable only networks and...ka' ching. If you keep the cost low, I'll buy it.

Anyway, I'm not a cable exec, nor an industry expert. What I am is a consumer who will not be too happy if I lose my internet television. It's my drug and you don't want to be around when the withdrawals kick in....could get ugly.