Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2006 > April > 11
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Online TV? Not for me!
I’m still trying to figure out if this is good news:
The Walt Disney Co. said Monday it plans to offer four ABC prime-time shows — including “Desperate Housewives,” “Lost” and “Commander in Chief” online for free beginning in May and lasting until the end of June.
The entire final season of “Alias” also will be available.
Do I really want to watch watch TV on my computer, the screen of which is a fraction of the size of my actual TV?
I don’t think so. In fact, absolutely not. Besides the relatively tiny screen, the sound on my computer isn’t anywhere near as good as it is on my Big TV.
And, yes, video streaming has improved since its first stop-action, fuzzy-looking birth. But it’s still not nearly as good as the crystal images of HD or any version of digital TV.
Plus, the reason these ABC shows will be pulsing through your computer for free is they are ad-supported, which means sponsors such as Ford, AT&T, Procter & Gamble and Toyota, will be popping into these shows on a regular basis. Computers don’t have that fabulous little DVR function that allows you to zap through ads. At least not yet.
I know this free-TV streaming is considered a Big Deal. The Wave of the Future, in fact. But I still relish watching my favorite shows in the comfy room in my house with the big leather couch and the big-fat real TV. Call me crazy.
But that’s just me. Congratulation to those of you who are always on the move, always moving with your computer and never want to miss an episode of “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives” or “Commander in Chief.” Good for you.
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