AdAge: Amazon Launching Movie Download Service
AdAge Digital is reporting that Amazon will be launching a TV and movie download service in mid-August, Amazon Readies Launch of Ad-Free Video Download Service.
Amazon's service will require users to install software on their computers to allow them to buy videos a la carte, likely as part of a download-to-own model, or subscribe to them, like a digital version of Netflix's rental model. While executives at some TV networks say they have been working with Amazon and hope to be on board at launch, noticeably absent, at least for now, is iTunes video pioneer ABC. An executive familiar with ABC's digital-distribution plans said the network is "not close to any type of deal with them."
Interesting tidbit in the story from a PricewaterhouseCoopers study: "...consumers spent only $1.1 million on online movie-rental subscriptions and $1 million on digital-streaming movies in 2005. Digital-streaming services are expected to outpace online rentals, by 2010 generating $400 billion in annual spending while online rentals will be a $3.2 billion business."
This should make today's Netflix webcast a very interesting one...
The company that gets it from the internet to my TV in a turnkey solution wins. I know many don't want to acknowledge it but that's the way it is with technology adoption.
Posted by: superfunhappy | July 25, 2006 at 12:17 AM
The PriceWaterhouseCoopers' digital streaming forecast doesn't even come close to be plausible - I mean really, from $1 million in 2006 to $400,000 million ($400 billion) in 2010???
Don't think I'd hiring those people anytime soon for any consulting work.
Posted by: CJ | July 25, 2006 at 12:47 AM
Not too crazy about downloading movies and watching. Watch them on your pc or connect your pc/notebook to your tv, thats a bad idea.
Posted by: hrsd | July 25, 2006 at 09:08 AM
Until cable or satellite can give us every movie on demand instantly then we don't have a groundbreaking new product. This will bomb just like HD dvd.
Posted by: aussieguy | July 25, 2006 at 02:40 PM
Interestingly, in yesterdays quarterly report call, Amazon refused to confirm or deny the video download service purported to be starting next month.
Posted by: WeaselBuddha | July 26, 2006 at 06:47 AM