Tech blog GigaOM has reportedly obtained a leaked software build (v1.5) for use with the Boxee Box set top device. The build shows that Boxee is looking to integrate live television into its programing repertoire, at least that’s what the screen shot implies. The description says that users will be able to watch their “favorite broadcast TV stations through Boxee’s unique social interface.” Essentially users will plug in a unique USB dongle (GigaOM could not get their EyeTV One USB Tuner to work with the device) and gain access to the same channels that they would if they used an HDTV Antenna.
This is the type of integration that may fuel the future of entertainment consumption, so it’s great to see it make its way to a mainstream set top box. Boxee’s decision to begin its integration with non-encrypted broadcast television is not on accident. Boxee (and the makers of the Boxee Box, D-Link) saw where products like the Google TV failed. Google TV users still needed a cable box, or something similar, to access content through the service. This presented major problems when it came to licenses and encryption, and was one of the reasons that the first iteration of the product failed; Traditional content providers till wanted to tightly control the platforms that their content was viewed on. By starting with the same channels that anyone with a $20 HDTV Antenna can get (on any platform they want), they’re circumventing the problems that Google TV ran into.
While internet connected TVs are the future, the old ways of content distroubtions are still firmly in place. A system like this, which allows ‘traditional’ distributors to see the value and benefits (more accurate ratings, easier fan base promotion, ease of access for cord-cutters, integration of web content, etc.) of allowing their live content on set top boxes, could loosen the jar for more integration down the line.
GigaOM reports that the update for the Boxee Box will begin rolling out to users “Over the coming weeks”. You can head over to GigaOM to see a video of the feature.
