Netflix + iTunes + Video games

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be a panelist at the Virtual Worlds 2007 Conference.  One of the benefits of being a speaker is getting a pass to see other panels, and in one particular panel, Blake Lewin, VP of Product Development of Turnet Broadcasting was speaking.  One of the questions asked was the content viewing habits of the speakers.  About half of the people on the panel, including Blake, said they don't watch cable or broadcast TV.  You may think a VP at Turner Broadcasting, not subscribing to cable or satellite is ludicrous, but Blake had a very good answer to his content consumption:  He said "Netflix + iTunes + video games".  Why on earth those three?  The answer may give a glimpse of what the future of content will look like.

Why Netflix?  Because it's one of the most convenient ways to watch premium content, i.e. movies.  You order it online and it shows up at your door, the selections are endless, and the price is affordable.  Once we have wireless HDMI, (or long enough VGA cables) it will be seamless to connect a laptop to a LCD TV and with the downloadable version of Netflix you will watch high quality movies instantly.  Companies like Azureus, are already bringing high definition content to your PC.

Why iTunes?  Because that's where you get all the other premium content, namely, TV shows & music.  Today you can watch Desperate Housewives, Grey's anatomy, Mad Money all on iTunes.  Again it's convenient, instant, and affordable.  Between Netflix & iTunes you are almost 100% there.

Why video games?  Because that's the endgame.  Video games are content that you interact with.  Now that's a big deal.  It is high quality content, it is immersive (try the Wii), and it is highly satisfying because of its interactivity.  One sometimes wonders why anybody would watch an action movie, instead of playing a video game where you are in the action.  There will be a day, when most entertainment can and will come through videogames, simply because people will prefer being involved in action instead of just watching it.  I've written about Hollywood vs. video games before here.

So Blake may be a Broadcasting executive who doesn't watch broadcast TV, but he sure understands where the future of content and entertainment is going.