The best video sites you’re NOT watching
By Andy Denton on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 12:32 pm
(Video sites not named YouTube)
What hysteria YouTube has created. Never before has a site gained so much popularity - so much, so fast. YouTube now ranks in the top 10 most popular destinations on all of the internet. And just a few years after launching, the company has sold for well over $1 billion. But, with all this YouTube hysteria, there are plenty of video sites you are not watching.
In this list, I’m not going to cover the video aggregator YouTube clones (Revver, Google Video, Yahoo Video, AOL Uncut, AOL Video, iFilm, blip.tv or Grouper). But, I’m going to turn your eyes onto the specialized video sites. Sites with a mission. Sites with a purpose. Sites that focus their content.
Think of these websites as channels on your TV. And if you think of them as channels, these would certainly be the pay-for, premium spots on your dial.
Video Networks
Revision3 is brought to you by Kevin Rose - the same guy who created Digg. Both are very cool. I look at Rev3 and think that this is exactly what I would do if I had one of the top 100 sites on the internet, no worries, and nothing but resourses, time, friends, and plenty of beer. Rev3 offers a few channels within it’s network. Diggnation would have to be the flagship. Other channels also include a cooking show (think dorm room delicacy), a show on tech gear, and a few others.
Current.TV is actually on TV. It’s the cable station originally started by Al Gore. 
But, now teamed with Google, Current is chocked full of great little shorts they call “pods”. Topics cover a wide array, but generally stick to local flavors, gen-x themes, polotics, traveling, and culture. In addition to flicks assembled by full-time producers, videos can also be submitted by viewers (called VC-squared: View Created Content).
Podtech is a great network focused on start-ups, business, and tech gear. Their website says their content is geared toward “influencers and leaders in the global technology and media industries”. I personally love the Scoble Show.
Other Networks of note: G4, cNetTV, ESPNTV, HGTV
Business Video
TED Talks makes for some of the most intriguing video online today. If you don’t know much about TED - it’s a site for the TED conferences which only the top minds of the world can attend. As the founder of TED says, if Heaven is being in the presence of enlightened, educated, and the brightest minds ever created - then TED is just a preview of Heaven.
RocketBoom. Cool site which talks about today’s news, business, etc. Rocketboom has a tremendous following, and is one of the most popular vlogs (video blogs) around.
zBiz.TV is an insider look at start-ups. These one-on-one interviews give the view an idea of the thoughts and challenges to today’s entreprenuers.
Geek Entertainment TV. Check this channel out for scoops on tech, gear, and all things Web2.0.
Others of note: Ford Bold Moves, DEMO, Beet.TV, Wallstrip, Bleeding Edge
Comedy
Ask A Ninja. Looking for advice from someone who can do somersaults 20 feet into the air and catch Chinese stars in his teeth? Then Ask a Ninja is the place to go! Totally humorous. Totally entertianing.
How It Should Have Ended is an incredible site which features custom animation acting out alternate endings to your favorite movies. My favorite is the SuperMan clip. Too funny!
Others of note: Invisible Edge Films, JetSet
Specialized Content
Alive in Baghdad is a great insider’s view of the current status of Iraq. This incredible site interviews residents, experts, and the like all stating their views and experiences of being Alive in Baghdad. A must see! (This stole the show at the recent Vloggie Awards show.)
TurnHere.com is a great compilation of superbly produced shorts focused on local neighborhoods. TurnHere producers go deep into the towns and communities and expose the people and places which define the local flavor.
TreeHugger TV is all about living a sustainable lifestyle. If this is your thing, check it out. If this is isn’t your thing, check it out anyway. We could all do a little better in preserving our planet and its beauty.
Tutorials
Tubetorial is a great instructional video showcase. If you’re looking to start a blog, or optimize your website with all the pieces of flare that the web has to offer, then Tubetorial is just what you’re looking for. The guides are simple, easy to follow, and on target.
Photoshop TV is just what it says it is. It’s a video site which gives detailed instructions and tips for Photoshop. This is a photo-head’s dream!
DIY Network is a subsection of HGTV. If you’re looking to do any home repairs or back yard projects, DIY is the right place for you.
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Category: Video, Web Services
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Comment from 49
Posted on Friday, 15 December 2006 at 12:08 am
What is your opinion of our site?
Comment from Nate
Posted on Monday, 8 January 2007 at 7:21 pm
What about a free tv channel site like http://www.channelking.com
Comment from Mark Tomlinson
Posted on Monday, 1 October 2007 at 11:28 am
You forgot Halaro.com
They always have great stuff
