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CBS Confirms Plans for Full HTML5-Based Video Offerings

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In late March, we noted that U.S. television network CBS appeared to be preparing to launch HTML5-based video content on its CBS.com streaming site as an alternative to its existing Flash-based player.


Today, CBS Interactive executive Anthony Soohoo confirmed to NewTeeVee that by the start of the fall television season CBS will be offering its full CBS.com video content in an iPad-friendly HTML5 format.

Unlike ABC, which built an iPad app to deliver its full-length episodes and promotional clips on the device, CBS decided to focus on delivering video through its website, CBS.com. Since the Apple tablet doesn't support Adobe Flash, CBS has created a video site for the iPad through HTML5 instead. It's still early days, but Soohoo expects CBS to deploy more and more video that is iPad-ready, until it reaches content parity with what's available on the website through a PC.

Soohoo notes that HTML5 still requires some work to improve its features to be on par with Flash, but CBS is committed to HTML5 and iPad development. He also points to some unique features of the iPad such as Multi-Touch that will enable CBS to "doing some interesting advertising programs" on the platform.