Just got an invite to Joost and tried it out for a little bit.
I also am able to invite people to join the beta, so if you want to give it a try give me your email address and I’ll send you an invite. Here is a little more info about Joost from their site:
Joost isn’t just about watching TV on your own. We’ve built in some cool features that let you chat with other channel viewers, talk to your friends in our instant messaging program (compatible with Gmail and Jabber) and even tell the world what you think of shows by rating them while you’re watching. With Joost, you can share the TV experience in ways never possible before.
Full screen video
A clean screen
Joost lets you watch TV in full screen, while giving you full control over your viewing. When you’re just sitting back and watching, all you’ll see is the video. But as soon as you lean forward and move the mouse to the edge of the screen, the Joost controls slide into view, letting you quickly switch between programmes and fire up the built-in content and community features.
Programme information
Get with the programme
With Joost, you always know exactly what you’re watching. Every channel and show has its own description, so you can get a quick snapshot just by pressing the information button. And using the intuitive mini controller, it’s easy to get to where you want to be next with just a few clicks of the mouse. Mac users get an extra bonus – you can do all of this with your remote control.
Visual programming guides
Flipping made easy
No more random flipping between channels. Joost includes an easy-to-use graphical programme list with previews of every show in a channel, letting you browse quickly and easily through the TV shows that really interest you. And using the My Channels and Channel Catalogue features, you can create your own lists of favorite shows with just a few mouse-clicks.
Community features
Don’t just sit there!
Sure, you can be a couch potato with Joost. But sometimes, you want to share your feelings with someone too. Joost includes several ‘widgets’ that help you get involved, including a chat programme for discussing the channel you’re watching and an IM client that’s works with your Google Talk and Jabber lists. And you can even rate the shows you’re watching. Become an armchair critic today!
Interactive extras
An extra dimension
You’re used to 2D TV – a flat stream of moving pictures. But Joost adds another dimension to your viewing. Channels have interactive displays where you can discover a wealth of behind-the-scenes material. Click the icon at the top of the screen and you’ll find a bundle of creative extras that bring shows to life in new ways. Joost – it’s TV the way it was meant to be.