“If you didn’t use the BB Media Manager to convert/transfer video files, what are the best formats and settings to use for a video file so that it is playable on the BlackBerry Bold?”
Although not officially confirmed, it seems RIM is going to announce a full-episode television service for BlackBerry. The launch may come at CTIA but we’ve also heard App World will be announced and they may not want to take away the spotlight.
The new service is rumored to feature:
Unlimited monthly subscription service for a fee
Once a user orders a program, the content will be downloaded in the background over Wi-Fi
Multiple broadcast and cable networks have licensed content for the service
If the above comes true, I would be really interested to see what sort of content we can expect. Ideally, the service would start by offering the usual premium content that can be offered for free such as Comedy Central and Comedy Network shows.
Micro-payments can really help this service too. If I could pay $0.99 per episode of Lost or The Office, I would happily do so. Hopefully this service offers some content that really makes it worthwhile.
TVNow have a mobile video on-demand application for BlackBerry that is starting to take-in content and should be ready to go live in the near future. Obviously the most important element for video on-demand is content which can make or break a video app.
TVNow’s first set of videos will be instructional clips. “For example, we have a cooking series,” says company creator Andrew Tidby. “So, it’s going to be like having a cookbook and a TV series in your pocket.”
The company is also looking to acquire higher value content in its second phase. “What’s going to happen sooner rather than later,” he said, “is that if you want to watch Family Guy or Lost, you just punch it into your phone and watch it there, or have it beamed directly to your television through your phone.”
Tidby said TVNow will partner with the National Film Board of Canada, so that users can watch any of their short movies, anytime, anywhere. He also hopes to engage the BBC and the Sundance Film Festival, so viewers can have access to international programming and independent films.
One of the many problems they will face are content laws. TVNow is a Canadian born company which could pose many hurdles. For example, Canada is limited in its ability to provide Comedy Network content because Comedy Central is the main provider in Canada. Also, Canadians cannot get access to free NBC content from Hulu, making it even more of a pain for Canadians to get good content.
This app will really need some great content to succeed and it doesn’t take much. One major deal with HBO and some movies could really make this app worthwhile.
This is obviously a fan vid right? I doubt RIM has gone viral and started putting together ads with no branding or real marketing behind them. Cool idea though!
I don’t know how many people will be interested in this, as I have no problem browsing YouTube via my Storm’s web browser, but a dedicated application usually offers more functionality over the mobile web. Google has released a YouTube client for the BlackBerry Storm, allowing users to get a YouTube experience catered specifically for their favorite touchscreen. Here’s what’s included:
* Browse millions of videos from your phone.
* Access your favorites, your own uploaded videos and your favorite channels.
* Share, rate, and comment on videos from your phone.
* Upload videos from your phone.
* Find the specific video you’re looking for by easily searching for it.
* Discover “Related” videos for each video you watch on your phone.
Post a comment and tell us what you think of the YouTube application. If you like it, we’ll do a hands-on video for the BlackBerry Nation.
Following up on his article responding to criticism for his review of the BlackBerry Storm, New York Times technology critic David Pogue has hit the TV circuit. I normally wouldn’t have posted this, as after Al Sacco’s rebuttal, I feel I am over Pogue’s review. However, the video is an excellent lesson for RIM. RIM knew they were releasing an OS update shortly after launch, we knew it, but David Pogue didn’t. If RIM had told him rather than keeping mum, they probably wouldn’t have received such a negative review from one of the most influential voices in the technology world. Click the link below to see Pogue’s CNBC interview.
Following up on his 
