Well played, streaming players.

December 15, 2008

Ever noticed the sound disparity on various online streaming players? I'm not just talking about Hulu and Sling either, because the network site players are just as -- if not more -- guilty of this "glitch."

So, what happens is, you crank the volume way up on your laptop in order to adequately hear the show or movie only to have the inserted commercials blast back at ridiculously high levels. It's like they knew you were going to leave the room!

(Yeah, I'm looking at YOU, stupid bell-ringing holiday Hershey Kiss commercial that blows my speakers to fuzz every time you bank in!)

The other thing I've noticed with SOME of these players (*cough* abc.com *cough*) is how glitchy the actual show can be, yet, INTERESTINGLY, the commercials flow perfectly, without skips or jumps in picture or sound. Hmmm.

Don't get me wrong, I accept what these streaming sites offer. I know there are going to be commercials I can't fast-forward through and I understand that I have to deal with the annoyance when there's little to zero variety in the commercials themselves (though watching SIX Jack in the Box commercials in ONE Grey's Anatomy is a sure-fire way to wean me off that show. It's like aversion therapy) and, for the most part, I'm thrilled that I'm able to watch the entire first season of Burn Notice or old Love Boats and Fantasty Islands.

(Though, I have to admit that I'm not real happy with how aged Fantasy Island is making me feel. It's not about the clothes or the hair, either. It's the fact that I once understood everything Tattoo said and now I need to get my ears checked.)

But please, guys, how about giving my speakers a rest, huh?