Sports fans rejoice! It looks like ESPN will be producing exclusive content for the web in light of ABC's recent success with long-form television shows streamed via its online video players. While ESPN has always posted all kinds of short-form material on its site, this year they'll be launching "a number of new, original shows only on ESPN.com", according to Ed Erhardt, president of customer marketing and sales for ESPN and ABC Sports. While it's well known that short-form video content tends to generate the most traffic on the web, ESPN is looking to experiment with lengthier material and continues to work on expanding their platform and ad-serving capabilities.
CBS also recently announced that the network will stream for free all the NCAA's March Madness basketball games through their website and with an anticipated $22 million in online ad sales directly related to the b-ball tournament, it looks to be a success before it's even begun.
Samsung Rolls Out PAVV Cannes 450 3D Ready Plasma TV's
Got your 3D glasses ready? You could need them soon as Samsung has announced the release of their 3D Ready PAVV Cannes 450 plasma TV into Korea. Featuring an amazing 1, 000, 000:1 contrast ratio, rivaled only by Sony's XEL-1 OLED TV, as well as 3D content support, the PAVV Cannes 450 couldn't do it without the help of Samsung's proprietary Cell Light Control, Ultra Daylight Technology, and a DNIe+ chipset.
We can expect a fair amount of 3D interactive content from Electronic Arts who are reportedly developing content specifically for use on the PAVV Cannes 450. That will probably mean some cool new 3D video games from the world's largest interactive entertainment software company.
The PAVV Cannes 450 will come in both 42- and 52-inch models priced at 1, 750, 000 Korean Won (US$1862) and 2, 500, 000 Korean Won (US$2660) respectively. Samsung will also release a higher-end 50-inch PAVV Cannes 550 model for 3, 900, 000 Korean Won or the equivalent, US$4150.
Via Aving
NEC's MultiSync LCD5220 LCD TV May Have A Thin Bezel, But May Leave You Thin On Cash
Yet another display geared for the business market, NEC's MultiSync LCD5220 features full 1080p resolution on a 52-inch LCD panel surrounded by an ultra-thin 19 mm bezel. With support for nearly 1.7 billion colors, brightness of 700 cd/m2, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and 8 ms response time, we couldn't imagine finding a business presentation or application the MultiSync LCD 5220 couldn't handle. But at over 90 pounds, we hope buyers will be using this LCD TV in-house as lugging it around all day to meetings probably wouldn't be worth the technology inside the box.
The MultiSync LCD5220 features a variety on inputs and outputs including HDMI and PC and is Windows Vista-certified in the United States. Due out April 11 in Japan, the expected price of the NEC MultiSync LCD5220 is 600, 000 Yen, the equivalent to about US$5745!
Details are a little sketchy at the moment, but according to "market sources" in Taiwan, if you purchased a Vizio LCD TV in the United States in the last year or so, it very likely may not have been made by Vizio at all. The number 7 ranked LCD TV manufacturer globally, with 2.65 million units shipped, a 3% market share and 338% year-over-year growth, Vizio had a successful 2007. But many of their globally shipped LCD TV's were produced by Taiwan-based Amtram Technology, and as of last March 1, Foxconn supplied 26-inch Vizio LCD TV's to the US. Now, according to those "market sources" we mentioned above, another Taiwanese company, Tatung will be supplying more Vizio LCD TV's to the North American market! With all the partnerships going on over in Asia by HDTV manufacturers, it's really hard to say what type of TV you actually have in your living room these days!
TVSnob Experimenting With New Editorial Calendar: Expect More Products And More Deals
Since I began working as editor for TVSnob.com near the end of last September, I've really tried to get a feel for what you, the readers, like to see. It's always tough to begin writing for a site that's been around for a couple of years and continue to please fans of previous editors. What I do know is that you like straight-to-the-core news and reviews about products as well as updates on all the best home theater deals around.
Since I've hopped on board here, I've tried to integrate some of the TV industry happenings that'll eventually have an effect on the products you can buy and the prices you'll pay for them, but boring old news doesn't seem to appeal to most of you. However, because what happens behind the scenes with the likes of TV manufacturers collaborating with each other and the web moving to our TV's and vice versa, I'd come up with what I guess you could call an editorial calendar to keep every happy.
