Video Is Growing Up

Video Is Growing Up
Andy Stetzinger
1-18-2007

Who would have thought that the Internet Video Evolution would start on TV? The paradox there is fantastic.

On one hand, we have PVR owners who record their favorite shows, then blaze through the commercials. Scott told me the other day it took him just over and hour and a half to watch a two hour show on his PVR.

On the other hand, we have advertisers trying to draw an audience via on air commercials. Over the last few days, I have seen quite a few commercials for online video competitions, suggestions, even shows that are releasing a prequel of the show online.

I asked Scott if he'd seen the commercials for "The Lot". It's a reality show that allows people to submit their own videos to enter the competition. If their videos make it in, they're accepted. Scott quickly reminded me of his "time altering experience" using his DVR that night.

The evolution is simple. Google bought YouTube, and peoples eyes popped open. They looked at YouTube and sat there, puzzled, trying to figure out what the business model behind YouTube was, and why Google would pay so much. In the process, more sites popped up surrounding the use of video on the Internet.

The difference? People are no longer "amazed" by video. People now "expect" video. They want to SEE the product in action. They want to watch. Sure, YouTube still draws it's crowds, but quality now counts.

So here we are. On one hand, the quality of TV programs is increasing (for the most part) to attract more viewers. On the other, advertisers and marketers for VON (video on the 'net) are now reaching out to the TV audience to pull them away.

We've got PVRs that allow you to control your TV experience, including skipping the commercials that the advertisers want you to see.

We've got hardware that connects to your TV that allows you to watch the broadcast on your computer no matter where you are... yes, you can sit in your coffee shop, and connect to your home network to watch your favorite show.

What's this all mean? Simple. VON is here, and it's growing up. The days of pointless videos is gone. If you waste your customers time and money with 3 minutes of "nothing", it'll be the last time you interact with that customer.

Check out our newsletter this week. I'll be sharing some tips on how to ensure your video is not a waste of time or money for your customers.

~Andy Stetzinger
Keything Marketing Technologies