I am not always right, but I'll put my track record up against anyone. (See Swanni's 2005 Predictions.)
So, here are Swanni's 2006 Predictions for TV Technology!
1. Yahoo to Buy TiVo
I've been saying for years that TiVo needs a buyer with deep pockets and even deeper connections. The company is struggling to generate new subscribers because cable and satellite operators are offering their own DVR services. But Yahoo, which is increasingly becoming an entertainment company rather than just an search engine portal, would be a perfect match for TiVo. Yahoo is looking to expand its entertainment offerings online and on TV-based products, such as the television itself. TiVo, which now has nearly four million subscribers, would provide an ideal short cut.
TiVo will also attract the interest of Yahoo rival Google and it's possible that we'll see a Google-TiVo deal instead. But I think Yahoo will win out.
2. CBS to Launch VOD Digital TV Channel
CBS chief Les Moonves is eager to find new ways to generate revenue for the tiffany network. The company has partnered with Comcast to offer CBS shows on demand for 99 cents each and it's likely to secure similar deals with DIRECTV and others. But that won't satisfy Moonves. He will push the network to launch an exclusive Digital TV channel that will offer CBS shows on demand. To accomplish this, he will have to share the revenue, of course, with the cable and satellite operators (who will have to agree to carry the channel.) But I think it will happen, perhaps sooner than later.
3. DIRECTV Will Emerge As the HDTV Leader.
With the satcaster launching four new satellites, it will be able to offer more HD channels than any other cable or satellite provider by the end of 2006. However, DIRECTV desperately needs to shore up its customer service area to handle the expanded services.
4. Several More HDTV Networks Will Launch in 2006.
We already know that MTV, National Geographic, HGTV and Fox will launch new high-def channels in 2006. But with DIRECTV -- and some cable operators -- expanding their high-def capacities, look for more HD launches, such as CNN and a few other surprises.
5. Plasma TV 'Enhanced-Definition' Prices Will Hit $1,000 By the 2006 Holidays, With Plasma HDTVs Falling Below $1,500.
In December 2006, I believe you'll see 42-inch Plasma HDTV-ready sets available for $1299, perhaps lower. TV makers are ramping up production of flat-screen sets so prices will fall even further.
This is what many consumers have been waiting for.
6. Rear-Projection TV Sales Will Suffer in 2006 And Beyond.
Many consumers have purchased rear-projection HDTVs because their prices are lower than flat-screen HD sets. But with flat-screen prices falling, there will be less reason to buy a rear-projection set.
7. But Rear-Projection HDTV Prices Will Drop Under $500
To keep sales healthy, rear projection HDTV makers will be forced to lower prices for big-screen sets to under $500. For instance, a 52-inch HDTV-ready set is available now in some stores for $899, but next year it will be $499, or lower.
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