Every day from here on in, we'll try to feature 2-3 articles focused on home theater products and their respective deals, as well as a link post that will feature the business and digital media news that will affect you now and/or in the future. That way, if you care to follow the business of TV, you can just follow the links. Occasionally we'll feature articles related to this type of stuff if it's really interesting, but we'll try this system out and see what you think.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, email me at jdavey at tvsnob dot com.
BENQ CP220c DLP Projector Perfect For A Fast-Paced Business Lifestyle
The new BENQ CP220c DLP projector, tailored to the fast-paced business market, is the high-end projector manufacturer's latest Japanese offering. Available March 5 in Japan, for the expected price of 99, 800 Yen (US$941), the BENQ CP220c is a compact, super-lightweight DLP featuring 1024x768 XGA resolution, 2000 lumen brightness, and a 700:1 contrast ratio. Bulb lifetime is an expected 3000 hours in Economy mode and 2000 hours in normal mode, and built-in cooling fans continue to operate after the power source is removed from the projector. That means after a business presentation, a busy presenter can quickly pack up and move on without worrying about any lasting damage to the CP220c from excessive heat. The CP220c uses high-end German Zeiss lenses and comes with a lens cover to protect the lens during transportation and 9 preset modes allows the display to be optimized to any lighting or presentation conditions. For an extensive listing of features, check out the BENQ Japan website.
Toshiba Unleashes New REGZA LCD TV Series For Gamers
Toshiba Canada is launching a new line of their popular REGZA LCD TV's specifically for the gaming community. The REGZA RV530 lineup features 5 new models: the 32-inch 32RV530 for $1099, the 37-inch 37RV530 for $1299, the 42-inch 42RV530 for $1499, the 46-inch 46RV530 for $1999, and the 52-inch 52RV530 for $2499.
Toshiba is marketing the 42RV530 as the LCD TV of choice for gamers, but all of the models feature 1080p resolution, Toshiba's 14 Bit PixelPure4G Video Processor, and an enhanced DynaLight blacklight control. The DynaLight results in a contrast ratio up to 10 times greater than original panel contrast allowing gamers to see the detail built in to the graphics of their favorite video games.
As with any TV for gamers these days, the 42RV530 features all the inputs and outputs you could ever need, including 4 HDMI ports, as well as a high resolution PC input for easy hook-up to your gaming system of choice. Plus, an exclusive Gaming Mode brings a direct video signal to the screen for a faster controller-to-screen response, a must for fast-paced, action-packed video games.
Toshiba may have missed the boat with HD DVD, but a series of Turkish dealers appreciate their carbon-fiber LCD TV creation. The television is your normal everyday Toshiba offering, but the surrounding bezel is made of carbon fiber. What Turkish dealers find attractive about a carbon-fiber bezel, I'm not sure, but they found it attractive enough to pay $1000 more than they'd pay for the same TV minus the carbon fiber. Currently there are no plans for mass production.
Blu-ray's Not Getting Any Cheaper With Sony BDP-S350, BDP-S550 And Eidos 20 BD Blu-ray Player Announcements
How much do you think this little box costs?
We'd be willing to bet money that you weren't even close because it costs a whopping $17, 000. Yes, that's right, Goldmund's new Eidos 20 BD Blu-ray player will cost you that much when it's released. Of course, like most new products leaked onto the web, no date has been announced as of yet. Not to many details have been released either, but at $17,000 we'd hope you'd be witness to one of the greatest HD movie experiences ever.
Sony announced the upcoming release of two new Blu-ray players as well, the first to support Sony's BD Live service which allows you to download bonus materials and games from the internet and enables picture-in-picture viewing. Sony will first release the BDP-S350 sometime this summer for "around $400" but won't support BD Live until the fall when it's expected to officially debut. The BDP-S350 will feature an ethernet port for connecting to the web via your home broadband connection. The second player, the BDP-S550, will be released in the fall after BD Live is available and will be priced at "around $500". Looks like Blu-ray players won't be getting cheaper anytime soon.
Panasonic Upgrades Its 103-Inch Plasma With New "10 Series"
Panasonic, apparently not quite ready to release it's 150-inch monster plasma, has upgraded its 103-inch model with a new "10 series", featuring "better wall mount configuration, improved video processing technology, anti-Reflective coating, enhanced wireless presentation capabilities, more versatile media card readability, and a dual HDMI board". The new TH-103PF10UK comes with an impressive 100, 000 hour service agreement, though that's probably not to much to ask with an expected price tag around $70, 000.
