Subscribe now

Technology

Internet TV at a crucial fork in the road

By Mark Anderson

7 December 2005

A STRUGGLE has begun for the future of television transmission over the internet. Its outcome will dictate whether the net becomes an outlet for programmes and films that cater to a diverse variety of tastes, or merely another source of bland reruns and repackaged shows from mainstream TV.

TV companies are already experimenting with internet broadcasts. Services range from rebroadcasts of old programmes, such as Warner Brothers and AOL’s In2TV, launching in January, to the Apple iTunes Music Store’s sale of new episodes from US series such as Lost and Desperate Housewives. With each network hoping to gain a…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop