It’s really nice to have the BBC iplayer, itv.com’s catchup service and channel 4’s 4OD, but I struggle to find content that I really want to watch on these services. I have the free-view service on my TV and that’s OK, but it’s still loads of repeats and I’m actually thinking of smashing up my TV and just sticking with the web! Well…. why do we need it now? The government has a digital switch over plan to be completed by 2012, so all the channels will be available via the web. We have loads of online channels who are offering film download services, catchup and other programs all over. I have a lovely widescreen Monitor and I can see almost crystal clear video quality on it.
So what’s the difference? why do I still need my TV?
Well.. let me tell you something! I really like the fact that I can touch a button on the remote and watch TV immediately. I also like jumping on my nice comfy leather sofa, flicking through the channels to see if anything takes my fancy. Then, when I actually do find something I like, I can sit back and enjoy the show. With Web TV, I still need to power up my computer, hit the browser application and then type in the web address. Sorry guys but it’s still a bit of a pain! Then my eyes get tired on the monitor and I feel like i have been on the computer all day! Sometimes the stream buffers and I need to wait for the stream to catch up.
So what’s the verdict ? Why am I giving out two very strong reasons both ways?? Web TV is great and I love watching quick clips on the catchup services and short form videos online. But as a moment; a moment to take time out , get entertained and relax. I just don’t think internet TV completes it for me yet! Not in a relaxing way. If I’m online, great! I’ll watch something quickly and get entertained. But then I go back to work! (Ops sorry boss, if you’re reading this.)
Food for thought!
Signing off!
Realitypod.tv