Joost Internet TV

The founders of the Skype internet telephony service are launching what they describe as the world's first broadcast quality internet TV service. Following speculation about a service dubbed The Venice Project, the online television software is now being unveiled under the name Joost.

The chief executive, Frederik de Wahl, showing off the service in Joost's London offices, claimed that it provided a different experience from other internet television ventures. "We are trying to replicate the complete television experience," he explained as he flicked through channels using the Joost interface on a widescreen television. "It's full-screen, broadcast quality, you've got instant channel flipping, and interactivity - a viewer can come to us and get all their TV needs." The service is still undergoing trials, but thousands of people have taken up an invitation to download the software and try it out.

Sign up for Joost Beta here.