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Review: ZapMyTV alpha

27 August 2009 14:07 by Andre "DVDBack23" Yoskowitz | 12 comments

Review: ZapMyTV alpha

Today we are going to review the new online streaming site ZapMyTV. Currently it is only in alpha stage and therefore missing many of its promised key features, which are free SD and HD programming, "multiple live cable programming, websites and share video emails, video conferences and video chats through their wireless laptop or any other portable digital media devices while anywhere in the world."

For this review, we will be checking what is available currently, in the alpha stage, with a look into the future of the service.

To join up, head to ZapMyTV.com and hit Join Now. You will be sent an email with activation link. The whole process should take only a few minutes.

Hit Watch Now and you will greeted by a new window with a toolbar. There are a few options on the toolbar so far but the first you want to check is the Channels Guide, which will give you an interactive listing of all the programming available. There isn't too much available right now, but you can watch QVC, some older programming, and some baseball games, as well as newer content such as Scrubs and WWE.

Here is a screenshot of the actual video playing. To be completely honest, its slightly better than most SD YouTube, but not that much. It also depends on the programming. You have the option for full screen as well.

When the service is completely up and running, you will easily be able to add friends and share videos and more. For now, you can add friends that also have alpha accounts.

The last option is to Tweet your updates via, obviously, Twitter. That will have to be explored more when the service goes to beta or live.

Conclusion

So far the site has shown good potential, but its hard to rate given that most of the anticipated features are not live yet. Eventually you will able to record the shows you are watching, but that option is blanked out currently. Many of the social networking features are not enabled yet either. The quality leaves something to be desired but I have yet to have any lag while playing back video, which is a very good thing, especially for "live" TV. We will update the review as the service progresses, but for now it is worth checking out.

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Discuss this article!
DXR88 (Senior Member) 27 August 2009 18:05
they use to have a service like this but it when the way of the dodo real fast. [ + quote]
lr5558 (Newbie) 27 August 2009 19:11
Looks like they have a license agreement with Paramount. Also has partnered with Adobe. Pretty good! I signed up, put QVC on and compared it with QVC on my Sony 1080p LCD HDTV. Got to admit, the picture quality on my PC looked just as good. Like the full screen as well. Good instructions for sign up on your review. It was very easy to sign up and check it out. [ + quote]
Hrdrk20 (Member) 28 August 2009 6:00
The dumbass name will send it the way of the dodo also. [ + quote]
keith1993 (Member) 28 August 2009 14:31
This isn't News!! this is a review. I should be able to untick the box and make it disappear like I do all the other reviews! [ + quote]
DXR88 (Senior Member) 28 August 2009 15:41
*Originally posted by Hrdrk20:* The dumbass name will send it the way of the dodo also. like hrdrk20 is any better :) [ + quote]
Dela (Staff Member) 28 August 2009 16:17
*Originally posted by keith1993:* This isn't News!! this is a review. I should be able to untick the box and make it disappear like I do all the other reviews! FFS, some people will complain about anything at all won't they? [ + quote]
DXR88 (Senior Member) 28 August 2009 16:34
*Quote:* *Originally posted by keith1993:* This isn't News!! this is a review. I should be able to untick the box and make it disappear like I do all the other reviews! FFS, some people will complain about anything at all won't they? i hate tap water, i should be able to filter it. [ + quote]
Mr-Movies (Member) 28 August 2009 18:53
Pretty cool but in no way is this even close to as good as my TV/Sat setup. They don't have many channels yet but the GUI structure is pretty good, there is potential here. This could be good when traveling and staying at a hotel with broadband access. [ + quote]
Oner (Moderator) 28 August 2009 19:00
*Originally posted by Dela:* *Originally posted by keith1993:* This isn't News!! this is a review. I should be able to untick the box and make it disappear like I do all the other reviews! FFS, some people will complain about anything at all won't they? I'm with you on that one Dela! There are some people who specifically look for things to complain about just because they can't be happy & feel everyone else has to be just like them... Search > http://forums.afterdawn.com/search Rules > http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/2487 Important Rule > http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/380660 [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 28 August 2009 19:02
lr5558 (Newbie) 28 August 2009 19:56
"i hate tap water, i should be able to filter it". Too funny, DXR88.. [ + quote]
Salty917 (Newbie) 1 September 2009 18:48
*Originally posted by Mr-Movies:* Pretty cool but in no way is this even close to as good as my TV/Sat setup. They don't have many channels yet but the GUI structure is pretty good, there is potential here. This could be good when traveling and staying at a hotel with broadband access. I have been testing Zap for months. When this hits the public it will be the new paradighm in the way we watch TV. Try dragging your Sat dish with you when your on the road or in the park. It will be interactive, have VOD, DVR, PIP all your favotites (A&E,TNT,TBS,etc) on one platform. The time for going into your living room and turning on your TV and grabbing the remote is over. We have been doing that for over 50 years. This is the new wave take your media with you anyplace in the world on any device with a screen. Chat or tweet with your buds while watching Bones or Law & Order. Whip out your iPhone and catch that episode of Leverage you missed last week. Paramount is already on board, agreements with FOX, MTV, Disney are all pending. Behold the future is upon you it's time to get "with the program". [ + quote]
DXR88 (Senior Member) 2 September 2009 0:28
*Quote:* The time for going into your living room and turning on your TV and grabbing the remote is over. We have been doing that for over 50 years. to true thats why i rigged my clap on to my tv. that way i can save the extra 10 second delay that it would take to reach over and grab the remote. [ + quote]