YouTube goes wide

Increasingly, Google, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) YouTube is becoming more like TV. For example, the typical size of its videos is now increasing to 960 pixels (or an aspect ratio of 16:9, which compares to 4:3). According to the YouTube blog: "This new, wider player is in a widescreen aspect ratio which we hope will provide you with a cleaner, more powerful viewing experience."

As should be expected, there are some concerns. That is, what will happen to those videos that were meant for smaller screens? Well, YouTube will keep the same size but there will be black space around the video (which may be somewhat distracting).

But such things are natural as technology marches on. Apparently, more and more users are uploading wider screen videos to YouTube.

According to an interview with Chase Norlin, who operates Pixsy:

"It makes perfect sense for YouTube to expand into wide format and HD online video delivery for two reasons: the decreasing cost of HD camcorders for consumers to create and distribute higher quality 'semi-pro' video content, and, the increased interest among professional content owners to distribute their movies and TV shows in the highest quality format to end users online."

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Streetsmart Guide to Short Selling: Techniques the Pros Use to Profit in Any Market. He is also the founder of BizEquity, a valuation website.