Online video a \"test bed\"

The emerging video download industry which thrives on portable video players, such as Apple's fifth-generation iPod, is being called for full-length television shows. An analyst from ABI Research who conducted an extensive study says we won't be seeing full-length episodes of hit television shows downloaded to portable devices in 2006, but rather more of the "short-form video" that is currently available. "The mainstream broadcast model is an extraordinarily expensive way to trial new concepts and shows," the analyst said. "Over 70 percent of all new shows don't survive the first season. The logic of trying short versions on emerging platforms at relatively low cost before committing to the expense of hour-long TV productions will soon be apparent to content owners."

by MacNN Staff