Boxee could bridge Internet and TV Video

Bridging the gap between television and Internet video is going to become increasingly important in coming years. With formerly print publications adding video to their content, and formerly broadcast companies adding print websites, the ability to exist across mediums will come in incredibly useful. An article in The Guardian yesterday explored this emerging problem and what the possible solutions currently being offered were.

The first technology discussed is one that many of us are aware of: the xbox. Formally known as XBMC, xbox technology was one of the first to integrate television and Internet content. Many people who play interactive video games on their television already know this. Gamers are currently able to communicate on their Xboxes with each other while playing a game on their television.

Another product that offers interaction and connectivity between Internet and television is called the Boxee. Boxee lets you navigate TV shows, movies, websites, movies, and photos on your television. Internet channels such as Hulu exist along side traditional channels like CBS and CNN.

As magazines and newspapers explore their relationships with video content further, I think this technology has potential to be very promising. Eventually, the New York Post or Daily News can have a television channel with their web video content which exists along side other broadcast news outlets on consumer’s televisions. Boxee also has additional benefits such as being able to see what your friends are watching or what they recommend through the incorporation of social media technology.

With Boxee currently offering premium services such as paying for major league baseball on demand, I see no reason why they couldn’t offer a future service such as a flat rate “video newspaper subscription” which could prove to be another revenue stream for struggling media companies.