Joost Goes Mostly Live 
By Sherri - (2) comments May 03, 2007



The long-awaited online television platform created by the guys behind Skype has officially gone mostly live. Joost is up and running with new content ready to go.

The company announced its official soft launch earlier this week. Current Beta testers are now free to invite their friends, but the service isn't quite ready for the world it seems.

It enters the online game with a number of content partners, including Warner Bros. Records, National Geographic and more. Within the month other partners will come onboard, including Turner Broadcasting, the National Hockey League, Sony Pictures Television and more.

"Partners like Turner, Hasbro, NHL, Sony Pictures Television and SI Swimsuit represent the quality and wide range of programming that Joost offers viewers,” said Yvette Alberdingk Thijm, executive vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Joost in a media release. “From compelling news magazines and cool animation to current and classic sports games, comedy and entertainment, the Joost platform is a destination for audiences looking for great programming, a flexible entertainment experience, and a community with which to share that experience. By marrying great content from all genres and compelling, interactive features, Joost is a truly unique way for consumers to watch videos online.”

With its broadcast quality and free viewing options, Joost may very well shape up to be a force to be reckoned with.

Related:
CBS Joins Joost
Joost Moving Forward

Labels: hasbro, joost, sony, turner

Joost Inks More Deals 
By Sherri - (2) comments April 16, 2007



It might not be quite ready for primetime, but that's not stopping the folks at Joost from making sure the lineup is just right come launch day.

The soon-to-debut online television site has inked a number of deals in recent days. The company has entered into distribution partnerships with ALL3MEDIA, Alliance Atlantis, September Films and Wall to Wall. It's also signed on IndieFlix and Shorts International.

The content from the companies will appear on Joost, which is being billed as the "world's first broadcast-quality Internet television platform."

“With Joost, our film makers and artists have a greater opportunity than ever before to showcase their remarkable talents and to reach new audiences,” said Carter Pilcher, CEO of Shorts International, in a media release. “Joost’s secure, global platform is ideal for our artists as it ensures that the films are viewed with the level of quality which was intended by their creators.”

Shorts International will deliver content from its English, French and Spanish short film channels.

All told, the new additions will deliver such things as independent television and films, children's programming, fiction and more to the new site, which is now in beta testing.

Once live, Joost will be accessible to broadband users and will offer content to viewers free of charge. These latest partners join CBS as some of the first to join the Joost platform.

Related:
CBS Joins Joost
Joost Moving Forward

Labels: indie films, joost, online movies, online tv, shorts international

CBS Joins Joost 
By Sherri - (1) comments April 13, 2007



CBS has once again shown its willigness to break with tradition and get in on the cutting edge of online television.

The network has officially become the first to sign on with Joost, an online site from the creators of Skype. Joost bills itself as “the world’s first broadcast-quality Internet television service.” CBS shows will be online on Joost when the service launches later this spring.

Shows that will be available include new and previously aired full epoisodes of such shows as the full “CSI” franchise, “Survior,” “Jericho” and even Showtime original movies.

“Joost combines best-in-class technology with superb video quality and a management team with a proven track record,” said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive, in a media release. “Partnering with Joost for the CBS Interactive Audience Network showcases our content and community on a service that allows for unique advertising opportunities and a delivery framework that maximizes cost efficiency.”

Joost is in beta right now. There’s no official date for the big launch, but it looks like it’s coming soon.

As an online TV fan, I must say I remain impressed by the drive CBS is showing in making sure its content is available to fans as the click of a mouse.

Related:
‘Jericho’ Wiki Has The Answers
Joost Moving Forward
CBS’ Innertube Scores With Viewer

Labels: cbs, csi, jericho, joost, online tv, skype, survivor

Joost Moving Forward 
By Sherri - (0) comments March 15, 2007



Skype’s foray into IP-based TV isn’t quite ready for primetime, but there are some good indications the creation, formerly known as The Venice Project, is moving forward.

Beta applicants are starting to get responses from the company in regard to their sign ups. It sounds like the test run has begun.

“We're now speeding up the process of adding testers and we'll shortly be inviting everyone who has signed up to try Joost,” an e-mail from the company says. “This includes you, so expect an invite within the next couple of weeks - in the meantime, thanks for bearing with us - we appreciate it.”

Once launched, Joost will offer peer-to-peer PC software that’s free to download. Joost “is a new way of watching TV on the Internet, which uses new and established technologies to provide the best of both the Internet and TV worlds,” the company’s Web site proclaims.

The ultimate goal is for Joost to be as TV-like as possible, which means including programs, channels and advertisements.

I can’t wait to check it out.

Related:
The Venice Project Becomes Joost
Joost, Viacom Ink Deal

Labels: joost, online tv, skype, the venice project

Joost, Viacom Ink Deal 
By Sherri - (0) comments February 21, 2007



Viacom has signed on to be one of the “key content partners” on the Joost Internet television service when it goes live.

The deal gives Joost access to programming from MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures.

According to the media release, Joost will give users free access to thousands of programs not normally available on the Web. “Through Joost, viewers can watch programming from many of Viacom’s brands on their computers through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features such as links that lead to more information or related websites based on the content; and a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards, and news tickers.”

The service is available right now in limited beta, and is touted as being the first online, global TV distribution platform, bringing together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment.

With Viacom coming onboard, Joost is well on its way to seeing if this model of free viewing and ads will work. It’s my guess, the site will be a big hit if the commercials aren’t too invasive. The short ads on Innertube and NBC.com are just the right length and frequency, anything more would be an annoyance making the iTunes $1.99 seem more than worth the price.

Related:
The Venice Project Becomes Joost
Skype Gets Into Online TV

Labels: bet, itunes, joost, mtv, paramount pictures, viacom