TV on the Internet
Since we don't have a TV here, we've been enjoying watching ABC TV on our computer this past week. ABC is showing full-length episodes of four of its shows online in May and June. Most of the shows have only the last several episodes to watch, but our favorite show, Alias, has the entire season five up to what has been broadcast. So every night after we finish studying for our finals we've been watching a few episodes.
Evidently, the US is far behind other countries in what is called IP-TV, with South Korea being the most technologically advanced on this front. With the constant fighting between the telecoms and cable companies and all the monopolies in between, I'm not surprised. I don't know if this happens all over the country, or just here in DC, but I see advertisement signs everywhere by both the telecom and the cable industries, usually attacking the other side. Just think where we'd be if they spent that much effort and money on improving their service.
Evidently, the US is far behind other countries in what is called IP-TV, with South Korea being the most technologically advanced on this front. With the constant fighting between the telecoms and cable companies and all the monopolies in between, I'm not surprised. I don't know if this happens all over the country, or just here in DC, but I see advertisement signs everywhere by both the telecom and the cable industries, usually attacking the other side. Just think where we'd be if they spent that much effort and money on improving their service.
posted by Aaron at 12:28 PM
4 Comments:
That sounds fun! Are there still commercials? Is there any lag time between when the show's on TV and when it's available online?
And what does IP-TV stand for? Internet-something TV?
Questions, questions :) We've got two TVs here in Maple Valley, and I don't watch much, but wherever I end up next will be TV-free.
Hey Aaron,
Just thought I'd let you know that Nathan and I enjoy perusing your blog from time to time. That way it feels like we're keepting in contact without us having to make much effort. :) By the way, you have some amazing pictures in your photo gallery. I had no idea you are such a good photographer! Anyway, thanks for keeping us up to date on your life. :)
Shannon
Shannon and Nathan,
I'm so glad you guys are following along. That is the intent of the blog, to communicate with a wider audience than I usually am able to do. Of course, I still answer regular emails as well! :)
I don't know how much you travel - well, if you're on a budget anything like we are, then probably not too much - but if you are in the area do let us know. We'll be in Seattle in June and then again in July, once to see my sister graduate and then to see a friend from Taiwan and college(Josh M) get married. I'm afraid that's the closest we'll be to you guys for a while. But I will definitely give you the heads-up if I'm closer to your area.
Emily,
Yes, there are limited commercials, but they are much less than standard TV - there are usually 3 commercials, all by the same sponsor, that are 30 seconds or less, and then you click and can continue. The ads themselves are often longer than 30 seconds, but if you're not interested you can click and they'll go away.
IP stands for "internet protocol", which is what the controls the internet and networks. The Internet actually runs on TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP).
Yeah, if you have a TV it's not much of a big deal, except that you can watch old episodes.
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