Intel Corp. has announced its plans to offer an Internet-based television service to consumers in the United States.  Intel has been pitching to media companies their plan to create a virtual cable operator that would offer U.S. TV channels over the internet as a bundled service. Intel is just one of many in recent months that have announced plans to offer internet based program service in the U.S.  Netflix, Inc. paved the way for internet video streaming service back in 2008 offering Starz Play, where their subscribers could watch Starz Entertainment movies and television shows on their TV lift cabinets.  Now Hulu Plus, Amazon, Google, and Apple all are fighting for a piece of the pie in the online television market.  Some are following Netflix’s model and adopting to purchase video content.  Others like Intel are trying to push to offer live television through internet.  It is clear these companies all see television channels and video content being broadcast through the internet in the future and are rushing to be the first ones in line to offer this service to consumers. However, all these companies face the same two hurdles – high price of TV programming and lack of quality video content.  Media companies are fighting to hold their rights over their programs and are reluctant to switch over from cable and satellite programming to internet-based.  Right now all major players have met resistance from media companies.  While Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon have made some progress in obtaining TV content deals it is still mostly “B” rated or lower content shows.  Also these content deals are not cheap.  These companies are paying billions just to build up their online libraries. While the way of the future for television points in the direction of being broadcast via the internet, it may take some time to overcome hurdles.  If media companies continue to blockade progress, then Intel and the others may be forced to start producing their own television shows.