MovieBeam testing VOIP
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted Mar 8th 2006 1:09PM
posted Mar 8th 2006 1:09PM
When MovieBeam was announced I emailed them
with concerns about the lack of VOIP support. This among other reasons is why I predicted their failure. Today I received an email indicating that they were testing VOIP with their STB and an invitation to test the box with no obligation. I had to buy the box, but they waived the activation fee. I ordered one which was shipped FedEx ground and I should receive it in 3 to 5 days.
You can expect a full review to follow.
Testing VoIP in what way? In that you can use Vonage or SunRocket to dial up to pay your bill or in that MovieBeam would offer VoIP services? Or is there something else I'm not understanding? In a pinch one of my TiVo units has dialed up using Vonage without any formal support.
It doesn't look like they have any new releases in HD (either in now playing or coming soon sections). Their newest HD title was 2005's Scary Movie 3.
To me this seems like disturbing pattern. The HD content will not only be confined to mostly Disney titles, but also confined to the weaker side of their catalog. They could have included some of the classic Disney animation titles in HD (you know, show their highest quality artwork in the highest quality home medium), but there are none. (However, you can get Mission to Mars in HD!)
It doesn't seem like they are interested in leveraging the strength of their catalog to increase adoption. Which is what they need.
Alas, mediocrity has won another great victory. Can anybody else hear Walt spinning in his grave . . . again. Maybe somebody will tell Steve Jobs so he can turn it around.
No Dave, nothing special going on here. Just the ability to try the box with no strings attached with my VOIP line. If it doesn't work then I can return it without loosing my activation fee.