YouTube on the big screen? Say hello to YouTube XL

YouTube has just released YouTube XL, which is YouTube – formatted for your big screen.  Over the course of the last few months, competitors such as Boxee and Hulu have been increasing the quality of their videos, with Hulu on Boxee on Apple TV (did you get all that?) seen as the ultimate set-up in streaming on-demand web video.  Today, YouTube has upped the ante with its aptly-named XL version.The folks over at Mashable have just been given a demo at YouTube HQ and they’re walking away impressed, with Ben Parr describing the new release as being “slick” as well as looking and feeling “a lot like a DVD menu, which if you think about it, is an interface made specifically for the TV.”  A few interesting details: the XL interface contain bigger buttons and is variable width.  The menu has been moved to the left hand side of the page and gives you the ability to browse by videos (spotlight, top rated, most viewed)  as well as to search.  You can also sign in and access your account.  Once a video has been selected, you are able to watch it in full-screen mode as well as in HD, browse playlists, or create a playlist of your own.  Ben from Mashable is really impressed with the video quality, saying “it looks great fully expanded on a big screen” and that the quality is on par with cable and satellite services.

The XL interface strips out many extra features, especially ones related to the community.  Comments, for example, aren’t present.  Neither is scrolling.  If you want those features, you have the option to go back to the original interface.  But make sure you bring a keyboard to type out that comment, as doing so with a remote control will not be that pleasing.

YouTube XL is available on the PS3 and will soon be available for the Wii.  I would also expect to see it replace the YouTube interface on the Apple TV and Tivo set top boxes.  TV makers left and right are including web browsers in their TVs, so the XL interface should be the interface you see on your next big screen.  On my personal wishlist is the ability to send over the YouTube link from the XL interface to my iPhone (or any other mobile device) and comment on the video from there.

(image from Mashable.com)

Posted in Cloud Computing, Entertainment, Redesign, Social Media, Social Networking, User experience, YouTube