Sony, Matsushita and others plan to create standard for Internet TVs
By Donald Melanson 
posted Aug 9th 2006 5:15PM
posted Aug 9th 2006 5:15PM
Exact deets are still a bit scarce, but the AP recently reported that Sony, Matsushita, Sharp, Toshiba, and Hitachi have joined forces to create a standard for Internet-connected televisions. The alliance has come together under the TV Portal Service Corp banner which, as far as we can tell, is still operating in stealth mode without so much as a website. Sony and Matsushita look to be the major players in the new consortium, with a 35% share each. What we do know is that the Internet TVs will be Linux-based and will be operated just with a remote control instead of a keyboard, although we're guessing that'll still be an option. Despite the lack of details, it appears that things are progressing pretty quickly, with the first Internet TVs expected to go on sale as early as next year, and with sales projected to reach 10 to 20 million units by the year 2011. All of this is in Japan only, of course -- hope you didn't get your hopes up too much.
There already is an internet TV standard. It's called QuickTime along with the QuickTime Streaming Server.
This is called: "Hey, lets all get in on this while the DRM is HOT!"
I HOPE this doesn't come to the States.
Clueless companies try to do something new. How do you spell pathetic? with one T or two? ;-)
"irony is like goldy or bronzy, only different"
Baldrick
Sony has had a poor history of working with "standards":
- UMD
- Beta
- Memory Stick
- Bluray
Who do you trust?
we all know how successfull proprietry sony formats are...
Sony is going to push back the playstation 3 to 2008 so that it is compatible with the Intarweb Televisions
What makes something "internet TV"?
Do we get to add our own channels by assigning URLs to channel numbers? Or is this just going to be regular cable TV over an internet connection?
Hope that's not the case. I'd like to see a real system that allows anybody to start their own TV channel just like anyone can start their own website.
Sony is going to push back the playstation 3 to 2008 so that it is compatible with the Intarweb Televisions
Ha ha you wish
It's time Sony
Wow what a suprise a Japanese dominated lineup.
> Hope that's not the case. I'd like to see a real system that allows anybody to start their own TV channel just like anyone can start their own website.
Already can, QuickTime... QuickTime Streaming Server... and they're both free.
You guys are morons. At least read the link;
The Internet TVs will features a remote control that allows online access with the touch of a button and will also eliminate the need for a personal computer keyboard to make the gadget more user-friendly, the Nihon Keizai said.
The new televisions will use Linux operating systems instead of Microsoft Windows, it added. That feature is aimed at cutting the time needed to boot up and reducing the risk of virus infection.
...so basically, its about browsing the web from a normal TV. The joint venture will most likely develop the OS and other software components. It has nothing to do with quicktime or streaming video.
A limited open source (Darwin) version of Quicktime's Streaming Server is free. For full streaming abilities you need OSX Server. Flash Video Streaming Server used to be free, but that isn't the case anymore. I don't know why people are complaining about Sony though. Their formats for the most part use the same codec standards as everyone else (Blu-Ray uses the same codecs that HD-DVD does, UMD discs use a version of mpeg-10 that is very common and used in many products, etc). I wouldn't worry about Sony's past since if they want to create a standard it'd have to be open to all, or at least they would have to release information to make it standard, or it won't be any more popular than RealServer, Quicktime Streaming Server, etc.
- Tony R.
hmurchison:
Yes, SURPRISE INDEED, especially when the target market is Japan!
Um how funny is this alliance... all Japanese corps. trying to find something they can manipulate and offer limited freedom to end-users. I second the motion of NOT allowing this thing to come to the U.S. unless is manipulated by U.S. based companies like Hewlett-Packard. Enough is Enough!
That’s great “Tony Rayo”, but how am I supposed to play my UMD Movies? In my Beta-Max? Which is the material POINT, of this Sony Bashing. The world does NOT need yet ANOTHER Sony standard on Memorystick Duo, chewo, brewo, bluh, bluh, bluh. Damn-it Enough already! I’m tired.
