0

fShare

Tweet

We still get the occasional request to have the video larger. We get comments like, "I think the environments are fun, but I'd reather see a full screen video." Viewing video on the web is really very complex. The larger the image, the more bandwidth that is required. Also because it is streaming on the web, the videos MUST be compressed in order to play effectively. There is a fine balance in order for us to get the best possible mixture of image size and sharpness. If you watch other videos on the web, you'll notice most are smaller than what we are offering - or significantly more 'fuzzy.'

Without being overly technical, we want you to know that we have pushed the envelope to create a video image that is larger than normal. All of this relates to the environments. We built the environments around the video image size. No one would prefer a full screen more than us - but technology does not allow us to do that and provide a smooth playing video with a sharp (by web standards) image. By the way - what we are serving up is designed for both PCs and Macs.

Here are two things you might like to know:

1. Flash, the program used on the video pages that enable you to interact with the remote and accessories - and also delivers the video - has an enlargement feature. For PC - right click to get a zoom option. If your browser allows it (Ricky's Safari does - his Firefox does not)- it will zoom. For Mac folks - Hold "Control" and click on the video and you'll also get a zoom option. If your browser allows it - it will zoom. However, please be aware that by zooming the image is greatly pixelated - or fuzzy.

2. The bottom left tab on the remote control opens to allow you to customize your screen - adding cars, lamps, new wall paper - a different theater - etc. You can create a blank environment by selecting the Living Room and turning off the items by using the pull out tab on the remote control.

Hope this helps you understand a bit more about the limitations of web technology. Also, remember, high quality DVDs of the series wil be available at the end of the year enabling you to watch the episodes in all their glory.