The Next Chapter
March 22, 2008
I promised you last time I’d talk about what’s next for me, so here’s what I’ve been thinking lately.
The end of The Lab did two things (besides killing a pretty heft chunk of my income): it gave me one week a month with nothing to do, and it eliminated my only regular television exposure.
Thanks to Amber, and some work she’s passing my way, I think I’ll be able to mostly replace the income - phew - and I’m sure I can find something to do with the extra time (like make sure all the TWiT shows come out weekly from now on). But what about TV?
Our minor experiments in doing video versions of TWiT have convinced me that audio is the more popular medium. TWiT audio gets many times more downloads than video. That makes sense to me, since people have more time to listen to audio than they do to sit down and watch video. But there’s something about video that captures people’s attention. I’ll go one step further, there’s something about live video that’s very compelling for both viewers and hosts. I’ve missed live TV ever since TechTV went under four years ago, and I’ve been looking for some way to get that excitement back.
If you’ve been watching the impromptu live streams of the Tech Guy radio show, you know they’re very popular and I have a lot of fun doing them. (Tune in TWiT Live Saturday and Sunday from 2-5p Eastern.) So much fun that I’ve expanded the live broadcasts to include some of the netcast tapings including TWiT. We run an IRC chat room at irc.dslextreme.com #techguy during the video and the interactivity adds so much on both sides.
I’ve also been watching what Chris Pirillo has been doing on Ustream and Robert Scoble on Qik, and I have come to believe there’s significant interest in live streaming video.
Towards the end of last year I learned that the downstairs offices in our building would soon be vacant. I’ve always coveted this space. We’re in a quaint old cottage built by a lumber baron at the turn of the century. He paneled the entire downstairs in redwood and it’s gorgeous. We don’t really need the space - right now TWiT is just Dane and me - but I leased it anyway, three days before Rogers cancelled the show. I wasn’t sure what I’d do with the extra space at the time, but my plan now is to turn it into a streaming video studio.
Here’s a quick video tour of the new TWiT Offices. (Yes that’s my Emmy on the mantle - I’m not a complete TV newbie!)
To begin with we’re going to stream everything we do at TWiT, including the production of all our shows, live and interactive. To that end we’re adding considerable bandwidth: a T1 line and a cable modem to our existing DSL connectivity. We’ll Skype over one, stream over another, and reserve the third for surfing, uploads, etc. I’ve also started furnishing the office with antiques - I don’t want this to look like any TV show you’ve ever seen before - and we’re adding lights, cameras, microphones, and computers for video production. We hope everything will be in place and we can begin streaming daily by the end of April.
Don’t worry - the existing TWiT shows will still be available as audio downloads, but soon you’ll be able to watch them being made and interact with them live. Some of the shows may begin to offer video versions, in addition to the existing audio versions. I expect we’ll be sending two to four hours of live video out Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - with five or six hours on the weekends, including the Tech Guy behind the scenes.
And in a month or so I plan to expand the Saturday programming to include a live show, tentatively called TWiT Live, which will be our first official video podcast. We’re still working out how this will be done, but I’m modeling it on the Tom Green show. I think what he’s doing is ground-breaking. Of course it will be entirely tech focused and feature many of the TWiT regulars you already know along with any tech celebrities we can lure to Petaluma with promises of food and wine.
I’m not interested in duplicating existing television models - I want to deconstruct TV and get to something more direct, more intimate, and much more two-way. I haven’t really looked at the business model for this, but fortunately, between my day jobs, existing TWiT advertising (thank you Audible, Astaro, and FIT!), and your generous donations through TWiT.tv we have the money to get this thing off the ground and, I believe, keep it going indefinitely. As Dvorak has always said, and I believe, a business model will emerge. My goal has never been to build an empire, or even a business. I just want to be able to make a living doing what I love: talking about technology with a community of engaged and intelligent people, and perhaps, along the way, to help people understand how to better use technology in their own lives.
So I hope you’ll join me in this grand experiment. It’s only possible because of the large and active TWiT community. Your feedback and participation is all it takes to keep us going. I’m excited about where TWiT is going and I thank you for your support through all these changes. Here’s to the next chapter - I think it’s the most exciting yet.
(114 votes, average: 4.93 out of 5)
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173 Responses to “The Next Chapter”
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WOW! Leo I can hardly wait, been with you since the beginning!
This is going to be the best thing since the Screensavers!
Good Luck, I’ll be watching.
Jim
Looks good, Leo. This should be fun.
Leo, what you are doing sounds fabulous. I can’t wait! With the time difference with the UK, it looks like I may have a few late nights “tuning in”.
Sorry to see that Rogers cancelled the Lab… At least you will still be around on the web..
Awesome, I never got to see any Lab shows so I’m looking forward to this.
Sounds like a great idea Leo, especially twit live on saturday mornings. i havent had any shows to look forward to then in quite some time.
This is definitely the way to go, Leo; good luck with it. If you don’t mind a suggestion, I think it might be important that you have some kind of set schedule, at least some of the time, so viewers will know when they can see something happening, and it sounds like you’ve thought of this to some extent. For me, though, I also like the idea of just “tuning in” (we need new frames of reference along with new media) and seeing what you might be up to at a given moment. Don’t lose the spontaneous aspect, otherwise you’re just CBS with smaller cameras. Will the streaming shows be archived also, in case we want to catch up?
I’ll be watching!
This sounds great Leo. I can’t wait until it is out there.
Yes Leo, it’s very fun to interact with you in the chatroom and listen to Tech Guy and TwiT live. Keep broadcasting!
Leo - fantastic. Will the video be archived, though, for those of us not able to catch the live feed?
I was thrilled when you started mentioning the Twit Live show in your various audio shows. I’ve seen the Tom Green show a few times, and you’re correct in saying that the “live” aspect is very compelling. Personally, I believe your show will be very popular, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it became more watched than The Lab was.
I have a couple questions for you:
1) How high are the ceilings in your new studio?
2) Who is going to create the studio for you (lights, sound, etc.)? Are you doing it yourself, or getting your production posse involved?
Like I said, I’m very excited about what you’re doing. I’ve been producing a number of short video tutorials for a while. It takes a lot of time, but in the end, it’s absolutely worth it.
Can you believe that we can do this type of thing from our homes?
Welcome to the future!
Leo this is great! I am one of the few that really prefer video. I am a visual learner and I just love listening AND watching you guys discuss the week’s topics.
Best of luck with the new endeavors…next time I’m in Petaluma, I’ll bring my sign!
Looks great! Can’t wait for season 1 of Studio TWiT on the Petaluma strip!
The place looks great. I’m looking forward to the shows.
How will you control the lighting with all the windows?
Wow!, this looks awesome. Leo, I highly recommend you watch the “news” section of a Season 10 episode of Top Gear on BBC2. You can get it from http://www.finalgear.com. They have a awesome on screen relaxed yet informative and fun way of covering the news. Also, they sit in high-backed chairs, similiar to what I imagined when I first heard you talk about TWiT Live being like this. Here is a link to what I am talking about, if you could recreate that type environment, minus the huge audience, you would have programming gold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNchmgNi4kA
Leo have only recently started listening (via iPhonePodcaster) but really enjoy the MacBreak podcasts, as Mark commented i’m in the UK i’d need to catch it later.
Can’t wait for TWiT live. Good Luck with everything, the space looks cool. It suits your style.
Leo - Basically anything with you’re in it makes it 10 times more enjoyable to listen to or watch. I especially look forward to my quality Leo time sitting on the lawn mower a couple of time a week in the summer
Good luck with the new chapter. We’ll be listening in Northern Ireland as usual!
M.
Hi Leo,
Looks great! Can’t wait to see some video. Wasn’t there an indie game developer below you? Did they fold?
Great work Leo. I have been looking forward to this as soon as you first mentioned it. The offices look terrific, and this will definitely add to the uniqueness of your new venture!
This is another step in your evolution of delivering media, and perhaps the most exciting yet. Your fans can hardly wait…We all wish you the best of luck!
This is going to be great Leo. I can’t wait till it starts.
Oh! And that video was great, make more like it
Time for me to make a monthly subscription to TWiT methinks.
Great old building Leo. I will be tuning in.
I am so excited for you Leo. Can’t wait for the shows to start. Amber has no reason not to visit now!
I’ve really been impressed with what start-ups, comprised of passionate people who love what they do, are doing. I have been excited to hear about what you’ve been saying in the podcasts about a live twit. I honestly believe that this could be another network that helps move new media forward, and that the twit network and revision3 are two huge steps towards recreating the way we get entertainment and news, as well as from whom we get them.
This sounds awesome, Leo! I will be tuning and logging in to participate!
WTF? Where did my comment go?
Leo, I have no doubt at all that in a few years the “death” of the Lab will be as providential for you as was the “death” of TechTV.
We live in a time now where we can simply fire the people between us and the audience who don’t get and/or support our vision. Exciting times indeed.
And whereas in two years I predict the same revenue from this as you got from The Lab, think of the hundred of hours of your life you get back that you once spent on airplanes.
Only good times ahead.
What a thrill to watch them.
And, now apparently, we’ll be watching them live.
Paul Colligan
Leo,
I have been waiting for you to do something like this for a long time. Can’t wait to see the show and the evolution of online video in your hands.
Leo things are looking great. I thank you for your dedication to your fans and the desire to offer a great learning experience. I wish you all the best and you can count on my support all the way around!
Leo, your TWiT Network has been in inspiration to podcasters, broadcasters, bloggers, and enthusiasts from all corners of the interweb. (Yes I said Interweb.) Us podcasters look to TWiT as a benchmark of what makes a great podcast, and seeing TWiT evolve is an exciting step forward. Best of luck in this new initiative, and I believe most podcasters and tech journalists will agree with me when I say that we’re behind you 100%.
Leo, I want to see up stairs, the Current Twit studio. Would you mind filming around up stairs because that house is very interesting and I love Twit like the brother I never had.
I’d be really surprised if this becomes a big thing. People I know want to control the content they want, and that means choosing when they want to watch/listen, not be told to tune in at a certain time. Also, is there mass appeal to watch stuff on the computer? I don’t think so - people still want to watch TV-like content on the TV while sitting on their sofa, not hunched over a desk.
Good luck though, Leo.
That’s awesome, Leo! We love what you’re doing!!
Congratulations Leo on your new space and looking forward to seeing TWIT Live.
I worked with Tom Green back in the mid-90s at our local cable station (Rogers, in fact), where he first broke new ground and he’s a terrific model to follow.
He understands new media and content delivery, as do you, and I envision only wild success for both of you!
Best of luck. I’ll be watching!
I really think some big things are ahead for you… Good Luck and more importantly, have fun with this! That will make everything you do worth it.
Leo,
Excited for you, and excited to watch. I’ve enjoyed your work since the early days of the Screen Savers, and appreciate you have kept reinventing yourself as the medium has changed.
Awesome space that you have, I can’t wait to see some video from there. You and Tom are true pioneers of net video and we collectively thank you for your time and financial investment in bringing us infotainment.
I can’t wait to see the new format. Good luck on all the work to come!
I love the idea Leo. Thanks for everything you do and keep up the good work! Long Live TWIT Live!
Love it, Leo!
My husband (retired broadcaster) and I (retired print journalist) have been fans since the Stuart Cheifet/Computer Chornicles days.
The place looks fabulous and I think you may be ahead of your time (what’s new?), but the rest of the world will catch up.
BTW, your office table is exactly like our dining table, so we’ll feel right at home watching your roundtable discussions.
