So You Still Won't Get a Tivo - 
by J-Unit
Recently, I was alerted in an e-mail about a new website about to launch called MeeVee.com. We don't often plug products or websites on TVgasm (and we are not getting paid to mention MeeVee in this post), but it looked like an interesting concept, so I thought I would let some of our readers take a look at MeeVee.com, a website that promises to help you "find something to watch." Sort of like a Tivo-esque programming guide you can access from the web. My thoughts after a quick look through the service (along with a password you can use to look at it yourself until the site goes live tomorrow) is after the jump.
For those of you who don't have a Tivo, Replay TV, or some other PVR (personal video recorder), they feature many great technologies like the ability to pause and rewind live TV, as well as provide a way to record your favorite shows without having to worry about a bunch of videotapes. These devices also allow you to automatically record your favorite shows so you don't miss a new epsode. Perhaps the greatest feature though is that they help you search for programs based on a number of criteria including name, genre, director, etc.
It's this search function where MeeVee really shines. While your PVR allows you to search by name, channel, or time, it is not as easy to search for a specific actor, director, producer, etc. It is possible, but the search isn't as convenient. With MeeVee you can search for your favorite actor or actress, but you don't have to worry as much about misspelling a name, because MeeVee will suggest something similar, sort of like Google. Another big advantage of MeeVee is that you can give star ratings for not only specific programs, like most PVRs do now, but also for actors, directors, and producers, so it can more accurately build recommendations based on what you think is good.
Like most other guides, MeeVee allows you to select your location, your television service provider (broadcast, cable, DirecTV, etc), and customize the channels you see on your guide. Much like a PVR, MeeVee can also set reminders for your favorite programs, whether it be just one instance, every new episode, or every episode it can find on any channel, including repeats.
The big downside to MeeVee is that it still requires you to either sit in front of the TV to watch the program as it airs, or set it to record yourself on either VCR or PVR. With no connection to any of your recording equipment (or even a TV tuner in your computer), it still leaves a lot of room for error. Yes, you can print out a daily or weekly "planner" with the times of your favorite shows, but it is simply not as easy pressing a button on your Tivo. Still, searching for names and times is much faster using your keyboard, and if you haven't shelled out for a PVR (which includes the vast majority of people out there), it is a good alternative.
To try MeeVee for yourself, go to meevee.com using the name "meeveebeta" and the password "beta1". (You won't need a password starting May 31st.) You'll notice that there are no affiliate codes in there or anything; we don't get paid for every person who signs up or anything like that. TVgasm just wants to help our readers enjoy TV as much as possible. I can't say if I'll be using MeeVee after the novelty wears off, but until then, it's worth a try.
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Comments
Excellent share!
Posted by: More than a Mommy | May 30, 2005 4:24 PM(#1 of 11)
Speaking of plugs, we need a Hell's Kitchen section. This show will hold us over until The Apprentice 4. That chef guy is a mean sonofabitch.
Imagine Chris Shelton being the host of a reality show. That show is Hell's Kitchen.
Posted by: British | May 30, 2005 6:37 PM(#2 of 11)
Pretty cool site! When you click on some of the shows, you get video. Check out BaseBall Tonight on ESPN.
Posted by: Noe | May 30, 2005 9:16 PM(#3 of 11)
Cool site. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: TV CYNIC | May 30, 2005 9:42 PM(#4 of 11)
nice. i use a dvr from a cable company and the search function is so bad i've given up on it. and i used tivo before, so i know what i'm missing. this site will come in handy. thanks.
Posted by: hoark | May 31, 2005 3:54 AM(#5 of 11)
Be aware if you're on Mountain Time that the listings are off by an hour. I entered 7:00 p.m. and all the listings it brought up were 6:00 p.m. listings.
Posted by: chris | May 31, 2005 6:44 AM(#6 of 11)
well, mountain time was always the bastard stepchild of the time zones.
Posted by: jash | May 31, 2005 8:32 AM(#7 of 11)
Awesome site! Thanks so much.
Posted by: happy_gal | May 31, 2005 9:12 AM(#8 of 11)
I agree with British. Hell's Kitchen is a good summer reality series. I was already familiar with Ramsey from watching his British shows on BBC America, but the additional reality competition element makes this American show even more sadistic fun.
Posted by: Ashes | May 31, 2005 9:40 AM(#9 of 11)
When Ramsey was presented with the chicken parmesean, I thought he was going to have a heart attack. There's the chicken parmesean, a kiddie meal surrounded by a bunch of fancy meals. Oddly enough, he liked it, citing it was moist.
It was like an SNL skit come to life. Loved how he told a customer to F(&^ck off. Great service there, Ramsey.
Forget any bridges Trump has burned. Ramsey's gonna get his face pushed into the deep fryer.
Posted by: British | May 31, 2005 1:00 PM(#10 of 11)
British, the man will continue to be a success in the world of cooking. He's had three or four reality shows in England that highlighted his abrasive personality and anger issues, yet he continued to rack up Michelin stars and have very successful, popular restaurants. There's no reason why that won't continue with this series on in America or why his American ventures won't do well like his British ones have done.
Posted by: Ashes | May 31, 2005 3:23 PM(#11 of 11)