Great Content (Arcade Fire) + Great Technology (Google) + Great Vision = Magic!

One of the greatest things about my job is to have a front row at the tremendous transformative potential and power of technology. And, when that power meets great content -- and is overseen by inspiration -- the potential is truly magical. It isn't 1+1=3. It is more like 1+1=10. And, one of those moments happened today. The content? A song from a great band -- Arcade Fire. The technology -- Google's. The vision? Not quite sure -- but, whoever had it just did something truly unique -- and terribly impactful (in the very best possible way). Check it out by clicking on this link here.

Specifically, the tech world is still buzzing today from a single truly inspired video (actually, it was more of a multi-media experience, but I will call it a "video" for lack of a better word). The "video" is for a great new Arcade Fire song called "We Used to Wait" -- and the video itself, which is titled "The Wilderness Downtown" (which is a line from that song), billed itself as an "experiment," announcing with bravado to the world -- as it should -- that it was different. And, it implored the visitor to participate in that experiment -- to enter the world in that experiment. Literally, to enter that world. Or, more accurately, enter their own world -- their own former world, more accurately. Their own past. Their own childhood.

And, when they did, every participant in this experiment experienced something completely different from that one single video, because no two plays of that single video were the same -- precisely because no two lives and pasts are the same. Yet, it was one single video -- a single video that yielded an unending string of results and experiences. It was immersive, it was interactive, it was completely unique.

Confused? Don't worry -- just try it -- click here. Dive in. Sit back. Enjoy. Think.

In this world of fast food disposable and copy-cat experiences, these types of pure moments of inspiration should be savored. This is cool ... very cool. And, I have no doubt that this kind of inspiration and vision inspires others to explore uncharted territory and to think differently. It certainly inspired me -- and countless others -- to talk about it. And to spread the word, because the word deserved to be spread (both about the band, and the technology that enabled the band's vision to be realized).

As much as I liked the band before -- and I did (I just recently blogged about their great new album) -- my respect is now even greater. This band -- and those around them -- are shooting for greatness.

And, score they did ...

Loved it. Loved every minute of it. Loved the music. Loved the technology and presentation that it enabled (I re-visited every childhood home of mine, as well as my first home in LA). Loved the unique experience it created. And, ultimately, loved the passion.

Arcade Fire -- truly on fire!

My Interview with NewTeeVee -- My "Two Cents" About Online Video

This past week, Liz Shannon Miller of NewTeeVee interviewed me in her inimitable "5 Questions" manner. I give my "two cents" about a number of things -- including (1) what's holding back the online video industry; (2) where I would park my investment money in our online video space; (4) where do I believe Apple is heading in the online video marketplace; and (4) the state of Sorenson Media's financing. Here is the link to the interview.

Congrats to Keith Kocho (as Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire ExtendMedia)

Congrats to my cousin's husband, tech entrepreneur Keith Kocho, Founder & President of video content management systems company ExtendMedia! Earlier today, Cisco announced its intent to acquire Extend -- terms of the acquisition have not yet been made public. Here is TechCrunch's "take" on the deal.

First, Keith is a great guy. Second, he is smart, very smart, and very accomplished (read his bio here). Good move by Cisco. Keith will have an ongoing senior strategic role within the company.

Although ExtendMedia plays in the enterprise video management space, I have never considered the company to be a direct competitor to Sorenson Media. Extend's primary customers are major cable companies, among others, and its technology powers IPTV solutions.

Sorenson' raison d'etre, on the other hand, is to provide the highest quality differentiated encoding solutions to businesses of all size.

Okay, Am Guilty of Betrayal! Introducing My New iPhone Relationship!

To switch (from my Blackberry), or not to switch (to an iPhone 4), THAT was the question. I have blogged about it several times before. Substantial pressure has been heaped on me from all sides -- my wife, my colleagues (Dudas, the Svengali) -- to make the switch and enter the Apple golden age.

I was on the fence. Sure, I love the beauty and elegance of my new suitor, but I am a loyal man -- and have stuck with my Blackberry through thick and thin for a decade. I made a commitment -- and was a rebel in my own way by being old school in a world awash with Apple fanboys (and girls).

