In all, more than 2,000 hours of live content and 3,000 hours of on-demand video will be available from the PC via NBCOlympics.com. While a huge opportunity for Olympics fans, it is also a big test for both Web video and for the companies behind the site, in particular for NBC Universal and Microsoft, whose Silverlight technology is being used in the video player, and for Limelight Networks, whose network is being used to route all of those streams to Internet service providers. Not only will Olympics fans be able to watch nearly any event live, but the enhanced player, powered by Microsoft's Silverlight, will also allow picture-in-picture viewing of two events and a "control room" experience where true junkies can watch four events at a time. NBC originally imagined it would use Adobe's Flash, the de facto standard for Web video, but ultimately was convinced by Microsoft earlier this year that Silverlight would allow it to stream more high-quality video than would have been possible using Flash. Microsoft is hoping that its role in the Olympics will both prompt downloads of Silverlight in the short term, as well as help give the video streaming technology a needed boost. However, those that can't get or don't want Silverlight will still be able to watch video from the NBCOlympics site, just without access to some of the cool features, such as the control room.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10002909-56.html?tag=blog.3
We’re happy to report that NBC Olympics On The Go has launched! TVTonic is powering this new service that allows Vista Media Center viewers to subscribe to their sports of choice and watch in up-to-HD quality. Once events have downloaded, they’ll be there to view anytime, anywhere — online or off. Even if your events have taken place, you’ll be able to watch them whenever you want. Content from more than 20 Olympic sports will begin appearing soon after the August 8 Opening Ceremonies (and will be available for the duration of the Games), but you can set up subscriptions now to automatically receive events as they become available. And to whet your appetite, select pre-Olympics coverage (like US Team Track & Field and Swimming Trials) is available to view right now!
http://www.tvtonic.com/news/?p=135
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