Sony Continues To Impress With J1 And V1 Bravia Series'
If you're reading this right now, we're pretty sure you're a Sony Bravia fan. That being said, today is your lucky day because we have six more Bravia's for you.
The Bravia V1 series comes in 40-, 46-, and 52 inch models, with respective model numbers KDL-40V1, KDL-46V1, and KDL-52V1. All 3 V1 models feature Motion Flow 120Hz technology, 24p True Cinema, 1080p resolution, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio. Each model also has plenty of inputs including a couple of HDMI CEC slots. Expected to be released April 25 in Japan, the KDL-40V1 will be priced at 260, 000 yen (US$2406), the KDL-46V1 at 370, 000 yen (US$3424), and the KDL-52V1 at 460, 000 yen (US$4257).
The Bravia J1 series features the 20-inch KDL-20J1, the 26-inch KDL-26J1, and the 32-inch KDL-32J1. All 3 models feature 720p resolution, while the 20-inch model features a 1200:1 contrast ratio, the 26-inch model a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and the 32-inch model a 2500:1 contrast ratio. The J1 series also features a 178 degree viewing angle, both digital and analog tuners, and all the inputs and outputs you could possibly need. Expected to be released in Japan March 20, the KDL-20J1 will cost 110, 000 yen (US$1018), the KDL-26J1 150, 000 yen (US$1388), and the KDL-32J1 around 170, 000 yen (US$1573).
The Real Reason HD DVD Is Dead: It Wasn't Warner Or A $400 Million Payoff
While the general consensus is that Warner Bros. decision to release their movie titles exclusively on Blu-ray was the last straw in the format war, sealing the fate of HD DVD, general manager of storage device strategy for Matsushita, Masayuki Kozuka says otherwise.
Remember the hoopla surrounding the $99 (and in some places cheaper) Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player available from Wal-mart and Best Buy just before Black Friday? According to Kozuka, this pricing strategy was the worst thing Toshiba could have done for HD DVD. By introducing such low prices, Toshiba effectively discouraged new manufacturers from producing HD DVD players. For the most part, Toshiba had the only established series of HD DVD players on the market. Up until this point, standalone HD DVD players were actually outselling standalone Blu-ray players, but by Christmas Blu-ray had a clear lead. So it turns out that maybe Warner Bros. never killed HD DVD, nor did any backroom $400 million payoff, a pre-Black Friday sale did.
Now that HD DVD is dead, movie studios will aim to move the DVD market to Blu-ray, expecting movie titles sales to increase from 7 million last year to 50 million this year. And what about the meme floating around the web stating that Blu-ray will be the next format to go at the hands of digital downloads. Not going to happen anytime soon, says Kozuka, adding that 7-8 years from now could be a totally different story.
TV Remote's Don't Need Buttons: The Origami TV Remote Brings Simplicity To The Home Theater
The Origami TV Remote Control, designed last year by Hayeon Yoo, eliminates the complications inherent in today's remote controls. Using only Max/Msp software, wireless keyboard sensors, paper, and some folding skills, the Origami TV Remote Control uses simple movements based on the popular kid's cootie catcher and is designed for kids, although most adults would probably appreciate its simplicity.
Gaming For The S&M Crowd: Painstation Game Console A Real Shock
There's got to be some crossover between gamers and S&M out there. So for those interested in both subcultures, two designers from the German Academy of Media Arts bring you the Painstation. The prototype game console, designed by Volker Morawe and Tilman Reiff, actually brings you pain for making mistakes. Make for two players, the Painstation uses an adapted version of the Atari classic Pong, in which the two players face each other and use their right hand to control a bat on the screen while their left hand is placed on top of the console. Every time they happen to miss the ball, they face pain in their left hand through the form of heat, electrical shock, or some sort of lashing on the back of the hand. If at any time they remove their left hand from the Painstation, it's game over. No it doesn't kill them or anything, but they lose the game. The designers says the integration of pain into video games makes them more interactive as well as much more entertaining for the audience!
We can totally see why the audience would find this so entertaining!
Sharp And Sony Jump Into Bed Together With New Joint LCD Venture
We initially reported the other day that Sony had struck a deal to purchase LCD panels from Sharp, a cost-efficient way for Sony to keep up with demand for its hugely successful Bravia line-up. It seems the two companies are closer than we originally thought.
