The Smart TV-LED Content Revolution, Stage Three

If you39re keeping score I39m suggesting that the third stage of this content revolution is just around the corneramp160 Stage One was the arrival and development of Netflix Hulu Amazon Sony Crackle and CBS All Access as penetration of smart sets and devices among TV households started to climb midway through this decadeamp160 Stage Two taking place over the last 18 months is the variety of new niche services using these products as their primary or exclusive distribution avenue into householdsamp160 This assortment includes the likes of DC Universe ESPN AfrolifeTV Blueprint The Stage Network Revry Bizversity PassionFlix and recent newcomersamp160All Arts The Fantasy Network and Drink TV all existing on subscription or adsupported business models as smart products reachamp160the majority of TV households and haveamp160audiences that watch billions of hours of content and applications per monthIn Stage Three expectations are that this next set of new programming ventures will be challengers to the Stage One players offering a variety of original series and movies for different demographicsamp160 However the similarity may end thereamp160 Given that more smart product households can control how they watch and use TV by voice or voicepowered remotes thanks to the implementation of artificial intelligencepowered features such as Alexa Siri Google Assistant or Bixby there39s the possibility that interactivity with content advertising or both can be an important road to viewer acceptance off the batThe first sign of how Stage Three shapes up comes March 25 when Apple holds a showcase for its longanticipated TV programming venture at its Cupertino California headquartersamp160 Key celebrities involved with the venture through program development arrangements from Oprah Winfrey to Reese Witherspoon are expected to help Apple Chief Executiveamp160Tim Cookamp160and associates spill the detailsamp160 Some advance reports on this event infer that Apple may bundle their TV originals with other services such as a customized newsinformation appamp160 The advance word is that Apple will unveil a lineup of series and movies suitable for family viewing with a unique distribution planamp160Will there be some new developments for connecteddeviceamp160Apple TV as wellamp160 Not clear at this pointamp160Disney39s annual investor meeting scheduled for April 11 in Los Angeles represents the second stop on this new programming journeyamp160 A key focus of this event will be the first public presentation byamp160Disney the ambitious venture coming to smart TVs and devices this fallamp160 With Disney CEOamp160Bob Igeramp160as lead guide attendees will see the full range of original content in production or development for this directtoconsumer initiative as well as the contributions various Disney units from Pixar to Marvel will makeamp160 We already know a few highlights at least three Star Wars series two liveaction and one animated a High School Musical series and at least one liveaction Marvel superhero programThe unknown factor is how much Disney can say about what the abouttobe completed merger with 21st CenturyFox will bring to Disneyamp160 If the merger is completed by the end of March look for some hints on what contribution National Geographic can make hereIf some hints to that effect are not droppable at Disney39s investor meeting next month chances are plenty can be offered midway through the annual Digital Content NewFronts the week of May 1amp160 By then Disney will have majority control of Hulu and that venture leads off the foursome of participating ventures that dayamp160 We could learn how big Nat Geo or FX or Fox Searchlight39s yearold TV division which reportedly has a collection of series close to being greenlight will be as new Hulu sources of original programmingRight after Hulu wraps up retailing kingpin Walmart will make its NewFront debutamp160 So far the focus is about new series for videoondemand offering VUDU some generated from a major production deal with MGM TVamp160 All we know about this VUDU initiative is that MGM will supply a series version of its comedy hit Mr Momamp160 Between now and then Walmart may decide to use this event in part to go all in for interactive TV through converting Eko from website to smart TV attractionamp160 Walmart joined Samsung and MGM as a major Eko investor last year ponying up 250 millionThere39s one last outpost to be settled in this Stage Three public display and that39s in the hands of Warner Mediaamp160 Now that parent ATampampT has made its executive shuffle impacting the various Warner Media units HBO Turner Warner Bros etc will we see a multihour showcase during the big parade of broadcast and cable network Upfront events midMay as Turner has put forward most of the last decade to top reviews most times out If an event takes place will we get the first clear picture of Warner Media39s multitier content venture which like Disneyamp160has a fall debutWith elements of that venture adsupported and the original programming set to be introduced early 2020 according to recent ATampampT and Warner Media executive interviewsamp160I39ll lean in the direction of holding an Upfront event somewhere in New Yorkamp160 By then we all may be in the clear about what39s straight ahead on this medium39s horizonPhoto by Andres Jassoamp160 UnsplashClick the social buttons above or below to share this story with your friends and colleaguesThe opinions and points of view expressed in this content are exclusively the views of the author andor subjects and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNet Inc management or associated writers

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The Smart TV-LED Content Revolution, Stage Three

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Simon Applebaum

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The Smart TV-LED Content Revolution, Stage Three

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