CBS Plans iPad friendly site for next fall


Broadcast company formally announces plans for HTML5 website for video delivery.

Back in March we noted that CBS was working on accommodating the iPad. (CBS looks to offer HTML5 video alternative to Flash). Since then iPad-friendly video offer has been a bit sparse, but there is an effort. In an interview posted Friday with NewTeeVee, CBS VP and GM of CBS Interactive said the company is planning to roll out an updated version of its website in time for the fall TV season. The stated goal is to deliver video parity for the iPad with the rest of the CBS website.

The site will reportedly run on HTML5 for content delivery, rather than creating a native iPhone OS app like rival ABC. It appears CBS is taking into account differences in user interface with touch vs mouse and how to deliver ads. HTML5 lacks some key elements for advertising, copy protection and feature implementation, which will likely limit full implementation to specific devices like the iPad. Likely solutions for these needs, however, will be worked out as the Web standard comes to fruition.

While the iPad is pushing content producers hard and fast to either HTML5 or native apps, those choosing HTML5 will likely be rewarded for their early adoption pains. An HTML5 platform will have a widest audience across the most devices.

[Source: NewTeeVee]
[Via: MacRumors