How is Justin.tv any superior technology wise? He is still using a camera (a helmet cam) tied to a laptop which he carries on his back, right? And Justin uses EV-DO cards for wireless internet access. Admiditely, Justin.tv will probably trounce Ustream due to their content anyway but technology wise I dont see much difference..
I personally think there is a better way of doing this... Please see our YC app for more info ;-)
I agree that I'm skeptical of any significant technological advantage that Justin.tv possesses but they have a huge credibility advantage.
Compare Justin.tv to Ustream.tv. Justin immediately presents us with live video and even provides his real cell phone number. I was actually the first user to call, as far as I know :). On Ustream, I'm having trouble viewing any live video and even more trouble understanding what exactly I'm watching.
I don't know how much detail I can go into without messing up potential patent applications, but their infrastructure took them about 6 months of very hard work to build, and they are first-rate hackers.
Comparing technology in Justin.tv and webcam with wireless connection is like comparing Lisp and Java..
Justin.tv created barrier by using the best mobile technology they know of. With that they can show contents that can not be achieved by users of Ustream.tv. The geeky gears give them branding, network effect and intangible assets, etc to widen the gap with other competitors
Well, I'm actually interested in the specific differences rather than speculation. In the end content wins, but my curiosity was more on the technology. I'd like to find out more but at the same time I understand the Justin.tv guys will want to protect their trade secrets.
I personally think there is a better way of doing this... Please see our YC app for more info ;-)