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MS Launches Video Download Service
renderhead writes "According to ZDNet and many other sources, Microsoft has launched a new video download service for playing back television content on Windows Mobile devices. Partners include CinemaNow, MSNBC.com, and TiVo. According to another article from ployer.com, the service will require Windows XP, Internet Explorer 5 or higher, and Windows Media Player 10 or higher."
http://www.msnvideodownloads.com/
If it's anything like their current web-based service, each free 2-3 minute clip will be preceded by 1 30 minute commerical and 10 seconds of Microsoft ad space.
Plus, it looks like you'll have to sign in with passport.
If you sign-up for the free service, you'll have to agree to "INSTALL THE MSN MUSIC ASSISTANT"
On the positive side, it does look like it will have a bunch of stuff from FOOD TV. The more Alton Brown I can get, the better!
Nice consiracy theory and all, but FYI, MS has been trying to sell its stake in MSNBC. They sold Slate magazine too, by the way.
Tech, life, family, faith: Give me a visit
This looks like another one of those cases where it seems like it's a good idea, but when all is said and done, it is not actually offering a product that is incrementally better than TV as we know (and use) it.
Downloading content leaglly sounds good, but it looks like it has a subscription price, and they'll be adding commercials to the front end of things. It also requires Windows, which cuts out a decent portion of geeks who are the type to be early adopters (like me).
Sure, it offers digial timeshifting, but this is something we already have with a TiVo and MythTV, the latter without any DRM of subscription fees.
I don't know...it looks like it has some advantages, but too many of the same old problems to be "the next big thing" in TV.
The following programming will be available on MSN Video Downloads according to this AOL news article:
-- MSNBC.com. News and business headlines updated throughout the day, as well as segments from "Today"
-- BreakTV. Behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews television's hottest celebrities
-- COOKIE JAR Entertainment Inc., a global producer and marketer of children's entertainment, offering children's programs such as "Paddington Bear," "Animal Crackers" and many other popular kids' television series
-- DIY Network. Videos about home improvement, crafts, hobbies, indoor-outdoor living, and kitchen and bath remodeling
-- FINE LIVING TV Network. Inspiring programs featuring travel destinations, mind and body enrichment, ideas for entertaining and home design as well as videos for automobile enthusiasts
-- FOX Sports. In-depth news, analysis and unparalleled national and regional coverage of the National Football League, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the National Basketball Association, and select college basketball and football highlights, as well as FOX Sports Net original programming including "The Best Damn Sports Show Period" and "Beyond the Glory"
-- Food Network. Fun and interesting videos featuring grilling tips, ideas for entertaining, healthy eating, quick-and-easy recipes and pop-culture food specials
-- Fun Little Movies. Specializing in original, live-action comedy content; new "Fun Funny Phone Films" including the following series: humorous headlines in "Comedy USA," sci-fi parody "Spacey Movie," and the "Mini-Bikers," where little people on little motorcycles fight crime, a little at a time
-- Headliners Entertainment Group Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: HLEG), the operator of Rascals Comedy Clubs, presenting a selection of comedy clips from Rascals Comedy Classics, including performances from popular stars such as Tim Allen, Rosie O'Donnell, Drew Carey and Ray Romano; only Rascals can bring viewers comedy superstars, before they were stars, and the breaking stars of tomorrow, today
-- Home & Garden Television (HGTV). Selected programs featuring remodeling, home-building, design and decorating, kitchen and bath to enhance a home's curb appeal
-- IFILM. Movie trailers, viral videos, short films and other IFILM- exclusive content
-- TotalVid. Deep selection of action sports clips including surfing, snowboarding, skiing, windsurfing, street racing, kiteboarding, skateboarding, climbing, kayaking, off-road, Moto X, mountain biking, inline skating, BMX and more
-- Want Media. Music videos, live concerts, Broadway shows, extreme sports and motor sports programs, full-length films from independent filmmakers and underground cinema
The following are content partners for Windows Mobile-based devices:
-- ATI Technologies
-- BreakTV*
-- CinemaNow Inc.
-- COOKIE JAR*
-- DIY Network
-- FINE LIVING TV Network*
-- Food Network*
-- FOX Sports*
-- Hauppauge Computer Works Inc.
-- Headliner Entertainment Group*
-- HGTV*
-- IFILM*
-- MediaPass Network LLC
-- MLB.com
-- MSN Music
-- MSNBC.com*
-- MTV Networks
-- Napster
-- NVIDIA
-- Pinnacle Systems Inc.
-- SnapStream Media Inc.
-- TiVo Inc.
-- TotalVid*
-- Want Media*
-- watchmusichere.com
* Content provider for MSN Video Downloads service
Sig cancelled due to lack of interest
Cable TV is already starting to put commercials on most channels. When people don't stop paying for it in droves enough to cut into profits
Well, I tell you, as soon as my cable tv provider started showing commercials, I called up the other 30 cable tv providers and found one that was promising to never run ads in the premium channels, and I switched my subscription on the spot and never looked back. I even called around to get commercial-free versions of Food TV and Cartoon Network, so now I'm all set! Of course, the two minutes of blank screen every 5 minutes is a bit annoying, but what can you do?
If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
I think that it is Tivo's TivoToGo transfers that's being referenced. TivoToGo is a service that allows people to download content to their PC, according to the web page. One needs to be a Tivo subscriber to use this service. From there, its just a jump to the portable device.
Not all shows are available though. They've included this caveat on the TivoToGo web page:
Not all shows may be eligible for transfer from your TiVo box to your computer. Programming providers may restrict or limit the ability to record, display, view or transfer any particular program using a variety of copy protection mechanisms.
Sig cancelled due to lack of interest