There's bad quality internet video and then there is really bad internet quality video and there is no doubt that the latest internet tv beta 2 from Microsoft is as bad as we've ever seen. Checking it out we couldn't believe our eyes and tried a number of clips before shaking our head and thinking "are you kidding me?" In some cases the video is presented as 4x3 even though we know the show is available on other sites like Hulu in 16x9, but to make things worse, even when the content is in the original aspect ratio, it is so over-compressed we don't see how anyone could take this serious. The interface is decent enough and does do a good job of integrating well with the rest of the Media Center experience, but we hate to say it but we'd rather see nothing at all then garbage like this. Our favorite internet tv beta 2 feature? The ability to hide it from the guide, and with any luck, forget it even exists.
posted May 16th 2009 6:43PM
Man what are they smoking?! No way in hell I'd use this. Windows 7 is nice and all and media center seems nice but this is downright lame sounding.
I downloaded this last night and tried it. The interface is certainly improved (and unsurprisingly "Zuneish" with the Twist UI elements at the top), but the video quality is indeed pretty poor.
I am downright frustrated at Microsoft's insistence on not using pre-established services such as Hulu and the like here. I have no problem with them wrapping up all of the available services into this interface, but PLEASE stop re-inventing the wheel and making us watch the failed attempts. This problem was already solved handily by Hulu; just interface with them for a small fee and call it a day. It would also solve the dearth of content problem that happens when these types of services get launched by Microsoft...
I just don't understand why some people think that Hulu would want to be on Media Center when it doesn't want to be in Boxee? I mean isn't it obvious that Hulu wants web browser viewers and not TV viewers?
Because they didn't think their argument (ie, complaint)that far out.
I think it far more likely that Hulu would *LOVE* hardware users, if the manufacturers of said hardware signed a contract and paid Hulu for the privilege rather than just leeching their bandwidth and content. I also expect that Hulu's own right to show the content depends on them vigorously protecting it from unauthorized users.
As for why MS might not use Hulu... Go look up Microsoft's track record. Maybe they would licence content but more likely to me is they'd either invent their own thing, pepper links to it throughout Windows 7 and use this dominance to drive out the competition. That or they'd just buy out Hulu outright.
Dear MS- Call Hulu. Make them an offer they can't refuse.
I even think the interface is a bit of a downgrade from the last version..... I dont like the smaller text at the top (the old one felt more like media center).
But I agree that the content really needs improving..... they should just get over it and turn that into netflix for media center and abandon this project completely. Its obvious microsoft/netflix have a good working relationship so it would be natural to bring it to media center.
"we don't see how anyone could take this serious."
Should be, 'we don't see how anyone could take this seriously.'
You guys really need a new copy editor. FYI, I'm unemployed and based in the US. :P
Wow... At first glance, my first thought was "Microsoft's still trying to get value out of that WebTV acquisition 12 years later?". Then I read a few more times and realized it's like Joost or Hulu for Media Center... when are they just going to license XBMC and replace Media Center?
If XBMC had TV support (live and recording) I would ditch 7mc in a heartbeat. I still wish it would work better as a mythTV frontend.
Hopefully never?
I like XBMC for what it is and have it installed on a linux box in my bedroom, but it's not the same type of app as MC other than both the fact that they both play video. The TV function is just the biggest difference. Philosophically they are very different animals.
XBMC and boxee both have a way to go to simplify things down in the UI to the point where the broader less-geeky audience that might use VMC/7MC can figure out how to install and manage them.
Again, I like XBMC and Boxee, so this isn't an attack on those apps.
Atop the heaping pile of dung that this new ITV appears to be, it apparently isn't even available to Vista users.
This is exactly what I was afraid of. MS will release W7 to make up for Vista(i.e. kick dirt over it and hope nobody notices the lump in the yard)...and what happens to us loyal MS users who paid for Vista? We get a big long shaft right where it counts. Thanks for nothing MS.