Viacom partners with Joost for video
Cory Bergman February 20th, 2007
Just two weeks after pulling its content from YouTube, Viacom has agreed to license video to the video site Joost, formerly known as The Venice Project. The deal includes TV shows from Comedy Central and MTV, as well as movies from Paramount. “We’re interested in distribution of our content on as many platforms as possible, provided we can operate in a secure environment,” Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman said. “This assures any potential partners that we’re open for business and that we’re able to enter into transactions with companies that respect our content and the considerations of our business.” Joost is the brainchild of Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the two guys behind Skype and KaZaa. The site’s goal is to provide high-resolution, full-length video in a TV-like environment. Joost is still in beta with a target launch date in June. (WSJ sub. req.)
3 Comments Add your own
1. thelosangeleschannel | February 20th, 2007 at 8:01 am
“full-length video in a TV-like enviroment”
that’s an interesting twist as most say web video needs to be short and nothing like TV.
personally, the web is simply a more efficient way to “broadcast”. no unsightly antenna, no dma, no confusing dial positions as there will be countless channel2’s, 4’s and 7’s.
the trick these fellows will need to pull off is to make it as simple as the tv. settle back in that ass groove you’ve got worn in the couch and relax.
2. thomas | February 20th, 2007 at 8:18 am
The problem with “Joost” is the users bandwidth requirements. According to their blog, “The software downloads about 320MB per hour (as a maximum) and uploads up to 105 MB per hour.” We all should know by now that the P2P model is flawed and in reality how many of you out there will actually be able to meet their requirements? I tried and I know I can’t actually get those numbers with my 3Mb Charter connection.
3. tony z. | February 22nd, 2007 at 8:58 am
Plus, you think bandwidth providers, who happen to also be the TV content delivery providers, are going to allow their pipes to be saturated with something that essentially allows customers to bypass their bread-and-butter service?
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