CNN Pipeline
Since I was away from cable news channels today, but had wireless Net access periodically, I splurged on the 99 cent “day pass” to CNN’s Pipeline video service. I must say, it’s awesome — even now, at 10 PM CST, I have access to a live shot of the Space Shuttle Discovery as it sits, lonesome and silent, at pad 39B at Cape Canaveral, awaiting a second launch attempt tomorrow afternoon. Another live channel shows the weather radar in Florida for those trying to determine if tomorrow’s launch attempt is going to be a “Go” or, like today, result in a “No Go” attempt.
And the quality of the video? Top notch… streams wonderfully even over a wireless Internet connection. My only complaint? I couldn’t get full-screen video… but I suspect that’s a limitation of my laptop and/or plug-in, not the Pipeline service itself.
Methinks I’ll be splurging some more ($2.95/month)… it’s difficult to beat access to live and on-demand coverage, commercial free. And it’s entertaining when said coverage includes behind-the-curtain views such as the 3+ minutes of staring at a second-string news anchor awaiting his 30 second live shot on CNN Headline News that I witnessed earlier today before the launch attempt was scrubbed. Fix collar…blink repeatedly…. give thumbs up sign and grunt of affirmation to producer… fix other collar… clear throat… realize he’s been holding the mic up for 5+ minutes and put it down, then realize he’s on live in 1 minute 53 seconds… start smiling so he looks relaxed and… he’s on… for all of 23 seconds. Seriously, though, no commercials and more behind-the-scenes stuff where YOU decide what you watch, rather than the producers and sponsors? Pure geek heaven, especially when its available via your desktop, laptop or other Net-connected device.