But, then something happened. My relationship went sour. My Blackberry didn't age well. It became extremely moody and mercurial (re-booting itself continuously). Yes, I could have traded it in for a younger RIM model -- but I stuck with this particular one for 3 years! How could I replace it with another model from within the same family? Didn't feel right.

And then, in walks the new iPhone 4. Heads turned. I tried to look past it, but couldn't. I too became smitten -- particularly attracted to its Face(time). That's where the voices around me finally put me over the edge, even though my new suitor came with significant baggage (AT&T service and antenna-gate). I am human after all!

So, a secret appointment was made. Our secret meeting was had (in the Carlsbad Apple store). And, the deal was consummated.

I held it in one hand -- trembling a bit, a little unsure of its new seemingly frail design. Sure, I expected dropped calls, but I certainly didn't want to drop it on our first date together. And, in the other, I stripped out the battery of my long-time phone-mate ... holding it as the lights faded from its previously glowing keypad.

The deal was signed. The deed was done.

And, now my new life begins. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my new smart phone ... the iPhone 4! I believe we will have a long and lasting relationship. (But, once a betrayer, always a betrayer?)

My 700th Post, What to Do? Watch Instantly! The Promise of Netflix On Demand Streaming

I just posted my 700th blog. In reaching this personal milestone, the topic was apropos -- the joy of music, since music plays such a critical role in my day-to-day life. And, in particular, the joy that comes from great sound, great ease, and great choice in the "in-home" music experience (enabled by a melange of Sonos, Rhapsody, Pandora, Sirius, iTunes and the iPad/iPhone/iTouch).

So, it is apropos to now tackle multi-media -- in particular, the in-home movie experience. The experiment? Netflix movies online -- on my new flat screen -- enabled via my Samsung Blu-Ray player.

The promise? No fuss, no muss. Simply register on your PC or Mac (which is easy enough) -- add movies to your "Watch Instantly" queue -- and go to your flat screen and click on the Netflix app. Voila, you're done.

The verdict? I love it conceptually -- but the execution still has some ways to go before I really smile. Here's why ...

CONTENT (or the lack thereof)! "Watch Instantly" is a tremendous concept -- it too is emancipating for the consumer in a big big way (no more need to leave your home for the video store -- instant gratification instead). But, that high concept is saddled by movie licensing issues -- and it shows. There is a dearth of content that is available for instant viewing. And, navigating those titles that are available to watch instantly is highly challenging -- the user experience simply isn't intuitive and efficient.

Yet, Netflix should be applauded for what it has cobbled together to date. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of set-up (although it would be nice to do it all on my flat screen rather than run back to my Mac). And, I was even more pleasantly surprised by the quality of the video streaming back to me on my flatscreen -- yes, the aspect ratio was not perfect, but there was no stuttering of any kind on the playback).

Bottom line -- Netflix "Watch Instantly" is now instantly a significant part of my media enjoyment arsenal. In two consecutive days, my family and I have watched two movies -- the debut was "Monsters, Inc." -- and yesterday's sequel was "Big." My kids are thrilled that we can pick movies anytime (even if we need to hunt and peck for them a bit).

Paradise Found! My Music -- Freed from Bondage!

At long last, my wife and I just moved into our new remodeled home. During the planning stage, I had only one pre-requisite -- music everywhere! While she understood my obsession with music (it has been 17 years together after all), her suggestion was this -- save the cash and buy iPod docks for every room in the house. While I saw the logic of her ways, I rejected it out of hand as being blasphemous -- music is too important to me, I needed more.

So, she relented. And, we built the in-ceiling speakers -- the different zones -- both indoor and outdoor. Yes, we shuddered at the bills -- but, I also smiled with the possibilities. Of course, the goal was to have great sound. But even more importantly, the goal was to have -- for the first time in my life -- the full untethered power of online music mastery in my hands. Want a song? Select it -- from anywhere, without my previous need to always leap back to my PC.

