Community Screening

[JackFetch]

Perhaps in an attempt to differentiate itself from Blu-ray, HD DVD tech wizards will launch the HD DVD version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with a new feature called “community screening.” The movie takes advantage of the fact that all HD DVD players are equipped with an Ethernet hookup (unlike Blu-ray, which has players that do not include network connectivity). “Community screening” is a way to watch a movie simultaneously with your friends while you’re each in the comfort of your own homes. Here’s how it works:

One of you sends out an invitation to join a viewing of the movie, which then syncs your movie watching experience with your friends that accept the invitation. While watching, you and your friends can exchange chats through the remote, a computer, or cellphone. The catch of this social movie experience is that only the host will be able to play, pause, or otherwise control the movie.

Ok, scratch what I said before. I misread it. It just syncs up both movies. That's kinda....lame. It would be good for viewing parties. They need to integrate voice chat though. By the time I sent the text, that part of the movie I was talking about would be over.

[drqshadow]

Yeah, what a lame use for a potentially cool technology.

[Chops]

weak.