You can already eliminate the keyboard and mouse for an internet TV. Try www.triggerfingersoftware.com for software that enables you to use your game controller as a complete QWERTY keyboard and mouse combo
You can already eliminate the keyboard and mouse for an internet TV. Try www.triggerfingersoftware.com for software that enables you to use your game controller as a complete QWERTY keyboard and mouse combo
A good tv will last over 10 years. A "web-tv" computer will go obsolete in 2 years. I don't want that kind of component built into my tv.
And, enough with "deets" already.
This isn't the first time Sony and other companies created standards. Remember cds and dvds? Enough with the Sony bashing
"That feature is aimed at cutting the time needed to boot up and reducing the risk of virus infection."
Thing is, Linux can be just as hackable as Windows. Any software beyond trivial applications will contain bugs, some of which could be exploitable.
A leaked image of Sony's new top secret internet ready TV control.(!)
http://cdrhard.cz/gallery/1146485404_nintendo_wii_controller.jpg
Hm...
This must be a leaked image of Sony's new super secret internet ready TV controls.(!)
http://cdrhard.cz/gallery/1146485404_nintendo_wii_controller.jpg
@I, Robot:
Without standards, there'd be no CD, no DVD, no VHS (non-Sony, but it's in the same field), and many others. Get past your blind Sony hatred and start to see things as what they are.
The point of all of this Sony hatred? Sony's bad decisions, yes, but you're just doing nothing but beating a dead horse. If you're tired of Sony's proprietary crap, then I'm also tired of the constant bashing and filling up of comment sections by fanboys like you. Grow up and let your money do the talking. That way, it'll be able to send a more profound wake-up call to Sony rather than the useless rubbish that you call your 'internet opinion'.
Idiots. Where is Microsoft - take control of this stupid Japanese alliance...
great! now my tv is going to have a root kit and track everything i watch.
i give it two months after it comes to market before its hacked and soft modded.
Firstly, why all the bashing because there's no American companies when clearly this standard is designed for the Japanese market, not the American?
Secondly, Microsoft? This thing's using Linux.
Third, why are you all associating this alliance with Sony. Are you forgetting all of the other companies involved?
Damn sony with your formats!! None of them are succesful
Dvd rom
Cd rom
all failures
Drew and Bob there's no use arguing with these idiots. i see all these names: Sony, Matsushita, Sharp, Toshiba, and Hitachi. who do the idiots choose to single out? sony. how pathetic. the sony hatred is ridiculous. these people need to get the sticks out of their asses.
btw good job double posting that lame old joke beans
"Sony has had a poor history of working with "standards":
- UMD
- Beta
- Memory Stick
- Bluray
Who do you trust?:"
first off, those are FORMATS, not standards. typical blind sony hate right there. secondly, all those formats are still around. umd movies were a bad move from the start, but you forget that psp games are also on umds. umd is a portable format morons. only an idiot would ask "how am i supposed to watch this umd on my tv?" beta is still used by news stations and bluray is barely out of the gates.
you guys DO KNOW that the cd was created by philips AND sony right? i guess you forgot.
Our company, Charging Bull Entertainment has developed and is about to launch a ComputerTV Combo called CBE1000. Essentially, it is an LCD TV with computer built in. It's abilities are the same as any other modern computer, with 4 USB ports, CD/DVD Drive, Internet/ Ethernet connection plus it is a regular Television.
The internet/ computer is accessed by changing the channel, just like an auxilary item such as a DVD or VCR.
The features are, that you can access the Internet, send and recieve emails, Create documents and all other manner of computer usage.
It is also a DVD player and CD Music Player plus you can play all your MP3 files either directly from your PC function or through the USB. You can attach an amplifyer to the rear which enables the unit to use exterior speakers.
Of course it is also a TV. We have also chosen to stick with a traditional format of wireless keyboard & mouse so as not to confuse existing users.
The beauty of the USB ports is that if you choose to add additional hardware, (joysticks for PC Games etc), they will be a standard item you can purchase from any computer premises.
The expected purchase cost would be $1500 (Australian Dollars) for 27". (Sizes and pricing goes up depending on size of unit).
Remember, this will be a LCD TV, DVD Player and PC 'All-In-One' Unit.
Having viewed your opinions and views we would appreciate your input and assessment on our product in the market and whether you would purchase it.
Regards
Charging Bull Entertainment