While several video content firms are busy tying up with local content providers, our very own VSNL has gone one step ahead and decided to deliver HD quality ‘American Infotainment’. VSNL, which claims to have a 500,000 broadband and Internet customer base, has tied up with Marshall Media to deliver content such as “Road to the American Dream” (no pun intended) alongside other programs such as healthcare seminars and comedies. Delivery will be through buffered streaming pushed via Windows Media player. Marshall Media is also planning to broadcast HD events with the help of VSNL’s INMARSAT satellite services. No word on the projected base they are looking at nor what the end user price is going to be.

High definition video even at 720p are a strain to render on most systems. Furthermore, the very size of the file would make it manic to distribute with our 256k broadband connections...it’s hard enough even on 320x240 without a Content Delivery Network. While it sounds great as a bouquet service, I seriously doubt the feasibility of the service. Considering its Windows Media player, it will be riddled with DRM issues as well. As a ray of hope, this is a good sign of non-traditional content, albeit kicking, choking and trashing its way through the network, coming through new pipes.