I think that 2009 could be the year of significant development of "place-shifting" solutions for the television service providers. First, EchoStar unveiled the DVR 922 at CES, which includes the SlingLoaded technology to place-shifted recorded content.

Second, DISH Networks has reportedly acquired a Sling.com license for Viacom's content.

Third, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Cox Communications are reported to be in discussions with programmers on new terms to carriage deals that would allow them to shift the content to Internet-enabled devices.