Existing users, 
While I like the fact that more channels have been added and I really like the channel descriptions some things have not changed for the better.
1. Non standard window size. Most of the 4:3 content is now distorted.
2. Virtual Nature. The older version was quick to load and quick to get up and running. Now the widget seem like it is downloaded each time you fire up dashboard. This may help in the fact updates to the program and channel list is easier so I can live with it.
3. Seems darker. I have not done a head to head comparison of the two widgets but the newer one seems to have darker video.
4. The skin. I was not really a fan of the old skin and the new skin does not really do it for me either. I would really love to see one based on a newer television.
Still I gotta say, I love this widget. Caught Arsenic and Old Lace on it the other day and you never know what you will catch on the independent channel. I would say it is in my top two widgets!
Widget Television VF3
broadband television for your desktop
Version: 1.0
More channels but sort of a step back
Feedback Type: Review
Contributed by: rspress Tuesday, November 08 2005 @ 09:22 AM PST
Product Platform: MacOSX
Used Product For: Less than a month
Recommend Product: YES
Overall Rating:
Ease of Use:
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Features:
Quality / Stability:
Price:
More channels but sort of a step back - skobos
Hello Rspress,I am glad you like the VF2, but you have issues I need to address.
(1) Video frame size - A lot of the video streams are indeed 4:3, with even a few of them being true 16:9. Since most videos are being created in the 16:9 flavor by either seasoned video professionals or the newer breed of out-of-the-box video neophytes, I did not want to get hemmed to an older habit but instead prepare for what will eventually become the acceptable norm. I realized that still, the 4:3 viewing habits of the last several decades will be hard to change, so I allowed the Real Player to stretch from 4:3 to 16:9 what it would, and the Windows Media to display in 4:3 mode what it couldn't in 16:9 (the embedded video is non-stretchable, and non-full-screenable on a Mac using the series 9 player).
(2) I am aware that there is indeed a slower speed when accessing enough of the stream over broadband to fire the video window into life, and that this slowness seems mostly to be when viewing a Windows Media Player channel. On the 19th of November I hope to release the first update through the virtual access that will allow a marked improvement while viewing streams utilizing that particular player. Again, you are correct that the Vf2 actually reinstalls after every clearing of the memory. Shutting down the Dashboard would be such an example of this memory step.
(3) It is possible that the ambient lighting of the VF2, when the 'power' button is clicked into the 'on' mode, will make the screen appear to be slightly darker or depending upon your perspective, lighter.
(4) The wooden frame of VF2 that a few of you have remarked on, will change to a more 21st century look, with the next release. But, for those of you that enjoy the look of real wood, it will be available as well. I may not be able to please all of you, but I can at least try to please some of you.
I'm glad you like the VF2. Thanks, and enjoy....
Chuck Grieves
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Tuesday, November 08 2005 @ 12:32 PM PST