Mobisodes: Mobile Episodes of your favorite TV shows

[Brian]

The New York Times has an article about Mobisodes: special short-format versions of popular TV shows with original content optimized for the small screens of cell phones. These shows aren't simply shrunken down in size: Bullet holes on Fox's 24: Conspiracy (Streaming Video) were made larger so they're more visible on the small screen. Mobisodes are typically a minute or two in length due to the time it takes to download them over the air on services like V CAST from Verizon Wireless. These small clips aren't targeted at your average cell phone user, but as a way for fans of TV shows to stay connected with their favorite shows and see some exclusive content that isn't available to the average viewer.

Read the full article here.

Related: Mobile video about to explode, It's official: Video on your iPod

Thanks to gadgetguru for the tip.

[Colin Dunstan]

Originally Posted by Brian

These shows aren't simply shrunken down in size: Bullet holes on Fox's 24: Conspiracy (Streaming Video) were made larger so they're more visible on the small screen.

That's hilarious. A nice try, but I think they are heading in the wrong direction. Many mobiles are soon to be capable of playing and streaming full-length shows and movies compressed in a suitable format (e.g. MPEG-4). And networks are increasing their available high-speed 3G bandwidth. Do we really need special content prepared for handhelds (with extra visible bullet holes...), or wouldn't it be a better idea to offer the same content that is available to cable subscribers?

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Colin Dunstan

That's hilarious. A nice try, but I think they are heading in the wrong direction. Many mobiles are soon to be capable of playing and streaming full-length shows and movies compressed in a suitable format (e.g. MPEG-4). And networks are increasing their available high-speed 3G bandwidth. Do we really need special content prepared for handhelds (with extra visible bullet holes...), or wouldn't it be a better idea to offer the same content that is available to cable subscribers?

I agree. With the video iPod and TV shows like Lost (my favorite TV series) available through the iTMS, and services like MobiTV, these Mobisodes could soon become novelties if they aren't already.