Online Video Killed the TV Star
It finally happened. Last week I watched more video online than a I did on TV. It is only a matter of time before a significant number of people are doing the same. I hope this forces cable companies to offer a la carte channel price plans. I am currently paying too much money for a bunch of channels that I have never watched while some other channels that I would like are only available on the Super-Duper-Ultra-Premium Plan. Alternatively I can watch what I want, when I want, where I want with video online.
Some of the videos I watch online are traditional network tv shows like ‘Lost’ and ‘Numb3rs’. All three networks let you watch some or all of their shows on their websites. NBC also launched Hulu which streams shows from their various network and cable channels as well as some movies.
I also enjoy some programs that were made just for the net. Revision3 is a “TV network” on the internet that has a dozen or so shows to watch. Many of the shows are quite geeky which is why I probably like them. My favorites are ‘Tekzilla’, ‘Systm‘, ‘Diggnation’ and ‘PixelPerfect’. Using my favorite video player, Miro, I download these shows automatically when new episodes become available. Miro hosts thousands of channels and allows you to search for video on the net as well. For a little comedy I like to watch short clips from the Onion News Network (yes, that Onion). Another popular channel on Miro is TED which hosts “Inspired talks by the world’s greatest thinkers and doers.” I should also mention Joost, which is another video player/platform that hosts both content made for the web as well as shows from traditional TV. I don’t like the interface as much as Miro’s but it is still worth checking out. Finally, if you subscribe to Netflix, you can stream movies instantly to your computer (no joy for Mac users though) in addition to receiving DVD’s in the mail.
What do you watch online? I’d like to hear about some great videos or programs you have discovered.
What’s the Big Idea?
When I first heard that Donny Deutsch was hosting his own talk show, “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch” on CNBC, I definitely was not going to add it to my list of “Must See TV.” As an advertising executive, Donny Deutsch, was responsible for taking a small advertising firm and transforming it into one of the top ten firms in the industry. I have seen him several times on TV the past couple of years and a 56 inch plasma couldn’t contain his ego and some of his political views were just this side of loony. Let’s just say I wasn’t a fan. Then my aunt recently recommended that I give his show a chance and to my surprise I can’t get enough of it.
The show takes you through the success stories of various men and women providing a “roadmap to the American Dream.” Each episode usually includes an interview with a successful entrepreneur about how they achieved their success. Another segment might include someone who has a great idea and they are just starting out. Finally, Donny usually interviews someone with a product or service that makes you say “Duh! Why didn’t I think of that?” It keeps me inspired and I have truly learned a lot in the short time I have been watching. If you are a dreamer and a schemer, like me, then I highly recommend this show. It is on weeknights at 10 p.m. EST on CNBC. Go check it out.