You run a media company and want to monetize online video? Well, make an app for that. 

Seriously, a new research from In-Stat suggests that one way to monetize video is by selling applications for the Apple iPad, Roku Player, Boxee box or any number of other connected devices. 

TV-based applications, driven by an increasing number of broadband-connected devices in the living room, could generate more than $1.7 billion in annual revenue by 2013.

The clearest example of a connected device is the Apple iPad and its app stores. 

Internet video startups Roku and Boxee are enabling video publishers to build apps that can be monetized. Both companies have launched software development kits (SDKs) as well as payment systems.