If there's one trend I've seen in TV / video over the past five years that worries me, it's the fragmenting of the offerings (new content and old content), between the local cable / satellite vendor and a variety of streaming services. And in the last year the problem has accelerated (CBS planning on showing the new Star Trek only on its own CBS streaming channel is a good example).
That's a problem in two ways. First, it often means added cost. But second, it makes accessing those shows and movies a lot more difficult, as menus of offerings are fragmented and swapping between (or even seeing the offerings of) different sources becomes more and more inconvenient.
But technically, there's little reason for the cable box (et al.) keeping everything separate. If Comcast/Xfinity just sold cable content (bundled however they wanted), it would be relatively straightforward for an independent box to aggregate that, Netflix, Hulu, and various independent and network streaming services. I could look up a particular movie and TV show and have it accessible without jumping through virtual hoops on my TV and PC.
That would be pretty cool.
Is the FCC ready to think outside the set-top box?
That unsightly and costly metal box that funnels cable or satellite service into your TV might be going the way of the black rotary-dial telephone — in the technology trash heap.
