untv.ca Reloaded (sorry, no Keanu)

I see that Kayte has updated the front page of the site, excellent. We've been listening to your feedback and have made some slight revisions to the front page. We've included the newest shows up for grabs for easy viewing.

All of you folks that have been patiently waiting for RSS abilities need not fret, we're almost there. Just waiting for the good folks at itunes to finish approving our content. We'll keep you posted.

And for those of you on the East Coast, "Is it cold enuff fer ya??"

Story on untv.ca on front page of TV Guide!!

Jan. 24 '07

Steve just e-mailed us some VERY exciting news! TV Guide did a story on untv.ca on their front page yesterday. Read it for yourself! (Big grin)


Is TV obsolete? More programming moves to the web.

By Stephanie Earp

From big-budget shows downloaded wirelessly to internet-only channels, the web continues to encroach on network territory
Saturday Night Live plucked Andy Samberg out of internet obscurity
There's no question the internet has revolutionized the music industry (much to the chagrin of many big labels), but can it have the same effect on television? Apple thinks so, and recently launched Apple TV, a set-top box that allows users to views downloaded content on their widescreen TVs. The box works with the iTunes music and video service, but unlike some of its competitors, doens't allow users to watch YouTube videos - or any non-iTunes content.
Apple TV joins a host of set-top boxes, like the PlayStation 3, Movie Beam and TiVo, that allow viewers to control the content they watch. Each device offers different functions, but it's only a matter of time until one device offers all the downloading, streaming, recording and time-shifting a family could want.
At the moment, very few of these options are available in Canada, as TV shows are not licensed for digital sale outside the US. So, what could we Canucks watch on an Apple TV box? Movie trailers and music videos.
Which opens up the field to internet-only television stations like untv.ca, a Halifax-based website that offers completely original content. Like channel101.com before it (the site that launched the career of SNL's Andy Samberg, of "Lazy Sunday" and "D*ck in a Box" fame), untv.ca streams short episodes of various programs, from over-the-top soaps and artsy black comedy, to a snarky news program.
While untv.ca doesn't yet boast an obvious successor to channel101.com hits like Yacht Rock or House of Cosbys, in a culture accustomed to watching viral videos from amateur and semi-professional creators, sites like untv.ca have unprecedented access to the public eye.
Vive la revolution.

Roberta's blog .. Jan. 23 '07

Hello on Tuesday morning.

We shot two more episodes of the Afterlife Bar & Grill on Sunday night ... or should I say Monday morning (wee hours).

The new episodes are being edited now ... so stay tuned ... and when they're released, don't forget to watch the extras in the b/g (Jamie ... there's somebody you know wearing a lot of pink)!

Lots of meetings these days .. we've had literally hundreds of requests from people wanting to meet with the team at untv.ca. (If you're one of those .. be patient .. we'll get to you all!)

On my way downtown.

Talk soon.

Roberta

Kayte’s Blog – January 21th, 2007

Wow – what an exciting week! Now that the website is out the door, Steve and I have working on some exciting new enhancements and features for the site!

We’ll be setting up our video podcasts this week, and we’re really excited because this will allow you to subscribe to our shows, so you can get them on your PC, iPod, media center, set-top-box and other devices and watch new episodes when you want, where you want!

For those of you who are not familiar with video podcasts, its basically video on demand. All you need to do is subscribe to the shows you’re interested in, and you’ll receive new episodes as they become available.

We are launching our Help page next week, where we will provide helpful information about how to view and download our shows, subscribe to our podcasts and blog feeds. If there is anything in particular that you would like to add please let us know!

-Kayte.

Roberta’s blog …Sunday, Jan 21, 2007

Very cold and windy today. Can’t seem to get warm. Packed up a box for Lauren (daughter) that included some Christmas gifts she didn’t have room for in her suitcase when she headed back to Toronto. She also requested some untv.ca business cards to hand out, as well as some buttons (need to get Toronto watching!).

Heading out of town around 5:15 .. picking Rejean up at 5:45 in Dartmouth. Taking my friend Sharon with me (who is visiting from Fort Mac). I bet Dawn puts her to work as an extra!

We’re shooting tonight … more episodes (mobisodes) of the Afterlife Bar & Grill. (Wait till you see what happens next!!)

Tomorrow, we need to start dealing with the hundreds and hundreds of e-mails we’ve received since untv.ca launched … people wanting to meet with us. (This is a good thing!).

Still more interviews next week. CBC TV’s new afternoon show ‘Living East’ is doing a story about us … shooting at our offices on Tuesday. Not sure when it’s to air.

Talk soon.

Roberta’s Blog Jan. 19

Up very early. Sent out an e-mail to kick butt and get the untv.ca team blogging. Well, actually I just begged and pouted and tried to make them feel guilty. Steve obviously responds well to that .. I’ll keep that in mind (smile).

Getting lots of media coverage. Front cover of HFX yesterday .. even a headline at the top on the front page .. not to mention a full page story inside. EXCELLENT!!!!!! Also CP wires picked it up so it will be in every newsroom (radio, TV, newspapers etc.) across the country. APTN did a great national TV story. CBC TV (English and French) did a story … stories on local radio … talk-tape etc. by Phlis MacGregor on CBC Radio One’s Mainstreet … a national interview on CBC Radio’s Freestyle … cbc.ca did a story, under technology .. other great online stuff that I haven’t seen yet (but have been told about) … CKDU .. Dalhousie is also doing an online story and so on.

It’s been a BIG couple of days. And now back to reality and getting more shows produced.

Stay tuned .. what you see now on untv.ca is only the beginning. Lots of new episodes to come (quickly!) and brand new programs too (some new ones are almost ready!).

Later,

Roberta

Steve's Blog - January 19/07

Welcome to our little corner of the 'ninnernet folks. It has been an exciting last couple of days! We've enjoyed some great press coverage and are greatful for the positive response that's come our way so far.

If you like what you see, why not register? We'll keep you informed when new episdoes are released, and share the latest news about untv.ca as it happens. Click here.

As the chief nerd around these parts, I'll try not to geekify my postings here too much. Fear not, earthlings. I mean you no harm.

Over the next few weeks we will be announcing some exciting enhancements to the site, so stay tuned. (Get it? Tuned? See, televisions have a tuner and.. ahh forget it.)

We will be offering our content in a variety of file formats other than Quicktime, and you Linux fans will be happy to know that standard MPEG-2 formats are on the way.

Let us know how we can improve the site! Drop us a line.


Cheers,

Steve