Regulation could stifle video over 'Net, says VON speaker

As video on the Internet takes hold, proponents of the technology should beware the potentially stifling effects of government regulation, warned the keynote speaker at the 10th anniversary VON show in Boston Tuesday.

Reduced prices of video recording gear and reliable broadband IP services have made it possible for consumers to create and distribute their own video productions, said Jeff Pulver, the founder of VON. But just as FCC regulations threatened VoIP in 1996, they could also threaten the development of video over IP, he said. "Expect [the FCC] to be loud," Pulver said.

He pointed to comments yesterday at VON by FCC Commissioner Deborah Tate that the FCC would likely consider regulations to ban child pornography on the Internet, and those regulations could restrict development of legitimate content. "I consider it a warning shot," Pulver said.

He drew a parallel between this potential regulation and an attempt to ban or restrict Internet voice in 1996, and predicted a long battle and offered to help advocates of rights of IP video innovators. "The VON coalition will take people through the stages of what's going to happen," he said.

Reliable broadband Internet services and dropping prices of high-powered video recording and editing equipment make TV-quality IP broadcasts possible. This puts in the hands of consumers tools that previously only professional motion picture studios could afford. "I predict we will see new talent. Kids will produce video like we've never seen because they can," he said.

He cited the ability of individuals to create their own video equivalents of television networks, accumulating links to programming content they choose. "It's because people have freedom of expression that they are going out and doing this stuff," he said.

But sharing similarities with TV networks could attract government entities that currently tax and regulate network franchises. The FCC, which regulates broadcast and cable television, might try to regulate these personal networks as well because they are "TV-like," he said.

"There are ways to fight this," he added. "Don't let regulation get in the way of your innovation."

He demonstrated the current quality of IP video by projecting a trailer of the upcoming movie "Ghost Rider" on a screen that was being downloaded live to a standard desktop from sonypictures.com. The trailer featured high-quality video and sound. "It's better than TV," Pulver said.

Add to that the ability of individuals to control the elements of the content and that leaves wide open the opportunity to make a lot of money from IP video, he said. For instance, a video could be coded so a person watching could run a cursor over the shirt an actor is wearing, right click on it to find out more about it and left click on it to buy it, Pulver said.

Advertisers could tap the demographics of all viewers and personalize advertisements that come along with video content. "It's totally intrusive, but trust me, it could happen," he said.