Good luck. Enjoy Tasmania (I recall the thrill of find the course listing for the Univ. Of Tasmania in the days before the Internet was the web, so have wanted to go there myself.)
Wow Leo, I know it’s been said countless times before but I’m going to say it again, that bottom office with full wood paneling is gorgeous. And looking at it now, it creates a great dissonance. The room and furniture is all 19th and 20th century while the show and discussions will be about 21st century technology.
Keep what you’re doing!
Two words: Kate Botello.
You need her on your first show as a good luck charm.
It must be very gratifying to have wonderful friends like Amber during this transition.
Best of luck with your latest project!
Is it 2-5pm Eastern or pacific on Saturday and Sunday you do the live radio show?
I wish you the best of luck. I watched regularly on techtv. and briefly with Amber. I’m sorry your tv show never made it back to the US but now with TWIT we’ll get to see more of you again. You and Amber make a great team on net at nite. I hope you can do more with her.
There is definitely a compelling aspect to “live” audio and video and the ability to interact in real time that it offers. The great thing about it is if you can’t catch the live version, devices such as Apple TV 2.0, iPod, Zune, etc. make time-shifting the content a snap, thus offering the best of both worlds.
I’m convinced that material generated in a live, interactive environment is generally better and more compelling than something that’s been pre-recorded for later distribution.
It’s always possible to connect a computer to a TV for live streaming video. If Apple TV also added live video/audio streams it would be closer to becoming a perfect multimedia-surfing device for the living room. Imagine the ability to tune into live interactive programs from around the globe, or simply catch them later in the podcast version.
Leo, I believe you are about to pioneer something very compelling and I wish you the best of luck with it.
Leo,
I can’t wait to see what’s gonna come out of this studio. I would say that 90% of my media consumption comes from podcasts, and you’re mostly responsible for getting me hooked on them. This will be a good breath of fresh air in the podcasting/new media realm. Good luck, and we’ll be anxiously watching for your twit live launch!
Sounds great! Looking forward to it… I need to get my mac mini to tv setup going soon so I can watch in the living room…
It sounds like the end of The Lab is a blessing in disguise. Looking forward to the future of TWiT!
Hi Leo,
Your innovative ways to introduce a whole new experience will definitely be a worthwhile endeavor. Interactive is the key word these days. People are engaging in live online broadcasts like never before.
That woody traditional style of your new studio will blend the past and present and bring a bright future.
You will prosper with even more recognition as being the guardian angel of our computers.
Can’t wait, Leo. Your podcasts keep me company at work already, so now I’ll just fire up the video and watch live!
As with everything you do Leo, I’ll be watching with great interest. Best of luck.
I’m very excited.. can’t wait. Seems like every end releases some positive energy.
All the best!
Can’t wait leo listening here in ireland for two years will contribute even more to you now
Hell yeah, Leo!
I’ll be watching!
This is what this whole medium has been moving towards. Its rare to see people get it, especially someone over the age of 30, but u and dvorak have something most don’t, taste.
Wow, this is exciting! I made the decision a few years ago to get out of broadcast TV and try to build something different in New Media. My wife CAT and I have been doing our little knitting show (video podcast) Let’s Knit2gether for about two years now. Looks like you’re on the cutting edge here with live video. CAT and I both love TWiT. We can’t wait to SEE it live!
You can’t keep a good man down! If you keep on doing it, we’ll keep on enjoying it
The new space looks incredible! I love older buildings with character, especially the dark, aged, wide trim. I used to own a house like that.
You should dress up the old radio and use it as a “mascot”!
Love the “signs outside the window” idea — wish I lived closer, it sounds like that’d be a fun road trip!
Good luck, we’ll keep watching and listening!
Look forward to seeing more of your live streaming
Leo, I am really excited to hear about your new ideas. I think it will be great. Maybe you could call the new live show “Fireside Geek Chats” since there does appear to be a fireplace in the picture.
So damn sorry to hear about the cancellation (and those problems you had with AT&T connection!) but I’m glad you’re putting such a positive spin on this. The new studio is looking great- i half expect you to be smoking a pipe, relaxing as Dvorak gives out yet another “meh” next to the fireplace. A touch of class!
Actually, Chris Pirillo’s direct live feed URL is:
http://live.pirillo.com/
I don’t think it’s a bad thing that the lab was cancelled.
It opened a door, an opportunity.
Looks like you see it the same way, Leo.
Go grab it!
Greetings from bonnie Scotland!
Love your new place.Please keep up the great work Leo.
I Look forward to your podcasts every week,and hope you keep doing them for a long time to come.
Good luck.
I would love live, streaming video! Your new acquisition looks great with lots of potential. (Thank you for taking video for us.) I look forward to your new venture…
Well, you have my listership/viewership no matter what you do. Count me in!
Well done, Leo.
You’re really pushing the tv industry, and believe me it needs it. And how much more satisfying karmically and environmentally than working from near home?
Congratulations.
Another guy wanting out of the tv “biz”.
(Rogers. What do you expect?)
Best of luck Leo, Tom Green has done something amazing, and still ended up on tv here in Canada with his non-tv shot on the net, best of luck to you, Rogers sucks anyway
No offense Leo, but will TWiT Live have makeup and hair people?
Leo,
You should look at what they guys at Revision3 did. I know tons of people that I have turned on to Revision3 programming since it has become the TechTV replacement. Hell, you, pat and the TSS gang could reunite on Revision3 and then poof, you have a new version of TSS, and then maybe you could start a show like CHF on R3 as well… hehe.
Oh I can dream can’t I?
Love what you said about letting the business model emerge. I’m just realizing that truth myself.
Wow! Great news! I always knew you’d find a way to continue what you love to do regardless of what TV execs and powers that be think and do.
I’m glad to hear that you’re back and breaking new ground. This sounds very exciting! Keep us updated!
