Comments on: Amazon vs. Blockbuster vs. CinemaNow, Which VOD Service Will You Use?

By: jim frank

jim frank — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:11:29 +0000

gosh the new series of V kicked off the other night and I missed it – but not to worry I found it at http://www.watchvepisodes.blogspot.com – so if you don’t have a tivo like me – this will do the trick for you too.

By: tytanium

tytanium — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:30:31 +0000

To me there are three 3 obvious strategic differentiators: 1) User interface, presuming that each service will successfully be able to present its own UI (i.e. TV manufacturers will not control the UI) and some will offer better usability than others

2) Pricing, which I would expect to become more competitive over time for everything except major studio content. I also expect that new pricing models will be tested, such as an annual or lifetime subscription to every episode of a series such as the Simsons or Seinfeld or special movie subscriptions in the Horror genre for example

3) Selection, in which I believe a key factor will be the availability of "long-tail" content. If I'm a surfing or fishing fanatic, the service with the largest library of niche programming will appeal to me most.

Lastly, you have to take into consideration the degree to which each platform allows content producers to customize their business models. Content producers will eschew closed systems where they have little to no control (aka Apple) in favor of platforms that will enable them to serve multiple pricing plans, paid and/or ad supported models, subscriptions, etc with an especially careful eye on the rev share they will earn in relation to the platform provider.

Folks, this is like VHS and Beta, Blu Ray and HD DVD. In the end there will only be 2 or 3 major competitors and the rest will be swallowed or simply go away. I will place my bets on Netflix, Amazon, and Apple.

By: Where Will You Get Your VOD? « Media Experiences 2 Go

Where Will You Get Your VOD? « Media Experiences 2 Go — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:17:08 +0000

[...] time to turn back to video after last week’s all-wireless coverage, and a post over on NewTeeVee raises an interesting video question. Content providers and CE manufacturers are racing to pair up [...]

By: personal injury lawyers jacksonville

personal injury lawyers jacksonville — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:21:02 +0000

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By: John

John — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:14:16 +0000

I live in the country, so my broadband isn't up to snuff for streaming. we use netflix, but I avoid watching stuff I would get too involved in. So, I'm looking for a download in advance service at the same cost.

By: Chris Albrecht

Chris Albrecht — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:17:04 +0000

Hi Phoebe and Gary,

But not all TV manufacturers use the Yahoo widget platform, correct? So Vizio and Panasonic have their own menu systems where they can promote content as they like. The jury's still out as to whether people want full Internet browsing on the TV, which would negate the power of the TV manufacturers.

By: Gary

Gary — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:55:33 +0000

Chris, I think TV manufacturers will have as much control as computer manufacturers have now. Which is basically none. Consumers will demand the ability to choose their own service and content providers.

By: Phoebe

Phoebe — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:31:18 +0000

Chris, interesting follow-up questions!

No, I don't see this leading to exclusivity. We already see a many-to-many relationship between content providers and delivery points like boxes or kiosks.

Regarding the second question, one possibility is that manufacturers will not dictate UI: TV companies will focus on providing a development platform like Yahoo TV widgets for discovery and delivery companies building apps, which users will then choose among.

By: Chris Albrecht

Chris Albrecht — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:50:59 +0000

Hey LH,

You are precisely why Netflix is holding on to the hybrid model. What is the right price point for you? 99 cents?

By: LH

LH — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:26:41 +0000

And the answer is - none. I used Amazon some when it first released on Tivo, but only for the 99cent sale movies. I don't even bother to check for those now. My problem with video rentals are the $3.99 price, which is past my value point for a movie. With Netflix player I'm capable of finding a movie to watch when I need to, and can wait for first-runs to be delivered by mail.