Sharp and Sony have signed a memorandum of intent to both produce and sell large-size LCD panels. A factory for the new joint-venture which is so far unnamed is being built, and once fully operational will supply Sharp and Sony with panel amounts respective to their investments in the venture. In the future we could possibly expect joint production of LCD components as well.
The factory is slated to be operating at full capacity sometime in the last quarter of 2009, initially producing 36, 000 panels/month, gradually increasing to 72, 000 panels. Sharp will carry about 66% of the total investment into the joint-venture and Sony will invest the other 34%.
ABC Looks To Fight DVR's With Mandatory Commercials
ABC Networks, its affiliates and Cox Communications are expected to announce a new video-on-demand service today that will allow viewers to watch ABC shows anytime they want. Definitely a big plus for busy fans of shows such as Desperate Housewives, who after missing one episode are completely lost for the remainder of the season. The new service is an outright attempt on the network's behalf to fight the use of digital video recorders such as the TiVo, which enables on-demand viewing of TV shows and lets you fast forward through commercials. And that's where the catch comes in.
The new service will allow you to watch your favorite ABC shows on-demand, but disables commercial fast forwarding. In exchange for your shows when you want, you'll be forced to watch commercials, although the on-demand commercials will be much shorter than what you're used to on traditional over-the-air TV.
"As network and affiliates, we both have an interest in slowing down the explosive growth of DVRs," Mr. Cole said. "This is about combating DVRs. As we developed this at every stage, there was an agreement that however we put this together, disabling the fast-forward function was key."
Classic Nintendo Controller Remote Helps Us Remember The Gool Ol' Days
Most of us immersed in the working world these days don't have a lot of time to play good ol' video games, although most of us probably wish we did. Those in the 25-35 age group or thereabouts probably spend a good chunk of their childhood sitting in front of their CRT TV's playing Nintendo...classic Nintendo. Now, even with your lack of time, you can at least reminisce with the Nintendo Controller Universal Remote, available from Thinkgeek.com for $12.99 and, get this, delivered to your door in a winged turtle shell! Remember Super Mario Bros.?
Why Is Popcorn So Expensive At The Theater? So We Can Afford To See The Movie!
Any movie lover with a dash of common sense would probably have guessed it's true: movie theaters charge an arm and a leg for popcorn and other concessions in order to keep ticket prices relatively affordable. But now we Ph.D's telling us it's true.
Researchers at Stanford and the University of California, Santa Cruz, looked to answer whether it's better to charge a premium on a primary item (the movie ticket) or a secondary item (the popcorn) and found that by charging a premium on the popcorn and keeping the tickets a little cheaper, more price-sensitive consumers would hit the theaters and those with a little more cash would still pig out on the profitable concessions.
It's important for theaters to attract as many viewers as possible for their screenings as profits are split with movie distributors and without viewers, movies will be played elsewhere. But concessions, which account for 20% of movie theaters' gross revenues, actually account for a full 40% of their profits because 100% of concession revenues stay with the theaters.
Count your lucky stars because it looks like those movie theaters that we complain rip us off are actually doing us a favor!
85% Of This Year's Academy Award Nominated Films Are Available Via P2P Pirates
Looking to get your hands on copies of all the Academy Award-nominated films before they're out on DVD and Blu-ray? You shouldn't have any problem with all the popular BitTorrent sites out there these days. Andy Baio of Waxy.org has put together detailed piracy reports for the 151 Academy Award-nominated films since 2003 and all but 3 are available via pirate sites. This year, of the 34 Academy Award-nominated films, only 5 haven't leaked in anything less than DVD-quality online.
In yet another strategic partnership between high definition display manufacturers, Pioneer will no longer be producing 42-inch plasma displays, instead purchasing panels 42-inches and lower from Matsushita (parent company of Panasonic) or Hitachi. It will instead focus on panels 50-inches and larger, ending production of 42-inch panels in March of 2009. Looks like we can expect some big-ass, high-end Kuros in the near future.
HDTV Deals: Westinghouse TX-47F430S 47 Inch LCD TV For $1029.99
One of the best ways to get an big screen LCD or plasma HDTV on the cheap is to go the refurbished route. ecost.com is featuring a Westinghouse TX-47F430S 47-inch LCD for only $1029.99 right now, an excellent price. You could expect to pay $1299.99 over at Amazon.com right now for the same model, and that's on sale for a full $500 off. If you're looking for a brand new model, then definitely head to Amazon. If you're looking to go the cheapest route possible, then head over to ecost.
