In2TV sets the scene for future content distribution
3 May 2006
News
AOL, something of a latecomer to the world of video-on-demand (VOD), recently launched a free VOD service, specialising in reruns of classic television show episodes from the Warner catalogue, along with a smattering of clips for current and new shows.
This broadband video service called In2TV, is browser-based, and requires Windows XP, Internet Explorer 6 and Windows Media Player 10, with Javascript, ActiveX and cookies enabled.
According to ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com), the In2TV (www.aol.com/in2tv) business model is surprisingly similar to traditional TV broadcasting: episodes are bracketed with video ads (at present shorter than standard television ads), and static ads adorn the web page. Given the outstanding questions about the amount of content most users want to access on their computers as opposed to their TV sets, it says that AOL appears to be co-marketing the service with Intel's Viiv technology, ads for which appear on most pages of the site.
Michael Arden, ABI Research's principal broadband and multimedia research analyst says, "The AOL model shows that VOD is moving beyond a movies-on-demand framework as users get more comfortable with the technology. Eventually, all programming will be offered in an on-demand environment, and this is a first, significant step in that direction."
Shows can be viewed in a small window or full-screen, but even with a fast broadband connection, resolution and dynamic range do seem to suffer slightly at the full-screen setting, he says. For those who demand more, AOL offers its free enhanced 'Hi-Q' streaming format plugin, which claims to deliver DVD quality at full frame rates.
"In2TV's content, pricing, and easy availability on the Internet makes it a good experiment in how content will be distributed in the future," adds Arden. "The AOL offering is a preview of how Internet companies will aggregate content to become portals for video programming."
Further reading:
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.
Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
printer friendly version