More and more HDTVs are connecting to the web

Televisions from companies like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and others have changed in a very large way.  They feature an RJ45 connection or have a wireless network card built in to allow it to access the web.  They connect to the web in order to access content such as weather, photos, stocks, news and more.  Below is an image from a Samsung HDTV.

There have been announcements from companies like Netflix, and Blockbuster who will be allowing their customers to watch movies instantly on their televisions.  There is also content from providers like YouTube, as well as cooking lessons, and exercise instructions. 

The largest problem is that all of these manufacturers are all following their own implementation of how an internet connected television should act, interface with the web, and provide video content.  This means that the experience when you buy a Sony BRAVIA will different from the experience on a Samsung Luxia.  If you picked up a Panasonic Viera, it would be completely different as well.

This becomes a pain point for these TV manufacturers.  Not only are the cable and satellite companies fighting each other, but they are now fighting the people who make the televisions to prevent customers from avoiding paying by providing this online content.  Many aren’t aware, but in the background there are conversations going on where the cable and phone companies who control internet access are pushing to allow themselves the opportunity to make it harder for people to enjoy video content online.  They aren’t enjoying getting a smaller cut of the entertainment dollar and are getting creative to get it back.

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