Every once in a while something new comes along that makes you sit back and say 'wow!' This is one of those times. With ASB.TV, you get a wide variety of aviation content in a user interface that is like no other I have seen.
First, the content: ASB.TV has a collection of videos that are stunning. This is not low quality amateur stuff - these videos and animations are professional grade in both production quality and subject matter. You'll find airshow and air racing video, historic movies, animations, and more. Here's an example:
The videos are compelling and by themselves could be reason enough for an entire website. But, as they say, there's more. ASB.TV also has photographs, a forum, and a store where you can purchase merchandise. There's lots to see and do here.
Now for the user experience: This site lives within something they developed called Black Box, which is pretty unique. Think of a box or a cube with six sides. By navigating to the right or left, or up or down, you expose different sides of the box which then become your desktop. Within a side of the box, you can have a number panels that hold the content, be it a video player, the forum, or anything else, and these can be rearranged or resized to suit your need. I think of it as little worlds of content that you customize as you go along.
Black Box runs on top of Adobe Air, the same thing powering TweetDeck and other applications. If you don't have it yet, you will after the installation process. That process also involves installing the ASB application on your computer. Now, I know what you're thinking. I also resist installing 'stuff' that just clutters up my PC. Well, this is different. Just do it and you'll see why.
So just who is ASB? Well ASB is Air Show Buzz. They were founded in 2006 to 'deliver the exhilarating aviation lifestyle to millions of consumers worldwide by providing top flight content, thrilling live events, consumer products, social networking and a community that connects a worldwide shared passion for flight and a fearless approach towards life.' Talk about a high bar! Well, I'd say they're rockin' so far.
ASB's tag line is 'Escape Life's Gravity' and they offer a portfolio of branded businesses beyond ASB.TV: animated and live-action film and television entertainment, The Horsemen acrobatic fleet, and lifestyle branded merchandise. ASB also offers innovative branding and marketing for air shows and top-rated performers.
So go get set up with ASB's Black Box application and I guarantee you'll spend some quality aviation time with their content.