Really looking forward to the whole TWiT Live thing. New studio looks excellent and its going to be kinda fun seeing all this modern technology in an old wood paneled building.
Hopefully it will all be up soon
Just a practical matter, Leo. Don’t want to bring you down, but as beautiful as that place is as “meatspace,” I can already hear the lighting directors screaming about a) all those open windows and b) that dark and shiny panelling, and c) the sound guys not too happy about the echoes in there, either. Echoes are easy. Put furniture and drapes in. Absorbent panels for sound also hide the wood. Good. The windows should have, sigh, curtains most of the time. (It’s impossible to get skin tone against a window, without a ton of expensive, and hot and squinty lighting.)
Now, the wood is gorgeous, but it’s hard as heck to light. You’ve got to get it well into the gray curve, clearly visible in the foot of the exposure, but not shiny. This will take a lot of light. Then you’ve got to elevate skin tones above that. (And the shiny windows are behind you, until you put in another guest against a window, in which case the cameraman can be heard screaming.) Okay, then you’ve got to limit the light from outside, a lot. Neutral density gels cost big bucks, but you’ll probably have to have some for those lovely windows.
So. Hate to be the bearer of bad news. You have to spend MONEY to create the easy atmosphere you want.
Hi leo, This new idea sounds great and I wish you all the best.
I will be watching thats for sure.
I am so there! I can’t wait!
I think this is ‘just the right thing at just the right time’.
And if there’s anything us fans can do to get your news shows on (or featured) Tivo and Joost, all you have to do is make the call.
Viva TWiT 2.0!
Long time follower, first time poster here, but I just had to tell you it’s a great idea, and I’d be totally hooked on whatever kinda show you come up with. Especially if you can get some of the MacBreak Weekly crew on, either in the new studio or via streaming video. I’d love to see the banter you have on that show, in a “live” video form - That right there would be “money”
you go, Leo! redefine TV… we’re here with you, watching it and doing it with you. I just want to tour your finished (or in progress) studio and ooogle all of the gadgets…
That place looks great. If I was ever near Petaluma I’d stand outside your window with a sign that said “ADAM CURRY IS NOT REALLY ALL THAT MUCH OF A PRIMA DONNA (dvorak.org/blog).”
To boldly go where no TWiT has gone before…
All right Leo! This sounds like fun. Is there a way to TiVO TWiT Live?
Hmm. I’ll need to work on that. Speaking of wine, maybe a wine geek show would be of interest - I know quite a number of them here in Si Valley, not to mention Dvorak and I’m sure you know a bunch.
BTW, you can also take pictures of the studio as it develops and make it into a short video.
Sounds like fun, I also watched your video tour of the new place. The only thing is that when you’re live, it is night time in Australia.
Blog post erratum: The Next Chapter
“(Tune in TWiT Live Saturday and Sunday from 2-5p Pacific.)”
Surely you mean 2-5p EST 11-2aPST
I can’t wait to see it Leo!!! I think podcast and video podcasts both have their place. I listen to twit, watch cranky geeks and tekzilla. I think for geeks at least we are turning to the web to find video that interests us since regular tv has basically over looked us.
I’ve been a fan of yours (Leo) since The Screensaver days, and i must say that this is a huge undertaking on your part, but i’m behind you 100% and can’t wait to see the final results
Tally ho Leo!! I can’t wait!!
-Michael
Got our support! Wish you the best of luck. I’ll be ‘upping’ my paypal donation.
Go for it. You’ll do a great job with it.
Live TV requires people tune in at a specific time, which goes against the whole TiVO/iTunes/Podcast model. One way to combat that would be to have the most recent show run on the live channel during off-hours. Howard Stern does something similar. That way, you can always tune in and see the latest.
I have missed seeing you daily since the death of Tech TV.
I have not been exposed to Twit TV but I will now that you are back on the “air”.
Well Leo.. It has been a long time coming. Even on the Lab (which I loved), you did not seem as happy. It always seemed that there was something wrong with the shoot or some staff leaving.
As Amber and you have said numerous times on Net@Night, network TV is losing ground slowly and internet videos without the extra advertising fluff is the future.
I wish you the best of luck with all your shows and hope this new endeavor gets off the ground soon… Good Luck…
As always . Thanks for all you do !
I met you & Patrick Norton when you came to WhiteMarsh(Baltimore) Maryland and still have the picture my mom and I took with you.
You and Patrick both were extremely nice and I felt like we knew you for years.
Anyway, I have listened to your Twit shows via downloads tyo my Ipod and I like them very much.
Do miss and will miss TV shows like in the old days. That was quite a family on Tech TV.
Anyway Thanks for many years and will follow you throughy whatever you procedd to do.
Thanks always. Nick
Why don’t you offer your video shows as TiVoCasts???
That would be awesome!
Hi Leo,
My wife is a self taught techie and is truly amazing. We enjoy technology very much and now that we have recently discovered “the lab” I happened to notice on the net that it has been cancelled. I’m very very sad about this. Your show was our new favorite to watch together. Will you have another show like the lab? Can we view your podcasts on our pc?
You are one of the warmest, funniest, brilliant people I have ever seen on a tv show. Your show was informative, helpful and thoroughly entertaining. We have learned alot from you and your staff. Thank you Leo, and know that you will have our full support in any endeavor you persue.
Thanks so much, Leo, for finally putting some pic’s and videos of the new studio. Looks beautiful and homey.
Good idea to keep it homey atmosphere instead of high-tech.
So glad you coming back to us in your version of IPTV!
After reading your blog and watching your video, I entered into verbal overload on my blog in response @ http://www.jsimon.net/?q=lifewithleo
As someone who’s been involved in video/audio productions of various types over the years, I have to say that i truly admire what you do. You’ve found the niche you belong in, and you go for it. Kudos to you.
