Joost versus the Empire
Joost is a new P2P service coming soon from the good folks that brought you Skype VoIP revolution, and it continues to generate buzz. It promises instant streaming Peer-2-Peer TV, and if the Internet doesn’t collapse under it, should be able to deliver near HD digital quality playback on your computer.
While Joost is still in closed beta, somewhat simplified service in this space, called Pando, is already live and kicking! Pando is designed to download Video Casts, usually in High or HD quality, onto your computer, automatically. Right now it only has few channels, but more will get added, I’m sure.
But, onto the big announcement - Joost struck a deal with CBS ! Yes, big time shows, like the Excellent CSI series, NCIS, Numb3rs and other prime time favorites will be available on Joost !! This is a huge win for all of us, and once it materializes, I predict the shift to the Internet TV will grip hold of everyone, like a wild fire spreading.
So take this weekend to reflect on the following burning questions:
- Will CSI, Numb3rs and other prime-time shows be free via Joost? Or will they try to nickel and dime us for shows that are otherwise freely broadcast in HD over the air?
- Will you still need your Cable or Satellite provider after this? Maybe just keep Cable around, for their high-speed Internet only?
- Why keep a DVR at all, if you can watch with Pause/Play via the Internet at your leisure?
- Do you have a PC connected to your TV yet? If you did, would this news take on different light for you?
Not ready to ponder these questions just yet? Then click through to official CBS/Joost press release instead.
webtv, joost, pando, internet video, dvr, cbs
April 13th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
1. I’d expect them to charge for most full length content. Though they may make some episodes available to draw in an audience.
2. HELL YES. I have yet to see any service that is even *close* to replacing cable or satellite, not even 1% there yet, IMHO. If all you watch is a couple of prime time network shows - maybe something like Joost or iTunes can do it for you. But you’d still need to use multiple services, because none of them have content from all the networks.
But anyone who likes shows on cable channels - forget it. Very, very few of those shows are carried by the online services. Especially from the less mainstream channels, like The Military Channel or Discovery Times, etc.
3. Because the selection on these services is too limited. The video quality is not as good as cable. (I have the Joost beta.) And the functionality just isn’t as good as my TiVo.
4. Not directly. I have TiVos on my TVs, and I can upload video (and play music, view photos, etc) via those. I plan to pick up a Sling Catcher when they come out this year too - since I have Slingbox Pro already.
I wouldn’t waste money on AppleTV. I’ve considered picking up some media extender, but I don’t really see the need. Even if I had a connected to my TV it wouldn’t make a difference - the selection and quality of these services just isn’t good enough. None of them carry *most* of the shows I watch. (I generally don’t watch network TV - the L&O shows and Crossing Jordan are pretty much it.)
April 13th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Great points, MegaZone.
1. See my latest post, as I am reading it, sounds like Free Ad Supported TV, to me…
2. WebTV is in it’s infancy, I agree. There are many issues to solve, but the promise is there, IMHO!
3. Quality will improve!
4. How many TVs you got? Our household (3 kids) have 3 TVs and tons of PCs and media bounces around everywhere, and it’s still isn’t enough!
Keep the great comments coming and thanks!
April 19th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
How can I get Joost,It sounds like a great sirvice.And they are sending stargate atlantis.
April 19th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Joost is in closed beta still, and invites to the beta are hard to come by.
Also, they are not streaming any major network shows yet, although I understand they are planning to.