Got Joost!

I finally got Joost(pronounce as "juiced") today! Oh yeah! Joost is an interactive software for distributing TV shows and other forms of video over the Web using peer-to-peer tv technology, created by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis (founders of Skype and Kazaa). The program is based on P2PTV technology and is expected to deliver near-TV resolution images. It turns a PC into an instant on-demand TV without any need for additional set top box. News updates, discussion forums, show ratings, and multi-user chat sessions (often linked to the active stream/channel) are made possible through the use of semi-transparent widget overlays.

I installed it on my PC and I am currently watching a Brittish TV program about cars, called "Fifth Gear". I also downloaded the Mac OS X version so I could install it on my Powerbook, but sadly enough it only works on Intel bases Macs (grrrr...). So far the quality of the movies is good, but the interface and the program itself is rather sluggish on my 2.8 Ghz Pentium IV HT. But hey: it's only a beta and it can only get better! The only thing that might become irritating is that Joost will have ads (no such thing as a free lunch).

And I must say they already have an impressive list of channels you can watch. From MTV to sports (poker channel!) to documentaries, live concerts and stand up comedy (Boom Chicago). The only thing I see is that certain channels are not worldwide! Why? Why can't I watch Ren & stimpy? Why can't I watch VHF?

Oh well, I can't complain: Joost is free just like Skype. For now I am just going to channel surf and see what is interesting!

What's Joost?