Vimeo Introduces Couch Mode, Full Screen HTML5 Video Browser

Now that on-line video is coming full-circle and back to the TV, it seems only fitting that video services such as YouTube are offering telly-friendly interfaces for users to browse content from the comfort of their sofas.

Well now, joining YouTube's Leanback service is Vimeo's Couch Mode. The simplified browser offers easy navigation of Vimeo.com uploads via it's minimalist 'Google TV optimised' UI, and is up-and-runnning now at Vimeo.com/CouchMode. Think of it like a simpler Leanback, but the stars of the show actually have talent! Because of the web app's heavy reliance on CSS3 and HTML5 technologies, the player only works in Chrome and Safari, as will remain the case until the other browsers put some effort into stepping up to the new web standards.

Our impressions: Beautiful? Yes. Buggy? Without a doubt. Worth a demo? Most definitely.