Networks start to offer TV on the Web

A very good article in today's IHT by favorite NY Times columnist David Pogue, on US network's offering television on the Internet.

Pogue describes the many options available (for free or for a fee) enabling (US) viewers to watch television on their computers.

Here in Europe we cannot access what US networks' distribute online (when you connect your IP number is identified and a message pops: "for US viewers only"). So Pogue's article is an interesting read because he has tested the options available, points out where the technical glitches are, describes where ads are being placed and how long they last, all things we can't try out from our end in Europe:

-- FOX Fox's effort is labeled "beta," and it shows; I ran into glitches on both Mac and Windows computers.

-- There are some ads, and you can't skip over them. Fortunately, compared with regular TV, the online ads are scarce indeed. At each break, you generally have to watch only one 30-second commercial.

-- NBC An ad or two appears at the beginning of each episode, at the end and at the regular commercial breaks in the middle.

I only disagree with his statement that:

... Almost nobody wants to watch TV on a computer screen

As here in Europe (and in Asia) we are such avid viewers of TV online.

emily | 12:27 PM | Broadcasters distributing their TV shows online |
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