GridNetworks goes over the top of everyone
ContentAgenda.com
By Paul Sweeting -- Video Business, 11/17/2008 12:51:00 PM
Content distribution network provider GridNetworks on Monday unveiled a new streaming platform that allows content owners to deliver video directly to a TV set, bypassing online portals like Hulu or YouTube and eliminating the need for a dedicated set-top box.
Dubbed GridCast, the new platform leverages the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) standard developed by the Digital Living Network Alliance already used by Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3 and many Web-enabled TV sets.
According to GridNetworks CEO Tony Naughton, that currently adds up to roughly 35 million TV sets that digital content owners and distributors can reach directly without having to persuade consumers to buy and install a new device in their homes.
GridCast supports resolutions “up to HD,” according to Naughton.
Because GridCast is a service that GridNetwork licenses to the content owner, there is no need for content owners to work through an separate online portal or third party distributor.
Instead, the content owner retains control over the revenue model, as well as the customer relationship.
So far, three content providers have signed up to use the new platform: IndieFlix; Revision3 and havocTV.
More licensees are expected to be announced soon, Naughton told Content Agenda.
“With GridCast, our viewers get to watch indie films on their TVs, and we don't have to deal with multiple vendors or distribution deals to get access to those TVs,” IndieFlix CEO Scilla Andreen said in a statement provided by Grid. “We also don’t have to give our content to a third party, or negotiate with cable or satellite providers.”
Still to be determined: GridNetworks’ own revenue model for the new service.
“We’re probably going to end up with something like a fee per minute streamed but we’re still working on it,” Naughton said.
GridNetworks is backed by Cisco and Comcast Interactive Capital as well as Panorama Capital.
Today’s press release is here.
