News Feature       

 
Swanni's 2006 Predictions!
(Part Three)
Click Here to Read Part One
Click Here to Read Part Two
TiVo gets a buyer; TV prices drop even further; and there could be a flurry of HDTV channel launches.
By Phillip Swann

16. Voom Will Get a Re-Birth
Voom, the satellite TV service, was closed by parent Cablevision early this year. However, a new company has formed to license the 21 original high-def channels that were available on Voom. As cable and satellite operators expand their high-def capacities, look for Voom's high-def channels to find a home in many lineups.

17. This Will Be the Year of the Video Blog
If this has been the decade of the blog, 2006 will be the year of the video blog. Known as vlog for short, small independent filmmakers are recording portions of their lives and posting them online. It's remarkably easy to do -- and the vlogs often provides more entertainment than a major network.

18. You'll See More Internet TV Devices
Spurred by video blogs and other Net-based video content, companies will begin launching set-tops, televisions and other devices that enable you to download Internet content and watch it on your TV. Internet TV could be the next big thing.

19. Porn HDTV DVDs Will Explode in 2006
I made this prediction last year, but I was a little early (no jokes on that one, please); Sony and Toshiba won't release their new high-def DVD players until early 2006. However, when they do, the porn industry will be ready with an ample supply of product. And adult fans will be ready to buy.

20. Microsoft Will Buy Its Way Into the Living Room
For years, Microsoft has invested billions in companies and products designed to bring its software into the American living room in addition to the office. The effort has been mixed at best, with disappointing results particularly for the Media Center PC and Interactive TV. However, Microsoft is rumored to be interested in a hostile takeover of cable set-top maker Scientific-Atlanta, which would give them a prime spot atop of the TV itself. The SA deal may not happen (Cisco, afterall, just purchased SA), but it could be a sign that Microsoft has finally decided to do whatever is necessary to crash the TV party.

21. The Multicasting Movement Will Be Slowed In 2006.
Congress, nor the FCC, are likely to force cable operators to carry multiple digital feeds from local channels in the new Digital TV law. Consequently, some local affiliates will re-think their plans to deliver multiple channels with their digital spectrum.

22. HDTVs In Hotel Room Will Encourage More People to Buy Sets For Their Homes
Several hotel chains, including Marriott, are adding high-def sets to certain luxury hotels. When people see that great picture in their rooms, they won't be content until they can see it in their homes as well.

23. The Rolled-Up TV Will Make Its Debut
For several years now, scientists have been working on a new display technology that will enable TV screens to be rolled up like newspapers. Well, the rolled-up TV screen will make its debut in 2006. The screen's flexibility will create some interesting new possibilities for mobile TV and other video-based content.

© TVPredictions.com
 

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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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