March 17, 2007
Still images capture hi-def market
Creators of expensive high-definition video and TV channels may be dismayed to learn that the second most popular HD channel on the Comcast cable network is made up entirely of still pictures.
GalleryPlayer’s channel is second only to the ESPN sports channel in the ratings, although the Seattle company admits its viewers may not always have their eyes on the screen.
It believes it has created a new category, which Kevin Akeroyd, chief executive, labeled as “HD Lifestyle Imagery” when I spoke to him on the fringes of the TV of Tomorrow show in San Francisco this week.
Consumers want to have some kind of visual muzak to show on their big-screen HDTVs when they host parties rather than have the equivalent of a black hole in their wall.
GalleryPlayer has negotiated rights with picture libraries and museums to create tasteful high-definition slideshows from the Art of Claude Monet to pictures of great golf course and 1,000 Places To See Before You Die.
After the considerable start-up costs of acquiring images and the technology to ensure correct formatting, the company expects to be making profits by next year.
It is exploiting numerous distribution methods – PC screensavers distributed through Google Pack and Windows Media Center, DVD sales of images, channels on HD providers such as Comcast and hotel channels.
Moving images will be next. Don’t expect any live sports action, said Mr Akeroyd, but burning log fires, aquaria and spectacular waterfalls are expected to be just as popular with his big-screen customers.
