Joost joins a TV revolution

If you head to the product homepage linked below, you will now be able to download and register the client - and then start downloading hundreds of megabytes of full-screen video with content of your preference.

Currently, Joost offers over 150 different channels, offering a variety of video content, from cartoons and commercials to specialised shows like Channel's 5 Fifth Gear. Regular content is provided by Viacom, Sony and many more, with CNN starting its news service as well.

The technology of Joost is a peer-to-peer (p2p) load distribution, so the network speed will depend on number of peers involved. Just like Skype, we have a feeling that this tech will vary in quality, but will break the traditional mould of TV broadcasting - in the same way Skype did with roaming charges (do you use WebMessenger's Skype client on your Blackberry?).

When it comes to commerciability of the project, videos on Joost are interrupted by different ads from 32 companies (Coca-Cola, Nike, HP, La Intella and so on), and you can expect this list to expand. But on the other side, you will not be required to pay a monthly fee or something similar.

Of course, if you own an internet connection with traffic limitations, you might find yourself in hot seat with your ISP if your traffic package does not include the words "flat" and "rate". µ

L'INQ
Joost homepage