Google TV and Apple TV Could Change Cable TV for the Good (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Streaming video is a big deal when it comes to mobile devices. Tablet computers are almost designed with the capability in mind, and many smartphones have the application as well. In fact the popularity of streaming video is putting the squeeze on traditional cable companies and the media companies that create the television shows, but does anyone have an advantage in the race for consumer dollars?

According to the Wall Street Journal, television revenue from advertising, cable subscriptions and the like tally around $150 billion per year, which means there is serious money up for grabs. However, there is little doubt that if Apple and Google have anything to say about television, the entertainment landscape will change in the coming years, especially due to the popularity of mobile devices.

Business Insider reports cable TV should take Google TV seriously. The article mentions the $100 million investment Google is making in original programming for YouTube. However, Netflix is also getting in on the exclusive programming game getting ready to revive "Arrested Development," according to the Los Angeles Times. Plus, The Week is reporting a lot of interesting features on the new Apple TV that could increase the streaming content competition.

Whether or not viewers will shift to the original programming offered by YouTube and Netflix is an interesting question; however, users need something to watch for free (OK, Netflix has a subscription fee) on all those new shiny devices. Television is changing, and there is room for new shows that could start to affect the traditional television viewing process, which is getting home and turning on the TV to see what is on. The change is that now viewers will know what is on, and be able to watch it on several different devices with no additional cost, and that should shake cable companies to the core.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/applecomputer/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111221/tc_ac/10717879_google_tv_and_apple_tv_could_change_cable_tv_for_the_good

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