Bitbop is solely owned by News Corporation. News corp is also a significant shareholder of Hulu (27%) which explains why we haven’t seen Hulu itself adopt the mobile platform. Clearly Bitbop is the mobile Hulu replacement which begs the question, why make two separate services dividing mobile and desktop computing? Obviously there is a reason, probably relating to advertising and operating costs, but an immediate answer isn’t available.

At CTIA, Bitbop demoed their service on a BlackBerry but state that both iPhone and Android versions of the application will be launching as well. Video looked good on the Blackberry Bold’s 480 x 320 pixel screen according to users who tried the service.

I recently spoke with Paula Batson, a prominent member of the PR team behind BitBop, to get some more information on this breakthrough service. Answers to content related questions remained vague as this service has yet to enter beta but it sounds like their soon-to-be announced partners include several other high-profile networks.

Will Bitbop include all fox shows?
“We have partnered with several large content providers and as such our programming will not just be Fox but rather a wide range of programming across networks. We anticipate a formal content announcement later this month. I think its fair to say viewers will be blown away by the breadth and quality of content available on bitbop.”
Quote from Reid Genauer, VP Marketing Fox Mobile Group

Will there be a delay as to when new programs are available, similar to the 8 day delay for House on Hulu?
There will be a slight lag in terms of when programs air and when they will be available on Bitbop. It varies by network and will likely be 1-3 days.

Are you open to partnerships with CBS, ABC, and other content competitors?
100%. Bitbop is intended to be a content distribution platform for many content providers. As noted above we have already partnered with several large networks.

Will full seasons of shows be available for viewing, or just a few of the most recent episodes?
A few of the most recent episodes for each show will be available at launch.

Will the $9.99 monthly charge include movies or just television shows?
The monthly charge will just include television. Movies will be sold a la carte.

Does the video resolution scale depending on data connection?
We have various content resolutions that the app dynamically chooses [from], [the app chooses] the best profile based on the connectivity.

Will streamed video look different than downloaded content?
The downloaded content uses the highest resolution of video available.

Will downloaded video be unwatchable after your subscription ends? If so, how will it be regulated?
Yes the downloaded content is removed from the handset at the end of the subscription using our proprietary DRM implementation.

I specifically asked about the video resolution available to users but didn’t get an answer. I expect to get more information on this service as we approach launch. Additionally, I will be a part of the BitBop beta and as such will be able to provide you more feedback on this service.

Bitbop Video Promo:

• Joost. Joost is an online video website that allows you to watch all types of media from films, to music videos and TV shows. Categories are broad ranging from tech and gaming to animation or action. After watching a short ad, you are greeted by the standard definition video of your choice. Joost even has a free iphone application for watching all of their content on your iPhone or iPod touch. The only downside to joost is that it is more of an aggregator of free video content then a place to find a new TV show.
• Hulu. Hulu has become my favorite online method for watching television shows. Supported by all the major companies, this legal online video site can supply you with all the latest TV shows you want for nothing more then a few thirty second ads. Hulu even offers several movies to wet your whistle. At 480p, shows look fine and are easily enjoyable. In fact, Hulu even offers a few episodes in 720p for everyone who wants the extra resolution.
• External TV Antenna. A TV antenna is a great way to get free, high or standard definition video as soon as it is available. Many companies, like NBC or Fox News, broadcast their programs live over the air just waiting for you to watch them. Many new HDTV’s have built in antenna’s for picking up this OTA content so check your current model first. Otherwise, you can buy an external antenna. From their, you can watch the content live on your tv or connect the antenna to your computer and record these broadcasts. For more information on TV antenna’s, check out antenna web, they have everything you need to know.
• The iTunes Store. Apple’s itunes is most widely known for it’s mp3 selection. However, apple has expanded their offerings and now sells standard and high definition TV shows and movies. (You can even rent movies from the store.) Older movies cost $9.99 while new releases cost around $15. Not all movies are available for rent though, but those that are cost around $4. TV shows cost $2.99 an episode or you can buy a season pass saving a little per episode.
• Netflix. With plans starting at $4.99 a month, it’s never been easier to rent DVD’s. While it does take a day or two to ship to your home, netflix is a great service for anyone who wants content delivered straight to their door. In fact, netflix has a huge library of blu-ray movies too so you can enjoy full 1080p content right on your television set. Furthermore, a small portion of their content can be watched instantly on your computer to compensate for shipping times.

With internet media booming it has never been a better time to cancel your cable subscription. Of course having cable is the easiest and most consistent method for obtaining this media when you consider how easy it is to loose OTA signals or for your internet to go out but is having your media as soon as it is released as important as the money it costs? That depends on you and how much money you can save.