So this week a new initiative kicked off in the UK that requires content providers to follow a particular format for delivering content to broadcasters specified by an organisation called DPP. Essentially it's just a format specification with some variables. The container is MXF with the AS11 subset specification (if you're still awake...) In the US AMAC is attempting to do the same thing, and, of course you have CableLabs, MRSS et al. And the old skool guys at SMPTE, etc..
Yes, there's no reason why video needs to be unstandardised, but why wouldn't you when there's money to be made by owning or specifying a standard ?
So, a move to establish a standard is to be welcomed. So now we have agreed on how a programme should be called, perhaps we can work on what rights the programme owner has...