The Jason Salas Experience

Previously, I shared my thoughts about ESPN securing the digital rights to Major League baseball to be able to stream live games. I still find the idea perplexing - as cool as it is foolish. It's convinience in letting people jump right into a broadcast while on the go is great; but who would watch and entire nine inning on a 2" screen?

I'm now asking myself the same thing about people watching entire TV shows on video-capable iPods. Getting into a game in the final seconds with the constant "here's what you missed" approach of network sports TV is one thing, a drama, comedy, or formal broadcast presentation is another...meaning we'll have to watch things all the way through. Are people really going to be that locked-in to their devices?

Don't get me wrong...I'm a big consumer tech advocate and I think the notion of video on iPods is great. I'm just wondering if people will tolerate rich content on a limited screen. But integrating the new iPods with iTunes 6 is a residual benefit, as the main consuming clients for video is expectedly other apps/platforms/appliances.

Then again, the smallest screen that ever held my attention captive for extended periods of time was the original GameBoy.