May 22, 2007
Some of the Challenges Joost faces
A very interesting read from the San Francisco Chronicle, on Joost and other online video services targeted to the growing number of people around the globe who have access to high-speed Internet.
"Joost isn't the only company that has recognized the trend. It faces competition from just about every direction.
Telecommunications carriers are developing set-top boxes that download shows from the Web. Television networks such as ABC have set up their own sites and are encouraging fans to go there to watch their shows.
Apple is selling television and movie downloads from iTunes, which customers can transfer to their iPod, as well as to their television set via the new Apple TV.
BitTorrent, which developed the original peer-to-peer technology that made sharing large files possible, also has launched a download service with high-definition content.
Another challenge: While Joost has a growing list of programming, it isn't exclusive. Its partner, Turner Broadcasting System, for instance, also has a deal with Veoh. Warner sells its television shows on BitTorrent and iTunes. The National Hockey League also supplies clips for YouTube and Google.
Joost's success doesn't have to be at the expense of someone else, or the other way around, said Brent Weinstein, head of digital media at the United Talent Agency, which represents some of Hollywood's biggest stars and has been evaluating Joost for its clients. "It's not like traditional film and television where everyone is fighting over rare and finite time slots," he said.
Image from FutureLAB.
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