And, now that goal has been realized -- and paradise found! Now, for the first time, I have the full power of music freedom in my hands. Now, I can dial in my music remotely -- via my Sonos system -- from inside, outside, wandering around on my deck. Conclusion? Worth every penny. Love it, love it, love it.

Rhapsody? No problem. Pandora? Absolutely. Sirius Satellite Radio. Why not? My iTunes music library? Of course. All these choices, and so much more -- and all of these EASILY and elegantly dialed in on our iPad, iTouch, iPhones (via apps) -- complete with great cover art, artist info.

THAT's the power of technology -- that's the power of the Internet. Freedom.

Freedom to enjoy your music -- and discover new music -- anytime, anywhere. That, to me, is truly priceless.

Non-Apple iPads -- The Pre-Judged DOA Effect

I recently wrote about the coming onslaught of non-Apple iPads/tablets. My fundamental conclusion was/is that -- no matter how good or superior they may be versus Apple's iPad -- they will be essentially DOA.

Case in point -- today's TechCrunch slams LG for saying "Our tablet will be better than the iPad." But, since when is a company wrong for believing and marketing that its products are superior to those of its competitors? In fact, if a company does not believe that, then it shouldn't release the product in the first place!

So, yes, LG's claim is a bold one -- it invites scrutiny -- and it puts a target on its back for reviewers and consumers. But, I love that bravado ... so long as it is backed up by passion and a true search for excellence.

Here's the deal -- I'll say it again -- Apple wins because it is Apple. Apple's mystic pre-determines success -- Exhibit A, the iPad (note how TechCrunch immediately concludes that Apple's products are Porsches while LG's and others are pre-determined and defined as being Kias). Now, don't get me wrong, Apple backs it up by consistently releasing compelling products (my family and I have a whole slew of them). But, let's keep it real about the fact that no other consumer electronics company comes close to this kind of mystic. That means its bar will be significantly higher on the product side. No reviewer will give an Apple competitor a comparative win unless the competing product is other worldly.

That's why non-iPad iPads are essentially DOA. All things being equal (and even un-equal!), pundits and consumers alike will generally go Apple -- unless there is a significant price differential (but, even then, Apple frequently gets a hall pass).

It ain't necessarily fair -- but, as Walter Conkrite used to say, "That's the way it is."

Will Apple Sell Its Own HDTV in 2-4 Years? Absolutely!

Matt Burns of TechCrunch recently presented his case as to why he concludes there is no way that Apple will release an "all-in-one" (i.e., non set-top box) Apple TV in the next 4 years. And, in so doing, he makes some very good points.

BUT, I wholeheartedly disagree -- and I'm no mere Apple fanboy (although I certainly have a plethora of Apple products, I frequently challenge and disagree with Apple). In my view, a real Apple HDTV -- what I call an "iTV" -- is not only likely, it is an absolutely certainty.

Why? Because Apple's raison d'etre is to shake-up existing paradigms by elegantly marrying its hardware with a seamless software/user experience -- and the living room is the next great frontier. It already has done it on the desktop (with the MacBook); it already has done it in the mobile world (with the iPhone, iPod and iPad). So, Apple's invasion of the living room is next -- the market opportunity is simply too massive to be ignored. Jobs himself has said that set-top box solutions are essentially DOA (and its own set-top box forays a mere "hobby") -- consumers want the simplicity of one unified elegant and easy-to-use flatscreen.

Burns of TechCrunch primarily argues that the living room is different -- that margins already are paper thin amongst the giant consumer electronics companies who provide us with our flat screen HDTVs. In other words, he contends that Apple has no financial incentive to distribute its own HDTV.

But, here's what he misses -- the same argument absolutely can be made in the desktop computer space. For all the other PC guys -- Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer -- margins are paper thin. All of these compete significantly, if not primarily, on price. Only one company stands apart -- that's right, you guessed it ... Apple with its MacBooks. Apple uniquely can charge premium prices with healthy margins. Why? Because a significant number of consumers will pay that premium price for the elegant and seamless user experience that they believe only Apple can offer. Heck (heck?), a significant number of consumers will pay that premium price simply because it is an Apple HDTV -- forget the rest. Virtually everyone I know -- including my wife -- would buy an Apple "all-in-one" HDTV in a minute simply because of their past experiences with other Apple products. In other words, they are smitten with everything Apple. This fact is not lost on the astute Mr. Jobs.

