Rethinking How We Watch TV

Intel, Apple, Microsoft, Sony and Google are all pushing TV advances.

Computer industry players have been pushing new TV visions for 20 years, with decidedly mixed results. Cable and satellite TV providers have strong positions, with big players like Comcast preparing major technology upgrades of their own. Negotiations with media companies for content rights could delay new services and limit some features, though Intel vows to enter some markets by the end of the year. Yet there is a growing consensus that underlying technologies are evolving to the point that major changes in the TV experience are all but inevitable, whether delivered by new entrants or incumbents.