I personally love what you do, and am an avid fan of your netcast network. I wish you the best of luck in all that you do, and I will be along for the ride, even if my part is simply in consuming your products, and spreading the word about them.
Thank you for all that you do, and keep up the good work. We all appreciate it more than you know
Just another old guy who started watching you when Tech Tv first started up. I used to love Screen Savers with you and Patrick. When Tech TV disappeared, I just kinda lost touch. Last fall, I decided to pick up an Ipod Touch and once I got familiar with Itunes, I found all of your podcasts and have been enjoying them ever since. I look forward to the new shows once they come out and loading them onto the Touch.
I watched your video of the new space and by the looks and sounds of it, the future seems bright and full of promise. It is definately a great looking space and it will be fun to watch the integration of the old surroundings with all of the new technology. What a great way for an old building to continue its life!
G’day from Australia. I hear ‘Labs’ was too basic for the tech audience that wanted to watch the show. That’s all I can tell you.
I’ve often wished you could stripe the screen with everybody’s web cams for TWiT (stills, even) - or maybe do a Celebrity Squares format. Challenge Alex and the Pixels to write you a plug-in so you can do it live. Probably won’t stop Andy twittering during a podcast, though. And let’s face it - do we want to? Probably add visual appeal seeing everyone do their laundry…
I’ve become an occasional Cranky Geeks viewer (when there’s enough Apple content) because I crave SOME video. Not all the time, but when there’s suitable CONTENT - like the time you brought the OLPC onto Crankys - that really lifted the show! A few seconds hands on explains SO much.
I’d like a very short TWiT Video with strong visual/hands-on, 10-20 min. We’ll eagerly listen to 1or2 hours of audio, but most don’t have time for long videos, unless the visual content is highly compelling.
I like the 10 min. Pitch concept. Let the people come in and demo - LeoSTYLE. Maybe you can make that into advertising LeoSTYLE - Friends sitting ’round a table showing off a favourite new thing. How about pulling things apart to see the guts??
The live-feed doesn’t suit those of us on the other side of the planet. Nor does it fit the ‘consume the podcast when you have time’ concept.
So many US business models rely on unlimited downloads, which don’t apply in the rest of the world. It seems your ISPs and Telcos won’t tolerate other businesses taking advantage of their largesse much longer, either.
Best wishes for the future. Sounds great!
This looks great Leo! I hope it works out for you and I would still like to volunteer to help as I mentioned in chat. I live in Napa (This wine country is fantastic) and would love to help out as I am close by.
Hi Leo,
Thanks for posting the video, I can’t wait till your shows from the C Inn start…. my Ex’s parents owned the Inn as a B&B and it was cool to see it again.
Leo I know your going with an antique look but don’t forget some art for the walls, might be a nice contrast….and I’m not just saying that because I’m an artist… It’s always over looked.
OMG, I Want to see the Screensavers resurrected!!
You have a knack for knowing your audience Leo, and I think you are absolutely right. There is ’something’ about live TV and interacting with your audience that can’t be replicated from a taped show. During CFH early on and TSS there was a tangible sense of community around the broadcast - we all felt like we were watching and learning, and teaching each other, together. What Rev3 has tried to do is admirable, but I think it is the live element which is missing that has kept me from having any of the same feelings about their productions as I did about TSS. I’m excited about your new venture and hope it has much success.
On another note - I hope that the live streams will be in flash, so they are accessible to all of us on all platforms. DLTV was a nice idea, but WM streaming only? C’mon.
I want you on my TV, not my PC. If you keep things in Flash, we can see you where we like - through our PS3 or Xbox on the TV etc. Keep that in mind. 
Good luck from Australia Leo,
You have a big following down here and i was very saddened to hear of your shows demise, but thats the TV industry isnt it, nothing last forever (except the Simpsons and that show jumped the Shark a good 10 years ago)
I truly think that in 10 years time TV as we know it will be compleatly re-defined by on-demand ip style broadcasting and live-internet stuff and you have been one of its pioneers…
all the best mate.
I like the advertising model that John D. is using, ads that are targeted to things we might care about. I like the way he breaks away so as not to give the impression that he endorses the product. This should get you more advertisers. I hate the Paul Harvey style because you don’t really believe every time that he cares about the product, even though we know you do.
Also how about ad free versions and early release for those who contribute at least 2 dollars a month.
Yay! Go Leo!
I’ll be subscribing.
I have to say Leo, that upon some reflection about it, you’ll probably find that the ending of your show was the best thing that could have happened to you. It finally frees you from that mindset, and allows you to really experiment with some new and groundbreaking things!
I personally am REALLY looking forward to TWIT Live, and chances are I’ll be purchasing an AppleTV soon enough because the volume of really good quality video podcasts has been doing nothing but going up. Yours will undoubtedly be one of the first I subscribe to. Good luck with everything!
A toast to the future!
–Justin
I look forward to your lifecast in the redwood room. I would like to webcam you into my mogulus show sometime. It’s live on Thursdays from 3pm ET.
Check out Mogulus on http://pop17.com/live and notice the green screen? You can do this with cam twist and put websites behind you. Do you like that idea?
Will you syndicate it via camtasia to all other platforms like ustream and stickam? please let me know so i may subscribe or know how to get it.
what a beautiful space…the juxtaposition of slick new tech and old world charm should make for much more compelling video than the uber manufactured plastic and fiberglass sets common to TV production. Best of luck.
I look forward to seeing TWIT live.
Awesome Leo… this is the beginnning of the end for “broadcast TV”.
Leo, 2 words, “DO IT!”
I’m sure a lot of TWiT listeners will tune in to watch. I’m GMT+8 and I’m watching something from GMT-8! Take a look at the time gap in between. Hope you get to kick it off in a big way. And maybe recycle some parts from your TV show and guests. Loved Ray Maxwell’s segments that I managed to grab from The Lab’s page. Good LUCK!
