Apple TV, Internet Trends and What it Means for YOU!
May 30th, 2007
Just announced a few hours ago:
YouTube Coming th Apple TV
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/05/30appletv.html
Well gang, this is exciting news and is consistant with the direction of web video that we have been following and featuring here on the Reels in Motion site.
What is the big deal? Up until now, we all had to sit at our little computer monitors (even 17″ and 21″ monitors are tiny compared to our big HD flatpanel screens. 
Now, with Apple TV being able to stream YouTube videos, we can enjoy these videos on our televisions. Just like anything in iTunes will be able to play on our Apple TVs.
One reason this is BIG news is that it takes “internet video” from something cheap to something that is watched on the same device that we watch network television and our blockbuster movies. These shows are now “bigger” and respected much more.
Your video podcast is now one menu away from “Lost” or “24.” How’s that for legitimate. This isn’t to say the videos we watch from YouTube are going to be any better than they are now. No.
With this move, it will stress how easy it is for anyone to be a producer. We are seeing a multitude of podcasts (audio and video) that are very high quality and some are even shot in better resolution than the stuff you can buy from Apple, plus these podcasts are FREE!
Little by little, the mainstream media is being sidestepped. There are already dozens of broadcast quality television shows available as a podcast only. Now, they download to my Apple TV and I can watch them when I want, and this is the key.
The TV Shows I Want, When I Want
Remember the days when if you wanted to be on TV you had to either get a show produced, pitch it through one of the networks (or on cable) or else just purchase the airtime? And what were the chances your target audience would be watching at that time?
With the increase in these podcasts and the news from Apple, we will see the shift in the next three to four years of people watching the shows that they want, whenever they want. Since podcasts downloaded to Apple TV or iPods can be watched anytime, not just during their “broadcast” time, and since we’ll have the power to watch specialized shows that interest us, devices like Apple TV are going to become very popular.
Where is it headed?
This also means that you will be able to reach your customers and your clients much faster and much cheaper than you can now. You can produce an audio or video podcast about topics in your area of expertise, or just fun shows. You’ll become a regular guest in their house as they watch or listen to your show each week.
Own a restaurant, produce a show about interesting meals. Own an auto shop? How about a weekly Q&A about car questions. There’s already a national radio show on NPR called “Car Talk” that I listen to reguarly. You’re a magician? Produce a weekly or bi-weekly magic show that features a “trick of the week.”
Be creative and start producing something that your clients would find interesting, valuable, entertaining or all of the above.
And when they get hungry, they will stop by your restaurant. When they have a problem with their car, they’ll stop by your auto shop. When they are having an event that needs entertainment, they’ll hire you.
The ground is shifting as you read this. The question is, will you have the foundation ready or will you still be looking for a map after the city is built?
To get an idea of what can be done, visit our “netcasting” site: Reels in Motion .tv or visit us on iTunes and subscribe to our podcast.
Categories: Distribution | Tags: internet video, podcast, podcasting, trends | No Comments
