Launching later this year, stimTV is a broadband channel that offers a unique personalized viewing experience -- Viewers will see a random flow of brief clips, initially from music videos, and can select when they want to see more, steering the service to adapt to their choices. NPOWR Digital Media in California is setting up deals with music labels for music clips, performance videos and interviews. Cinema, shopping and lifestyle channels are planned in the future. There will also be opportunities to buy associated items. The company, founded in 2001, says it is �poised to become a leader in the next-generation technology that fulfils the long-awaited promise of a convergence between the television and the internet�. They seem serious. They have patented technology of �A system for the automated generation of media� that enables the customization of programming from a database of stored media. The system includes the ability to verify that viewers have �mindfully watched their offerings.� Additional patent applications have been filed on targeted and personalized advertising methods.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...