Chill out with ChillArt
by Kevin C. Tofel 
posted Nov 15th 2005 at 12:46PM
So it us or is like everyone trying
to turn their HDTV set into some functional artwork? I thought it was
pretty cool at first, but now it's like a giant game of "we have a neat
product too!" For the sake of any new readers that didn't see our
pieces on the Roku ArtPacks, the frames for your Panasonic PDP, or GalleryPlayer we now present ChillArt.I'll bet you already guessed that ChillArt is another audio-video approach to extending your digital set. Only one problem: it's not HDTV since ChillArt products are on DVD. In fairness, they aren't marketed as high-def, but they are targeted at flat panel displays; anyone else see the confused customer buying these and thinking they are high-definition?
The DVDs are soothing and relaxing with beautiful scenery and music; call me crazy, but I'll just pop in a Yoga DVD for the same effect, plus get the added benefit of exercise and flexibility! For those that want to be mesmerized by scenery on DVD, feel free to click the link.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Greg McQ @ Nov 15th 2005 5:25PM
I disagree with your comments about prefering a yoga DVD. I think ChillArt's DVDs are fantastic; they present an anthology of beauty on film from exquisite places around the world - unlike any of the other DVDs out there. I had it as background at a dinner party recently, and it prompted discussions of planning a trip, and remembering the nice things in life, love, nature, & consideration for other people and cultures. I think it would be less stressful if ChillArt replaced the inescapable news stream on our screens.
derek @ Nov 15th 2005 7:48PM
The previous pieces you mentioned are a confusing bunch of still photos/frames/ better suited to a wedding album than my TV. ChillArt may not be HD but it is actually the first time I've seen anything like this - it's not a copy and it's certainly creative. I like it a lot and bought it from the US site (www.chillart.us) rather than the brit site you have a link to.
captain robert @ Nov 15th 2005 8:35PM
ChillArt is completely cool, and has been in our system for months, there's a new one coming out soon. You need to check our their website. the other comment was right, they have a site here www.chillart.us
Kevin C. Tofel @ Nov 15th 2005 7:59PM
I appreciate the comments and opinions. One question since I don't have any of the ChillArt DVD's: how would you compare them (in 480p) to a something like the Roku ArtPacks (in 1080i)? You're correct in that most of them are screensaver-type stills, but the aquarium one just blew me away. Appreciate your thoughts...
captain robert @ Nov 15th 2005 8:22PM
the roku artpacks are, I think, a collection of copyright free pictures which you can pick up just about anywhere now plus some computer animation they're ok quality but don't really do anything, they're just like screensavers. you could make them yourself. the reason we like chillart is that there's some real thought gone into it, they're like little films you can watch over and over, completely mesmerising if you want to sit down and watch but really meant to just play in the background and create some kind of mood. it's not like leaving the tv on which would be terrible, they just kind of sit there looking cool and calm. you have to see them.
captain robert @ Nov 15th 2005 8:44PM
the other thing is that the aquarium is available just about everywhere now, in animation, real fish, any kind of color you choose. the last one i saw had a choice of soundtrack from classical to muzak and, along with the highly amusing log fire, did not blow me away at all, whereas chillart has been made by someone to look good, and it does.