i don't think it's the lack

cocoy dayao — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:42:26 -0700

i don't think it's the lack of web interface. i've got joost on my mac. the interface is more than fine to me. what i find that isn't there is the content.

a few months back i got an email from joost saying star trek was on joost. sadly, my territory isn't on the list that could view it. i kind of understand, since i'm living in asia and not in north america, the technical issue of content delivery is probably the least of joost's worry. if i had to guess, their biggest hurdle is licensing that content and that each territory has different regulation and issue with owners of that content. if joost can overcome that hurdle--- which i guess is kind of high, then joost is one medium that media companies can utilize as an avenue of distribution.

Joost: Lots of buzz, but lacks a Web interface

Kristen Nicole — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:01:00 -0700

JOOST see slideshow

10 ‘Net services that will:

Succeed
Trulia | SceneCaster | CafeScribe OverlayTV | Fav.or.it | Hulu
Huddle | Kaltura | ModiFace Cognitive Code

Fail
Joost | Twitter | Zillow | Chumby eCirkit | Flock | Spock | Jobster Squidoo | Second Life

Service: Joost

What it does: A downloadable application that offers broadcast-grade programming via an on-demand Internet television service.

Failings: Joost built huge buzz before launching to the public, gaining the support of several major broadcasters and content creators in the film industry. But it's not a Web-based application, and it's going up against both established and new video services that use the ubiquitous Web browser to distribute content. They include user-generated video powerhouse YouTube and network-funded efforts like the recently launched Hulu.

Turnaround potential: Joost has a powerful executive team with a proven track record -- this is the same bunch that built Skype and then sold it to eBay for billions. As for programming, forget dancing cats, high school talent shows, and other dregs from the user-generated content well. Joost has a large catalog of quality programs, thanks to its relationships with and support from established producers. An all out Web-based strategy that doesn't require a separate download would help make Joost competitive with YouTube et al. Distribution through Web-based applications that integrate across networks -- such as those found on MySpace or Meebo -- would enhance its potential.

'Net views:

NewTeeVee: "... It's clear that Joost is getting beat left and right by its competitors. Just take a look at Hulu, and you know that the Joost team has good reason to be worried."

justabitcrazee: "I've had it for a bit now. It's too bad that it limits what channels you can watch based on where you live."

NicNac: "Granted, joost is just not all it was cracked up to be. They have really bad coding (using 100% of the processor when connected to a 1080p TV is inexcusable and shoddy) and has stopped me from even trying to use it."

Management: Co-founders, Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom. Mike Volpi, CEO; Dirk-Willem van Gulik, CTO. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Index Ventures, Li Ka Shing Foundation, CBS and Viacom.

Related prediction:

Prediction: Joost will announce a Web-based viewer by November 1, 2008

Other related content:

Slideshow home: Opinion: 10 'Net services that will succeed (and 10 that will probably fail)
Hulu: Real TV programming on the Web

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The Industry Standard - Joost: Lots of buzz, but lacks a Web interface - Comments

i don't think it's the lack

Joost: Lots of buzz, but lacks a Web interface

JOOST see slideshow