Media Meld: Google Acquires SageTV
As companies develop or acquire media management software, online and broadcast TV advertising will discover closer ties. In that vein, Google bought the technology from SageTV, a company that makes home theater software for PCs, also known as HTPC.
Jeffrey Kardatzke, chief technology officer and founder of the software company, announced the news over the weekend.
The SageTV software offers full digital video recording capabilities -- the ability to skip commercials and easily browse movies and content. In allows Internet video support by category, and Hulu and Netflix support for the living room, desktop, mobile and cars. Google will no doubt roll in some SageTV technology into Google TV.
Although there has been no word on why Google wants the technology, it is speculated that it will likely create a place-shift-type technology geared toward advertising for live and stored content.
In 2002, SageTV's technology became one of the first to turn computers with TV tuners into DVRs. The technology can support nearly any audio or visual file. The company released version 7.1.9 of the software last week, announcing it via a Twitter post.
The open technology will likely give developers access to more options to develop features and apps. "We've seen how Google's developer efforts are designed to stimulate innovation across the Web, as developers have played a core role in the success of SageTV," Kardatzke wrote. "We think our shared vision for open technology will help us advance the online entertainment experience."
Google had partnered with Netflix, Sony, Logitec and NBC for streaming services and hardware, but since the launch, the first version of the TV had mixed reviews.
0 comments on "Media Meld: Google Acquires SageTV".
Leave a Comment
Recent Online Media Daily Articles
-
Consumer Action: Most Web Users Want Control Over Tracking June 18, 8:20 p.m.
Most Web users have expectations about privacy that appear to be at odds with current practices ... -
Affiliate Channels Attract Global Buying, Tailored Marketing Programs June 18, 5:54 p.m.
The Internet continues to make the world smaller for affiliate marketers, but there are physical challenges ... -
Microsoft Rolls Out Ad Pano, Mobile Ad Format June 18, 3:03 p.m.
With the help of the broader ad industry, Microsoft this week is rolling out a mobile ... -
Kiip Debuts Self-Serve Option For Advertisers June 18, 2:23 p.m.
Mobile rewards network Kiip has added a self-serve option for advertisers aimed at attracting more small- and medium-sized ... -
Mindshare Taps Elkins As Managing Director, Digital, West Coast June 18, 1:51 p.m.
Mindshare, part of WPP's GroupM, has tapped digital marketing veteran Amy Elkins to be managing director, ... -
Blogging Stake: WPP Invests In Muzy June 18, 9:12 a.m.
WPP has taken a stake in Muzy Inc., an early-stage micro-blogging service focused on mobile content ... -
MSN, Newsy Partnership To Debut June 18, 7:40 a.m.
MSN on Tuesday is expected to announce a partnership with mobile-focused video news network Newsy. Similar to ... -
ZO Shaves Global Ad Outlook: Says Internet, Especially Mobile, Will Be Greatest Growth Engines June 18, 7:34 a.m.
The global ad economy now is expected to expand only 3.5% this year, according to the ... -
Google Enhanced Campaigns Increase Cost Per Click June 18, 12:05 a.m.
Search advertisers will need to learn how to compensate for rising costs per click as Google ... -
Publicis Groupe's VivaKi Influences Mass Relevance Social Road Map June 17, 9 p.m.
VivaKi Ventures has gained input into Mass Relevance's product road map to influence features and functions ...
This may be an early hint at the future of DVRs. I can foresee their demise as web and TV become integrated and personal storage channels link to the creator's content hosted on their properties perhaps for a micro-fee or subscription.
Perhaps it will be a subscription portal like Netflix. Paying a monthly fee that allows for saving, access and search for various shows on a favorites or recommendation list? We will then have full cloud access to all content and the shape of the portals and gatekeepers has yet to be determined.