Wider Angle: Social TV

Many-to-Many via unmediated:

The Social TV project is in research stages right now. But the idea is that, with the help of a bit of software, perhaps a keyboard or two and several strategically-placed microphones, people can remotely discuss a TV program while they are watching it. Youâll be able to see which of your buddies is watching which program in his or her house, and join into the viewing. Or, you might start a program-watching session of your own and invite friends.

Indeed, in many ways, Social TV will be similar to the Instant Messenger you already use on your computer. Only it will be more dynamic: Social TV software, located on a device like TiVo or even your TV set, might notice that your and your buddyâs yacking has gone well past the commercial break. The software would conclude that you are no longer watching the show and, perhaps, pause the program until you are ready to resume, says Nic Ducheneau, member of PARC research staff.

I know I'm a geek, but I already do this with my friends. Do we really need special software that we will, I'm sure, have to pay for? The winter of my freshman year of college I spent many nights watching PBS documentaries and Comedy Central with co-blogger Allyson over the Internets; me in Ohio and her in Connecticut. I've more recently watched episodes of downloaded shows with friends across the country simulatneously over IM. All it takes is a short countdown and a reasonably good sense of timing.

The concept is, dare I say it, nothing new. As such, it will revolutionize nothing; only introduce the concept to people who haven't thought of it.