There Is A Pot Of Gold At The End Of The New Bravia Line-Up: New Bravia M1 Series Colorful To Say The Least
Coming March 25 in Japan, the new Sony Bravia M1 LCD TV series features 2 new models with a whole lot of color options. The 16-inch KDL-16M1 and 20-inch KDL-20M1 are the perfect high-end LCD TV's for colorful kid's rooms as they come in the usual silver and black colors, but also pink, green, blue, and orange. Special edition sets are also available that offer different shades of the typical color offerings.
Both sets feature 720p resolution, a 178 degree viewing angle, both ATSC/NTSC tuners and a whole whackload of inputs. The KDL-16M1 has a contrast ratio of 1300:1 while the KDL-20M1 has a contrast ratio of 1800:1.
Each model has the renowned Bravia Engine bringing a world-class picture to the display, a 24p Cinema Mode, and support for DLNA. The KDL-16M1 is expected to be priced at 89, 800 Yen (US$838) and the KDL-20M1 will sell for 109, 800 Yen (US$1024).
HD DVD Dies A Second Time: Microsoft Axes XBox 360 Add-On
It was only a matter of time after Toshiba killed HD DVD, but Microsoft has officially announced that they will no longer manufacture HD DVD add-ons for the Xbox 360. They will still honor warranty support for those that already own one though. Check out the official statement below:
"As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD. Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market. As we stated earlier, we do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace. HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room, along with playback of the DVD movies they already own."
Only a matter of time until the Xbox 360 Blu-ray player?
Is The 17 Day "Initial Streaming Window" A Ripoff For Writer's?
If there was one red flag in the agreement drawn up by the Writer's Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers at the end of the Writer's Strike, it was definitely the 17-day window in which writer's will not see any revenues after content they wrote is streamed online.
Last year networks only made $120 million in ad revenues from free streamed content, compared to the $9 billion spent on traditional TV ads. And with NBC admitting that 78% of their online viewers watch streaming video to catch up on episodes they missed on TV, we have to wonder if writer's are really being ripped off here...
Advertisers continue to look for ways to effectively monetize web video, a focus that will be key to integrating television and the web. One of the most exciting revelations this week came from Google who has opened Adsense for video in beta. While right now, only video publishers who meet some pretty impressive traffic standard can participate, eventually video Adsense will be available to everyone. And get this: rumors are rolling around the blogosphere that estimate that Google will pay $15 for every 1000 impressions. But how do you attract the traffic necessary to actually make money from video advertisers?
We've pulled 5 ways to ensure you make money from your online video from a Los Angeles Times article, Behave, the Video Vigilante is watching, an article that discusses the convergence of activism and the web.
1. Keep Your Upfront Costs Low
You don't need thousands of dollars worth of fancy electronics to make money in web video. A half decent camcorder and video editing program on your computer will do the trick. Content is key.
2. People Love Seeing Others Publicly Humiliated
While this may sound like a tip from a heartless bastard, some people should be publicly humiliated. John's that troll the streets looking for underaged prostitutes captured on video and plastered on YouTube attract all kinds of traffic. "If you get caught...you get a life sentence", says the Video Vigilante of Oklahoma City, Brian Bates.
3. Compromising Situations Involving Authorities Such As Cops And Pastors Attract Traffic
People love seeing those of legal and moral high-standing break the very laws and virtues they promote. Traffic cops breaking laws they're supposed to enforce, pastors trolling for hookers, and nightclub violence are guaranteed to attract traffic if you happen to catch them on tape.
4. Shamelessly Self-Promote
Give yourself a nickname, call local news stations and tell them what you're doing, leverage social networks on the web. Don't be shy and get the word out. We're sure that a Los Angeles Times piece will do wonders for Brian Bates.
5. When Looking For A Subject To Focus On, Choose Something A Tad Unethical
While I don't believe that taping john's taking advantaged of the disadvantaged is unethical, some people do. Because it's difficult to use online video to convict criminals, some civil libertarians say that people such as Brian Bates are serving as "as judge, jury, and executioner", all roles meant for the justice system. The key point to remember here is that negative publicity is still publicity and sometimes it's even better for attracting traffic than positive publicity.
