I’ve written before about how the future of TV is IP-delivered. As more video comes on-line, cable packages will get unplugged just like analog phone lines. It’s no longer “if”, but “when”, and 2009 is looking like a good year.
A few weeks ago, I finally set up a “real” computer for our main TV: a dedicated Mac Mini, wireless keyboard & mouse, and video camera, all hooked into a large LCD flat panel. It’s great for family video conferences, viewing photos and videos, and watching Internet content (e.g. Hulu, TV networks, Comedy Central, etc.)
The missing component is software: a classic desktop UI with a mouse and keyboard works, but isn’t ideal for a living room. On the Mac, for example, the screen fonts are too small and the only way to make them larger (I can find) is to lower the screen resolution, which defeats the purpose of a high resolution display.
I really want a UI optimized for “living room apps” instead of “desktop apps”. I want to use a single Wiimote-like pointing device to navigate, with optional use of a keyboard and mouse.
Apple’s FrontRow has a clean design, but is too limited and isn’t 3rd party expandable. I’m testing Boxee, which comes very close to ideal but still has rough edges.
It’s all coming together!
I recommend the following:
1. Plex – Like Boxee, it’s based on the XBMC engine. It doesn’t have the nice internet video options or social aspects, but it has a much cleaner UI and is less resource intensive. I go back and forth between this, Boxee, and FrontRow.
2. AirMouse – This is one of the coolest iPhone apps I’ve used yet. It turns your iWhatever into a trackpad, gyro mouse, and keyboard. It works really well.