“turn of the century?” You mean it’s eight years old?
Good luck Leo!
Brilliant! Once again Leo you remember your audience. I’ve been a fan of yours and Ambers ever since Call for Help and I’m glad that you will be bringing back the live portion to the video. You are right, it does add excitement to the show and it brings the community and interaction back into the production. Instead of just watching we can interact once again.
See you there!
Hi Leo, your new offices look spectacular and I’m really looking forward to your new live video shows. Looks like it’s going to mean some late nights for me over here in the UK.
Good luck with your new venture, if the quality of your new shows is anything like that of your current output you’ll be on to a winner.
I have been a fan since the days of The Site (”let me explain push technology”). I spend more time listening to you on my iPod, than my thousands of dollars of music.
Now, I am hoping you will fill up my Apple TV.
I guess Leo I started watching you in my late 20’s over on Tech TV.
Tech TV replaced MTV/VH-1 as being the default channel that was on in the house for background noise and watching while doing other things. When TWIT launched on podcast I was very excited to see the Tech TV alumni back. Your pod casts where amazingly well done from an audio perspective and had great content. I became a subscriber…. Heck eventually I even became an audible subscriber as well figured if it was good enough for you guys it had to be cool.
Anyway now in my late 30’s, I barely have enough time to sit down and catch an episode of Dexter let alone watch TV. But I have all this time in my car driving to work that is unused and thats when I listen to TWIT and Net@Night and Mac Break Weekly. While I have an apple TV and a half a dozen computers I just don’t have the time to watch video casts. There’s a whole mess of podcasts I just don’t watch as there either done for video or both formats and I’m OCD enough to just not listen to them if there produced for video. Unfortunately I am not ADD enough to watch video and work at the same time, not if i want to retain anything from the video that is. But driving and listening works great.
Anyway long post, short statement… Please don’t forget the loyal listeners who like the sweet radio voice and are not to worried about the video.
Great work over the years Leo….
Just updated my monthly donation from 5 to 10 dollars.
Keep up the great work Leo and looking forward to the future!
Congratulations on the exciting changes, Leo. I’ll be watching these developments for two reasons. First, because your work is entertaining. And second, because public broadcasters need to find a way to follow in your footsteps. We need to be engaging, live, focused on a community and interactive in ways we’ve never been before. You’re blazing a trail I hope we in public media can follow.
Best wishes!
–John
We’re behind you 100% Leo. Good luck with the new adventure….we’ll be listening *and* watching!
In regards to the planned Saturday TWiT Live video show, Thierry Ardisson has been doing something similar (although not tech related) in France since 2003. The show is called “93 Faubourg Saint-Honoré” (which is his address), and airs on Paris Première. Each episode is a dinner party at his house, with famous guests from all areas of French society, that is filmed and then aired as a talkshow. They just sit around, eating, drinking and chatting.
There are lots of clips from this show on Daily Motion:
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/93%2BFaubourg%2BSaint-Honor%25C3%25A9
Who knows, it might give you some ideas about how to go about putting together your show…
If you’re curious about other turn of the century lumber baron’s houses ( for decorating ideas), look here: http://www.muskegonmuseum.org/hackley_tour.asp
Hackley & Hume were Lumber partners, they have beautiful houses in Muekegon, Michigan, that are still standing today and are available for touring. If you are looking for a decorating reference, this is a pretty good one. You can probably search Flickr for more photos of these houses.. The foyer of the Hackley house is breath-taking.
Leo, there isn’t really anyone else on the web, or the TV talking about Tech like you do. I love the TWIT network, and I can’t wait for what’s next. Thanks for making a network that geeks like me can enjoy and learn about all things technology.
You space looks fantastic, and I’m really excited by your planned innovations.
My only concern is that some of us are outside the US, and on slower internet connections. I hope I don’t get left out of the party too much
Leo, I love this idea! To “deconstruct TV” is such a great thing. I can’t wait for this. I think this is the way of the future.
What about getting this on the TiVo downloads?
All the best!
- Rick
Love all the stuff you do Leo. My wife and I loved call for help, and I listen to most of your podcast from Itunes as I drive to work. As I am down in Aust, getting your live stream may be a tad hard, but iam sure as hell will download what ever I can, of your future shows.
Have a good trip In Tassie in april, make sure you have a steak at the old ball and chain resturant in Hobart when you get there.
Late for as usual but WOW!
What do they say,”From defeat,another chance”. I just made that up but it looks like a great opportunity direct from Leoville.
Leo as long as I have a job you have my backing.
With that new space I suggest a pipe,slippers and a sweater and a cozy cup of tea.
Onward and upward!
ger
I like many don’t have the time to watch you live, but could occasionally watch you on-demand - an after-the-fact vidcast. An audio podcast of each show would even be more convenient as I always have time to listen while driving.
Is there really several hours worth of technology content you could come up with each day?
I would personally like to listen/optionally watch a daily 30-minute tech news round-up combined with commentary by yourself and other TWiT hosts and guests - similar to Buzz Out Loud.
Off to making a contribution to your new endeavors… Keep up the good work.
Sorry about the Lab Leo. I for one watched every show in Australia and was devastated when it was stopped. I will be following what I can on the web, maybe not the live streams time differences do get in the way, but keep the netcasts coming. Listened to many on my runs, working in the camera van etc.
Leo, I’ve always enjoyed listening and watching your shows since the old ZDTV. I couldn’t help but notice I couldn’t see anyone else ask this, so I will (since it seems obvious to me). Have you considered the possibility of a partnership of TWiT.tv and revision3. This would seem to me to be a win-win (I so hate to use that phrase…) They could certainly use your screen presence, sense of humor and your experience. Anyway, just a thought….
London Calling!!
Good Luck Leo - can’t wait for twit live!
