Now that Aereo is coming to Chromecast, Fool contributor Tim Beyers says it's time for Google (GOOGL -2.83%) to make a takeover bid for the litigation-riddled TV upstart.
In the following video, Tim explains that Google has an interest in circumventing traditional broadcast and cable TV delivery. Chromecast aids the effort by bringing Web video directly to any HDMI-capable television. Aereo supplements Chromecast by using the Internet to deliver broadcast TV signals. Improving wireless networks should allow Google and others to deliver ever more TV-quality content straight to screens in the years ahead.
Yet a buy at this stage would be risky. Aereo is about to battle it out with the major networks in the U.S. Supreme Court. A victory would not only guarantee survival but also send its valuation soaring. A loss could doom the business entirely.
So why make a bid? Tim says Aereo has valuable data on the regions most tuned into Internet TV. Google also has the capital to strike a deal with broadcasters, which seem increasingly willing to use the Internet to distribute new programming. CBS (PARA 2.62%) chief Leslie Moonves recently said as much at an investor conference. Hosting channel specific apps on Chromecast and at Google Fiber boxes might satisfy all parties while also giving Internet-savvy consumers the choice they prefer.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Have you tried Aereo's service? Would you like to see Google make a bid for the company? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take and then leave a comment to let us know where you stand.
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