http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/ Engadget Comments for NBC's Jeff Zucker talks about Boxee with congress, Boxee talks about The Facts with Jeff Zucker http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
/s]]>Feb 4th 2010 6:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
I'm surprised he still has a job.]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
go boxee]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 8:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
I hear him and Bobby Kotick are up for Time's Man of the Year for 2010...]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 9:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Alright, I'm probably going to be the only one in this whole thing defending this dude. Well at least explaining the issue, why it is 'smart', at least at this moment in time.

It's about one thing and one thing only - preserving cable subs. A home PC is not a threat. An HTPC is not a threat. Because they will never be a mainstream avenue to replace TV. It's an appliance thing. (same reason the iPad and others of its ilk will eventually be successful - it's an appliance that replaces what the mainstream uses a computer for). Boxee is an appliance.

You can argue till your face gets blue that a browser is an application and whatever, but it's all about platform.

There is, however, still an issue of piracy. That's where Hulu comes in. Hulu in its current incarnation is not meant to get too big... just like streaming Netflix, it's supposed to be good enough to be seen as a value add, but nowhere near a replacement. In 5 years? Sure, streaming quality will be up, DRM/subscription/pay-per-view/advertising models will be in better place, Comcast will get its stake in all of this. But that's not today.]]>Feb 5th 2010 10:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/I'm sorry, did you say blocking content from the people your providing it to is smart?]]>Feb 5th 2010 2:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Boxee is not an appliance. Not yet anyway. The boxee box is not out yet, and when Hulu started blocking Boxee, the 'box' was not even an announced product. Boxee was/is/and will continue to be, a program that runs on an HTPC or Desktop computer. And when Boxee does play Hulu videos, they play with all the commercials. There has never been a rational explanation offered for why they continue to block Boxee, or try to. I believe a rational explanation does actually exist. Hulu wants to control the entire browsing experience, not just the content. So, accessing their content, ads and all, without their interface is viewed by Hulu as an infringement on their brand. I would accept that. But they have not ever made that statement.]]>Feb 5th 2010 2:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 6:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
:D And anyways, how do you illegally take content that is available to anyone with a browser? All they did was make their own UI around it...ridiculous.]]>Feb 4th 2010 6:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
"You may not either directly or through the use of any device, software, internet site, web-based service or other means copy, download, stream capture, reproduce, duplicate, archive, distribute, upload, publish, modify, translate, broadcast, perform, display, sell, transmit or retransmit the Content unless expressly permitted by Hulu in writing. You may not incorporate the Content into, or stream or retransmit the Content via, any hardware or software application or make it available via frames or in-line links."]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/"You may not incorporate the Content into, or stream or retransmit the Content via, any hardware or software application or make it available via frames or in-line links"

If one interprets that line strictly without any loop holes (as it often is in courts) that line means that NO SOFTWARE (not even MSIE, any browser) can access HULU's content, because it is a software application, without written approval.

Does Microsoft, Opera, FireFox, _insert every other browser maker on planet earth here_, have expressed written permission from HULU to load hulu.com when typed in the address bar? I think not.

If they *really* cared about people grabbing their content, they wouldn't allow anyone to view it on ANY browser -- they would have a custom made application or ActiveX control that loads fully encrypted content and streams, and FORCE you to use that. They are just being douche bags toward Boxee.]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
What they didn't say is that the ONLY reason they don't want Hulu on Boxee is that Boxee allows an easy way to view content on your TV. Hulu.com is meant to be watched on a small computer screen. (I guess they didn't think through the idea of Media PCs.) If you want to watch the content on your TV, they want to make sure you watch it on their network, not Hulu.

