Technology360

OMN Delivers ... Service to Download and Watch Full Screen DVD and HD Quality Video on TVs and PCs

I don't normally post news releases verbatim, but I've been working closely with Open Media Network for nearly two years, and the HP and TiVo (requires TiVo Desktop release 2.4, due out this month) functionality being announced is, IMHO, very important.  --Dennis

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Open Media Network, which brings non-commercial and public broadcasting content to viewers via the Internet, today announced that its service is the first to enable consumers to enjoy OMN's higher definition, Internet-downloaded video -- on television sets.    

Until today, Internet-downloaded video shown on TV screens has been of  poor quality, as the technology used to deliver video over the Internet has been optimized only for small screens, such as an iPod or PC screen.  Open Media Network’s technology, which uses the highly advanced VeriSign Intelligent Content Delivery Network for delivery, has been optimized for viewing on HP’s ground-breaking HP MediaSmart TVs.  OMN programs can also be downloaded on a TiVo digital video recorder and viewed on TV sets.    

OMN’s programming was demonstrated by HP to members of the press attending the Consumer Electronics Show [Jan. 7] in Las Vegas at the Digital Experience press event. VeriSign is showcasing the service on PC screens at its CES booth ... . Users can go to www.omn.org to download quality content now.    

“We’re seeing many companies announce plans to make it possible for viewers to watch Internet-downloaded shows on their full-sized TV screens, but none have yet been able to deliver it in the HD or DVD quality that people have come to expect when watching television,” said Mike Homer, OMN’s founder and CEO. “Through OMN’s work with HP and VeriSign, we’re able to bring vibrant, clear and exciting non-commercial television programming to the state-of-the-art HP MediaSmart TVs. The much-heralded marriage of TV and the Internet has arrived, and you can see it with OMN.”    

Open Media Network brings leading non-commercial films, public broadcasting TV shows and video blogs to the online public. OMN boasts a library of excellent educational and documentary programming—free and fee-based—including content from producers such as the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National      Geographic, thought-provoking podcasts from leading National Public Radio (NPR) affiliates, and leading independent producers.    

In addition to viewing OMN’s library of popular public broadcasting content on HP MediaSmart TVs and TiVo DVRs, the service supports playback on most digital media receivers (DMR) and also allows for seamless synchronization with iPods and Windows Mobile-based portable media players.    

About OMN    

OMN is a public service dedicated to bringing "media that matters" to the public via the Internet. It gives viewers easy TV Guide® -like access to previously hard-to-find content created by public broadcasters, educational institutions, non-profits and community-based organizations. Based on VeriSign's advanced media delivery technology, OMN provides free and paid audio and video downloads in HD- or DVD-quality. It lets viewers watch their programs on their computers or    take their personal OMN libraries mobile. More information can be found at www.omn.org.

Video Conferencing and Music Performance Education

Christianne Orto writes: "... We [at the Manhattan School of Music] initially explored videoconferencing technology to accommodate the touring schedule of world-renowned violinist, conductor and MSM faculty member, Pinchas Zukerman, so that he could teach his students while concertizing around the globe. The program proved so successful that Manhattan School of Music decided videoconferencing presented great opportunities for the conservatory environment. We have since expanded our program to include master classes, workshops, clinics, one-on-one teaching, education and community outreach, professional development, coaching and the creation of a new elective class, 'Videoconferencing for Performers & Educators,' designed to expose students to the virtual learning environment. ..."  Link:  Campus Technology.  Thanks to Ralph Hogan for the tip.  --Dennis

High-Definition PC Video Conferencing?

Slashdot has a report that two companies at Networld+Interpop demonstrated HD videoconferencing products.  Link:  Slashdot.  --Dennis

MusicGrid: A case study in broadband video collaboration

Abstract:   The technical requirements for widespread deployment of broadband video over the Internet are rapidly being met. But a harder challenge remains: how can video–based technologies promote collaboration and learning?  ¶  We present a case study: the MusicGrid Project. Running from 2002 to 2004 with partners in several Canadian and international locations, this modestly funded initiative ran over one hundred successful multi–site education and performance sessions. The rationale, development, and operation of the project are discussed, along with general lessons learned. We believe that our experience and the opportunities and issues identified will be useful to all those interested in large–scale, video–based collaboration projects. ...  Link:  First Monday.