The introduction of the FlipShare TV by Cisco Systems shows the networking giant’s strategic foray into the consumer space is moving ahead in a systematic fashion. The FlipShare is a companion piece to Flip Video camcorders, which were introduced by Pure Video in 2007 and came to Cisco in the acquisition of Pure in May.
FlipShare TV, Cisco says, features a small device that connects to the television via composite or HDMI cables. A USB key connects to a Mac or PC via a USB port. Flip videos on the computer are automatically available for display on the television — without the need for wireless home networking.
Ease of Use
Analysts applauded the move. Ben Bajarin, Creative Strategies’ consumer technology analyst, cited the ease of use.
“At the core of it, another easy way to bring web-based services as well as consumer movies onto bigger screens, which is important as Flip pushes more HD devices onto the market,” he said.
Ross Rubin, director of consumer electronics analysis for the NPD Group, agreed that making movement of data from the PC to the television seamless is important.
“Consumers want to enjoy their home videos on a larger screen in the house,” he said. “Flip has long supported composite connections, and more recently HDMI to high-definition TVs. This is the next step in the evolution of that. They are trying to simplify some of the challenges of hooking up Wi-Fi in the home by pairing the FlipShare TV receiver with a USB stick for a PC.”
More Shoot and Share
The bottom line is that consumer-generated video is growing. That’s good for Cisco, be it from the end-user or networking point of view.
“It goes back to the dual part of their business,” said Bajarin. “They always have said consumers are not just businesses. When they purchased Linksys, they went down…