Richard Siklos, writing for The New York Times, addresses the buzz surrounding last week's introduction of a video-capable iPod and then declares: "At first blush, the video iPod is not about to revolutionize Hollywood in the way the iPod revolutionized music."

Why? For one reason, Mr. Siklos says, "studios are not rushing to make their most popular movies and shows available for the video iPod." For another, "mobile gadgets with access to everything that is already on television are on the way."

To back up the latter point, the writer points to EchoStar's recent introduction of PocketDISH, a portable video player that he describes as "a pocket-sized TiVo ... with a screen for watching what you've recorded."

In contrast, Mr. Siklos writes, "the obvious shortcoming of the video iPod (at least in its first iteration) is that by being Internet-based it can offer a scant library of material." He notes that not only are media giants concerned about piracy, "but they're also not quite convinced that there is a good business case for online distribution."

Specifically, Mr. Siklos points to an array of devices, such as the aforementioned PocketDISH, that can record TV shows for on-the-go viewing. "Who would pay $1.99 to download an episode of 'Lost' from iTunes if the iPod could also hook up to your television and record that same episode free?" he asks.

Ironically, the columnist says, "the biggest factor working against the instant success of a video iPod is that the video world has yet to experience the copyright-infringement meltdown that the music industry did." Without "bogeymen like the original, illegal Napster," he points out, "Mr. Jobs is positioning his new device as a pre-emptive strike against pirates and file-sharers."

As a result, "unlike its musical forebear, the video iPod may not be ready for prime time."