Ampers & Dot

Those who know me IRL know that along with being a pretty big geek, am also a huge golf nut.  Also, those who know me “in real life” probably have no idea what “IRL” stands for… But being a gigantic golf fan, there is simply no bigger or better week of the year, than the week that is currently upon us.

MASTERS WEEK!

Seriously, I can’t build my love for the Masters up enough.  Without exaggeration, I’ve been nearly too giddy to contain myself for the last month just leading up to this. To me it’s better than Christmahannabirthdayikah of Julysgiving.  It is an uber-holiday.  Four days of true bliss and excitement.  Two of which, are sadly weekdays.  I had contemplated taking the two days off to slob around my apartment and see if I could go eight hours straight without leaving the couch… but after “The Hell Flu of 2008″ I pretty much need to be in the office more…

So what does an insane golf enthusiast do?  Simple answer: Masters.org 

I’ve been a longtime fan of online TV - and I have to say that the Masters site does it better than just about anyone.  There’s nothing worse than slow loading, choppy video.  Or super low-res webcam type shots that make you feel like some kid in a dorm room is about to start lip-syncing to the Backstreet Boys. 

Now unfortunately, the Masters site only has rights to Amen Corner, but it makes up for this in the following ways:

• High quality video source.  I’ll just say this now: the consumer market is done with low-res.  Sure, we’re not ready to stream HD yet, but at least give me standard def. 
• Real commentators.  This can make or break a golf tourney- and Augusta National really pulls through- even online.  Having real commentators makes it just as rich to watch as it would be on TV
• Interactive features.  Want to pull up the scoreboard?  Just click that button- and it won’t navigate away from the video, or even slow it down.
• Good buffer.  This will be tested today… but in the past the video stream has been relatively steady and not choppy.  I’ve developed a zero-tolerance policy for skipping online video.  Here’s a note to online video sites: if your video pauses to buffer- I go do something else.  And I’m likely not coming back.

Right now we’re on the verge of online video really taking off.  Sites like Hulu, that I’ve discussed before, are making it simple and desirable to watch TV online.  As more and more video companies are popping up every day- I think that the key to making yourself standout is to follow what the Masters site is doing.

High quality, quick streaming, real TV production value, and some solid interactivity.  You do that and you’ll net yourself a huge chunk of viewers.

Alright, that’s it for me- I better head into work early if I’m going to get anything done today… especially if something might be distracting me… can’t think of what that might be…