Netflix & TiVo Rumor Now Includes Warner Bros.

For an unconfirmed rumor this story has been widely reported (ZDNet, News.com, Ars Technica, and more). The Netflix & TiVo video-on-demand service rumor has expanded to include a limited deal with Warner Bros. to provide movies for a test of the service.

Several important points from the News.com story, including a denial from Netflix:

Netflix spokeswoman Catherine England said Netflix has no deal with Warner Bros. to participate in a VOD service. She didn't comment on whether Warner Bros. has agreed to allow Netflix to use some of its content for a test.

Warner Bros. at least confirms that there is some substance to the rumors:

Warner Bros. spokeswoman Barbara Bargliatti confirmed that the studio was having discussions with Netflix, but said "there's no deal at this time."

TiVo is really playing hard to get:

A TiVo representative said the DVR (digital video recorder) maker has not announced a video-on-demand service.

It's no secret that Netflix is going to launch a video-on-demand service next year -- they've already announced it publicly. It's just a matter of Netflix getting the technology and deals in place, which could be difficult.

TiVo is rumored to be building copy-protection into the device, making life difficult for the majority of us and only slowing down the hackers that want to trade movies (they typically break most encryption schemes within days). I would love to be able to download a movie and be able to watch it on my television, my computer, a portable player, or even a burn it on a DVD to watch in the car. Why not?

I'm just wondering why I haven't been asked to be a beta tester yet. ;-)

Thanks to Aron & Joe for sending this over.

Comments

[Becky]

Can I be a beta tester, too, please?