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April 2, 2007 1:35 PM PDT

ABC.com makes watching TV at work better

by David Carnoy
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Lost: looking good online.

(Credit: 2007 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.)

Among the networks, ABC.com has been one of the most aggressive in terms of streaming full versions of its shows online after they've aired on TV. During those quieter moments at work--some call them smoking breaks without the smoking--you can watch episodes of Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, and more, right on your computer screen. Until a few days ago, however, the picture was rather small. Now ABC.com has launched a new full-screen "HD-quality" video player, and the "broadcast" looks shockingly good.

Meanwhile, NBC also has spruced up its online video player, and it, too, has added a full-screen option. The big difference is that NBC's video player uses Adobe's Flash Video, while ABC's is built on technology from upstart Move Networks.

During a "break," CNET editors John Falcone and Matthew Moskovciak huddled around my 19-inch Sony monitor in my office for a quick look at a recent Lost episode and were duly impressed. The picture may not quite measure up to true hi-def, but step a few feet back, and you're looking at a very detailed, sharp image. It's the kind of moment that makes you think that someday you'll be able to ditch your cable or satellite provider and get your content from cheaper sources that also happen to be legal. What a concept.

For a more in-depth story on ABC.com and its video player, go to broadcastingcable.com.

Source: Broadcasting & Cable

Via: AVS Forum

Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel. E-mail David. Follow David on Twitter.
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yep I am hooked too
by oludir April 3, 2007 8:06 AM PDT
Infact the video page is book marked. Funny enough, some of their ads are even fun to see.
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Tried the Player, works great!
by DaveMcLain April 3, 2007 11:02 AM PDT
At lunch time today I experimented with the ABC TV player, works great. I'm amazed at how quickly this technology has come along.
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Doesn't work with Vista, though
by thatcherm April 3, 2007 12:55 PM PDT
I'm home sick and was looking forward to extensive testing of that new ABC player--but it's not yet available for Vista. Burned by the cutting edge!
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Not able to access!!
by c4gibson April 6, 2007 12:02 PM PDT
US based isp's only. Too bad!
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hellooo! linux?
by kpoci May 28, 2007 10:34 AM PDT
at least the 'old' player was compatible with linux users
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