It's absolutely ridiculous because it's fighting the way people access content. If Hulu was smart, they would embrace ventures like Boxee because it gives people MORE opportunities to watch their content (and see their ads). For instance, I almost never watch things when they air anymore. If it isn't online, I may not see it. NBC would be wise to embrace customers like me because I don't think I'm alone.]]>Feb 4th 2010 11:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Since when is Hulu's TOS "the law"?]]>Feb 4th 2010 11:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
If I understand correctly than those TOS would mean that Boxee did not violate them. They did not retransmit, copy or capture anything. They provided a browser to view the content on Hulu's webpage and not their own.

I really don't see how this merger is good for anyone. The less people creating & distributing content, the worse off we will be. Take a look at what just happened in Venezuela. 1 person in charge of all cable TV and he shuts off everyone that refuses to air his propaganda. Not good...]]>Feb 5th 2010 1:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
With all due respect - it's not simply about being on the TV. Hulu is about curbing piracy. People running HTPCs will never be in the mainstream. Those running appliances such a Boxee Box/Roku, etc will though.]]>Feb 5th 2010 10:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/EPIC RAID on Jeff Zucker...let's make it like the movie hackers when they owned that black secret service dude!]]>Feb 4th 2010 6:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 10:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Ohh god. Rick Boucher visits 4chan....]]>Feb 4th 2010 6:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 6:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Geez now I'm beginning to realize Zucker is a fun-sucker.. How am I supposed to watch Conan on my Boxee? Thanks buddy, now life sucks.]]>Feb 4th 2010 6:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 6:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/I can't believe he got rid of CoCo :(

The other stuff I can handle, but why CoCo!!! ]]>Feb 4th 2010 7:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.fakesteve.net/2010/02/my-little-pony-a-look-back.html]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Since NBC also owns ScyFy (i think?), I'm blaming this jerk for ending Battlestar Gallactica too!!

Down with the man!!]]>Feb 4th 2010 8:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 5th 2010 1:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
I don't expect everyone to be knowledgeable about everything and anything "tech," just like I'm not an expert in say, medical, economic or legal fields. If am confronted with a dilemma related to a specific subject I'm not familiar with, I do research, I look at all aspects and I make my assessment from the most logical perspective possible. If I'm unable to take those steps, I confer with someone who is an expert.

How about following some of those steps, Jeff Zucker, President & CEO of NBC Universal? Sound good? Yeah? Ok, good.]]>Feb 4th 2010 6:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
I find it hilarious that they want be paid for things that originate for broadcast anyway.]]>Feb 4th 2010 7:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 9:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
At least Mel Karmazin doesn't exude "dumb mule." At least I don't think he does, anyway.]]>Feb 4th 2010 9:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Anyway, Boxee wins just by being mentioned.]]>Feb 4th 2010 7:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/As with anyone in Congress, they have young aides who do the research and come up with talking points for their boss. I doubt any of these people in Congress wouldn't be able to tell you the diff between 802.11 and 802.16.]]>Feb 4th 2010 7:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 10:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Nonetheless -- it was a good question, and a horrible response.]]>Feb 4th 2010 10:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
Interesting, I grew up in Boucher's district, and I think his main "home" office is in my home town. I'm just as (if not more) surprised that it was Boucher who brought up Boxee, as my area tends to be a bit behind on the whole technological forefront dealie.

Either way, SWVA represent! Thanks Boucher, for exposing even more-so the enormous douche that is Jeff Zucker.]]>Feb 4th 2010 11:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 5th 2010 1:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 5th 2010 7:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
I agree... but simply because he used the word "illegally." Even if what Boxee did was against the TOS, there is a large difference between violating TOS and violating the law.

Did they violate the TOS? Debatable.
Did they violate the law? Absolutely not. Not even a little bit.]]>Feb 4th 2010 9:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 5th 2010 1:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/
In other news... I really can't wait for the Boxee Box! :-D]]>Feb 4th 2010 7:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 7:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/I'm with CoCo!]]>Feb 4th 2010 7:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/nbcs-jeff-zucker-talks-about-boxee-with-congress-boxee-talks-a/Feb 4th 2010 9:43PM