Don't touch that dial

Some of you may remember when long long ago in a vastly different era, we only got three or four TV stations (we also had to call the operator to make a long distance phone call, but that's another story).   Anyway, they were received via an antenna on the roof pointed toward the closest big city.  The pictures were black and white and really bad compared to today's standards.

 

Then came color and a few more stations.  And, then came cable.  Cable was first helpful in remote areas and usually did nothing more than redistributed TV signals from far away cities to homes that otherwise would have received nothing.

But, in 1975, HBO brought the next evolution, as the first non over-the-air programming service that was available only if you subscribed to cable.  Of course since then, hundreds of such providers make their programs available if you subscribe to cable or satellite.  They changed the game of television, dramatically reducing the number of viewers who would watch the traditional networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and now Fox and the CW).

Now, a new player is emerging that likely will likely reduce the influence  of cable and satellite.  It has been stumbling along for a few years, but now, for the first time, it has become a viable viewing alternative.  It is online distribution of original programming.

Up until now, the quality of entertainment programs viewable only on the web has been, for the most part, elementary.  Sure there are some funny things to watch on YouTube, along with some interesting and instructional videos.  But it's not the type of thing where you would really want to invest much time into, especially if you're watching it on your 55 inch HDTV.   Most of the online material suitable for watching has been the redistribution of shows that have already been aired elsewhere, either on broadcast TV or cable. 

Last year, Hulu  began experimenting with original content for online to mixed reviews.  Two other companies, Deluxes and Crackle, are attempting to jump into the online waters as well.   

One online provider has suddenly and quickly jumped to the head of the pack. Netflix, which streams online for a monthly subscription of $7.99, has become the first to have a bonafide hit series, available only on the web. 

I had read about "House of Cards," a drama/comedy which features an impressive cast anchored by Kevin Spacey.   Now, I am hooked.  So, apparently are many others.   Three weeks ago, IMBd (which tracks movie/TV viewership) said its measuring service has determined that House of Cards is currently the most popular TV show in the world.   Unbridled by distribution roadblocks which limit the viewership of cable and satellite (and of course local TV signals), Netflix is making its series available beyond the borders.  And it is working.

The production is up to par with HBO, the writing is better than anything on broadcast TV, and there are no commercials (remember, Netflix is already a pay service, like HBO).  Furthermore (and this is where I wrongly figured it would be frustrating to watch) the picture quality is excellent.  Even here in Mexico where the Internet is notoriously slow and undependable, it is HD quality.  You forget you are watching something that is coming over an  old DSL phone line as compared to satellite.  

The challenge for the up and coming online providers may be simplifying the process by which you can watch their offerings.   As of now, it is not as basic as turning on the TV and changing channels.  But as newer models become available, integration of online content into TV tuners and video players is advancing.

For now, the threat of online providers taking over for local TV and cable/satellite stations is minimal.  Of course, that's what they said when cable TV first came about.  And when HBO came about (broadcasters saying "no one will pay to watch TV.")

And for those whose voices are increasingly heard lambasting the current cable/satellite model (both programming and cost), wouldn't it be nice to really be able to cut the proverbial cable cord once and for all, and rely instead on online content ... choosing what you want to watch when you want to watch it.  We better be careful what we wish for.