…but get the show on the road i say!!
Leo’s World Tour!
Go out and meet your Twit army!!
Sorry - forgot to add..
What about Stephen Fry as your first guest???
Loved the video.
I’ve just worried a bit for the wear of the space if you’ve got a lot people coming over , cables of the floor, equipment, etc.
In fact the first thing I thought about when you mentioned people standing out the window was, “no, the grass!”
Do it, Leo! We’re all really looking forward to this.
I just twittered this post. I’m really excited about this. Perhaps it was all building up to this all along.
And Jim Hassinger has a good point, it’s going to be a challenge to light that place. In fact, Jim really seems to know his stuff, why isn’t he linking to his site? A man so knowledgeable should share his knowledge on a webness of some kind.
But, I’m sure with Alex’s help, you’ll be able to tweak the light so it looks good. This is gonna be great!
What a great environment to to launch your new business venture! I’m very impressed and look forward to tuning in as soon as you kick it off. I always wanted a law office like your office. Ah, twas not to be. Perhaps you can throw out a few legal terms at times in keeping with the atmosphere of your studio that certainly lends itself to deep thoughts on Geekdom and everything related thereto! Thanks and Best of Luck!
Congrads on the new place will we see you come out in a red smoking jacket and the the Masterpeice theatre theme music. You should Leo this would be allot of fun. Actually Leo your the only fun techy I’ve heard everyone who I have met in my 28 years in tech are a bit stuffy. Like when I make a joke to a techy they try to dechiper the joke. I still say I should have been a plumber!! hahaha! have fun down in Australia, and when you go head to Darling harbour if you get lonely for americian things because thats the tourest place in sydney.
What have I got myself into?
Just kidding. I’m of course looking forward to it as well.
I can’t wait for this I actually canceled my cable tv a few months ago as in my opinion there is really no point anymore with so many of my favorite tech personalities moving to video shows on the internet. Revision 3 has tided me over for a long time but Leo this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. I know this is going to go great and look forward to continue to support your network.
Maybe with some of your newly found “free” time you would consider using that velvety voice of yours to do VOICEOVERS!
If you are interested, we would like to offer you representation in our markets, which is Canada and primarily the Toronto area.
Visit http://www.voxtalent.com to learn about us; VOX TALENT - Canada’s Non Union Voiceover Talent Agency and/or send me an email to info@voxtalent.com or call 416.410.4700 / 877.410.4700.
All the best Leo, hope to “HEAR” from you soon!
Dan Sandor
Voice Agent
VOX TALENT INC
Canada’s Non Union Voiceover Agency
Good luck Leo. This is a great situation you have going. Wish you were HQ’s in Seattle. (:
Wow! Sounds great. I’m looking forward to it Leo.
Well, you’ve got my donation. I know it might sound silly, but hearing you thank your donating viewers at the beginning of every podcast really made me decide it was a good idea. Good luck.
I am here today because of an idea I had, of course, I watched all the episodes of The Screen Savers and even before that, I used to watch ZDtv, the precursor of TechTV, once TechTV became G4 a radical change took place, the channel became worthless, I love everything related to technology and especially, computer technology, but I hate games, thus; my comment about G4 and I suspect I’m not alone.
Now the idea I had, I am planning to contact CNN in order to suggest a segment where all the millions of people interested on computer technology could find at least one hour a day of entertainment related to something now most of the people (at least in the U.S.) have, computers.
Besides, since computer technology changes regularly (in hardware & software), you would never be lacking of any interesting stuff .
To begin, they could introduce two hours of this idea on saturdays.
CNN must understand that to talk about the same thing for many hours a day gets very monotonous, usually none watches CNN all day and it is because of this repetitious scheme, I have my choice of daily CNN watching, among those is one in which Erika Hill appears, Anderson Cooper 360, does the name Erika Hill sound familiar? Does it? Uh? It does?
I know.
I hope they consider this idea at CNN, and I hope you accept the job Leo, you will, yes?
Finally, video!! I used to watch the video you did of twit in the beginning. I for one think it’s all about the video. Do me a favor if this thing works, grab all the other guys and make em’ all do their shows on your network. It drives me crazy that all you old tech tv guys are spread out over the network. I just want one dominant tech tv station where I can go and find all the shows I want to see. I don’t like jumping around to different sites. I know it isn’t hard to do so but it bothers me. It also bothers me that you’ve got all you guys on different sites doing similar shows. How many tech discussion and review programs can you have? One of you guys needs to bring it all together. Anyway, good luck.. I hope it works out.
Good idea, but I have to say it… why not call Revision3?
Good luck on your new endeavor Leo!
Although I am your long time listener I don’t think that I will be watching much of your netcasts. I listen to your netcasts because of information I can get from them. So if you want to tempt me into watching your netcasts you must provide additional information that can’t be provided by audio, like Steve Gibson’s graphs for example.
Stumbled across a Chris Pirillo video on YouTube and thought… I’ve seen this guy from somewhere before… Then Chris mentioned TechTV.. Ahhhh… that’s where I’ve seen Chris before… It really made me miss TechTV. Leo where RU? I want my TechTV, money for nothin’, get chicks for free… I want my TechTV…. I want my TechTV…
Leo, will you have people in for a live studio audience:-D I would make the 3000 mile trip for that!
Umm, Leo? Need a another assistant?
Despite the fact that TWiT content is all about the spoken word, I think there is clear value to that content being on video and I really look forward to this project.
I’ve been a TWiT show listener since before the days of the name and I think this is an exciting progression. Exciting enough for me to feel the need to support you with a $10 monthly donation.
Keep it real, Leo - just don’t be *quite* to obsequious to that Thurrot chap. He and his evangelism deserve a harsh grilling sometimes.
