Comparing Online TV: Hulu, Joost, Fancast and Veoh
October 24th, 2008
Whether you've missed your show or the deadline for high definition TV coming in February is looming over your head, you may want to consider what web 2.0 has to offer. Watching online entertainment has never been as easy as it is with the applications we looked this week. With limited commercial breaks and a library of old and new titles, users with these online TV applications can see movies, TV programs, clips, and in some cases music videos, all for free. Read More »
As we investigated the elements common to TV applications, Hulu emerged as a remarkably easy to use and a strong choice for TV and movie watchers. Starting with a clean layout of content on a white background, the best feature of Hulu is certainly the navigation, which offers a multitude of options for viewers. 
With online TV, not everyone wants to just catch up with their shows - some viewers want to share their experience, and for the that Joost is well suited. In addition to the ability to watch shows and videos you like, you can mark your favorites, see who's watching what, and share what you find with your friends. 
Fancast is an online TV and movie application that has been laid out in a simple to intuit fashion, and with the exception of a few ad spaces, cleanly. Tabs for TV and Movies are next to tabs that give a better indication of Fancast's purpose; Trailers (film), Store, TV Listings, and On Demand Guide. Fancast has been made with the fan in mind, and whether viewers are watching a movie or catching up on their favorite show, they are never far from the store where they can download - for rent or purchase - their favorite shows. 
Veoh is something of a stand alone TV application, serving more than one video need. In addition to streaming TV and movies, Veoh includes web series, and videos in an entertainment portal that now includes networking. Laid out in a mashup style with boxes for popular shows and a message center where users can send messages or make friend requests, Veoh resembles more a video hosting site such as YouTube more than a TV application. 
