MAIN Technology Internet Video

Joost - Taking TV to the Internet

The day that Internet visionaries said would come ... is now here.

While news, weather forecasts and music videos have become a common Internet staple for Web surfers everywhere, the challenge of broadcasting quality streaming TV has only taken baby steps in the past several years.

Now the founders of London-based Skype have taken the next big step. That is, Internet-based TV that can be viewed on a laptop or mobile phone while on the road, or plugged into a widescreen home TV - all at the same rich viewing quality.

Still in beta form, Joost (code name "The Venice Project") promises to provide viewers with all kinds of television watching on the Internet. This includes "piracy proof" shows streamed in broadcast resolution that is miles ahead of its next biggest competitor, YouTube.

Broadcasters are happy at the news - since they will be able to form solid partnerships with Joost to air complete TV programming with commercials - and viewers will likely welcome the unusually crisp digital video and audio, instant channel hopping, and the ability to fast foward or rewind much like using a DVR.

Again, Joost is now only in its initial roll-out phase, and the official launch may be months away. But the technology is now in place to deliver the earth-shaking leap that has been promised for years : melding television and the Internet into one complete entertainment package.

How will this change consumers' viewing habits? What will typical living rooms look like in the future as the two technologies become one? How will cable or satellite TV companies compete?

Since all this is mere speculation at this point, a more practical question might be to ask if Joost can ultimately live up to its promise.

Reportedly, Joost is already in negotiations with a handful of major advertisers as well as the producers of American Idol —and most recently even has bagged a deal with Viacom (the people who bring you MTV). Not a bad start.

So, as they say in TV land, Joost will be right back. Stay tuned.

Related Web Pages:

Moving into Net TV

Skype makers turn on Web TV

Gates: Internet to revolutionize TV in 5 years

Screw YouTube: Viacom Goes with Joost

Internet TV Conference & Expo