Part 2 : The broadband future

A lot of the future of audio and video content on the web depends on the spread of faster technologies, specifically broadband (cable etc.) Internet access. Some of the big portals have said, "hold on the services until the number of broadband users increases", while others warn that late starters will lose out. What's your take on that issue?
It's always better to be proactive then reactive. AOL get this. That's one of the reasons they scooped up TW. So does Yahoo. Their launch of Yahoo FinanceVision, a broadband focused financial news product, speaks volumes about their confidence in the growth of broadband.

Obviously, Yahoo believes there will a market for streaming video and audio sooner rather than later. I agree, only I'm more interested in the possibilities of audio. It's just more viable. It's listenable today over a 56k connection and really sizzles over broadband. That's not the case for Web video. When I want to see video, I watch TV. It's that simple. Video is going to have much more of an uphill battle unless it's short, original, Webcentric programming. Even then it's tough. Flash animation beats streaming video for the most part.

We hear a lot about broadband for audio and video transmission, particularly for news and entertainment - do you see any other areas that greater broadband access will have a key impact on?
Broadband will definitely give a nice boost to audio and video but its long term impact goes much deeper than that.

Broadband fundamentally changes how you will use the Net. You'll use it longer, much more frequently and not want to be away from it for long. Think broadband addiction! So this means increased Net usage sessions across the board, which I believe translates to greater consumption of information, commerce, entertainment you name it.

This will fuel even more infrastructure buildout. When you look at things that way, you realize broadband is this giant shot of adrenaline in the arm of the ENTIRE Internet economy!

And what will be TechSector's place in the future of audio on the Internet? Any chance of us seeing you in full Technicolor?
I don't think streaming video is in my future for now. For listeners, I strive for TechSector to dig deeper than the sound bytes with execs found on CNBC or CNNfn. That's all fluff usually. We go much deeper. Of course, I also provide my own no holds barred commentary. I'm never afraid to share my opinions.

People may disagree with me, but I did my job if I get people thinking. This mixed with audio interviews with the real movers and shakers of the New Economy, I think presents a pretty interesting package.

One important thing for me to point out is that as the Net grows more ubiquitous through multiple devices, the importance of terrestrial radio networks decline. The Net becomes the main transmission network. When looked at that way, the possibilities for Web audio content long term is huge. If I'm right, you'll be able to pull TechSector up eventually on your car radio, your home stereo, your PDA and handheld device, your cell phone and of course home PC or Web appliance. That's exciting to me. Check back in a few years and we'll see if I'm right. :-)

We'll pencil you in for 2004...thanks Matt!