So, the same thing will happen in the living room. The market opportunity for Apple to enter our living rooms as part of its "real job" (non hobby) -- yes, pun intended -- is simply too massive. It is inevitable that lines will form around Apple stores days before it sells its first line of real all-in-one HDTVs -- and these Apple faithful will be rabid. And, this certainly will happen in the next 4 years.

I guarantee it. And, that's why I recently purchased Apple stock. Yes, the company's shares are at its all-time highs. But, just wait until Jobs sits next to you on your living room couch.

Oh No, My Family's Brains Have Been LoJOBsimized!

A funny thing happened to my family and me when we traveled to Santa Fe this weekend for a family event. There are 4 of us -- my wife, Luisa and our two kids Hunter and Luca -- and each of us sat adjacent to one another in one row on the plane.

Here's the seating arrangement -- from left to right -- Luca (my little man who's not so little anymore), Luisa (my beautiful and ever-patient wife), Hunter (my dramatic princess) and then me (across the aisle in the other aisle seat). And, here's what we were doing just prior to take-off -- Luca on our iPad; Luisa on her iPhone; Hunter on her iPod; and me on my MacBook.

My family -- a walking testimonial and billboard for Apple! Steve Jobs -- look what you've done to us!

And, as I looked around me chuckling, we weren't the only ones ...

... that's why I just bought Apple stock a few weeks back. The Apple faithful only continues to grow and grow (as does my family's collection of Apple products ...).

From the "I Told You So" Department -- iTV is Coming from Apple

Engadget reports that Apple will officially soon retire the "Apple TV" name and replace that with "iTV."

I rarely do this -- but, if this report is true, then this time I am stepping back and smiling -- I predicted this. I wrote about the coming new "iTV" back in early June -- here is my post.

What will "iTV" be? In the short-term, it will likely be simply a more developed iteration of its current set-top box "hobby."

But, expect that to change. iTV ultimately will be much more -- I have little doubt that Apple will try to transform the "all-in-one" consumer experience again -- this time in the living room with a seamless flat-screen hardware/software experience where no set-top box will be required.

Ultimately, that is the holy grail. And, Apple does not aim low. It's holy grails or bust for Jobs. And, Apple usually scores when it is on a mission. And, the living room is the next great frontier.

I hope to say "I told you so" once again in the future -- but, not boastfully, just because of the inevitability that I see.

Video Chat CAN Be Profitable -- We Proved It at SightSpeed

The tech and financial community are abuzz with the news that Skype has filed for a $100 million IPO. The company has demonstrated significant growth over the past year -- for the first half of this year, the company generated $406.2 million -- up 25% from the year before. BUT, nearly all of Skype's revenues (87%) come from one product -- SkypeOut calling -- which will be challenged over time by other PSTN calling service alternatives (i.e., public switched telephone network). This dependence on one primary revenue stream should give any future investor pause.

Skype, however, thinks it can change that dependence by monetizing other new services, including its new multi-party video chat. Although video chat already tantalizingly accounts for 40% of all Skype calls, some pundits -- including Ryan Lawler of NewTeeVee -- doubt that money can ever be made in video chat.

To those doubters, I can tell you "Yes We Can!" How can I be so sure? Because we at my former company, SightSpeed (widely recognized as being the video chat leader and later acquired by Logitech), proved it. We made money solely on video chat -- in fact, we became profitable solely on video chat.

How did we do it? With multiple revenue streams, that's how.

