Just How much Will The Video Capable iPod Change TV?

Although the release of the video iPod was a much anticipated event, similar devices have been around for a long time. Apple has not invented the wheel, just redefined it a little, and although the average user is enjoying portable video and audio content, behind the scenes there is great turmoil.

It all started with the deal that Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs struck with Disney-ABC. Apple shattered the old mentality of being in front of the TV at a certain time to watch a show (mentality that had already been weakened by the video cassette recorder). And now major TV networks are busy finding methods of providing on-demand content to their clients without resorting to iTunes Music Store.

"The network TV business is toast. Soon, network affiliate stations will be as cheap as AM radio stations," said Wayne Rosso of C.Net News.com.

The film industry, however, is not so worried about all the hype. Downloading an entire movie takes a long time, and many average users have limited bandwidth, so there is nothing for them to fear from the video capable iPod for quite some time.

Perhaps most worried and most outraged are the advertisers who paid large amounts to get a commercial in episodes of "Lost". According to them, that commercial should also be seen within the downloaded version.