Integrated solution for the convergence of Internet and TV
When asked to develop a vision for IPTV, IxDS created a solution beyond the hype and anticipated future trends. We delivered a completely working prototype of the graphical user interface, and an innovative remote control hardware.
Three key insights were leading us:
A TV is a TV is a TV
As the internet is superseding traditional transmission channels, the TV is on the verge of being transformed to its true destiny. As Bertolt Brecht wrote already in 1926: “Radio is one sided when it should be two.” One could argue that the TV is then no different from an internet computer – but that would neglect the history of the medium, as the failure of WebTV has shown in the late nineties. The TV has always been consumed lean-back, often together and in a relaxed atmosphere. This also dictates the way we interact with it.
What you want, when you want
Choosing a particular show or movie has to be a zero-effort action. With the abundance of new video sources from the internet, and availabality independent from airing times, “zapping” or “channel surfing” is no longer effective. Instead a more Web-like metaphor of feeds and presonalization is required, with an interface design adequate for the living room.
Couch 2.0
Sharing is receiving: the Web 2.0 has shown how powerful the “wisdom of the crowds” can be, through active participation and contribution, but also through smart interpretation of usage statistics. The user benefits in the form of personalized filtering and suggestions, and a close link to family and friends. And how about broadcasting your own channel?
Lean-back IPTV
Integrated solution for the convergence of Internet and TV
When asked to develop a vision for IPTV, IxDS created a solution beyond the hype and anticipated future trends. We delivered a completely working prototype of the graphical user interface, and an innovative remote control hardware.
Three key insights were leading us:
A TV is a TV is a TV
As the internet is superseding traditional transmission channels, the TV is on the verge of being transformed to its true destiny. As Bertolt Brecht wrote already in 1926: “Radio is one sided when it should be two.” One could argue that the TV is then no different from an internet computer – but that would neglect the history of the medium, as the failure of WebTV has shown in the late nineties. The TV has always been consumed lean-back, often together and in a relaxed atmosphere. This also dictates the way we interact with it.
What you want, when you want
Choosing a particular show or movie has to be a zero-effort action. With the abundance of new video sources from the internet, and availabality independent from airing times, “zapping” or “channel surfing” is no longer effective. Instead a more Web-like metaphor of feeds and presonalization is required, with an interface design adequate for the living room.
Couch 2.0
Sharing is receiving: the Web 2.0 has shown how powerful the “wisdom of the crowds” can be, through active participation and contribution, but also through smart interpretation of usage statistics. The user benefits in the form of personalized filtering and suggestions, and a close link to family and friends. And how about broadcasting your own channel?