Leo, I was so disappoint when I heard the Lab with Leo was canceled. I have been watching you on TV since 2000 when we first got the TechTv channel. I really enjoyed you on The Screensavers, Call for Help and most recently the Lab with Leo. It is unfortunate the TV networks have not released the importance of tech show you do. I have learned much about technology from you. Due to you I have switched to using Linux and open source software exclusively.
Good Luck with the streaming of TwitTv. I am sure it will be a great sucess.
This is gonna be great!!! I miss seeing you on tv every day sine TechTV died…I have learned a lot from you and still do…Best of luck Sir Leo!!!
Leo, great ideas always come from great minds… I have been listening for about 2 1/2 - 3 years now, and really enjoy the quality you bring to technology. I’ll keep an ear to the ground and eye to the horizon for your new launches.
Leo, I know you don’t have an actual show up and running yet, but, could you please set up a feed to subscribe to in iTunes so that I can have it subscribed before you do get everything rolling. I want to get the new feeds as soon as you start.
Thanks for all you do!
Jim
Awesome, I have missed you since TechTv went and ZDTV! I loved those shows! And now I can get a fix, like coffee in the morning LOL
Hi Leo,
I have missed your ideas and suggestions since the screen savers went away. I really enjoyed your show and watched most every day. i have not found a substitute for that show yet. I would like to watch the new show you are talking about above. But what is a podcast. I don’t have any ipod and likely never will so that means i can’t watch your new show. i thought an ipod only play sounds and music anyway so how could it show video stuff? I guess I’m behind on tech stuff now that the screen savers isn’t around to keep me up to date. I hope to find a way to see your podcast. let me know how to do that.
Thanks.
Tom
I think video is a great idea! I hope you do offer some videos (expecially Twit Live) for download because I won’t be home during the day to catch the live versions (and I’m too much of a twit–literally–to remember to watch the radio shows on the weekends). Also the idea of outtakes shows is great–though I love longer-length videos (a la Revision3’s Tekzilla and Dvorak’s Cranky Geeks) there are times when I just want to take a break for a few minutes and watch something short (like most of CNet’s videos).
Thank you, Leo! I’ve been a fan since ‘99!
Lola
Can’t wait Leo I found you again a year and a half ago. Ever since then your podcast have been a constant form of both entertainment and education.
CAN’T WAIT FOR TWIT LIVE
Congratulations on a long and successful run, Leo. I’ve been a fan ever since Call for Help started screening in Australia and I’ve learned so much from you over the last few years. You made technology simple to understand and watching you, Amber and Sean became part of my routine every day. I’m sad to see it end with The Lab’s cancellation but I look forward to following you online. Can’t wait for TWIT Live! I’m sure it will be successful and break new territory. The future of TV is online and it’s great to see you at the forefront of it. Thanks for the memories and all the best in your future endeavors.
I was an avid Screensavers watcher, bought an MP3 player just to listen to all your podcasts and follow you as much as possible on your various sites. This new chapter will be fantastic and I plan to be there as a viewer and supporter throughout. Good luck!
Great vid tour, Leo. Keep us apprised with new vids as you build out your studio. I’m excited about your new venture launching and can’t wait to see more video!
This is what I’ve been waiting for ever since you left TSS! I just hope that you tape all the live shows and make them available for download as video podcasts. Ideally, you could work something out with TiVo (like the guys on Cranky Geeks and DL.TV did) so that I can get them automagically (either through them or via the TV).
Best of luck with the new studio!
Leo, I wish you the best for the future.
Have a you considered doing something like - photoshop user TV but long the lines of lab with leo or call for help.
I would call Scott Kelby and see what you could produce and continue your great show on the web- Rogers can go to hell !! G4 TV is filled with smutt and garbage TV- I will be cancelling G4 as well.
Leo you are the best !!!
Sounds great! I can’t wait for this to get off the ground.
Farewell to the Lab: “…It’s a pity that a tech show like The Lab, which covers a wide variety of topics and doesn’t talk down to its audience, couldn’t survive — or even get U.S. distribution. Fortunately, Leo isn’t standing still, and plans to launch an online version of the show in the next few weeks from his studio in Petaluma, California…”
Whoo Hoo!
I guess I’m 100-something comments late on this, but hey, better late than never.
Deconstructing TV is the right way to go. You KNOW how to do TV, and you know the results that await (good and bad). We don’t know what will happen in the new thing (whatever we end up calling it). We know Pirillo and Scoble and Jeff Pulver and all kinds of interesting folks are trying things.
I’m going to bank some of my money on your horse in this race. Knock ‘em dead, Leo.
In before best threads! Way to go Leo. This is historic!
I’d love to see a video version of TWiT. I watch Dvorak’s CrankyGeeks quite a bit on Tivo using it’s downloadable feature, I’d love it if TWiT could get on that as well.
Leo, I would so welcome having you back on any screen again teaching me more about technology. The one thing I would request though is a show dedicated to a very few specific subjects where you teach beginner/intermediate users various computing tasks, like networking two computers in a home wirelessly, or the basics of setting up your first web page (IN LAYMAN’S TERMS). I already know some of the basics, but I’d like to be educated on more advanced things too.
Your shows are great, but are, much like your brain, very frenetic. You skip a lot of things when you’re helping newbies and I can tell that when they hand up the phone, they aren’t going to be able to do what you’ve told them because they don’t know what you were talking about.
Please use the TV network as a way to really plan and script some things so that there is some semblance of a product and not just a lot of talking. Also, what would be great is to kill the first 10 minutes spiel of the call for help style show where you give the same “I’m excited about technology” speech each week.
Great news Leo! I love your podcasts on the Twit network and would love to donate. But I don’t like Paypal so as soon as you accept any other form of donation, I’m in
Keep up the good work!
Great stuff, everything you’re involved in.
One request: please make it so I can stream the show over TVersity to my PS3.
That’d be great.
Looking forward to “This Week in ‘Tique”