Amazon.com bringing video downloads in April?
It looks like Amazon.com is getting
ready to jump into the video download biz, but with
their own "sell more stuff" flair. The word is that they're after those plentiful DVD dollars, hoping to nab
some impulse buyers with a few possible scenarios, including a free stream of a movie with a hard copy purchase, or a
try before you buy option for a one time stream that acts as a credit towards a DVD purchase. However they do it,
they've got a bit of heft to throw around, and they're already rumored to have two major studios signed up as content
partners, with a projected launch of April. Doesn't sound like Amazon.com plans to step on Apple's TV offerings -- except, of course, for shows made
available on DVD -- and they're steering clear of Google's Charlie Rose/MacGyver market domination, but hopefully they'll clear a path
for those and other providers to get us more of the DVD good stuff in a timely fashion.[Via AppleInsider; Thanks, Dave]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
WebTodd @ Jan 27th 2006 3:44PM
I gave up on DVDs years ago. I've been waiting for the digital format to catch-up. Seems like 2006 will be a break-out year, and the beginning of the death of the DVD.
Steve Rhodes @ Jan 27th 2006 3:46PM
It would be nice if some of the "preview" content
were made available in a format that could be watched on iPods, PSPs, and other portable devices.
A special effects film wouldn't be an obvious candidate, but something like the Aristocrats, concert films and other music related programming, and some dramas would be fine on a small screen.
TechBoard @ Jan 27th 2006 3:50PM
Yeah and it looks like Google are about to launch a digital music market too.
Downloading music and video are going to be the big Internet themes for 2006.
TechBoard @ Jan 27th 2006 3:58PM
Yeah and it looks like Google are about to launch a digital music market too.
Downloading music and video are going to be the big Internet themes for 2006.
keith @ Jan 27th 2006 7:10PM
the year of truly portable TV!
Reytacular @ Jan 27th 2006 7:30PM
If it's not iPod compatible they should just forget about it.
x23 @ Jan 27th 2006 9:48PM
does the credit have to be applied to the hard-copy version of the movie you stream? i could imagine watching the streaming versions of some movies i merely want to see... not own... but then apply the accrued credits towards something i actually would want.
Scott Johnson @ Jan 28th 2006 3:15PM
However they do it, Amazon is just what this market needs. (Legal) video downloads are finally getting interesting.
Goyo de la Brisa @ Apr 14th 2006 7:00PM
I have been in contact with Google and am eagerly awaiting the moment when they get the pay-for-view system scaled and reliable so I can add my movies to their offerings.
The majors have the advantage of money, but the disadvantage of established business models which they don't want to disturb.
As an independent I may be willing to sell at $1 for a feature length movie because I don't have to pay Bruce Wills $5M, but maybe I will give away the film on-line so I can sell the TV rights only.
http://godscompanion.blogspot.com uses the blgosphere to promote the film and will be using google to distribute it. Could be the start of something big.