Want some numbers to back these tips up? No problem. Brian Bates owns JohnTV, a website where he publicly airs his provocative footage. Videos like that of a Lowe's deliverman having sex with a prostitute on top of a washing machine have attracted many hundred of thousands of views. And with traffic like that, Bates will make $70, 000 this year from his website alone. He also licenses his footage to talk shows for $250 a clip, has been paid to appear on Maury Povich and signed a deal with YouTube to upload his videos to their video-sharing site and split the ad revenues. Convinced?
Digital Television Transition Now A Civil Rights Issue
Civil rights groups are calling the 2009 digital TV transition a big problem for minorities and the disadvantaged, who they say are poised to be cut off from important resources and the American political system of all things, if they aren't properly informed of the steps they must take to prepare for DTV2009.
Wade Henderson, CEO and president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), says that civil rights group want to make sure that DTV2009 is an "equal opportunity" transition where all groups and locales have the same opportunity to prepare.
Groups such as LCCR have stepped in to assist in the transition as research groups have found that of the 21 million US households that rely on over-the-air signals for TV reception, 33% are Spanish-American, 25% are black, and about 12% are Asian. Nearly half of the 21 million affected households have annual incomes under $30, 000, nearly 40% have at least one resident over the age of 50, and about 33% have a resident who is disabled.
Unfortunately the LCCR and other such groups have a ways to go as only 4.7 million coupons have been requestion as part of the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, which refunds up to $40 to the purchase of a digital converter for analog TV sets.
Trade In Your Useless HD DVD Player For A Useful Blu-ray Player
There is a catch of course: you need to live in Japan. But it is true. Edion, the owner of several electronic chains in Japan is accepting 7 different HD DVD players through the month of March in exchange for a brand-spanking new Blu-ray player from Sony, Panasonic, or Sharp. Of course, traders will have to make up the price difference as Blu-ray is a tad more expensive.
Sony Will Buy LCD Panels From Sharp To Keep Up With Bravia Demand
Demand for LCD TV's is expected to at least double by 2012 to 155 million units, and in anticipation the major display manufacturers are working hard at ramping up production. A source with knowledge of the flat-panel industry has said that Sony will be buying 40 inch LCD panels from Sharp Electronics in order to meet demand for their Bravia sets without making any huge investments in building new manufacturing plants. Sony is expected to begin purchasing from Sharp as early as the beginning of their new fiscal year, coming up in April with first year purchasing projections in the amount of 3-5 million units.
Sharp is currently building the world's largest LCD manufacturing plant, with a projected cost of $3.55 billion, and slated to be fully operational by March 2010.
Sharp's VA3A5JZ922 Is The World's Smallest Digital TV Tuner
Sharp has created the world's smallest 1-seg digital TV tuner for mobile phones with its new VA3A5JZ922. With dimensions of 5.9 x 5.9 x 09mm, the digital tuner is a full third smaller than the next smallest 1-seg tuner on the market. Sharp looks to be betting big on mobile TV to eventually become mainstream as they will produce 1 million VA3A5JZ922 tuners per month once mass production starts September 30, 2008.
Apparently the HD DVD/Blu-ray format war was impeding a coalition of 150 HD player manufacturer's from developing innovations that will eventually do away with HD discs altogether. Home Theater Specialists Of America director of training and public relations David Berman says now that Toshiba has announced the death of HD DVD, the coalition is free to go ahead and move toward a future that will see Blu-ray players with no discs in our living rooms.
Johnny Knoxville And His Torn Urethra Bring Jackass To The Web
Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and Bam Marega, the original Jackass's themselves are moving to the web. Jackassworld.com, a new video site jointly run by Knoxville and MTV Networks, is part of a bet on the part of MTV that niche sites will better target viewers and maximize revenue opportunities from web video.
To promote the site launch, the Jackass crew will be taking over MTV all day tomorrow so we expect they'll have some impressive ratings to boast about once the official numbers are released. Fans of the Jackass movies will be happy to know that Jackass 2.5 is available for free viewing via the website, and expect new and outrageous content from the boys on a daily basis.
Set up as a video blog more or less, Jackassworld features a home page with current updates, a photo gallery, and community features allowing for plenty of opportunity for interaction with Knoxville and pals as well as with other community members. This is a good move by MTV to turn an old media hit into an online revenue opportunity. The only question we have is whether or not the site has the server capacity to handle the inevitable traffic surge it'll have during tomorrow's Jackass-hijacking of MTV.
ESPN Bringing Exclusive Content To The Web
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