Video iPod: Could it really happen?

Discussing the possibility of Apple releasing a video iPod is certainly nothing new, and this morning the Wall Street Journal has chimed in (subscription required). According to the article, Apple has been in talks regarding the licensing of music videos for sale through the iTunes Music Store, fostering speculation about the release of a video-capable iPod, possibly by September. From the article: "Any foray into video would represent a major gamble by Apple that it could translate its smash success in digital music into a broader entertainment franchise.
If successful, such efforts could help create a significant new source of income for media companies that are stepping up efforts to distribute video content on the Internet, in part to counteract the growing volumes of pirated movies, television shows and other programs being traded online." I know what you're thinking, we've heard all of this before. I certainly agree, and I've even said that I don't see the usefulness of a video iPod, but now I'm rethinking the whole thing. More after the jump.

This morning at Apple Matters, James R. Stoup published an article in which he discusses the possibility. Mr. Stoup foresees an Apple-branded video download service with a set up similar to that of the iTunes Music Store. For a set price of, say, $10, you could download a DVD of Rocky II to your video iPod, plug it into your TV and enjoy the film. Perhaps the DRM worked into the deal would prevent burning a movie to DVD and require iPods to act as surrogate DVD players. An interesting idea, and my very brief synopsys does not do Mr. Stoup's article justice, so I recommend you go and read it.

He's got me thinking, tough. I've been wanting a television download service for ages now. If I suddenly have the urge to watch the Chinese restaurant episode of Seinfeld, followed by the season premiere of Monk and then The Simpsons, I simply navigate to each, purchase them and make a "lazy afternoon" playlist (or "viewlist?"). I'd also love to take my favorite television shows with me when I travel without having to lug along a slew of DVDs.

When the iPod photo was initially introduced, I failed to see the point. Then I remembered sitting around the slide projector when we were kids to view my father's slides. Connecting an iPod photo to a television is simply a contemporary equivalent, and I've found that people really like viewing photos this way. If I could carry several movies around with me on this tiny device I certainly would.

I also make lots of home videos of the kids. Imagine a future release of iLife with built in video iPod integration. Complete your iMovie project and export directly to your video iPod. Or better yet, send an iDVD project over, and view it on you television, complete with DVD menu controls that can be selected with the iPod's click wheel. Sure, you could still watch video on the iPod's tiny screen, but the real fun is the tremendous convenience of bringing countless photos plus comercial movies and home made videos with you in such a tiny little package.