Google competing with television on a global basis?

With the recent announcement of Google's Video Ads, is Google set to start competing with television stations and programming all across the globe? You bet -- Google's Video Ads could be what many consider a "disruptive technology" that could further depress the declining television commercial industry.

As much as they won't admit it, television advertising is on its way out as a medium, as less customers pay attention (most of the ads are so non-engaging that we tune out ... at least, I did when I used to watch them). We TiVo our way past commercials, we time-shift programming to our schedules and we spend more time online (and it's increasing) instead of droning in front of the tube.

But, what about outside the U.S.? Google has a pretty good foothold in Europe, but in Asia, the markets are much more receptive to local businesses and online competitors than even the big ole' search honcho known as Google. Firstly, Google has to customize the experience more in that part of the world than anywhere else, because those customers demand it. Second, it still has to innovate and keep ahead of local search competitors and the old adversaries Microsoft and Yahoo!, which won't stay too far behind.

Is Google's long-term prospect for growth hinging on capturing and growing international markets? Probably so, as PCs become commoditized in areas outside the U.S. and wireless networks become the commonplace method to internet access. At that time, television, as a one-way communication device as it stands today, will be on the brink of fading into history.