Update: We have launched our lastest version, a 0.9 Beta at Overlay.TV

Original post: In our never-ending quest to fine-tune, hone and perfect Overlay.TV, we have done demo camps, talked to tech bloggers, and discussed, ad nauseam, in-house ways to better improve our site all in the name of you, the user. So we've pored through all the feedback, and the powers that be have been holed up in a dark, windowless room for the better part of the last 2 months and determined that a site redesign and a new player is definitely in order. The new site will obviously undergo an aesthetic overhaul thanks to our in-house creative geniuses, but it will also be easier to navigate (looking good is not everything) and have help that is ... well, actually helpful. The player will also have a completely new look and feel in keeping with our new design, but it will also be aesthetically complementary to virtually any site out there; after all, blue just isn't everyone's colour. The new player will, again, be easier to use and embed, have more functionality, have the ability to have custom skins as well as loads of cool new widgets and fun bits that Tyler will, of course, be keeping you in the loop on in his 'Tea Time with Tyler' posts. Stay tuned ...

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While we have had a considerable number of blog posts singing our praises as an alternative to conventional advertising, reader reactions have run the gamut, from "AMAZING, very cool!" to "Só que eu acho que é muita interrupção, era informação o tempo todo" (translation: I think that it's too much interruption, there was information all the time) and one post from a fellah by the name of Greg, who felt it was both cool and distracting:

"Cool technology and I love the concept. It did seem a bit distracting to the video though with the flying objects. I only watched Sabatoge (sic), so I may have totally missed a different point of view. I think the possibilities are there, perfecting how it intrudes into my video watching will be the key to success." via Hypebot. This is the video Greg is referring to:

Of course we love praise, but we also appreciate thoughtful, intelligent feedback such as Greg's. However, there is something that we should clarify: you can turn the Overlays OFF. Yes, that's right, OFF. The choice has always been there for those folks that do find it distracting. It's up to the user to decide how many targets they choose to put in an Overlay from one to ... well the sky's the limit, and the viewer to decide whether they want to watch the Overlay with the targets On or Off. Point being is that there is a choice. Our goal is not to ruin the integrity of people's work. The Sabotage video, for instance, was done as a proof of concept to showcase the different elements of Overlay, but certainly this is not what we think every video with an Overlay should look like. Here's another tip, if you are of the less is more persuasion and feel that adding stuff to your video is a cool concept, but feel that the hot spots and links detract from the overall aesthetic of the video, the targets can in fact be invisible. Here is an example of an Overlay with invisible targets using a clip from the HBO show Entourage: As you can see, almost everything within the clip is clickable, from Ari's robe, to the bed, to the wall sconces, without any interference to your viewing pleasure. If you see something you like you can click it and buy it, otherwise you can just sit back and enjoy the show, interruption free. The choice is yours.

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Overlay.TV: Enhancing the Music Video Experience

A few days ago, Faisal Sethi, Art Director for Overlay.TV contacted me about his company’s recent beta launch, and how their technology can assist indie artists trying to promote their music through videos. According to their site, Overlay.TV provides a way to easily enhance existing video by overlaying contextual information, such as external links. For example, indie artists can “Overlay” hyperlinks on top of any of their existing music videos posted anywhere online, like on YouTube. read more

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The future for product placement looks bright for all parties involved.

I looked at bringing plinking out to Australia about a year ago. But after a little investigation, I realised the Australian Market is not big enough, this seems to be the problem with a lot of digital ideas coming to Australia. read more

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A Test Of Hypebot’s Collective Intelligence by Bruce Houghton

Almost every week I get emails asking for my opinion of new music 2.0 sites and services. If they interest me at all, I’ll I spend a few minutes exploring the offering and give my quick opinion.

Recently I realized that it might be interesting for Hypebot readers to get a behind the scenes look at a music site or service in beta and express your opinions about the offering. At the same it could also be more helpful to the company looking for advice. Many minds are better than one. read more

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Overlay.tv Adds Links and Easter Eggs to Music Videos by Eliot Van Buskirk

The idea of defeating TiVo’s ad-busting tendencies by linking merchandise within television shows has been around for years, although it has yet to roll out in any significant way. Rather than including ads for people to mute or fast-forward, marketers would let you purchase Steven Colbert’s books, Conan O’Brien’s hair products, Paula Abdul’s vodka-and-coke or whatever else you see on television by simply clicking on it. read more

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Expand Your Ad Empire

Amplify your interactive ad arsenal with the latest technology trends. by Francine Kizner

The coolest ad technologies aren’t the ones that cost the most–they’re the ones that engage users. Thankfully, this year’s crop of cool tools doesn’t require the kind of attention your MySpace page does. From reaching people on their mobile to enhancing your online videos, these innovative ad trends can set you apart as a tech-savvy company while reaching users right when they’re ready to buy–and encouraging them to buy more. read more

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Hypervideo: Hyperlinking video content

A few weeks back (Video, Video, Video) we spoke about the growing importance of video content on the web. One of the downsides of video though has been the time lock it puts on us. Sometimes it is far easier to read that four minutes of text and follow the pertinent links provided than it is to watch a video and then go and search for more information on topics brought up in the video. read more

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