First, we -- like Skype plans to do -- offered both free and paid upgraded video chat services. A primary driver for purchasing the paid upgrade was, in fact, multi-party video chat. Multi-party video chat is essential for many small-to-medium business users for purposes of collaboration. Second, for those users who did not upgrade to the paid service, we monetized with a combination of advertising and paid search via an installable tool bar -- specifically, via our partnership was with Ask.com, we received a portion of revenues generated by any web searches using that toolbar. Third, we developed customized video chat applications for strategic partners -- including Dell -- and monetized those accordingly.

And, this all happened before Logitech acquired SightSpeed.

Logitech subsequently bundled our video chat services (now called "Vid") with every webcam it sold -- the goal of which was to offer a seamless customer experience out of the box and, hence, increase customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth. In other words, to sell more webcams. Logitech's strategy in this regard borrowed a page from Apple, which has proven time and time again that seamless integrated software services generate more hardware sales (case in point -- iPod/iTunes). And, has Logitech been successful to monetize video chat in this way? Absolutely. Logitech's webcam numbers have grown materially since the SightSpeed acquisition.

Bottom line -- yes Virgina, money can be made in video chat. And, the utility of -- and demand for -- high quality and affordable video chat is only growing.

Does that mean I would invest in Skype's IPO?

Nyet.

My Soviet Prototype Blackberry -- Hold Onto It for 5 More Months?

I am a long-time loyal blackberry customer -- 10 years now. But, as I have written previously, I have been convinced by the Apple faithful to finally accept the inevitability of the iPhone in my life. So, why have I procrastinated and not made the switch yet?

Well, apart from antenna-gate, AT&T service simply scares me. It is spotty at best here in North County San Diego. Verizon, on the other hand, has worked well for me. And, now, TechCrunch reports that the long-anticipated Verizon flavor of the iPhone will be coming soon -- as early as January 2011. That's not too long to wait to stick with Team Verizon, right?

But, that's 5 more months of the blackberry I have had for the past 3 years (what I call my Soviet proto-type berry because it is so old school and clunky)! So, in the inimitable words of The Clash, the relevant question for now is "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

The smart money banks on holding onto Verizon service, getting a Droid phone in the meantime to be my interim fix, and then switching to the iPhone once Verizon breaks AT&T's exclusive hold on the coveted device.

Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" -- My Review -- Fiery & Fantastic

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about music. I listen to it 24/7 -- at home -- in the office -- always. Accordingly, I am passionate about my favorite bands -- I'm like a little kid at Christmas-time when they release new albums.

Case in point Arcade Fire. Their new album, "The Suburbs," dropped earlier this week -- and I experienced my first full listen during my morning run yesterday. And, got lost (both figuratively and literally -- figuratively in the music ... and literally along the horse trails around my new 'hood as I listened).

The verdict? Fiery and fantastic. The band has always been over-the-top in their dramatic lyrics, dramatic production, dramatic live performances -- baroque, in a word. And, that's a good thing, since they can pull it off. In this case, they take on a familiar topic -- the suburbs in which most of us grew up and still live -- and the conformity and shopping malls that surround us. Listen to the lyrics -- compelling.

And, even better -- the melodies. As much as I liked the band's last album, "Neon Bible," it paled next to its first effort "Funeral" (which I deem to be a classic). Neon Bible didn't do it for me -- was a significant disappointment.

Not this time though. "The Suburbs" is fantastic -- the band is back to form. Particular tracks that stand out for me are "Suburban War" (the title gives you a hint of the mood invoked by the album), "Half Light II (No Celebration)," "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)," "The Suburbs," and "Ready to Start." And, as much as lead singer Win Butler laments all the wasted time growing up in the suburbs amid the mountains beyond mountains of shopping malls, his final lyrics are telling -- i.e., "If I could have it back -- all the time that I wasted -- I'd waste it all again ..."

If you know the band -- you will love this album. There is no wasted time on this album. No filler. All excellent. If you don't know the band yet, get to know them. One of the most compelling bands in the music scene today.

It's a Three-Peat! Sorenson Sparks Again

For the third week in a row, I am pleased to announce another major Sorenson Spark codec licensing partnership -- this time with Marvell, a fabless semiconductor company -- to support multiple platforms, including mobile and multiple consumer electronics.

Here's the full press release -- click here.