The Battleground in '08
We were at our friend’s new house last week and I spend some time talking with him about his plans to install a multi-zone video and audio system, something like eight zones I recall. Their old TV set is pictured here, the new 60" plasma will hang over the fireplace thought he has not decided which brand. I was telling my friend about Netflix streaming to pc and suggested having his AV company install a rack mounted server to stream content to the TV and even other sets in the house. Too complex he told me, I want something I can operate with one remote. I have too many already.
With the announcement of the partnership with LG to integrate Netflix streaming services directly into the form factor, I emailed the New York Times article to him with a positive reply. Will he wait until the second quarter of this year, not sure, if he does, will the service work seamlessly for someone who is not tech savvy?
The Netflix solution is a bold and correct step for the company and will give them a new lease on life. The question, can they integrate into "enough" brands to penetrate the living rooms of America in a meaningful enough way?
Even in a case where money is not the main issue and he could install a Crestron or other system, the more important factor is what is easy enough for the individual which I am reminded is unique to each of us, and therefore there can not be one solution or killer app.
