Disqus - Latest Comments for JohnPemble

Re: Weekend Video: Great Coffee from Blue Bottle

JohnPemble — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:29:27 -0000

On vid via net. I've gone on and on this last year on how the majority of my non DVD video watching has been from the net. I also tend to go on and on about Battlestar Galactica (geek sci fi problem I've had for 37 years) but in 2008 I've been able to use that program as a perfect example of how the cable is cut, the satellite dish isn't parked on my property, and off the air programming is of little to zero interest to me. Last night I watched from my iPod classic via the Apple cables BSG I acquired from iTunes. This was the non HD version. Apparently the HD stuff won’t work on the 160g iPod classic. This program looked slightly worse than some of the early DVDs. That’s not a bad thing. The audio sounded great cranked up on a couple of studio monitors. This made me a very happy viewer because the picture quality is better than cable or off the air programming, I watch it whenever I want, and it’s something I choose to watch.

I have not made the plunge to plugging video out from computer to TV, but I expect that is next. It might even be through Apple products even if I was underwhelmed at their unveiling of not a whole lot last Tuesday.

Re: Mermigas: Not Ready for Digital Transition

JohnPemble — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:55:31 -0000

Old fashioned off the air TV works with a simple 1 – 2 – 3 process. 1, turn it on with big power knob. 2, choose channel with big knob, 3, adjust volume with other big knob. The best part, if the TV was set up right on last viewing it’s become a one step process by just turning it on.

If the consumer finds the change to digital is too complicated I don’t think cable / satellite TV will be any less confusing. I also don’t believe this same crowd of confused consumers will leave TV because they are not likely to investigate internet streams or hook their iPod up to the TV with the $50 Apple cable from shows downloaded via iTunes. That’s what folks like you and me do while taking a break from reading feeds, listening to satellite radio channels, popping on the local NPR station, sending a text message to our pals, Tweeting a clever link on Twitter and downloading the latest DJ Deedle cast. Those we are concerned leaving due to confusion won’t leave because they will have a simple solution from their local TV shop and by local TV shop I mean awful corporate stores like Best Buy. The converter box or a new TV will be set up by their favorite grandchild this Christmas or on Easter break, unless of course grandma gets a laptop sets up a Twitter account and follows broadcasters just to berate them for messing up their TV by going digital.

Either way, I have a lot of faith in the TV consumers to get it figured out because American’s love their TV.

Re: How Twitter Has Changed My Life

JohnPemble — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:53:59 -0000

Know where the line is. I tweet a lot but keep some things off the tweets intentionally. For example I won’t talk about my private romantic relationships on Twitter… well not at the moment anyway. Twitter has allowed me to connect with new people in the Des Moines area in 2008 and a number of industry people across the country. Twitter has been a good thing for me. twitter.com/johnpemble

Re: Mermigas: you can monetize quality public media

JohnPemble — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:22:48 -0000

Since the digital technology emerged in the 90's there have been many producers that won't follow those three words "get over it". A great deal of old school non commercial broadcasters will miss out on an opportunity. The problem is this opportunity isn't a one step and you are there. It's a process of discovery that involves a great level of colloboration and many different sized boxes that often one does not get to see until they are in a box only to be given another similar but different box to jump in minutes later. Across the system flexibility is required and a lot of, "well that wasn't it let's try it this way" moments.