Joost beta

I signed up for the Joost beta test. It took a couple of weeks before they added more people for testing and then I got an email which gave me the link for the Joost download. Joost is that program which is being developed which by the makers of Napster and Skype. The main advantage is that they distribute the server demands over all computers using Joost. That way one central server doesn't get overloaded. This allows for streaming of video in full screen at up to near DVD quality.

The interface is very slick and modern and runs in full screen or window mode, and only appears when the mouse is moved. There are a series of channels with individual shows you can view. Some are full length shows of about 1/2 hour. Or snippet shows of maybe 5 min. They have some mainstream content like National Geographic, and some internet only programs. The quality of the video depends on the provider. Some are high res and is probably close to DVD quality. But the quality can vary even in the same show. If there is movement in the program the quality drops compared to more still shots. They allow people to rate content, and even chat with others watching the same show.

My review would say: The quality and interface is impressive. Most of the time there is clear streaming content. Not of the quality of some Quicktime content but there is much less lag. With a quicktime video like high def movie trailers. The stream can just stop abruptly and then wait for data. I see less of that for the most part with Joost. But even though there are less drops of content with Joost, they end abruptly with a "sorry come back later" error message. Not a pause but just stops. Many programs will stream for 10min with no delays and then the "sorry" message. Not ready for prime time yet. But this is beta so I guess that is what is being fixed. I have read that these types of networks get more reliable with more users because the content has more places it can come from.

As for a challenger to Apple TV? I think it is a different market. Joost is for viewing on a computer monitor only, as far as I know. The interface requires a mouse. The content is focused on internet style programming. But each show typically has a splash ad (about 20 sec) with big name advertisers. But typically only one ad per episode. Apple TV will probably win for reliable playback but I don't know since I don't have one. Apple TV typically has already downloaded the content and is only streaming it locally from your home computer to the Apple TV box. So delay is much less likely for streaming content.

If you would like to try Joost beta. Let me know, I can invite others to try in the beta test. I guess they want to limit the numbers of people testing. They have a Mac version right from the start.